Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 101

Isabella fell asleep before Theodore made it back. When he returned and saw her fast asleep, he padded quietly to the bed. But the moment he noticed her curled up with his shirt in her arms, he stopped short, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Theodore crouched beside the bed, his fingertips grazing her cheek through the loose strands of hair. The warmth of her skin made his heart melt.

At the same time, Isabella stirred faintly, perhaps roused by his touch. Yet, her grip on his shirt tightened. It was as if she were holding onto something precious.

Theodore let out a low chuckle at that sight. His voice was barely above a whisper as he muttered, "Silly girl. You could've just gone to sleep if you couldn't wait for me. What's with holding on to my shirt?"

Still, he couldn't bring himself to wake her up. He carefully slipped off his jacket and draped it over her. Then, he reached for the shirt in Isabella's arms. Afraid of startling her, he pulled it away slowly.

When Theodore finally loosened the shirt from her embrace, her brows furrowed.

"I'm not hungry…" she murmured, barely audible.

Theodore's chest clenched sharply. He leaned down, pressed the lightest kiss to her temple, and whispered, "I'm sorry."

He should've acted faster. A moment's delay, and Isabella could've been hurt. If that had happened, he knew he would never forgive himself.

…

When Isabella woke up the next morning, the other side of the bed was empty. Still, she knew Theodore had come home. She wouldn't have slept so soundly unless he had been there beside her.

Breakfast was waiting on the dining table.

Isabella paused, staring at the steaming plate of pasta. Then, she remembered. The day before, on the phone, Theodore had said he would make her some.

She had just sat down when her phone rang. It was Theodore.

Isabella answered as she began to eat.

"Are you up?" Theodore's voice was as gentle as ever—except when it came to anything about Queenie.

"Yeah. Did you make this pasta?"

Theodore replied, "I promised you yesterday, but you fell asleep. So, I made it for you this morning instead."

"Did you just leave?" Isabella asked, noticing the food was still warm.

"I'm at the gate. I timed it so that the pasta wouldn't be too hot by the time you woke up."

Isabella paused mid-bite as a surge of warmth settled in her chest. She laughed softly and said, "You're right. It's perfect."

As soon as Isabella stepped into the cafe, the owner looked up and froze. Isabella said, "One tomato soup to go, please."

In an instant, the owner broke into a hearty laugh. "It's you, kiddo!"

It had been quite some time since Isabella graduated, and being called "kiddo" again made her feel a little awkward.

A beat later, the owner asked, "Just one order? Where's your boyfriend? So, are you two still dating or already married?"

He went on with a grin, "I remember you two so well. You make such a beautiful couple. I used to think your kids would be stunning. Tell me, do you have any yet? A boy or a girl?"

Isabella was speechless. Every question left her tongue-tied.

At last, with the owner waiting expectantly, she made something up. "No. We broke up after graduation. I'm married now, with twins. A boy and a girl. Besides, my husband's better-looking than him."

The owner stared at her, stunned. Then, he let out a heavy sigh. "What a shame… I practically watched you two grow up together."

"You only saw us for three years," Isabella thought.

The owner added, "But that's fine. Life is full of bittersweet regrets. Next time, bring your husband and kids along. Let them try my cooking."