Chapter 15

Before I could even form a response to Sophia’s irritating question, Sebastian suddenly pushed his wheelchair forward.

He let out a gleeful, childlike laugh.

“Ahhh!” he babbled, arms waving wildly as he collided directly with Sophia.

Sophia shrieked loudly as she lost her balance.

She fell backward onto the floor with a heavy thud.

“You little—” she screamed.

Sebastian clapped his hands together, laughing as though he’d just played the most amusing game. “Fun! So much fun!”

I pressed my lips together, holding back a smile.

Alexander’s eyes went wide. “Sophia!” He hurried over to help her up.

Sophia grabbed his arm dramatically, her face contorted with rage. “He’s a menace! He could have killed me!”

Sebastian continued giggling, his innocent expression never faltering.

Sophia turned toward me, her finger shaking as she pointed. “Isabella, how could you possibly marry someone like that?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened, frustration burning in his gaze.

Before I could react, he took a step toward Sebastian, his hand rising.

I instantly moved in front of Sebastian. “Don’t you dare.” My voice was sharp, full of warning.

Alexander froze. “Isabella, move.”

I stood my ground. “Why? Because he accidentally bumped into your precious Sophia? Funny—you didn’t hit Liam when he shot me with his arrow.”

Alexander’s face darkened, but he lowered his hand.

“Take him away,” he snapped at the butler.

The butler glanced at me uncertainly before wheeling Sebastian back toward his room.

Alexander let out a sharp breath and turned to me. “We need to talk. Alone.”

I crossed my arms. “I have nothing to say to you.”

He ignored me and walked outside, clearly expecting me to follow.

I sighed. I didn’t want to play his games, but I wanted this over with.

I stepped outside, arms still tightly folded. “Talk.”

Alexander took a deep breath, studying me. “Why, Isabella? Why him?”

I raised a brow. “Why do you care?”

His jaw clenched. “Sebastian can’t give you what you want.”

I scoffed. “And what exactly is it that I want?”

He moved closer, voice dropping. “I know you. You crave love. Passion. Stability. Do you really think Sebastian understands any of that?”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s none of your business, Alexander.”

He smirked. “I’m sure he can’t even satisfy you in bed.”

I stiffened.

Alexander chuckled darkly. “Oh? Did I hit a nerve?”

Disgusted, I turned to leave. “We’re done here.”

But before I could take another step, he grabbed my wrist and spun me around, pinning me against the cold brick wall.

“Alexander!” I gasped.

His eyes dropped to my neck.

His expression twisted into something dark.

“Isabella,” he murmured, fingers tracing over my skin. “A hickey?”

I swallowed hard.

Alexander’s face hardened, his grip tightening. “You married Sebastian, but you’re sleeping around like some cheap whore?”

I tried to pull away. “Let me go.”

He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “If you want to be a whore, why not be mine?”

My stomach turned.

He smirked. “I’ll take care of you. No one will bully you. You’ll spread your legs only for me.”

My hand flew across his face. Slap!

His head jerked to the side. For a moment, he didn’t move.

Then he turned back to me, jaw tight.

“You dare hit me?” he seethed.

I glared. “Don’t ever speak to me like that again.”

Alexander’s eyes darkened. “You really have no self-respect, do you?” His grip on my wrist tightened. “Married, yet sleeping with someone else. Is that how low you’ve sunk?”

I struggled, but he was stronger. His hand moved to my waist, pressing me harder against the wall.

“Alexander, stop!” I pushed against his chest.

He didn’t listen. His face moved closer.

Panic surged through me.

“Alexander, stop!”

Suddenly, a hand yanked him back.

“Enough.”

Alexander stumbled backward, breathing heavily.

I looked up and saw the butler standing between us, his expression furious.

“You’ve overstayed your welcome,” the butler said firmly.

Alexander wiped his mouth, his eyes flicking back to me.

“Isabella—”

Slap!

I hit him again.

And again.

Once more, harder.

Alexander’s cheek was red, his face a mix of shock and rage.

I spat at his feet. “I would rather die than be your mistress.”

His fists clenched.

“You will regret this,” he hissed.

I stepped closer, my voice icy. “No. You will.”

Alexander’s eyes burned into mine, but I didn’t flinch.

He didn’t move at first. Then, with one last look, he turned and stormed off.

I didn’t move until I heard their car drive away.

Then my knees weakened.

I wrapped my arms around myself, trembling.

The butler placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Are you alright, Madam?”

I nodded stiffly. “I’m fine.”

I turned and walked straight to my bedroom.

The moment I shut the door, I let out a shaky breath.

I hugged myself again, trying to shake off the disgust clinging to my skin.

Then, warmth surrounded me.

Strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

I didn’t have to turn to know who it was.

Sebastian.

His familiar scent enveloped me, steady and comforting.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered against my shoulder. “I should have been there.”

I swallowed hard.

His arms tightened around me. “I promise you, Alexander will regret what he did today.”

I didn’t respond.

He turned me around gently, cupping my face. “Come,” he murmured. “Let me take care of you.”

I let him lead me into the bathroom.

He turned on the warm water, then helped me step in.

His fingers brushed my hair back as he kissed my temple.

His lips trailed lower, brushing over my neck.

I shivered when he kissed the mark Alexander had seen.

His mouth lingered there, breath hot against my skin.

My fingers gripped his shirt.

“Sebastian…”

He pulled back slightly, his eyes dark.

Then he leaned in and kissed me.

I melted into him, my hands moving to his shoulders.

Then—