The silence in Café House seemed deafening.
Isabella still stood between Alexander and Dante, her heart racing, feeling the curious gazes of the customers on her back.
"Enough," she said firmly, even though her voice trembled. "I won't be the cause of a ridiculous fight."
She grabbed her bag and turned toward the door, ignoring their stares.
Alexander followed her immediately.
"Isabella, wait!"
Dante, on the other hand, just leaned against the counter, crossing his arms with a satisfied smile, as if he knew he'd already planted the seed of doubt in her heart.
Outside, Isabella was breathing deeply, trying to calm her body.
Alexander reached for her, his expression serious but softened with concern.
"Isabella, I'm sorry about that. I... I didn't want you to see that side."
"That side?" she asked, her eyes still wide. "Alexander, you know each other. What's going on?" What did he mean about "that night"?
Alexander looked away for a moment, taking a deep breath before looking back at her.
"Dante is… someone from my past. Someone who lives in a world I'd rather leave behind."
"That didn't answer my question," Isabella replied firmly.
He hesitated, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"There are things about me I can't simply explain in front of a crowded café. But I swear, Isabella… nothing he says changes who I am now."
She stared at him silently, trying to decipher his sincerity.
The elegant, sophisticated Alexander seemed charged with something much deeper… and hidden.
Before she could respond, a deep voice echoed behind them:
"That's what he does, Isabella. Always with half-truths, always hiding what he doesn't want you to know."
Dante approached, hands in his pockets, his gaze provocative.
"But I'm not like that." I don't pretend to be Prince Charming. I am who I am. And I won't disappear from your life.
Isabella took a step back, her heart pounding.
Alexander immediately stood beside her, firm, as if forming a barrier.
"You're not going to drag her into your world, Dante."
Dante laughed, shaking his head.
"Who said I need to? Maybe she wants to take a step into the shadows herself."
The silence grew heavy. Isabella clutched her bag to her chest, feeling like her life was about to be turned upside down again.
Two completely different men... and both seemed determined to fight for her.