Chapter 10
He never imagined that Isabella had once considered proposing to him. Lately, he had indeed been behaving like a jerk. But those flings with other women were just fleeting distractions, never anything serious. Even Amelia, the one who caused Isabella to leave him, was just a brief novelty. After only three days, he found her utterly uninteresting, and his thoughts always returned to Isabella.
Seven years together had dulled his senses, and he had taken her for granted. Some people are like air–colorless, tasteless–until they’re gone, and only then do you realize how essential they were.
In the days without Isabella, he couldn’t muster enthusiasm for anything. Even when hanging out with friends, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her. Especially when he drank too much. If Isabella were there, she’d pretend to be angry and stop him. If she couldn’t, she’d make him some soup late at night, let him rest his head on her lap, and gently massage his temples. Her fingers were soft, and though her fussing was annoying at the time, he now missed it dearly.
Dorian thought that when Isabella came back, he’d propose to her. He’d known for a long time how much Isabella wanted to marry him, Giving her that commitment might bring her peace, and perhaps she’d forgive him.”
The tailor had done an excellent job. The wedding dress was restored to its original splendor. Dorian paid and was about to leave when his phone rang. He felt a strange tension until he saw Jasper’s name flashing on the screen. The wild beating of his heart slowly calmed.
“Dorian, there’s something I’ve been considering whether to tell you.“}]
What’s it?”
“Promise you won’t get upset. It might just be rumors, you know how people talk.“}
“Out with it, already.”}
“It’s about Bella, maybe I shouldn’t. It’s probably just gossip.”}
“Jasper, stop being so cryptic! What about Isabella? Is she back in Dunway?“}
“Dorian.” Jasper suddenly felt a pang of discomfort, wondering how things had come to this.”
Of all people, why did rumors about Bella have to involve Lucian? Dorian’s never been on good terms with him. Especially after that project two years ago, where Dorian’s company and Lucian’s fought tooth and nail. Lucian edged out a victory, leaving Dorian in defeat. It was his first taste of losing, which only heightened their already tense rivalry.
“I’m serious, don’t get mad. It’s all hearsay, nothing concrete. Somebody saw Bella in Lindor.“}
Dorian’s grip on his phone tightened, though his voice remained controlled. “So she’s in Lindor, and?“}
“She might be with Lucian, It could just be a meal, nothing more.”
“I understand.“}
“Dorian.“}
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.“}
Dorian ended the call. He held the large paper bag containing Isabella’s wedding dress. He walked through the cold night, until he reached the car.
Dorian suddenly halted, a faint, ironic smile spreading across his handsome face. And in the next moment, without hesitation, he tossed the ornate paper bag into a nearby trash can.”
In the second month after Isabella left, Dorian had sent her a message.
