Tuesday afternoon.
Isabelle was walking toward the conference room when she saw Clara leaning casually against the doorway, a smile that made her blood boil.
"Hello, Isabelle," Clara said sweetly, tilting her head. "I was just talking to Marco about the new project."
Isabelle felt her chest tighten. "Oh… really?" she asked, her voice measured, calm—but her eyes were sharp.
Marco, who was standing nearby reviewing documents, looked up immediately. He noticed the tension and moved toward Isabelle without hesitation.
"Isabelle," he said softly, slipping his hand into hers. "Everything okay?"
Clara's eyes flicked between them, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Oh, don't mind me," she said lightly. "I just thought… maybe Marco and I could discuss the project… privately."
Isabelle's grip on Marco's hand tightened slightly. "Marco?" she asked, almost daring him to answer.
Marco turned to Clara, his expression firm, controlled. "Clara… the project can be discussed here, in the team meeting. There's no need for a private discussion."
Clara's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it. "Of course… I just thought you'd want to go over it one-on-one," she said, voice syrupy.
Marco stepped closer to Isabelle, subtly shielding her with his presence. "Isabelle is part of this project too," he said clearly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We all work together. That's final."
Isabelle felt her heart swell—pride, relief, and a little admiration. Marco was finally taking a stand—not just in words, but in action.
Clara blinked, realizing he wasn't budging. "Alright… as you say," she said, finally backing away toward the other side of the room, though her eyes lingered on them, plotting.
Once Clara left, Isabelle let out a shaky breath, her shoulders relaxing for the first time in minutes.
"Thank you," she whispered, leaning slightly against him.
Marco brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'm not going to let her interfere in what's ours," he said firmly. "Not here, not anywhere."
Isabelle smiled softly. "I know. And… I'm glad. I just needed to see it—hear it—feel it."
"I'll make sure you always do," Marco said, his hand holding hers tightly.
They walked together into the meeting room, side by side, heads high, projecting confidence and unity.
And though Clara was still watching from afar, Isabelle knew something important had shifted.
Marco wasn't just promising love anymore—he was defending it.
And in that moment, Isabelle realized: she could trust him not just with her heart, but with standing by her when the world—or anyone—tried to interfere.
Because love wasn't only about quiet moments and whispered promises.
Sometimes… it was about taking a stand.
And Marco… Marco had done just that.