SWNOVELS Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven: Coming Clean
In his office, Alexander retrieved a diamond necklace, a purchase from the charity event. “Even though our relationship isn’t real, I want to give you this. You can’t refuse It this time. As my girlfriend,‘ you should have some elegant jewelry for the events we’ll attend.” Isabella hesitated to accept the necklace, feeling it was too extravagant. “How about I wear it just for events? It seems a bit much.”
But Alexander was insistent, placing the box in her hands. “Please accept it. I’ve never given anything like this to a woman before. This is only my second time, and I hope you won’t turn it down.”
Isabella, touched by his sincerity, accepted the gift. “Okay, I’ll accept your kindness this time.”
Determined to uncover Isabella’s past, Alexander began a discreet investigation. Using his private resources, he delved into the matter.
By noon, he unearthed a file from a private hospital, listing Isabella’s name, her IVF details, and Sebastian’s signature.
After securing a copy, Alexander summoned Sebastian to discuss the potential cancellation of their
business contract.
Sebastian, hurriedly leaving Matilda mid–shopping upon hearing this, rushed to meet Alexander, displaying clear signs of alarm and desperation.
“Alexander, we had a deal. Why are you backing out?”
Alexander’s response was measured. “Considering recent developments, I’ve found an architect with more experience. I think it’s wiser to be cautious. I’m sorry, Sebastian, but we can’t proceed with our project.”
For Sebastian, who had been eager to prove his worth to his wife’s family, this project was crucial. Alexander’s sudden cancellation was both shocking and disheartening Desperate, Sebastian attempted to reason. “My team includes seasoned architects too. Perhaps we could still negotiate.”
Alexander, however, remained firm. “I’ve already made arrangements with another party. Their architect’s portfolio is slightly superior to what your team offers.”
“Is this because of Isabella?” Sebastian pressed, trying to find an explanation.
Alexander kept his composure. “No, my personal life doesn’t influence my professional decisions. This is strictly business, Sebastian,”
Sebastian persisted, frustrated. “Why this abrupt decision?”
Alexander stayed elusive. “I’ve been considering this for a while; it’s just that I hadn’t informed your
until now.”
Still boiling with frustration, Sebastian confronted Isabella in her office. “This is your doing, isn’t it?”
Chapter
( bring Clean
Isabella was genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?” Engrossed in her designs since the morning, especially after receiving Alexander’s gift, Isabella hadn’t left her office and was truly baffled by Sebastian’s allegations.
In her office, Sebastian was fuming as he grabbed her design sketches from the desk and tore them
“You think just because you’re cozy with my uncle, you can do whatever you watet?”
- up.
“What’s gotten into you? If you want to lose your cool, go outside. You’re in my office”
1
Sebastian sneered at her. “Oh, I get it. You’re still bitter I left you and married Lorraine. I can’t be I didn’t see how mean you were.”
Isabella looked at him, unimpressed. “Bitter? Please. You’re not even good at the basics. What’s there to be bitter about?”
Sebastian’s face turned red with anger. Isabella was the only one who knew his embarrassing secret. Lorraine was too young to understand these things. But Isabella bringing it up made him feel really bad. He changed the subject. “So, you like Alexander better, huh? I bet you cheated on me with him.”
Isabella wasn’t going to let him get to her. “I met my boss after I got this job, so keep your wild guesses to yourself. Not everyone’s like you, cheating in your marriage when you can’t even perform? You must be one of a kind.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve already been treated.”
“Really?” Isabella looked at him skeptically. “Do you even believe that?”
Sebastian tried to hide his guilt with a tough act. “It’s partly your fault. When we were together, I didn’t feel anything. You didn’t have the charm I expected, so how could I have any reaction?”
Isabella gave a sarcastic laugh. “Maybe I should show you that video of you begging me to marry you. It might jog your memory about the past.”
“I don’t have these problems with Lorraine. We even had a baby last year, though there were some
issues.‘
Isabella’s patience was wearing thin. “So, with all those issues, you
ill think you’ve fixed everything? That’s just sad, Sebastian. You never look at yourself when there’s a problem.”
“What should I be looking for? You were the one who cheated, not me. And if you spread lies to Lorraine, you’ll regret it.”
Isabella had heard enough of his false accusations. “Please leave. I have work to do.”
Sebastian sneered at her. “Don’t think you can use your relationship with Alexander against me. I’m done with you. Stay away from me.”
Isabella slammed her hand down on the desk with force. “Listen to your own advice and stay out of my business. Why are you so obsessed with bringing this up? Is it because no one else knows you can’t have kids?”
Chapter Eleven: Coming Clean
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“Shut up!” Sebastian glared at her. Isabella knew all his deepest secrets, posing a real threat to him. He would rather claim she cheated than admit his own problems, which was a massive hit to his ego.
“You’re clearly scared,” Isabella retorted sharply.
Sebastian had been pestering her since she returned. He had come by every few days to cause trouble, and Isabella was sick of it. ‘He claims he wants nothing to do with me, but here he is again, warning me. Why is he scared now?!
In her office, Sebastian inhaled deeply. “I’ll give you that villa If you can get Alexander to continue our partnership. If not, it’ll be bad for both of us.” Isabella responded icily, “I can’t do that. Alexander’s choice to not work with you has nothing to do with me. Maybe you did something to put people off. Why do you always blame everyone else?”
Sebastian shouted, “What did I do wrong? All of this wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for you!” The employees, drawn by the noise, crowded around Isabella’s office, eager to catch a glimpse of the heated argument.
Alexander opened Isabella’s office door and confronted Sebastian sternly, “Sebastian, we settled this
in my
office. Why are you here causing more trouble?” Standing by the door, Alexander’s presence quickly dispersed the curious employees. Sebastian was defiant. “I just wanted to ask Isabella why she’s still after me after all this time.” Alexander maintained his composure. “You’re well aware of what happened back then. She’s going to be your aunt, yet you show no respect. I’m deeply disappointed.” “I meant no harm, Alexander.” Alexander was clearly angry. “I’m telling you now: I won’t do business with you now or ever again. Don’t bother Isabella anymore.” Sebastian glared at Isabella resentfully. “What do I need to do for you to let me be?” Alexander moved to stand
protectively in front of Isabella. “I made these decisions on my own. If you have issues, take them up with me. Bullying a woman is cowardly.”
Alexander’s tall presence provided a protective barrier for Isabella, her tears freely flowing now. She had endured so much due to Sebastian’s actions.