Ethan's eyes met Isabella, awkwardness hung heavy. G-good morning, he stuttered. Isabella expression changed, morning. Ethan's guilt resurfaced.
LIsabella, about last night… she cuts him off. Don't, I don't want to hear it. Did I…. pressure you? Her gaze dropped. No, she replied. But his relief was short-lived
Then why….? I was weak, I let my emotions get the better of me. His eyes searched her. Isabella I…. Don't say it. You don't have to pretend. His face twisted.
Pretend? Her expression hardened. You got what you wanted, now let's move on. Ethan heart sank. What about us? There's no us Ethan.
Days turned into weeks like a blur and in a blink of an eye they were back to work.
Ethan paced in his office. Isabella words haunted him. "There's no us Ethan" her voice echoed in his head. Desperation clawed. He needed to fix this.
Ethan stormed out. Into Isabella office. Isabella, we need to talk, Ethan urged. Work-related, sir? Don't do this Isabella. I am just doing my job sir, she replied using the same formal tone. He slammed his fist on her table.
Damn it Isabella, talk to me. About what, sir?
His voice cracked. Us, what happened? What happened? She asked. What did I do wrong? You did nothing wrong sir, what happened was a mistake.
A mistake? She nodded, confirming her words. Ethan let's forget about it and move on. Isabelle please…. Isabella's gaze froze him. Sir, I think it's best we maintain professional boundaries. His eyes pleaded. Sir I am serious.
A mistake? She nodded. Ethan voice shattered. You are just going to erase everything? Her expression softened. Ethan stop. But he couldn't
Tears streamed down. His body shook. I love you, Isabella. Her face twisted. Ethan don't. Don't what? Don't love you? Don't want you? Isabella voice rose. Ethan stop this. Why can't you forgive me? Her eyes filled with tears. Ethan, please stop.
I will give you another chance she said. Ethan eyes widened. But, she continued. One mistake Ethan, just one. His face twisted. I promise… no promises, actions. He nodded frantically. I will prove it. Isabella gaze bored onto his. Understand this: I won't tolerate any hurt again. I understand, thank you for giving me a chance Isabella. Her expression remained stem. Good, we will start afresh. Thank you Isabella.
Don't thank me yet. What do you mean? I mean, Ethan, you are on thin ice