Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 69

Even though she knew their relationship was over and told herself she was indifferent, the sight of him still made her chest constrict—so tightly she could barely draw a breath.

Those five years of her youth, five years of what she had believed was happiness, and the deep-seated dependency she had developed—they had all turned into sharp, unyielding blades.

She forced her gaze away.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Gary couldn't tear his eyes from her, staring as if mesmerized.

Across the table, Nicole tried to keep the conversation alive. When she realized he wasn't listening at all, she followed his gaze and caught sight of Isabelle's familiar silhouette below.

She fell silent. Gary still couldn't let her go.

The depth of Isabelle's impact was something Nicole had clearly underestimated.

Even though Isabelle had decisively ended things with Gary and was now involved with Damian, her place in Gary's heart remained firmly, painfully fixed.

Nicole's expression darkened, but remembering the practical purpose of today's meeting, she bit back her words.

Downstairs, Isabelle clenched her jaw, holding herself together until Damian came jogging back into her blurred line of sight.

He was dressed in his impeccable suit, features sharp and gaze focused, radiating a restrained authority that stood in stark, almost comical contrast to the pair of plush, white slide-on slippers he carried in one hand.

Isabelle let out a soft, watery chuckle, finding the sight unexpectedly endearing.

He knelt down once more and carefully swapped her high heels for the soft slippers.

"Won't I embarrass you, wearing these out here?" Isabelle asked quietly.

"Shoes that cause pain aren't worth wearing," he replied, his words carrying a gentle weight. "My image can handle it," he added with a light shrug.

Isabelle looked down at his bowed head, finding him increasingly hard to read.

He could go weeks without a single message, yet in person, he showed a level of consideration so profound it left her feeling unsettled.

"Damian."

"Hmm."

He was still gently massaging her ankle. When she didn't continue, he glanced up.

A moment later, a fresh, clean scent enveloped him as a wave of soft warmth pressed against his forehead.

She had kissed him.

A faint, triumphant smile touched his lips. "Was that a sincere gesture, Mrs. Cross, or a strategic one?"

"Since you're so perceptive, Mr. Cross, I'll let you decide."

"You have quite a sharp tongue."

"Then which would you prefer?" Isabelle suddenly challenged.

"Whatever comes genuinely from you, Isabelle." His answer disarmed her completely.

Genuinely from me.

She had to admit, his perspective operated on a different plane.

Isabelle was silent for a long moment.

He stood up, one hand holding the grocery bags with her heels hooked over two fingers. His other hand reached out toward her.

She took it without hesitation.

As they walked through the mall, aside from the fluffy slippers on her feet, they looked perfectly in sync.

See, even with his hands full, he still makes room for mine.

Upstairs, Gary watched, utterly transfixed.

His eyes grew red-rimmed, a bitter, aching swirl of emotion churning inside him.

Once inside the elevator, Isabelle let go of his hand.

She glanced at the full-length mirror, catching Damian watching her reflection with equal intensity.

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