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.

as you'll stay by my side,

he really not mind? Anyone else would. How

about forcing someone into something. If Isabel didn't feel the

reminded him of his past, when countless wealthy women had tried to win him over, changing themselves for him, showering him with praise and

that mean he was obligated to return their feelings

feelings

was no such

in Isabel's shoe, he could understand her position. But he

have decided-Isabel is mine, and no one

if she never loves me, she will still belong

selfish, call me possessive, I

long as Isabel

anything yet," Isabel hesitated, her eyes

Uh...

he at least remove

I

and glanced at

teeth clenched as she called his name

thickest walls-no, more than the most

and lowered her legs, draping

showed clear disappointment

saw the look in his eyes and couldn't help but force a smile, one that

should have known better than

been wondering if Yvette has already been taken advantage of by Max, and now

like Yvette, though. Yvette has no

a different swimsuit," Xander said as he got out

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

that was more modest, covering

matter how revealing the swimsuit, it was still better than being

and soon the New

for their annual party, Kaleb's company was

to be held at the same

on the first floor, while Bennett

are you?" Xander called