Can't Win Me Back (Isabella and Nathan) novel Chapter 9

Can’t Win Me Back Chapter 09
The youthful face before her overlapped perfectly with the sharp, commanding visage of the man who stood at the apex of power, ruthless and fearsome.

The young boy lay sprawled on the bridge, bloodied, his piercingly beautiful yet rebellious eyes darting around as if searching for a lifeline–like an abandoned wolf pup desperate for survival.

Tears welled up in Isabella’s eyes as she knelt down before him. “Do you want to come with me?” she asked softly.

Despite his tattered, dirty clothes, the boy exuded an air of elegance and nobility. Turning his head arrogantly, he asked, “What’s your name?”

Isabella hesitated briefly. “Thea,” she said, concealing her true identity.

The boy’s gaze darkened slightly. “What characters are those?”

“Nian, as in ‘to remember,‘ and ‘Sheng,‘ as in ‘prosperity,” she explained gently.

The boy suddenly clutched her hand with surprising fervor. His voice carried a maturity beyond his years. “Those are good characters,” he said approvingly.

“My name is Theodore,” he added, introducing himself.

Isabella smiled faintly. “Well, isn’t that a coincidence? Both of our names have the character ‘Sheng.”

“That must mean we’re fated to meet,” Theodore replied with a mischievous smile.

“In that case, why don’t you consider me your elder Sis? What do you think?” Isabella’s warm smile momentarily stunned Theodore.

“Elder Sis?” He scrutinized her skeptically. “You’re so skinny and short–clearly younger than me.”

“How old are you, then?” Isabella teased.

“I’m 23 this year,” he said with a straight face.

Isabella chuckled at his obvious lie. “So, will you come home with me or not?”

Theodore nodded.

Isabella hoisted him onto her back. Though malnourished, he was tall and not exactly light. Her slender frame struggled under his weight, and she panted heavily after only a few steps.

“Let me down, Sis,” Theodore suggested, but Isabella stubbornly shook her head. “No, I won’t give up halfway,” she replied firmly.

His expression froze momentarily. “Sis, since you saved me, I’ll be good to you for the rest of my life,” he vowed.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she knew better than to put stock in promises from someone destined to become a figure of untouchable prestige. “I helped you not for repayment. Just take care of yourself–that will be enough for me.”

It was an arduous journey, but Isabella eventually carried Theodore back to her modest rented room. After settling him on the bed, she hurried out to buy medical supplies, food, and other necessities. By the time she returned, the once sparse apartment had been transformed into a warm and inviting space.

Sitting by Theodore’s side, she carefully tended to his wounds. When she removed his shirt, the horrific sight of his injuries. brought tears to her eyes.

“How could anyone hurt you like this? You’re just a boy,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Far from despondent, Theodore smirked defiantly. “They wanted me dead–hit me with all they had. Too bad for them I survived. They’ll regret not finishing me off when I rise to power.”

Though his stunning features exuded a natural nobility, the shadow in his eyes radiated a chilling darkness that made her shudder. Isabella couldn’t help but wonder if saving him was a blessing or a curse.

“Surviving such a calamity means you’re destined for great fortune,” she said softly.

Theodore nodded earnestly. “Yes.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Isabella grabbed a nearby scarf and draped it over his face before delicately removing his pants.

For the first time, she began to understand why the future Theodore was so emotionally detached and solitary. A child who had never known love could hardly be expected to give it.

“I promise. I’ll listen to you,” he replied.