Page 143 of Breaking Rules

I spin her and snake my arms around her waist, drinking in every detail I love so much—the long eyelashes framing her beautiful sapphire blue eyes, her perfectly shaped brows, her straight nose that’s a little upturned at the end. Her puffy lips and the little birthmark on her right cheek.

I close my eyes and kiss her.

These days, the negative voices in her head bother her far less often than they used to. She’s learning so many things about herself, rebuilding her identity, rediscovering all the things she loves and craves. It’s fascinating to watch her rise like a phoenix from the ashes. It’s the greatest honor to know that she finally believes she deserves to be loved, to be happy.

Bella deserves the world, and I’m determined to give it to her.

CHAPTER44

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

BELLA

A year and five months later

July

“How doyou feel about going back home?” Dr. Khan gives me a broad smile.

Her shiny black hair frames her face, ending at her collarbone. Warm golden-brown eyes assess me as she tilts her head. Natural light filters through the gauzy curtains, illuminating her light brown skin. She’s a beautiful woman in her forties, elegant and always so attentive and kind. I love my sessions with her.

“Isabella?”

“Sorry,” I say, chuckling. “I’m feeling good. Can’t wait to finally go home, spend time with my family and my friends. I miss it. I miss Boston—more than I thought I would.”

She examines my face. “You’ve made amazing progress.”

I lift a shoulder. “I’ve finally learned how to love myself. I understand now that I’m enough. I don’t need a person by my side to feel powerful, beautiful, or desired.” I press my palm over my heart. “Everything I needed was in here, and you helped me realize it.”

The corners of her eyes crinkle, and her lips ease into a big, genuine smile. “I’m proud of you. I can’t wait to hear about where you go from here. You’re still set on virtual visits for the time being?”

“Absolutely.” I hook one leg over the other, sitting more comfortably. “I’ll be busy—I have a huge event to organize in four weeks, plus schoolwork for my internship in May—but our sessions are already on my calendar.”

Dr. Khan steeples her fingers, watching me intently. “We’ve talked about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, right?”

“We have,” I confirm. “I’ll do my best to have fun too.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” With a nod, she leans back, her leather chair squeaking. “How was your last day at school? Did it go the way you thought it would?”

I look around the room, lost in memories of my time at the New York School of Interior and Landscape Design. I’ve had my ups and downs, but overall, it’s been a positive experience.

Pursuing my dreams has not only helped me grow and feel happy, it has also brought me some amazing new friends. I landed myself an incredible mentor in Professor Hopkins, and devoting my time and energy to school and my new friends has helped me move on from my past. It’s a feat that, at first, I didn’t think I’d accomplish.

I’ve finally become the person I aspired to be.

After living in the darkness of self-destruction for so long, I needed it.

Taking a deep breath, I focus on Dr. Khan and answer the question. This day ought to be good.

* * *

“Lawson!”

I turn my head at the sound of my last name and break into a smile. Kaden stands next to his Nissan Altima, an iced latte in each hand.

Even in my four-inch heels, my steps are light—just like my mood—as I hurry toward him. “Hey. How long have you been waiting for me?”

“Twenty minutes.”

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