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?

he would stay and see if she showed her true

voice came

on the

Was that why

quickly faded

a brief pause, Xander carried

Here you go.

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

the door closed again, he

pajamas, she found Xander still seated

a bit

looked at her casually and responded, "I

you just opened the door like

wasn't completely

she had closed

come out like that from the bathroom," Xander

replaying the situation in

you suffered

course! No man has ever seen me like that!" Isabel

words, Xander's eyes glinted with interest. He then asked probingly, "You and

he could finish, Isabel cut