After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248 Isabel's Regret
At that moment, Isabel was jolted back to reality.

"Xander! No, stop!"

Her shout was sharp enough to freeze him in his tracks.

That was close!

If I hesitated even a second longer, I might have been completely powerless in his grip today.

Xander's expression was tight, his brow furrowed with beads of sweat. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his gaze heavy and intense as he locked eyes with Isabel, as if she were his only focus in the world.

In that instant, he resembled a man starved for days, finally given a meal, only to be denied it at the last second.

It was clear how much effort he was using to hold himself back.

Any other man in his position, faced with someone they cared about, might have lost control by now.

Xander's face had taken on a pale, bruised look—dark purple and red blotches clinging to his skin, like a balloon stretched to its breaking point, ready to pop.

"Isabel ... am I really that bad?"

His voice was raspy, as though every word pained him, the sound deep and raw, like a man wandering the desert, parched and desperate for water. The pitiful groan tugged at Isabel's heartstrings, nearly breaking her resolve, reminding her of that stormy night.

Isabel knew he was kind to her—extraordinarily so. The more kindness he showed, the more she found herself on edge. She wasn't even sure about her own feelings anymore.

Maybe I have developed a slight crush on him, but is it genuine love, or just fleeting attraction?

I can't give in to impulse, because if I later realize that my feelings aren't what I thought, I won't be the type to force a relationship.

And if I walk away afterward, won't that make me nothing more than a heartless woman who used someone and discarded them once they are no longer useful?

I already regret what happened that rainy night.

At least, the man has forgotten about it, lost in a feverish haze. If not, I don't know what I would've done.

"You're not bad ... it's just that I ... I can't feel for you the way you feel for me," Isabel said softly, her voice quiet but resolute, furrowing her brows.

"I don't mind. As long as you'll stay by my side, that's all I need."

Could he really not mind? Anyone else would. How could Xander not?

But love wasn't about forcing someone into something. If Isabel didn't feel the same, what could he do?

It reminded him of his past, when countless wealthy women had tried to win him over, changing themselves for him, showering him with praise and adoration. Yet, he had felt nothing for them.

Did that mean he was obligated to return their feelings just because they liked him?

Did not reciprocating someone's feelings make him a bad person?

There was no such rule.

Putting himself in Isabel's shoe, he could understand her position.

But he was resolute.

I have decided—Isabel is mine, and no one will take her from me.

Even if she never loves me, she will still belong to me.

Call me selfish, call me possessive, I don't care.

As long as Isabel stays by my side ...

"But ... I ... I'm still not sure. I can't agree to anything yet," Isabel hesitated, her eyes shifting between Xander and herself.

Uh …

Can't he at least remove his hands from my legs?