CHAPTER 4

ISABELLA’S POV 

I drew in my breath and wiped the tears off my cheeks after dropping the coffee I was preparing. My right hand was shaking uncontrollably, and I couldn’t stop crying. My heart pounded with frustration and anger. I couldn’t even make coffee anymore. I had lost the thing I loved most. After my wrist surgery, I still couldn’t use it the way I used to. I felt so worthless. I felt so useless.

I sobbed harder, unable to hold it in. I slowly dropped to my knees and stared at my shaking right hand. This is so freaking unfair.

Why won’t you let me do what I want, huh?” I muttered to my hand as if it could answer me. This is so damn frustrating and depressing. I just want to be happy.

I hit the back of my head lightly against the bar counter as Ryan’s arrogant smile flashed in my mind. He still has the nerve to show his face to me? He filed for divorce and now what? He suddenly says he wants me back? He’s ridiculous… truly unbelievable.

“Isabella!”

I raised my face and stared at Dominic .He knelt in front of me and hugged me.  I sobbed into his chest. “I can’t make coffee anymore , Dominic. I can’t use my hand.

Shh… relax, Isabella. What happened, huh? You were okay  for the past six months. Why did you break down again?

I cried and then chuckled . Dominic cupped my face and looked into my eyes. He tried to wipe my tears, but they kept falling. He frowned worriedly. “Isabella…”

I won’t let him deceive me again,” I said with anger.

Rage flashed in his eyes as he clenched his jaw tightly. “He came here?

I nodded while sobbing. Dominic, I did not understand him . After shoving me away, he now wants me back.

“No!” Dominic snapped. “No, Isabella! Don’t even think about it!

I bit my lip and shook my head. “I won’t let him fool me again, Dominic.”

He drew me into another embrace and rubbed my back soothingly. “Why did you even come here? I told you I’m already searching for someone to work part-time here. You need rest, Isabella. You have to look after yourself. This isn’t only about you now.

You’re pregnant. Remember that.

I pressed my lips together and gently touched my belle. My cousin was right. I needed to take care of myself and my baby. From now on, I should focus only on my child and nothing else.

I was done with Ryan. I gave him everything, yet he still broke me. Truly too much love kills and It had already killed me once, I didn’t want to keep dying over and over in the hands of the same person.

When Dominic and I got home, I went straight to my room and opened the envelope Ryan had left at the shop. I let out a bitter laugh after reading the agreement paper.He wanted me back and was offering compensation for the pain he caused.

He’s unbelievable. I don’t know if he’s ignorant when it comes to love or just plain stupid.

Agreement, my ass! I don’t want any connection with him anymore. I’ve been deeply in love with him since college, and that’s more than enough. I’m done.

My days have been so boring lately. I’ve been trying to act normal, but I won’t lie on some nights, I feel completely lonely and broken.

Isabella , take a look at this resume,” Dominic said as he saw me coming down the stairs. He handed me four profiles of one male high school student and three female college students.

I glanced at him. “Can they even make coffee properly?

He smiled and nodded. “Yeah. I was honestly impressed watching them.

I smiled faintly. “I told you it’s fascinating.

“You’ll need to teach me that one day, lady.

I shook my head and looked back at the resumes. “Who do you think is more capable?

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Hmm… Frolian and Hazel,  maybe?

One college student and one high school student. I nodded. “I will call them tomorrow for training.

“Make sure you do. Oh, and Mum wants us to have dinner at a restaurant tonight.

“Aunt Evelyn?

“Who else is my mum, Isabella?” he asked in a teasing tone.

I frowned and rolled my eyes at him. Very funny, Dominic.

He grinned and lightly pinched my cheeks.

We were in that moment when someone walked into the house. It was Damian, his forehead frowned as usual. He was the eldest among the three brothers and always grumpy. Dominic was the easygoing one, while Damon was the quietest and yes the youngest.

“Bro, what happened?” Dominic asked Damian as he sat on the couch and loosened his buttons.

Damian glanced at me and  frowned. “Your cruel ex-husband is messing with me, Isabella. My boss just fired me, saying he doesn’t want any conflict with business magnate Ryan Mitchell.  Shit!”

I bit my lower lip and looked down. I felt embarrassed and furious at the same time. Ryan could  be so  heartless. I was sure he did this because I turned down his demands.

I clenched my fists and looked up at Damian. He shot me a warning glare. Don't you dare meet him. Isabella. Let me handle this. 

“What will you do? Punch him again?

He frowned deeply. “I’m not dumb enough to repeat that mistake, Isabella , I don’t want to get thrown in jail again.

He had already spent two days in jail because of what he did to Ryan and that experience made him realize he couldn’t win against him. 

I hated feeling powerless, but Ryan kept making us feel exactly that way. I hated him for it.

The following day, I went to Ryan’s Mansion. The maid looked surprised after seeing me, but she immediately allowed me inside. I thanked her, and she informed me that Ryan was in the backyard. I walked straight to the pool area and saw him swimming in the luxury pool.

He still had time to relax after ruining both my life and my cousin’s.

“Ryan!

He resurfaced from the water and gave me a smug smile the moment he saw me. He pulled himself out of the pool, and my eyes instantly landed on his toned muscles. I quickly looked away when my heart started pounding again. Nothing had changed. My heart still longed for him despite everything he had done. Why was my heart this foolish?

“Hey, Love. Did you miss me?

I tossed the folder onto his chest, making his smile fade. His brows furrowed while his jaw tightened.

I laughed bitterly. “You really think I’ll fall for your games again? Dream on, Ryan. I’m done with you.

I was startled when he suddenly pulled me by the waist and pressed our body together . His body was still wet and the water was cold but my whole body felt so warm.

He stared down at me and licked his lower lip . “I don’t believe that, Isabella. You were madly in love with me. There's no way you could move on within five months.

I tried to push him away, but before I could react, he crashed his lips against mine in a harsh kiss.

I trembled against his mouth, and he used the moment to deepen the kiss. My knees weakened instantly as he drew me closer.

His grip around me was firm, making it hard for me to go away. He held me there with a kind of intensity that left me breathless.

He pulled away after a few minutes. He took a step back, he flashed a smug smile and licked his wet lips. “You still taste the same, darling. Don’t you miss my kisses, huh?

“I hate you Ryan!

He  shook his head lightly. “No, you don't, Isabella . You'II never hate me. Not even in another lifetime.

Tears slipped down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away. “I hate you in this life, and I’ll hate you in the next one too, Ryan. Get this through your thick head, i will  never come back to you. Keep your wealth. Keep your fame. I can survive without you, Ryan. You’re not the only man in this world.

I saw the way his jaw tightened after hearing my last words, but I didn’t care anymore. I turned my back on him and started walking away.

This might not be the last time our paths cross, but it will be the last time I cry because of him. The last time I let him control my feelings. I  swear!