Isabella sighed.
But no, she wasn't shocked.
At the back of her mind, she always deduced that Charles wanted to marry her for a reason that wasn't just love.
Definitely, the first thing that came to his mind when he saw her wasn't; Oh, I am going to marry her.
"Isabella?" She looked up at his worried eyes. "I can explain."
Shrugging lightly, she said, "You don't have to."
"I-"
She had her seat. "Charles, it is fine. You don't have to explain anything. How do I put this?" she asked as her eyes trained forward thoughtfully. Then, suddenly, she clicked her fingers. "Let's just say we are using each other."
"What? How do you mean?" Charles finally sat opposite her.
"I am getting married to you for protection from my ravaging ex-husband and you are doing it for your real father." She nodded slowly as h
"I assure you, I will make this case a win for us all.""You had better. I can't bear the thought of that Manifold guy being in Isabella life at all," Charles replied, grabbing Isabella's hand after, giving it a warm squeeze.The stylish man in front of them smiled as he took his eyes off their intertwined fingers which Isabella had relaxed into.She was already used to having Charles around, nothing seemed to be wrong anymore."As long as the case remains solid, we have no problem." Richards adjusted his suit jacket, then combed through his hair which was carefully styled with curls here and there. "Honestly, as long as Isabella cooperates and gives us the information we need with evidence, we are good to go. So, Miss Shade..."Isabella tore her eyes from the weird paintings that decorated the office. There was a particular blue one that made no sense. "Yes, Mr. Richard?""The bulk of the job falls on you. So please, do not leave out any us
Nobody else has ever made her heart ache so good like Charles did. As he kissed her again, she welcomed him without double thoughts. He was all she needed at that moment."Isabella?" he called after he broke the steamy lip lock."Yes Charles?" She could not stop staring into his eyes. His alluring eyes."I want to help you forget everything.""Everything?"He sighed deeply as his gaze wrapped her. "Everything you have gone through.""How?" she whispered. "Charles!" Isabella found a low laugh as he scooped her off the floor and into his arms."I will treat you like the amazing woman you are," he said walking them to the bed, their eyes not leaving each other."And?""I'll make sure you feel so loved, you won't think of any other man but me." He laid her gently on his bed. Then he had her seat up and a simple kiss followed. "First, I'll take this off."With ease, he dragged her tee shirt off her. "You are still as b
As Isabella walked down the next aisle with the hope that she hadn't filled her cart with more than she could afford, her eyes caught the wine rack.Wine suddenly reminded her of Charles. He preferred whiskey on a good day, but he never turned down good wine either.As she stopped and scanned the shelf, she began to realize she might have to return some things. His favorite - well, if it still was- had just caught her eye and she knew she had to get it.As she grabbed the bottle and made for the beverage section to return the tea packs, she heard a voice from behind say, "Alberto Shade."Isabella froze."Hello Isabella," the voice greeted with no so much excitement within.She turned, sighed lightly then returned, "Mrs. Oxford."Isabella then wondered how she knew her father or rather, about her father.The classy woman in front of her wore a little scorn as her eyes scanned Isabella's hands. "Considering that you are latching
"What do you mean by I can't go in there?" Charles asked almost angrily."Calm down Charles. This is a session for the Judge with the couple and their attorneys. No one else is allowed in.""Really?" Charles sighed hard as his eyes fell on Isabella who was coming from the restroom. Though dressed confidently in a nice black, pencil gown, she looked so stressed and she was yet to go in for the first hearing.And he knew so well that it won't be easy there.Richard tapped him gently and said, "I will take care of things Charles. I will make sure of it."He locked eyes with his long time friend and lawyer. "I don't want her to get hurt. You have heard Gabriel talk, he will do anything to have her back and..." The thought of her being near that monster... it enraged him.Richard said, "I know how much Isabella means to you. I promise you, I will not let him even come near her.""Good," came Charles's firm response, his eyes still on Isabe
"Bella?" he called again with more concern as it seemed like she was about to cry. "What happened in there?" He swore within him to deal with Manifold no matter what if he did as much as stab Isabella with words.Isabella's eyesdarted to the marbled floor below and she said nothing.As he saw Richard approach them, his eyes caught Manifold's tall figure which had a gloat in its steps as he conversed with the shorter man beside him."Richard?""He cooked up a tale and made himself look good. Now that we have contradicting statements, we can only depend so much on the witnesses we have.""What did he say in there?" Charles stole a look at Isabella who was trying to hide into his side. Definitely, whatever that bastard said made her instantly... distant.Richard who stole a look at Isabella sighed and then said, "He claimed to be a good husband to her. And he painted her to be a cheat."Charles almost laughed. More like scoffed. "A
As he sent Isabella to his room, Charles got down from his car, his mind racing.Did Rodrigo Ordinaz decide to come to him instead? But he didn't have a wife yet like he requested.Then Charles realized, he hadn't been bothered about his biological father matter since he met Isabella. Sure, he still planned to marry her. But not because of his father or any other reason.As he got into the elevator where two women had earlier entered, he smiled.He wanted to marry her because he wanted her. Nothing more.Definitely, that alone came with its benefits.As the lift tinged, he was brought out of his thoughts. He was closer to his father. Stepping out, his ears got filled with sounds from the women who he had paid no attention to.For a second, he wondered why they decided to talk when he left. He definitely didn't hinder whatever conversation they could have been having.That didn't bother him for long. As he stood in front of the
As Isabella entered the lift, she found it hard to shake off Charles's insistent gaze. It almost seemed like it was suggesting something."Hi," she simply said as she found her stance beside his tall figure."Isabella," he returned, his voice a bit thicker.The entire space wore awkwardness as she had no idea what to say next. And that was funny, she was certain she had many questions in her head before she pressed the elevator's button.So, her eyes didn't wander, they stayed glued on her blurred image ahead.Charles cleared his throat, chasing the silence away. Then, instantly, his arm circled her waist and he drew her closer to his side before she could react.Startled, she looked up at him and he greeted her with a smirk that stirred something within her. As his hand dug even more into her side in a gentle manner, she asked, her voice trying to hide her slight amusemen
"Charles wait," Isabella broke the long silence between them and put a stop to her steps as Charles made to open the door to his room.With worry, he asked, "Is something wrong?""No. Well..." Her fingers played with each other as her eyes bore an uncertain look. "Maybe."His legs changed position and he was gathering her arms into his hold in no time. "What is it Isabella?"She sighed. "I am just worried about your mother.""What?" Charles was almost laughing."I know she is doing things ridiculously, but I think she is just trying to look out for you. She certainly doesn't want you hurt.""Isabella..." He stood straighter. "Let me ask you a question. Are you ever going to hurt me?" She felt herself go pale at that question. Guilt coursed through her. "I am not referring to that time Bella, that was in the past."