Page 116 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Christian watched Scarlett hug Star, her gaze locking with his over her shoulder.

“She left me,” he reminded them.

“For someone as intelligent as you are… you really are an idiot...” Scarlett said, shocking him.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Christian looked at his sister in shock. He’d never once compared Lily and Isabella.

Apart from the day Andrew and Ana had come around, they’d hardly spoken about her.

“I’m only telling you what May told me. Plus, you never asked her to stay.”

Scarlett shrugged.

Christian’s hangover seemed to come back with a vengeance. Sharp pain shooting through his temples.

“When did you speak to May?” Christian asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“When she answered Isabella’s phone. She’s worried about her. She’s moping about as much as you are... she’s not eating, sleeping.”

Christian stood tall at his sister’s words and watched a smirk appear on her face.

“What? That doesn’t mean she wants me.”

Christian’s gaze moved between the three people in front of him, who all let out a simultaneous groan.

“The woman’s mad about you. As much as you are about her. I never thought I’d call you an idiot, my friend... but really.” It was Seb who stepped forward. “Sleep off your hangover. We can make a plan of action when you get up. I think you’ve had more than enough for one morning.”

Christian went to open his mouth to complain, but was shushed by everyone and ushered away. Deciding he could not face any more lectures, he did what they requested and made his way up to his bedroom. Not that his room was much better. His bed reminded him of Isabella. He hadn’t wanted to change the sheets after she’d left and had been devastated when he’d come home to find his housekeeper had done exactly that.

Falling face down on the bed, he let his mind go. Imagining Isabella was there beside him, talking him through one of her meditations. He felt his breathing change and...

Chapter Fifty

Isabella

Isabella thought about her conversation with May and Annelise. Had she made the right decision? Her heart was hurting. It differed from when Edward had betrayed her, and she could see now she’d never loved him. He’d been there when her world had collapsed, and she’d mistaken his support for something else. For him, it had been a ruse to get his hands on her trust fund, and even though she’d thought herself in love. She knew now she hadn’t been.

Isabella had taken the day off. She needed to get out and clear her head. She made a trip to the National Park and walked the route she and Christian had taken five months before. She pictured them together. Their relationship had changed that weekend. It had started as sex, but as they’d spent more and more time together, it had become something else. She had enjoyed his mind and his body. Isabella smiled as she thought about Christian’s body. For a man in a suit, he was toned and fit, his body a sensual masterpiece. But it had become more than that… his mind was brilliant and she had grown to love his company. Leaning against the railing, she looked out over the view, and closed her eyes.

She knew what she needed to do. She may be too late, but she needed to try. Did she and Christian have a future together? She thought back to that morning and her conversation with May.

“I love you. You are my best friend. But you’ve run awayagain,” May said staring at her.

“I haven’t. I came back for our business.” Isabella said, throwing her hands in the air. Why couldn’t May see that?

“The business is fine. Annelise and I have seen to that. Admit it… you ran away.”

Isabella had stormed out, pushing her way past Annelise and telling them she was taking a mental health day.

Opening her eyes, Isabella watched the couples and families around her. Was May right? Had she run away? She knew in her heart she had. What would she have done if Christian had asked her to stay? It did not take her long to work out the answer.

There was a puffing behind her. She turned and found a red-faced May with Kalaya in her pushchair.

“Thought I might find you here,” May said, pulling up next to her, Kalaya squealing in delight as she saw Isabella.

Isabella bent down and tickled the little girl’s tummy.

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