Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 31

"I'm not crying..." Isabelle's eyes were rimmed red, and she didn't know how to explain.

"Hmm?" Damian waited for her answer.

But she couldn't say it. She was afraid he'd laugh at her, afraid he'd think she was childish, afraid he'd think such a small gesture could win her over so easily, that the novelty would wear off quickly...

She held it in, tears brimming in her eyes, forcing herself to appear calm.

Damian stroked the corner of her eye, then pulled her tightly into his arms. He smoothed her hair, gently kissing the strands, simply holding her.

Isabelle reached out and hugged him back, holding on tight.

"Is it because you don't like people touching your things?" he murmured softly.

"No, that's not it..." She burrowed deeper into his embrace. "This is nice."

He let out a quiet sigh of relief. He'd thought he'd done something wrong to make her this upset.

Damian said, "Alright, go wash your face. I have something for you."

"Okay." Isabelle quickly let go and turned toward the bathroom.

Damian watched her go, then looked down at his shirt, damp with her tears. A strange, fluttering sensation disrupted his rhythm. His heart pounded, his ears burned, and his whole body felt hot. He let out a soft chuckle.

When she returned, Damian was already waiting at the dresser.

"Damian." Isabelle walked over, her expression back to its usual composure.

Damian stood up and gestured for her to sit.

She obediently took the chair.

He opened a jewelry box beside him.

"It's a ring. I thought you might not want to wear it on your finger yet, so I had it made into a necklace. You can take the pendant off and wear it later." As he spoke, he carefully took out the necklace with the ring pendant and fastened it around Isabelle's neck.

Isabelle wanted to say something, but then she saw in the mirror that he was wearing the matching ring on his own finger. His ears were flushed, and his hands trembled slightly as he fastened the clasp.

His skin was fever-hot. Even the accidental brush of his fingers against her neck sent a jolt through her, a flush spreading from her ears down her neck.

"Why are you so determined to make me your wife?" she asked quietly.

I have nothing—no money, no family background, just a junior designer. I don't match up to him at all.

"I don't dislike you. Feelings can develop in time," Damian said simply.

Once the clasp was secure, he placed his hands on the back of her chair and looked at her reflection. She had the kind of face people loved at first sight, that stunning blonde hair, bright lively eyes, and a perfect figure. It was hard not to be drawn to her.

"I made a mistake, and I need to take responsibility. So, if you end up not liking me, I won't force anything," he added.

"Aren't you afraid I'm just after your money or something?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. What kind of man chases after a woman to take responsibility?

"Huh?" she blurted out. He knows me? Did he... like me all along?

That is way too direct! Just flat-out asking like that? Wouldn't it be easier to just do it? The anticipation is worse.

I should say yes? Would that make me seem easy?

Say no? That feels unfair.

We're already married. We've done everything else. I can't just leave him hanging.

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