Choices We Make

28.

Time definitely wasn't in Isabella's favour.

It flew too fast. Seconds turned into minutes, hours turned into days and it was a couple of days before Sabrina's wedding. With work preoccupying most of the time, the wedding also adding a few stressful moments on Isabella.

Most of the time she spent was alone cramped in the office or her bedroom. She avoided any unnecessary meeting with Olivia or Cassie. It's not like she didn't want to see them — hell, her whole body ached from the need of being closer to either of the woman.

But she kept herself strictly away. Olivia was easier to avoid understanding that she quit the company after the final settlement between Mr. Avery. They were unsuccessful at getting a deal. Just like Isabella predicted.

SharkCorp is too small to even look that way.

Cassie on the other hand was much harder to hide from. Noting that wedding planning was their both responsibility and Sabrina made them promise nothing will ruin her wedding. Not even a big bomb Isabella threw at the dinner party.

Talking about dinner.

Isabella was still buzzing with relapses of that evening. Her father gave the deadline till Sabrina's wedding to tell if she's ready to take over the Carlisle empire wheel. A big decision she's yet to think of.

It was clear to say she was frustrated with herself.

Three choices in one day.

Cassie or Olivia. But it also dawned to Isabella that taking her father proposition also meant moving back to Manchester. The main headquarters of Carlisle Enterprise was located there — being president of the company meant relocating there.

She was happy living here in Seattle. Well, was happy before all turmoil between them happened and she feels haunted by every corner of the city.

Isabella sighed, scolding herself for getting into this huge mess. Why can't she just live happily? Without fear of losing someone — without fear of making a bad decision. Choosing either of the girls will have consequences.

And it pains Isabella knowing she will lose one of them no matter the decision.

She raised head when Harry's bedroom doors opened, his stony expression wobbling into a surprised one. Was it too late to say Isabella has been avoiding Harry too?

"Bella," he breathes out. "You're actually home... and not drunk?"

Isabella's face twitched into a grimace. "I'm exhausted to even drink."

"Long week? I almost saw you in these past weeks. How have you been?"

"Manageable."

"Very elaborative answer."

"I tried," Isabella jabbed back sarcastically. She leaned back into the couch, kicking feet onto the couch fully. "I'm fine, Harry. I know Olivia filled you in with my father and other shit."

"Shit? Do you usually call other people feeling shit?"

"Geez, Harry, don't get all judgemental with me. You know what I mean by that. Past few months of my life remind literally a dumpster. A fucking mess."

"You have two girls waiting for your goddamn answer, Bella. Sorry not sorry, but it's not my fault. Whose? Yours. We've told you: me and Sabrina millions of times about Olivia not being over you. Hence, all the teasing."

Isabella shrunk in the couch deeper, hiding face behind the cushion. She wasn't ready to hear the truth, but knowing Harry there's no other choice than stay rotten in the spot and listen. Doesn't matter if you like it or not, he's going to tell the harsh truth.