Chapter Twenty Three: No Backing Out
Miles shook his head. “Nothing. Is Mommy cooking?” “Yes, I tried to help, but she thought I’d be more trouble, so she sent me out.” Miles nodded. “Mommy is probably worried you’ll end up burning the kitchen like I did.” Alexander was surprised. “You burned the kitchen?” “Yeah, once when Mommy was out buying groceries, we wanted to help her out. We tried cooking something for her before she came back.” Miles’s voice got softer. “But we ended up setting the kitchen on fire. Thankfully, it wasn’t a big fire and Mommy got back just in time. She was really mad and scolded us.”
Listening, Alexander felt an increasing wave of sympathy. He wished he had met Isabella sooner to prevent such struggles. “I promise, I’ll never let you guys go through anything like that again. Amelia was munching on a grape, her voice muffled. “Really, Daddy?” “Absolutely Princess,”
Alexander realized his own challenges after leaving his parents‘ house and couldn’t fathom the struggles Isabella faced raising two kids alone. He thought deeply about their future in that moment. Dinner is ready, wash up!” Isabella took off her apron as she left the kitchen. Amelia and Miles, excited, dashed to the restroom to wash their hands. Their mother’s meals were their favorite.
Alexander yearned to bring Isabella into his life forever, envisioning their daily life together. He found this place more appealing than anywhere. Alexander’s mansion in the city center, with its convenience and numerous servants, still felt cold and lifeless to him. It lacked the warmth of a home, something he had always envied in his parents‘ relationship. He believed finding a partner would complete his life, and fortunately, he met Isabella.
Watching Isabella finish the meal and call them to eat, Alexander felt this was the essence of a true home. Isabella, noticing Alexander still sitting, lost in thought, nudged him. “What are you doing sitting there? Aren’t you hungry?” Alexander was brought back to the moment. “I’ve been hungry.‘ Well, why don’t you go wash your hands and eat?”
Alexander smiled and agreed, “Sure.” At that moment, Sofia entered, immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of the meal, obviously Isabella’s cooking. “Looks like I returned just in time for dinner.” Isabella looked over at Sofia. “Ah, our busy bee is back?” Sofia caught the playful tone. “I know you’re joking. I was really tied up with work today, that’s why I’m late. I was planning to take you out, but you’ve already cooked.”
“Go out to eat? Okay.” Isabella was ready to store the food for another day. “I’m just kidding. Why go out when we have such a great meal here?” Isabella laughed. “I just wanted to tease you a bit.” Sofia knew she would have her chance for a comeback. “Fine, I’ll treat you to lunch tomorrow.”
Isabella echoed Sofia’s words from before, saying, “Don’t even think about backing out.” “I won’t back out, I swear,” Alexander replied. Charlotte wasn’t sure if her cooking suited Alexander’s taste, but seeing them relish it brought her joy. Alexander praised her cooking enthusiastically, “I wish I could have your cooking every day.”
Sofia, rolling her eyes, teased him, “Then hurry up and marry her, so you’ll stop bothering me daily.” “If she agrees, I’ll plan a wedding she’ll never forget,” Alexander replied playfully. Sofia, in a playful warning, said, “You’d better treat Isabella right. If you don’t, you’ll answer to me.” Alexander looked
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at Isabella with pure affection. “I could never mistreat her.” Sofia, trying to avoid the mushy scene, changed the subject.
“Alright, that’s enough. I don’t need to see your lovey–dovey display here.”
Isabella changed the subject, saying, “Sofia, Sebastian gave me the money. I’m thinking of buying the villa next to yours tomorrow, but I don’t know who to contact.” “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” Sofia assured her. Isabella nodded understandingly. “Alright, thanks for handling that.‘
Sofia pretended to be irritated, “If you thank me one more time, I might just have to thump you.”
Isabella laughed. “Okay, I’ll zip it.” “That’s better. We’re too close for formalities like that,” Sofia remarked. “Understood,” Isabella acknowledged, considering the need to adapt to the customs of the house she was in.
Meanwhile, Alexander, observing their interaction, thought of his friend Declan, wondering if Edith had exasperated her brother today. Lost in thought, his phone buzzed with a call from Declan.” Aren’t you at home?”
“Nope. Something up?” Alexander replied. “Just a little something. Where are you right now?” Declan inquired. “Hang on a moment.” Alexander sought Sofia and Isabella’s input and, with their approval, informed Declan of his location.
“Why don’t you come over?” Declan, without further words, swiftly headed over with his sister. Alexander welcomed them at the door, noticing Edith’s tear–streaked face, suggesting a tough day.
“Come in.” As they entered, Edith was surprised to see Isabella. “You’re here?” Alexander sat beside Isabella. “Why shouldn’t she be?” Meanwhile, Miles voice called out, “Daddy, can I have my milk?”
Amelia chimed in, “Daddy, me too, please.” “Daddy?” Declan was bewildered. He had been away for only two months, and now Alexander seemed to have children. Alexander chuckled. “No need for you
to call me ‘Daddy‘.”
“You’re messing with me, aren’t you?” Alexander laughter subsided, leaving a lingering smile. “So, why did you come?” Declan drew Edith closer to Isabella. “Apologize.” Aware of Alexander dating life, Declan felt influenced by Alexander’s introduction of Isabella at home. His mother’s interest in Declan finding a girlfriend stemmed partly from Alexander’s actions.
Reluctant, Edith had thought she was there to apologize to Alexander. She was surprised to find Isabella present. In her mind, she questioned Isabella’s right to dine with Alexander. Growing impatient with Edith’s delay, Declan insisted, “Apologize to Isabella.”
“Sorry…” came Edith’s soft reply.
“Louder.”
“Sorry.” Isabella, ever magnanimous, sought to ease the tension. “It’s alright. It’s good to talk things out. I forgive you.” Humiliated, Edith felt small having to apologize to someone she saw as a rival.
Declan, visibly irked, pushed her aside. “Be more respectful in the future. Think before you act.‘ Edith was deeply hurt. “I get it.” “Now leave. Why are you still here?” Declan barked. Edith cast a
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bitter look at Isabella and her children. The sight of Isabella, a mother, attempting to charm
Alexander struck her as utterly shameless. Declan, noticing her behavior, slapped her. “Remember my words. It won’t be just a slap next time.”
Edith, shocked, held her face. She couldn’t believe her brother, who had always cherished her, would humiliate her over a stranger. “Get out!” With tears flowing, Edith dashed out, promising herself not to forgive Isabella easily. She blamed Isabella for everything that had h Alexander spoke plainly, “I’m glad I was here this time. But if this happens again, I can’t let her stay.” Alexander and Declan, who
shared a childhood, had a bond with no secrets.
Declan, troubled, apologized to Isabella, “I didn’t expect her to cause such trouble in my absence. I’m sorry, I should have been more responsible.” “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” After the minor mishap was resolved, Declan remained curious about how Alexander suddenly had two kids.
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