Isabella's POV
Gathered in my cozy living room, the atmosphere was thick with concern. My eyes red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears, I sat on the sofa, surrounded by Winnie and Samatha and some boxes of tissues .The soft glow of the fairy lights did little to dispel the heavy mood that hung in the air. "The party..." I began, my voice catching in my throat. "It was supposed to be perfect. I spent hours looking for a dress, making sure every detail was just right." I paused, taking a deep breath to steady myself . "Everyone was there. The music was playing, the food was delicious, and for a while, it was magical. But then..." My voice cracked, and a single tear escaped, tracing a path down my cheek. " Julian revealed it .Then i heard the audio. Loud and clear. That all of this shit was just because of a bet."
I recounted the scene, my words punctuated by sobs and choked gasps. "It was like the world stopped," i whispered, my voice barely audible. "All the joy, all the happiness...it just vanished. I felt so betrayed, so humiliated."
Winnie and Sam listened intently, "Isabella don't worry. You now know the truth so just forget about him." Winnie held my hand and said. "I love him Winnie. I cared for him…" I whispered as fresh tears began to stream down my cheeks. "It's okay. You'll soon figure everything out." Samatha comforted. "I can't…" I shook my head. "Hey shhh.. don't worry we're here for you okay?" Winnie assured and wiped away my tears. "Ryan also knew but he ne… ver said anything about it…." I continued to narrate until finally, i could speak no more. Exhausted but comforted by the presence of my friends, I leaned back against the cushions, the weight of my sorrow momentarily eased by their unwavering love and understanding. I soon drifted off to sleep.
Nick's POV
The next day, I made my way back to Isabella's apartment. I knocked and knocked but no one answered. I sat at her doorstep waiting agitatedly for her to listen. "Just go okay. She doesn't want to see you." Samatha her cousin came out and said. "Please I want to see her, I …" I begged. "Leave before I ask the security to throw you out." She glared at me. I finally stood up and left. I wasn't able to work. Daryl took care of my company as I stayed at home crying my eyes out. I was so lonely. I would lay her clothes she once left at my place on my bed and snuggle them. I missed her so fucking much. I groaned and punched the floor several times till my knuckles bled
Days turned into weeks, and i was relentless. I followed Isabella everywhere – to her office , to the coffee shop she frequented, even to the store where she bought groceries . Each time,I would approach her, my eyes filled with a desperate plea for forgiveness. I'd beg her to talk to me, to give me a second chance, promising to do anything to earn back her trust. Isabella, however, remained resolute. She'd either ignore me completely, her face a mask of indifference, or she'd turn away, her silence a clear indication of her pain and unwillingness to engage.
One rainy afternoon, i found her sitting alone in a bookstore , reading a book. I approached cautiously, my voice barely a whisper as i pleaded with her. I spoke of my remorse, of the emptiness i felt without her, and of my genuine love for her. Isabella finally looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger. "I cared for you,but this… I need time to heal."She got up and left.
Undeterred, i continued to follow her, leaving her small gifts, writing her letters, and even serenading her outside her window. My persistence, however, only served to reinforce Isabella's resolve.
One evening, as Julian was leaving a local diner, i confronted him.My face was etched with anger as i stormed towards Julian, my fists clenched. "How could you do that to me?"i roared, my voice echoing in the quiet street, "I trusted you!" Julian tried to explain, to apologize, but I cut him off. "Save it," i spat, my eyes blazing. "You don't get to apologize. You don't get to explain. You hurt Isabella and I won't stand for it." I shoved him, sending him stumbling backward. A heated argument ensued, filled with accusations and insults. "You're so inconsiderate why did you do that, huh? I was going to tell her myself."I roared. " I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I was drank." He pleaded. "You're so selfish!" I spat out and shoved him.The argument escalated, with both of us yelling and shoving. Passersby stopped to watch the unfolding drama. Finally, being exhausted and still seething with rage, I delivered a final blow, " Stay the hell away from me Julian. I need my space!" I declared. With a final glare, I turned and walked away, leaving Julian standing alone, the weight of his actions crushing him.
Isabella's POV
Months passed, and the sting of betrayal began to fade. Through therapy and the support of my friends and family, slowly started to heal. I focused on myself , my company and my wellness. Nick,meanwhile, continued his efforts to win me back, though he kept a respectful distance, understanding that I needed time. He sent me thoughtful gifts, wrote me heartfelt letters, and was always there, silently, whenever i needed him.
Nick's POV
One sunny afternoon, as I was walking in the cafeteria , i saw Isabella sitting in a corner , sketching in her sketchbook . She looked up, our eyes met, and a moment of unspoken understanding passed between us. I walked over, my heart pounding in my chest. I sat beside her, "Hi!" I greeted . "Yeah!" She smiled. "Hope you're good?" I asked nervously. "Yeah," she answered and smiled. "Emmm, about the bet, I'm really sorry. Hm, at first it was a bet but it turned into something more when I got to know you, the real you. I fell hard for you because I wanted to and not because of a bet." I explained and held her hand. "I understand" she said with a soft smile. "I forgive you, Nick," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "And... I'm willing to give us another chance. Everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. I still love you " A wave of relief washed over me, and i squeezed her hand tightly, my heart overflowing with joy. "Thank you ! Thank you. I love you so much." I said and kissed her. We spent the rest of the day catching up and me apologizing every time I got.
Isabella's POV
I told Winnie and Samatha about my encounter with Nick and they were so happy except Ishmael. "Absolutely not," he interjected, his voice firm when I told him . "He hurt you, Isabella. You deserve so much better." I tried to reason with him, "I still love him Ish! We have sort out everything." I told him. Ishmael remained unconvinced, his gaze unwavering. "I don't care," he retorted. "Actions speak louder than words. He broke your heart once, and I won't let him do it again." "I love him. He accepted his mistakes and we're in love." I countered. "I said no." He shouted. "Don't be selfish Ish. What would you do when Winnie's brother doesn't want you for his sister huh? Even if.." I shouted back. "This is not about Winnie and I, it's about you and your foolish soft heart. This is why Raymond left you. You're so naive." He retorted making me flinch. "You're inconsiderate. Why would you…" The argument continued, with me pleading and shouting and Ishmael refusing to budge.
Third person POV
One evening, Ishmael witnessed something that began to change his mind. He saw Nick and Isabella together, laughing, holding hands, and gazing into each other's eyes. He saw the genuine affection, the tenderness, and the undeniable love that radiated between them. "They're in love so just give your sister the chance." Winnie told him. "But what if he breaks her heart again?" He asked worriedly. "Then you'll know what to do." She said and pecked him.He saw the way Nick looked at Isabella, as if she was the only person in the world.Ishmael, who had always valued his sister's happiness above all else, began to soften. He realized that despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the love that was so clearly visible. He saw that Nick truly love his sister ,he was devoted to Isabella, and that he was willing to do anything to make her happy.
Finally, Ishmael approached them, a hesitant smile on his face. "I still don't fully trust him," he admitted, looking at Nick. "But I see how much you love my sister, and I can't stand in the way of her happiness. Just promise me you'll take care of her." Nick nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. Ishmael smiled, his heart filled with a mixture of relief and hope. He knew that while the past could not be erased, the future, filled with love and forgiveness, was now within reach.