Can't Win Me Back (Isabella and Nathan) novel Chapter 29

Isabella turned pale with fright and quickly shielded Theodore behind her.

Nathan's raised fist hovered in the air but never came down. He simply stood there, stunned, staring at Isabella.

Seeing her protect another man, her gaze so firm and resolute, something deep inside him began to crumble.

The once timid Isabella had only ever shown such courage for him.

Now, that bravery was no longer his alone.

He finally understood: he had lost the girl who had once loved him with all her heart.

Taking advantage of Nathan's momentary daze, Isabella grabbed Theodore and ran.

When they reached a deserted street, Isabella clutched her chest, exhaling in relief.

Then, she lightly punched Theodore in the chest—a gesture more sound than fury.

Angrily, she scolded him, "He's the young master of the Imperial Capital, someone even your eldest brother has to tread carefully around. You've offended him—do you not want to survive in the Imperial Capital anymore?"

Theodore put on a look of grievance. "He deserved it."

Thinking of Nathan's bruised, panda-like eyes, Isabella couldn't help feeling secretly delighted.

But her concern for Theodore's safety overpowered her amusement, and she repeatedly warned, "When you're back in the Imperial Capital, until your wings are strong, keep your head down."

Theodore's smile was bright and carefree. "Sis, I'll do as you say."

Hearing this, a weight lifted from Isabella's heart.

"Theo, while I'm busy studying, I might not be able to look out for you. You have to stay sharp and avoid getting schemed against."

Theodore's eyes, as luminous as stars, softened with his gentle smile.

"Sis, why are you nagging like an old lady? You're only 22."

Isabella froze.

That's right, she was only 22.

Yet she had already experienced so much hardship.

Despite her young age, the countless sorrows and separations she had endured had left her with a world-weary heart.

This wasn't how she should be living after her rebirth.

Forcing a radiant smile, she looked at him.

Theodore praised her, "Sis, you're the most beautiful when you smile. You should do it more often."

"I know, I know," she replied lightly.

Suddenly, as if performing a magic trick, Theodore produced a brocade box from behind his back.

"Here, Sis. A gift for you," he said, offering it to her.

Isabella covered her mouth in surprise. For her, his journey across the ocean to see her was already the most sincere gift.

She hadn't expected him to prepare something extra.

The thoughtfulness behind his gesture far exceeded anything her so-called husband or hypocritical family had ever shown her.

"Thank you, Theo," she said, her voice soft with emotion.

"Open it and take a look."

When she opened the box, a green diamond watch for women lay nestled inside.

"Sis," Theodore began, "since you're now a student of Ms. Jasmine, I assume you'll head to the U.S. soon for your intensive training. I won't be able to see you for a long time. Can you promise me one thing? On my 18th birthday, will you come back for my coming-of-age ceremony?"

"Of course. I'll definitely come back," she replied without hesitation.

Hearing her response, the tension in his expression eased, replaced by joy.

"Great," he said happily. "Sis, I've programmed the countdown to my coming-of-age ceremony into the watch. It'll remind you when it's time to return. It's settled then—I'll wait for you in the Imperial Capital."

Isabella smiled, watching him leave. "Take care, Theo."

She turned back and walked toward her rental apartment.