Chapter 221
Isabella stepped out of the hospital room, her gaze drifting toward the entrance where Julian was already waiting.
“Isabella, didn’t I tell you everything would be fine?” Julian greeted her with a soft, reassuring smile. “I’ve reviewed Alexander’s test results. The bleeding has stopped, and thankfully, there’s no serious damage.”
The tension in Isabella’s shoulders eased. “That’s a relief.”
But Julian, ever perceptive, caught the subtle shift in her demeanor. The slight curve of her lips—small, but unmistakable. There was a lightness to her now that hadn’t been there when she’d entered the room.
Something had changed.
His brow lifted in curiosity. “Isabella… are you fond of Alexander?”
Her response was immediate, her expression tightening. “Of course not. We’re just friends.”
Was she really so sure?
Once, their connection had been nothing more than an impulsive night, a fleeting moment neither had expected to linger. But the more their paths crossed, the more she found herself drawn to the effortless rhythm between them.
Still, Alexander had made it clear—more than once—that friendship was all they shared. She wasn’t the type to assume a man’s closeness meant romantic interest. Life didn’t work that way.
“Is that so?” Julian’s voice was knowing. “You’ve changed, Isabella. You used to be like a fortress—always bracing yourself, shutting people out. But around Alexander, you’re… different. You let your guard down. You don’t hide behind that iron wall.”
His words stung with their truth. He knew her better than most, perhaps even better than she knew herself at times. His sharp eyes missed nothing, reading her like a musician reading sheet music—every flicker of emotion, every unspoken thought laid bare in the subtle shifts of her expression.
She hesitated before answering. “People change. Maybe I’m just tired of carrying the weight I’ve been dragging for the past three years.” A small smirk tugged at her lips. “Alexander… well, he’s easy to mess with. He’s one of those rare finds—the kind of man who shouldn’t still be single, but somehow is. It’s fun getting under his skin.”
Julian smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “As long as you’re being honest with yourself.”
As they spoke, a quiet pang of dejection settled in Julian’s chest. He had once pursued Isabella, only to face rejection—clear and unwavering. Their relationship had settled into an awkward limbo, yet she seemed entirely unbothered.
It dawned on him then—Isabella had always seen him as nothing more than a friend. That was why she could confide in him so easily.
The realization only deepened the sting.
Before he could respond, Olivia came barreling toward them, wrapping Isabella in a fierce embrace. “Isabella, darling! You have no idea how terrified I was when I saw the livestream!” Olivia’s voice trembled as she squeezed her tightly. “I was on a business trip abroad, but the second I heard what happened, I took the first flight back! Thank heavens you’re okay. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you. This is all my fault for burying myself in work and not being here!”
Isabella gently patted Olivia’s head, her smile warm. “This has nothing to do with you. No one could’ve predicted that lunatic. But look at me—I’m fine.” She met Olivia’s gaze. “You must be exhausted. You should rest.”
“Not a chance!” Olivia countered, eyes sparkling. “Knowing you’re safe is all the energy I need!” With a playful tug on Isabella’s arm, she added, “And remember when you mentioned wanting to try extreme sports? A few events got canceled, so I signed you up for short-track speed skating. The prize money is insane!”
Olivia had always been quick to act, and she never forgot a thing Isabella said.
“The competition starts in about a month,” Olivia continued. “Want me to brief you on the other contestants?”
Isabella chuckled. “I’m not too worried about them, but Olivia… thank you.”
Olivia rolled her eyes dramatically. “No more thank-yous! We’re best friends, aren’t we?”
As they laughed, Dominic arrived, casting a teasing glance at Olivia. “Miss Montgomery, why have I never seen that charming side of you directed at me?”
Olivia smirked. “I’m sincere with sincere people. But with sly foxes like you, I play the game just as well.”
Isabella exchanged an amused glance with Julian, both sensing the electric tension between the two.
To lighten the mood, Isabella grinned. “Olivia and I are heading out. You two take care.”
Once in the car, Isabella turned to Olivia. “I thought you and Dominic were getting along fine. What was all that tension back there?”
Olivia shrugged. “Oh, that? Well, my father’s been pushing me to marry into the Sterling family. He even set me up on a blind date with Dominic. Turns out, he’s against marriage. Funny enough, so am I!”
Isabella chuckled, raising a skeptical brow. “You better mean it this time!”
Olivia had her quirks—sometimes she was all about playing the field, other times waxing poetic about love’s true meaning. Occasionally, she was even ready to walk down the aisle.
Olivia clicked her tongue indignantly. “Of course I mean it! I always mean what I say!”
