ISABELLA’S POV
I stood still in my spot, feeling the relentless and unyielding bond between us tugging at me. But I was not going to let it overpower me though. I drew a slow breath in, keeping my voice steady even with the bitterness and anger stirring in the pit of my stomach.
“Yes,” I replied to him, my voice sounding much calmer than I was feeling. “That’s the reason.”
Xavier’s eyes seized mine, his gaze was dark and searching. But I stood on my ground, meeting that same intense gaze.
“Then why didn’t you tell me?’ His voice came out gruff, barely concealing the frustration he was trying to restrain.
I returned his gaze unflinchingly, not giving an inch. “If I had told you, would that have made any difference?”
My voice sliced through the brief silence as I continued. “I bet yo
