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.

stay by

Anyone

forcing someone into something. If Isabel didn't feel the same, what could he

win him over, changing

that mean he was obligated to return

feelings make him

no such

could understand her position. But

no

if she never loves me, she

me possessive, I

long as Isabel stays by my

still not sure. I can't agree to anything yet," Isabel hesitated, her eyes shifting between Xander and

Uh...

remove his hands from my

I have no

her unease and glanced at his

red, her teeth clenched as she called his name in

thickest walls-no,

Xander withdrew his hands and lowered her

face showed clear disappointment as he

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

have known better

been taken advantage of by Max, and

like Yvette, though. Yvette has no

into a different swimsuit," Xander said

she regretted being here and nearly losing control, now that she was already here, it seemed a

a swimsuit that was more modest, covering her

it was still better

quickly, and soon the New Year

Group was preparing for their annual party, Kaleb's company

both events were to be

the first floor,

you?" Xander called