Page 17 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Christian’s heckles rose. What did she think he was going to do? Give a press conference. Christian hated all the unwanted attention his position and status gave him, and it got worse after he’d joined the rich list. He didn’t court them, he never had. It didn’t mean he wasn’t on their radar.

“I’ll be careful,” he said.

“Does that mean you’re seeing her again?” Scarlett asked.

“We’re having dinner tomorrow night... Scarlett, how did I not know what was going on?”

His sister let out a huff of air that echoed down the telephone. “Don’t believe everything you read in the press... you of all people should know that. All I’ll say is, remember the Izzy we grew up around. Not everything is as it seems. If you want the details, you’ll need to ask Izzy... but Christian, don’t push her. She went through a lot. She’s moved on... she doesn’t need the past raked up.”

Christian was unused to his sister begging, and it weighed heavily on his chest.

“How can dinner hurt?”

A crash sounded in the background, and he heard his sister muffle the phone.

“Look, I’ve got to go... Ignore me. Enjoy dinner with Izzy and tell her I said hi.”

“Okay. It’s only dinner, Scarlett... nothing more. I’ll catch you when you’re back in London.” Christian said before adding, “We’ll grab dinner.”

“I’ll look forward to it. Love you, big brother... Got to fly.”

Christian chuckled as the phone went dead. Typical Scarlett, always embroiled in some drama at work.

“Love you too,” Christian said to the dead line.

Sitting back, he stared at his laptop. What was the truth? The Izzy he knew had been anti-drugs. She’d enjoyed a drink. What teenager didn’t? Having himself been on the receiving end of several salacious articles, he knew the public loved real-life drama. It’s what sold tabloid newspapers. Truth or lies, whatever the cost, it looked like Isabella had paid a high price.

Chapter Ten

Isabella

The day flew by. Isabella had been up before the sunrise. Ananya had returned to work, so she hadn’t had to cover the hotel’s classes but had covered their guests. Sunrise was Isabella’s favourite time of day, and therefore, she loved these classes the best. Mornings were a magical time, allowing her to feel at one with nature. As the sun came up, she relaxed into the moves, balancing her for the rest of the day. Today, she felt different. Unable to centre herself, her mind kept wandering to the previous evening and the night ahead.

Christian was her best friend’s brother, but she’d always harboured an enormous crush on him. Christian had never shown any interest in her. Instead, he and his friends had surrounded themselves with models and beautiful women. To Christian, she’d always been his annoying little sister’s, equally annoying friend. He’d been out of her league then and always would be. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy his company and daydream, especially now Scarlett wasn’t around to watch.

Isabella entered the office to find several dresses hanging on the coat hook. Her eyes flew to May’s.

“What?” May shrugged. “You told me you were seeing him again tonight, so I brought your second, third, and fourth choice outfits over. Your poor wardrobe did not need another airing so soon.”

Isabella grinned. “Thank you,” she said, running her fingers over one dress. It had tempted her the night before, but it would be ideal for this evening, with its fitted bodice and flared skirt. The dress was versatile, suitable for any occasion... stunning. It would instil her with the confidence she needed.

“What are friends for? If not to help one another,” May added, pushing herself out of the chair, stomach first. “Now I’m married and heavily pregnant. I must live my life vicariously through you.”

Isabella laughed. May would be extremely disappointed. Isabella’s life could not be more tame or boring if she tried. Looking at her friend, she couldn’t believe how large her tiny friend had got in the past couple of weeks. Her perfect stomach looked like she was holding a basketball in her dress.

“You need to take it easy,” Isabella said. “Why don’t you head home and put your feet up? There is nothing here I can’t handle.”

May smiled gratefully. “Thank you.” May looked down and ran a gentle hand over her extended belly. “Seven weeks and counting. I can’t wait. I’m tired of looking like a beached whale.”

Isabella moved forward and stroked her friend’s stomach. It rewarded her with a kick to her hand. “You, my little button, need to let Mummy get some rest,” she whispered, stroking her thumb over the tiny foot that was pressing out against her friend’s skin.

Isabella was as impatient as May. She couldn’t wait for cuddles or the chance to spoil the new arrival.

Isabella’s phone pinged with an incoming message as May headed to the door.

“You sure you’ll be okay?” May asked.

“Absolutely fine. You go,” Isabella said, smiling and waving her friend out of the door before grabbing her phone.

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