“Woah… That was refreshing” Rachael exclaimed, stretching out her arms, then a yawn followed. “I need to sleep, it’s later already”
Isabelle who was examining her nails silently beside her replied. “Then let’s go. you were the one who kept wanting to try all the services out… It’s not my fault, anyway”
Rachael felt attacked and came up with a good way to revenge. “Well, at least I’m single. No one at home to pester me. How is Liam going to react when he sees you enter the house with a new hairstyle, fixed nails and your entire new look?” She chuckled with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’m quite sure he’s the jealous type… He would think you went on a date with another guy. Maybe you….”
Rachael’s ranting was so annoying, causing Isabelle to roll her eyes unconsciously before standing up,” I’m leaving. Like you said… I’m in for an earful… Let’s go”
“No… Don’t bother about me, I’ll just take a cab. Dropping me home would have only wasted your time” Rachael said with a soft voice. “Thank you, dear. Let’s hang out another time”
Rachael gave Isabelle a light hug and walked away while waving her hands. “Say hi to your fiancee for me,” she said without looking back but Isabelle wasn’t letting her go like that
“And you too dear, extend my greetings to William” Isabelle shouted at the top of her voice, her laughter attracted the attention of the passersby. She felt happy for a long time.
Isabelle quietly drove her car out of the parking lot, her mind drifting back to the scene she had encountered earlier in the day and pondered on what to expect tonight. She knew Liam was home and would berate her, that was the only fear she felt at the moment. Her decision to tell him the truth brushed through her mind, she was going to take it step by step until she was ready, but speaking with Max, was never an option.
****
Isabelle strutted into the penthouse with confidence that came from nowhere. She wanted to revive her brave and strong self, the part of her that Liam got attracted to.
Rose’s vile words were the first welcome she received
“You decided to come back home after you were done with scandalous outing” she snorted loudly, eyeing her suspiciously. “Your new appearance says it all. Who paid for the hairdo and manicure, a man right?…. Or is it Max?”
Rose planned to cause an argument between Liam and Isabelle, knowing fully well how possessive her son could be, and it seem like it worked.
Liam, who was sitted crosslegged on the sofa with a magazine in his hands abruptly raised his gaze to meet Isabelle’s. His gaze darkened when he noticed the result of the service she had paid for at the spa.
He instantly stood up without removing his piercing gaze from her. “Come with me, now” he bellowed in a chilly voice that compelled Isabelle to follow him without restraint. Liam walked up to Isabelle’s room with her walking behind him.
The moment they got to her room, Liam halted on his tracks and turned his back away from her. “Isabelle” his voice was cold, a clear warning that he wanted a straight and truthful answer. ” Where are you coming from and why are you late?”
“Um.. m.. I went to see a friend of mine” Isabelle stuttered, instinctively bowing her head as a sign of fear but Liam mistook it for guilt. “She was the one who suggested we go for a spa treatment, that’s why I’m late”
Liam was starting to lose it, “A friend?…. Do I look like a fool to you?” He yelled at her making her whimper in fear. “I guess you’re taking my generosity for granted. Your movement will be restricted, your curfew must start from 9 pm in the night. Any minute past that, you’ll have to face the consequences”
Isabelle wouldn’t have spoken up on a normal occasion, but this time was different. She wanted to clarify something, with tears in her eyes”I thought we trusted each other” she choked on her tears. “Why are you treating me this way?”
“Did I hear you say trust?” Liam said, his tone full of mockery. “Did you trust me when you decided to go out with my cousin?… Did you?” He yelled at her as his anger boiled.
“Well, if you hadn’t left me at the hospital, none of that would have happened” Isabelle yelled back stunning both herself and Liam. She quickly calmed herself and mumbled some words “I’m sorry” she had blamed the wrong person.
Liam couldn’t refute her. He found it amusing that she would blame him for her own mistake. He was about to leave the room when he felt a warm, tiny pair of arms wrap around his waste.
Isabelle pressed her head onto his back. She had made tons of mistakes and she wasn’t letting him go this time, not without him listening to her apology. The pain she felt from their separation was too painful for her to bear.
“I’m sorry, I hurt your feelings,” she said in a soft voice while holding him tightly. “I’m sorry I went with my cousin without telling you… I’m sorry I blamed you for my own mistake and I’m sorry I failed to realize how much you love me… Please, don’t leave me like this… I’m sorry, I’m sorry….”
As she kept on apologizing with all her heart, Liam froze on his spot, his thoughts in disarray. He knew she was in pain, he somehow felt it. He was also tired of staying away from her, he couldn’t bear to see her in pain so he pulled her arms apart from his waist and pulled her into his embrace, the moment he turned to face her. He hugged her tightly in his arms, whispering soothing words in her ears. “It’s alright dearie, I’m here with you. I won’t leave you to suffer in pain alone anymore”
Isabelle felt her heart warm up by his actions as she sniffed in her tears, staining his shirt with her mucus. She was going to enjoy the moment as it lasted.