Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 57

"I'm ready..."

Her voice was soft, hesitant, carrying a subtle, captivating allure.

Damian knew exactly what she meant, but he couldn't—not tonight. A few days ago, he wouldn't have hesitated. But tonight was different.

He hadn't heard Gary's exact words earlier, but he'd read his lips clearly enough.

Right now, Isabelle was scared. She was afraid of being abandoned, afraid he was just toying with her, so she was desperately trying to take that step to prove her commitment.

That wasn't what he wanted. If he started something now, in her eyes, it would just be about that—nothing to do with love.

And Damian wanted love. A lot of it. He'd gone to great lengths to bring her into his life. He didn't want her to feel trapped.

"Not tonight," he said, his voice strained. "I... I might have to work late. You should get some rest." He gently guided her back toward the bedroom, then turned and walked to his study, sinking back into the chair at his desk.

He buried his face in his hands. He could've pushed her, just to get what he needed then—but it never would've been real. He knew that. What he wanted wasn't just a quick fix; he wanted her to love him willingly.

Isabelle stood frozen in the doorway, her fingers tightening on the hem of his jacket draped over her shoulders. She felt a confusing mix of relief and unhappiness—and the unhappiness won out. She didn't even know why.

She crawled back into bed, curling into a tight ball in the corner, feeling a deep sadness that somehow hurt more than leaving Gary had.

She started picking herself apart. Is it me? Am I not attractive enough? Or is he already bored, before anything even started?

A heavy ache settled in her chest. Tears she didn't understand welled up, tracing a path across the bridge of her nose before disappearing into the sheets. Eventually, she cried herself to sleep.

Late that night, Damian stood by her bedside, looking down at the sleeping girl.

His thumb gently brushed the tear track at the corner of her eye. Was she crying for Gary?

A sharp pang of jealousy shot through him. "Isabelle," he whispered to the quiet room. "We have time."

*****

The next morning, Isabelle was jolted awake by her familiar alarm. Maybe it was the jet lag, or maybe from crying so much last night, but her eyes were puffy and swollen.

She looked around. Damian was gone. The space beside her in bed was cold, as if he'd never been there.

She sat up, looked down at the scrap of fabric she was wearing, and remembered the foolish thing she'd tried to do last night. A wave of hot shame washed over her.

How am I supposed to face him now?

After washing up, she headed downstairs for breakfast with her bag. "Susie, when did he leave?" She didn't use his name. Just "he".

Isabelle froze. Did he go out last night?

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