After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen

Chapter 248 Isabel's Regret

At that moment, Isabel was jolted back to reality.

"Xander! No, stop!"

Her shout was sharp enough to freeze him in his tracks.

That was close!

If I hesitated even a second longer, I might have been completely powerless in his grip today.

Xander's expression was tight, his brow furrowed with beads of sweat. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his gaze heavy and intense as he locked eyes with Isabel, as if she were his only focus in the world.

In that instant, he resembled a man starved for days, finally given a meal, only to be denied it at the last second.

It was clear how much effort he was using to hold himself back.

Any other man in his position, faced with someone they cared about, might have lost control by now.

Xander's face had taken on a pale, bruised look-dark purple and red blotches clinging to his skin, like a balloon stretched to its breaking point, ready to pop.

"Isabel... am I really that bad?"

His voice was raspy, as though every word pained him, the sound deep and raw, like a man wandering the desert, parched and desperate for water. The pitiful groan tugged at Isabel's heartstrings, nearly breaking her resolve, reminding her of that stormy night. Isabel knew he was kind to her-extraordinarily so. The more kindness he showed, the more she found herself on edge. She wasn't even sure about her own feelings anymore.

Maybe I have developed a slight crush on him, but is it genuine love, or just fleeting attraction?

I can't give in to impulse, because if I later realize that my feelings aren't what I thought, I won't be the type to force a relationship.

And if I walk away afterward, won't that make me nothing more than a heartless woman who used someone and discarded them once they are no longer useful?

I already regret what happened that rainy night.

At least, the man has forgotten about it, lost in a feverish haze. If not, I don't know what I would've done.

"You're not bad... it's just that I ... I can't feel for you the way you feel for me," Isabel said softly, her voice quiet but resolute, furrowing her brows.

long as you'll stay by

he really not mind? Anyone else would. How could Xander

something. If Isabel didn't feel

to win him over, changing themselves for him, showering him with praise

was obligated to return their

not reciprocating someone's feelings

was no such

shoe, he could understand

have decided-Isabel is mine, and no one will

loves me, she will still belong

me selfish, call me

as Isabel stays by

agree to anything yet," Isabel hesitated, her eyes shifting between Xander and

Uh...

at least remove his hands

I

noticed her unease and glanced at his hands, realizing what

teeth clenched as she called his name

irritating than the thickest walls-no, more than the most

and lowered

clear disappointment

look in his eyes and couldn't help but force a

have known

been taken advantage of by Max, and now I find myself

not like Yvette, though. Yvette has

swimsuit," Xander said as he got

nearly losing control, now that she was already here, it seemed a waste not

more modest, covering her body more than her previous choice

revealing the swimsuit, it was still better than being nearly naked

soon the New Year

Group was preparing for their annual party,

were to be held at the

on the first floor, while Bennett Group

are you?" Xander