I Never Regretted Leaving You (Can't Win Me Back)

Chapter 11

The untamed wolf that had yet to grow into its fangs was now an irresistible, doe–eyed pup.

Since he offered himself up willingly, Isabella wondered if she should make the most of him.

But then, she thought of the dark emperor reigning at the pinnacle of the pyramid–a peerless figure of earthly beauty, unattainable as the lofty flower perched on the highest peak.

Isabella ultimately backed down. She couldn’t afford to take that risk.

“No need,” she said lightly. “For now, I’ll stick to what I know best–women’s fashion.”

Theodore’s face revealed a trace of hurt. “Fine, but when you start designing menswear, promise you’ll use me as your model.”

Isabella humored him with a half–hearted response. “Sure.”

Throwing herself into a grueling work routine, Isabella sketched several designs for women’s clothing on scrap paper. She painstakingly selected her favorite design, cut the fabric, and

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sewed it into a finished garment: a grass–green high–waisted. skirt paired with a chic short blazer. Layered over a soft oat- colored blouse, the outfit perfectly balanced feminine grace with a touch of boldness.

Clutching the completed outfit, she set out to pitch her design to local boutiques. Yet, time and again, she was turned away before even meeting the decision–makers. Shop assistants dismissed her outright, sending her packing without a second glance.

The sleepless nights and relentless effort finally took their toll on Isabella’s already fragile health.

One day, as she made porridge for Theodore, her vision darkened. She collapsed onto the kitchen floor, unconscious.

When Theodore noticed her absence, he shouted, “Sis!”

Receiving no reply, he hobbled from room to room searching for her. Eventually, he found her crumpled on the kitchen floor, clutching a dumpling wrapper–his favorite dish. She was curled up, utterly unresponsive.

Theodore’s face went pale: In a burst of frantic energy, carried her down the stairs and rushed to the hospital.

he

full examination, the doctor looked at Theodore with a puzzled expression. “The

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Chapter 11

on her back. Did she recently undergo a kidney

tightening into fists as his blood surged. His face turned ashen.

for her future?” he asked, his voice

Though he was only a teenager, his somber expression and towering height lent him an air of premature maturity. The fragile woman lying in the hospital bed, with her petite frame and doll–like face, looked years

relationship, the doctor said gravely, “From now on, reduce the frequency of your marital relations. And take proper precautions–pregnancy would

crimson. I understand,” he murmured awkwardly, without

added, “She’s very weak and severely malnourished. You should make her nourishing soups–chicken or pigeon broth with

grew heavier as images of Isabella, sickly and overworked,

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drafting designs and gave him the nutritious food while she endured her own suffering

someone be so selfless, so pure–hearted, yet so foolish? The thought made his

general ward, she slowly

a hospital bed, she weakly asked, “What happened to me?“”

you shouldn’t overwork yourself

to understand. “You

had no idea you were missing

sorrow. Painful memories she had tried

about your age back then–young and naive,” she said, her voice soft but heavy. “When I had nowhere to turn, he took me in. He let me go to school, fed me, clothed me. I was so grateful

Chapter 11

when he needed a kidney for his white moonlight, I didn’t hesitate. I said

shadowed with bitterness. “Then one day, I accidentally overheard him talking to her. It turned out he‘ d only taken me in so he could have my

I changed

didn’t owe him anymore. So, I

to cry uncontrollably.

her into his arms. She

patted her back and whispered, “Sis, I’ll protect you from now on. I’ll

like him, using gratitude as a weapon to bind you. Live for yourself. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll handle my past