CHAPTER 10

Chapter Ten: A Love That Feels Like Home

The soft rays of the morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. The scent of jasmine lingered in the air, mingling with the warmth of skin and the remnants of last night's passion.

Isabella stirred, her body still entangled with Alexander's. His strong arms held her close, his steady heartbeat a soothing rhythm beneath her cheek. For a moment, she didn't move, wanting to savor the feeling of being wrapped in his embrace—the safety, the warmth, the undeniable sense of belonging.

She smiled, tracing light circles on his chest. This is what love is supposed to feel like.

Alexander stirred beside her, his deep voice vibrating through her. "I can feel you thinking, sweetheart."

She looked up to find his sleepy gaze fixed on her, a lazy grin tugging at his lips. He was breathtaking in the morning light—his tousled hair, his chiseled jawline, the way his bare skin radiated heat against hers.

"I'm not thinking," she teased. "Just… appreciating."

His grin widened. "Appreciating, hmm?"

She nodded, her fingers drifting over his collarbone. "That I finally stopped running. That I chose this. That I chose you."

His expression softened, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "I would've chased you forever, Isabella."

Her heart clenched at the sincerity in his voice. "I know."

He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a slow, languid kiss. It wasn't rushed, wasn't desperate—it was full of tenderness, of whispered promises that neither of them had to say aloud.

When they pulled apart, Alexander tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What happens next?" he asked.

She exhaled, the weight of reality creeping back in. "I don't know. I still have to deal with Nicholas. He may have walked away last night, but he's not the kind of man to just disappear."

Alexander's jaw tightened at the mention of Nicholas, his protective instincts flaring. "I don't care what he does. You're mine now."

She placed a hand over his heart. "I know. But I don't want to hurt him any more than I already have."

He sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You have too much heart, Isabella."

She smiled. "You love that about me."

"I do," he admitted, running his fingers down her spine. "But I also love that you're mine."

His lips found hers again, and suddenly, the rest of the world melted away.

They spent the morning wrapped in each other, stealing kisses between whispered conversations, their laughter filling the room. Isabella had never felt so at peace, so sure of where she belonged.

But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, reality came knocking.

A knock sounded at the villa's door, making Isabella stiffen.

Alexander frowned. "Are you expecting someone?"

She shook her head. A feeling of unease settled in her stomach. "What if it's Nicholas?"

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Stay here."

He threw on a pair of lounge pants and strode to the door, his body tense. Isabella quickly pulled on his shirt, the fabric swallowing her petite frame as she followed behind him.

Alexander swung the door open, his jaw tightening when he saw the figure standing there.

But it wasn't Nicholas.

It was Sophia.

Isabella's stomach dropped. Sophia—the woman who had once been Alexander's everything. The woman who had always been lingering in the background, waiting, hoping.

Sophia's eyes flickered between them, taking in Isabella's disheveled appearance, the clear intimacy that still clung to the air. A flicker of something—pain, regret, jealousy—flashed across her face before she masked it with a tight smile.

"I see I'm interrupting," she said coolly.

Alexander exhaled sharply. "What do you want, Sophia?"

She folded her arms. "To talk. Alone."

Isabella felt the tension crackle between them. She knew Sophia still had feelings for Alexander—knew she had always been the safer choice, the woman who wouldn't run, wouldn't break his heart. And yet, here they were.

Isabella straightened her shoulders, refusing to let doubt creep in.

Alexander turned to her, his eyes softening. "You don't have to go anywhere."

Sophia let out a quiet scoff. "Really? You're going to have this conversation with her here?"

Isabella lifted her chin. "If this conversation is about Alexander, then yes, I should be here."

Sophia's lips pressed into a thin line. "I just wanted to say that I hope you know what you're doing, Alexander." She glanced at Isabella. "She broke you once. And you think she won't do it again?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "That's enough."

But Sophia wasn't finished. "Just remember who was there for you when she left."

Isabella swallowed hard. The truth in Sophia's words stung. But she wouldn't let it shake her. Not this time.

She stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "I made mistakes. I know that. But I also know that Alexander and I belong together. I'm not running anymore, Sophia."

Sophia studied her for a long moment before sighing. "I just don't want to see him get hurt again."

Alexander's grip tightened on Isabella's hand. "I trust her."

Sophia gave him a sad smile. "Then I hope you're right."

And with that, she turned and walked away.

Isabella exhaled slowly, tension bleeding from her shoulders. "That was… intense."

Alexander pulled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her temple. "It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. All that matters is us."

She looked up at him, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "You always know what to say."

He smirked. "It's part of my charm."

She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "And I love every bit of it."

He kissed her then, slow and deep, as if sealing the promise between them.

No more running.

No more doubts.

Just love.

And for the first time, Isabella knew—with absolute certainty—that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

To be continued…