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

a full examination, the doctor looked at Theodore with a

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Chapter 11

back. Did she recently

fists as

this mean for her future?” he asked, his voice choked with anguish..

air of premature maturity. The fragile woman lying in the hospital bed, with her petite frame and doll–like face, looked years younger by

their relationship, the doctor said gravely, “From now on, reduce the frequency of your marital relations. And

understand,” he murmured awkwardly, without clarifying

and severely malnourished. You should make her nourishing soups–chicken or pigeon

images of Isabella, sickly and overworked, flashed in his mind. He

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

yet so foolish? The thought made his chest ache.

was transferred to a general ward, she

she weakly

said you shouldn’t overwork yourself anymore. Let me

“You

trembling. “Sis, I had

with sorrow. Painful memories she

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 owed

Chapter 11

kidney for his white moonlight, I didn’t

day, I accidentally overheard him talking to her. It turned out he‘ d only taken me in

I changed my mind.

myself, saving her meant I didn’t owe him

to cry uncontrollably. “Theodore, don’t trust anyone. Not even

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

I’ll protect you from now on. I’ll make sure anyone who hurt

her head. “Theodore, I don’t want to be like him, using gratitude as a weapon to bind you. Live for yourself. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll handle my past myself.”