CHAPTER 35

Chapter 35: A Love Unshaken

The morning sunlight filtered through the bedroom windows, casting a golden hue over Isabella's sleeping form. She lay curled against Alexander, her breathing steady, her hand resting over his heart. He watched her in silence, his fingers brushing lazy patterns over her bare shoulder.

For the first time in a long time, Alexander felt a sense of peace.

But peace was a fragile thing, especially for a man like him.

His phone vibrated on the nightstand, breaking the tranquility of the moment. He sighed, reluctant to move, but duty called. Carefully, he slid out of bed, grabbing the device.

A single message flashed across the screen.

"It's not over."

Alexander's jaw tightened. He knew exactly who it was from. Langford was not a man to let go so easily.

"Alexander?" Isabella's sleepy voice pulled him back.

He turned to find her sitting up, her hair tousled, her eyes still laced with sleep. She looked so effortlessly beautiful that it took him a moment to respond.

"Did something happen?" she asked, concern flickering across her face.

He hesitated for a second, then shook his head. "Nothing we can't handle."

Isabella studied him, her gaze sharp. "You don't have to protect me from everything, you know."

A small smirk tugged at his lips as he walked back to the bed, pulling her into his arms. "I know. But that doesn't mean I won't try."

She rolled her eyes but leaned into his embrace, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

He exhaled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Together."

---

The Calm Before the Storm

The day passed in a blur of quiet moments—breakfast in bed, stolen kisses, and whispered promises. Alexander found himself wanting to freeze time, to stay in this bubble of happiness forever.

But reality was never that kind.

In the afternoon, as they walked along the private beach near their villa, Isabella turned to him with a serious expression.

"Alexander, what happens now?"

He stopped, watching the waves crash against the shore. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, Langford isn't going to disappear. You made a deal with him, but we both know he's waiting for his chance."

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. And that's why I need to end this. Completely."

She frowned. "How?"

He took her hands in his, his expression unreadable. "By making sure he has nothing left to come after."

Isabella's eyes widened. "You're going after his empire?"

Alexander's smirk was lethal. "It's time he learned what happens when he threatens what's mine."

Her heart pounded at his words—not from fear, but from the unwavering certainty in his voice.

She had always known Alexander was dangerous. But now, he wasn't just fighting for himself—he was fighting for them.

And she would stand by him, no matter what.

She reached up, cupping his face. "Then I'm with you."

His lips crashed against hers, fierce and unrelenting.

This was only the beginning.

---

The Game Begins

Later that evening, Alexander made a call.

"It's time."

On the other end of the line, his most trusted associate, Ethan, chuckled. "Finally. I was wondering how long you'd wait."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Langford made his move. Now it's my turn."

Ethan's voice turned serious. "You sure about this?"

Alexander's gaze flickered to Isabella, who sat across the room, her eyes locked on his.

"I've never been more sure of anything."

The battle was coming.

But this time, Alexander wasn't just fighting for power.

He was fighting for love.

And he would win.

To be continued…