Chapter 7

She mindlessly repeated after him, "Not with anyone else?" "Yeah," Xavier replied patiently. "So, should you break up with someone else?" he added. "Who?" Isabella was confused. Xavier's gaze deepened, showing a hint of intensity, though his tone remained gentle. "Break up with Theodore, then we can be together again. How about that?" Isabella quietly studied him for the first time since their reunion after five years apart. His features were sharper now, shedding the boyish innocence he once had, and he seemed more mature. His hair was shorter, and he smiled less often. "How about it?" Xavier continued to coax her slowly. Her silence began to irritate him. His brows furrowed slightly. Isabella suddenly burst into laughter. Xavier's irritation flared. He was already known for his short temper. He pinched her cheek and asked, "No?" His voice carried an underlying threat, as if he could tear her apart if she refused. "That hurts!" Isabella protested, reaching to pull his hand away from her face. Her efforts were deemed ineffective. Xavier stared at her, the emotions in his eyes growing heavier. He released her face but forcefully cupped the back of her head and pulled her toward him for a kiss. It was a familiar yet passionate kiss that felt almost punishing. Isabella found it hard to breathe as she weakly pushed against his chest. In the stillness of the night, their breaths grew heavier and intertwined with each other. Xavier pressed her hand firmly against his chest, rendering her immobile. After releasing some pent-up frustration, his kiss transformed into something more heated and lingering, laced with a hint of restraint. The hand that had cradled her head slowly moved down to caress her neck. This kiss had been long-awaited, and neither of them wanted to let go. Isabella felt dizzy with desire, lost in the moment. For a brief instant, it felt like a dream. Gradually, she noticed her eyelids growing heavy. ... There was a knock. Someone was at the door. Isabella slowly opened her eyes to see a pale white ceiling above her. Her head throbbed painfully as if it might split open. She rolled over in bed to ease the discomfort from last night's hangover. The voice outside called out, "Isabella, are you awake?" Finally responding, Isabella croaked, "I'm awake." Her voice was hoarse. "I'm coming in." Olivia entered with a cup in hand and immediately noticed Isabella lying on the bed, looking unwell. Isabella's complexion appeared pale. With a frown, Olivia said, in a tone that remained gentle but carried an edge of reproach, "I should have known better than to let you two indulge last night. You both drank too much." Isabella sat up in bed and cleared her throat. "Mom, what time is it?" "Just past 9:00 am. Are you still going to have breakfast?" She handed Isabella the cup she was holding. Isabella accepted it. It was some warm soup. "I think I'll skip it," she replied cautiously. During her years abroad, she rarely had breakfast anyway. But now, she feared she'd get scolded by Olivia. Olivia shot her a disapproving glance before suddenly furrowing her brows. "What happened to your lips?" "What?" Isabella didn't quite understand at first. Olivia pointed at her lower lip and urged her to look in the mirror. Isabella rushed barefoot to the vanity and discovered that her lower lip was swollen and had a small cut. In an instant, memories of last night flooded back—this was not a dream! She had gotten drunk and ended up with Xavier. "Is this from heat?" Olivia continued questioning. Feeling flustered inside, Isabella replied evasively, "Maybe." "I don't think so. It looks like…" "Probably from when I stumbled back last night and fell. I don't remember," Isabella quickly interrupted. God knew how guilty she felt inside. She hoped Xavier hadn't left any marks on his lips. Otherwise, it would be too easy for Olivia to find out. Olivia regarded her suspiciously. "Mom, where's Xavier?" Isabella asked as she glanced around distractedly. "He went to the hot springs." As Olivia spoke, she remembered something else. "Oh! You should join him. The water in that pool is very nourishing—it's not the regular hot springs," she said. "I'd rather eat breakfast first," Isabella said weakly. She didn't want to see Xavier right now—it was too awkward. While Isabella sat at the dining table nibbling on bread, Yolanda arrived, looking cheerful with flawless makeup. She sat across from Isabella and began scanning the room. "Where's your brother?" Isabella glanced at her briefly before replying, "He's probably in the hot springs." "What happened to your lip?" Yolanda noticed immediately. Isabella slowed down her chewing as she contemplated on how to respond when Yolanda continued, "I get it—a romantic encounter!" Young people could easily see through each other's games. Yolanda's gaze turned teasingly suggestive as she continued, "Good job! You left so early yesterday that I thought you were just tired. Turns out you were busy doing something else!" Isabella couldn't muster a smile. Instead, she forced a dry grin that hurt when she pulled at the sore spot on her lip. "Damn it, Xavier!" she cursed silently. Fortunately for Isabella, Yolanda seemed more interested in discussing her romantic interest than probing into hers. "Will you accompany me to the hot springs later?" Yolanda asked sweetly. "You want to run into Xavier?" Isabella guessed correctly. Yolanda nodded eagerly, blushing like a ripe persimmon. "I chatted with him last night for a bit before he left. I want another chance with him—he's just my type!" "He's not worth it," Isabella warned bluntly. "So what? It doesn't matter. I have nothing to lose anyway—he's so handsome!" Yolanda replied confidently. Isabella thought that this girl seemed more adventurous than herself after returning from abroad. "Please come with me? It'll be easier if there's someone familiar around—I can't just go up to him directly." "No way," Isabella flatly refused. Why would she willingly seek out Xavier? Yolanda pouted and threatened playfully, "If you don't come with me, I'll tell Olivia about your romantic escapade that left your lips all bruised!" She blinked innocently. However, Isabella knew she would do it. After spending nearly two days together—she had already realized how naive this girl could be. She had no choice but to let Yolanda drag her along. That day, Yolanda wore a cover-up over a fitted light blue dress that accentuated her figure beautifully. As they approached the hot spring area, wisps of steam rose up around them, along with warm humidity filling the air. Yolanda confidently shed her cover-up, revealing a stunning form-fitting slip dress underneath that showcased her every curve perfectly. The hot spring pool was still relatively empty as they entered. Everything around them felt serene except for the sound of flowing water nearby.