After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen

Isabel wasn't the only one caught off guard.

Xander's eyes widened in surprise, and he was momentarily taken aback. Despite his usual resistance to female allure, he struggled to tear his gaze away. "You! -" Isabel stammered before dashing into the bathroom.

The bathroom door slammed shut with a resounding thud, leaving the room in an awkward silence, though both were far from calm.

Isabel leaned against the cool door to steady her breathing, her cheeks red from embarrassment.

Outside, Xander remained rooted in place, his eyes fixed on the closed bathroom door, unmoving.

The standoff continued until Isabel finally broke the silence.

She knocked on the door and asked, "Uh, are you still out there?"

Xanders

stood

I up. "I'll head out now."

"Don't leave."

Xander froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned his attention back to the bathroom door.

Was she asking him to stay? What was she planning? Had Samuel been right about her intentions being less than pure?

that were the case, he would stay and see if she showed her true

Isabel's voice came

the pajamas on the bed? I forgot

glanced at the bed, frowning. Was that why she wanted him to

quickly faded

a brief pause, Xander carried the pajamas

Here you go.

he saw the bathroom door crack open, and a soft, delicate arm reached for the clothes. Xander's breath

the pajamas and the door closed again, he

she emerged in her pajamas, she found

Bennett, don't you think it's a bit inappropriate

responded, "I knocked, but

just opened the door like

door wasn't

the door, remembering she had closed it. Had she not closed

I didn't expect you to come out like that from the

replaying the

you suffered a loss?" Xander

has ever seen me like that!"

eyes glinted with interest. He then asked probingly, "You and your fiancé were almost married. Haven't you

could finish, Isabel cut