Page 59 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Andrew and Ana should arrive in half an hour,” he said. “Lucy dropped some clothes off for you while you were in the bath.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

Christian took her hand, entwining her fingers with his, before pulling her out of the gym. Tiny shocks of electricity pulsed up her arm where their bodies touched. Living under the same roof as Christian would stretch her willpower to breaking point.

∞∞∞

Isabella would need to send Lucy a huge thank you. The clothes she’d delivered were beautiful and fitted perfectly. Christian had pulled a face when Isabella had asked him to send her the bill, so instead, she’d accepted his generosity. She’d find some way to repay him. Christian needed no more money, but she knew he supported several charities, and through those, she could repay him. Maybe donate in his name to a cancer ward or a neonatal unit.

The doorbell chimed, and Isabella heard Christian greet their guests. With all the crazy goings on of the day, they had opted for take-away, which was winging its way from Christian’s favourite Chinese restaurant.

“Hi,” Isabella said, stepping forward and greeting Andrew and Ana.

“Hi. It’s so nice to meet you.” Andrew said, stepping forward.

Christian had updated Isabella on their guests. Andrew was a cardiothoracic surgeon and a TV presenter. Ana was his ex-sister-in-law and nanny. Andrew had a beautiful little girl called Olivia, who was best friends with Christian’s daughter, Skylar. Ana was younger than Andrew and exquisite. She was dark to his blond, and together, they made a stunning couple. Their love for each other was obvious.

Andrew kissed her cheek and stepped aside to introduce Ana. Isabella felt an instant connection with the younger woman. They moved further into the apartment, heading for the balcony.

“How are you holding up?” Ana asked when Andrew moved to help Christian with the drinks.

“So-so,” Isabella answered honestly. “I’d got used to the privacy, so being thrown back into the limelight with all eyes on me… has been a little disconcerting. Hopefully, the press will find some other scandal to pique their interest, and they’ll get bored with me.”

When Ana smiled, Isabella realised this young woman was older than her years. Christian and Andrew took that moment to return with their drinks.

“Christian was telling me you’re thinking of giving an interview?” Andrew said, his attention focused on Isabella, but his arm was around Ana’s waist.

“I’d prefer my own words to be heard instead of a retelling. I hope that way I can control the narrative,” Isabella said, her eyes turning to Christian’s. “But I want Christian to speak to Star first. I don’t want any comeback on Skylar.”

Ana moved forward and clasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I think that’s admirable. Knowing Star, she’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

“Once Christian has spoken to Star. I can arrange for the breakfast show to facilitate an interview, if that’s what you want. The reporters are sensitive, and no one there will want to trip you up. Christian was saying you have proof the drug’s allegations were false. That’s great news, as it will close that line of questioning pretty quickly.”

Isabella smiled at Andrew, who then continued. “The segment I present is about keeping people’s hearts healthy. Maybe we can link it in with The Retreat. Mindfulness and yoga practice, its benefits. I can try to ensure I’m there for additional support.”

“Thank you. That’s so thoughtful. I apologise. I’m in a bit of a daze. There is so much to think about and do.”

“No need to apologise. We are all friends and would like to help if you let us.”

Chapter Twenty-eight

Christian

The evening with Andrew and Ana went well. Andrew followed Christian into the kitchen area, leaving the girls chatting on the balcony. The temperature was dropping, but Christian had fired up the heaters, which kept the area perfect.

“She’s lovely,” Andrew said.

“She is. It’s unfair what she’s going through. Her ex-fiancé is now creating waves. I’ve tried to keep her away from the papers and the things being said, but it won’t be long before she looks at her phone and gets an update.”

“When will you speak to Star?”

Christian groaned. “I’m not sure. I made a monumental error and hurt her.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. He was very protective of Star.

“I told her I couldn’t abandon Isabella... which is exactly what I did to Lily and Skylar.”

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