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

0.00%

12.100

Chapter 11.

#

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

at Theodore with a

13.32%

Chapter 11

surgical scars on her back. Did she recently undergo a kidney

as his blood surged. His face turned

this mean for her future?”

doctor studied the boy standing before him. Though he was only a teenager, his somber expression and towering height lent him an air of premature maturity. The fragile woman

the doctor said gravely, “From now on, reduce the frequency of your marital

ears turned crimson. I understand,” he murmured awkwardly,

broken Chinese, the doctor added, “She’s very weak and severely malnourished. You should make her nourishing soups–chicken or pigeon broth with red dates and goji

of Isabella, sickly and overworked, flashed in his mind. He recalled how she

3057

12.10

Chapter 11

11 en Moochert

the nutritious food while she endured her own suffering in silence.

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

Isabella was transferred to a general ward, she slowly woke up.

herself in a hospital bed, she

said you shouldn’t overwork yourself anymore. Let me take care

seemed to understand. “You know,

voice trembling. “Sis, I had

sorrow. Painful memories

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 I thought I

Chapter 11

for his white

only taken me in so he could have

I changed

myself, saving her meant I didn’t

to cry uncontrollably. “Theodore, don’t

gently pulled her into his arms. She trembled like a broken doll–fragile

you from now on. I’ll make sure anyone

like him, using gratitude as a weapon to bind you. Live