Seduction In Ink

Chapter 40

The Weight of Consequences

Tyler sat at the kitchen table, his laptop open, the screen filled with details for the upcoming investor meeting. The lovely sunrise decorated the horizon, contrasting with his internal strain. This meeting was crucial—a chance to counter the damaging rumors and salvage his reputation and the company's.

Sighing heavily, Tyler looked across the table at Isabela, sipping her coffee. "Love, I think you should come with me to the meeting," he suggested, his tone more pleading than intended. "Cebu is beautiful, and maybe getting away would do you some good."

Isabela shook her head, her resolve evident. "Tyler, Maybe I should remain here," she replied firmly. "Our being together could reignite the scandal, and I don't want to risk making things worse for you. Additionally, you should concentrate on the meeting rather than me."

Tyler's heart sank at her refusal, though he couldn't argue with her reasoning. "I understand," he said softly, trying to mask the unease that tightened his chest. "Just... promise me you'll be careful while I'm gone. There are still people out there who want to see us suffer, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

Isabela gave him a reassuring smile and reached for his hand. "Don't worry, I'll be fine," she said gently. "And Zek is here."

Tyler nodded, glancing at Zek, who had just walked in, bleary-eyed but alert. "Zek, could you watch her while I'm away?"

Zek, though taken aback, gave a quick nod. "Of course, Tyler. You can count on me," Despite weariness, he spoke steadily.

Tyler breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it," he said, patting Zek's shoulder.

Tyler left the apartment feeling uneasy, but knowing Isabela was in good care helped. Still, something gnawed at the back of his mind—something he couldn't quite place.

***

Hours passed, and the apartment felt eerily quiet. Isabela sat curled up on the sofa, her phone in hand, her heart sinking as hateful messages flashed across the screen. The online abuse, spurred by Allysa's malicious accusations, seemed never-ending. Her fingers lingered above a nasty statement, and she felt tears coming. Each message was a fresh wound, cutting deeper than the last.

She scrolled through the flood of negativity, her chest tightening with every word. Despite the hostility, one statement stuck out, a soft, confidential message.

"Isabela, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You don't deserve the hate. Just remember, not everyone believes the lies. Stay strong."

For a moment, the kindness of the message washed over her like a balm. She wasn't alone. Even among strangers, there was someone who cared. The tears that had been threatening to fall finally spilled over, but this time, they were mixed with a strange sense of relief.

"Isabela, are you okay?"

Zek's voice pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced up at him, sitting across the room, hunched over his laptop. His eyes were tired and his posture tight from screen time. It made her feel guilty. Despite his business background, Zek had sacrificed time for her.

"Why don't you take a break?" she suggested, trying to hide her exhaustion. "You've been working for hours."

Zek offered her a tired smile. "I'm fine," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

Isabela's heart softened at his concern. Despite his struggles, Zek looked out for her. She bit her lip, debating whether to bring up what had been weighing on her mind.

"Zek... I've been thinking," she began, her voice hesitant. "You've been so kind to me, and I appreciate it. But... I feel like there's something you're not telling me."

Zek's eyes widened, and for a moment, he was speechless. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss. After years of suppression, the truth demanded recognition.

"I... Isabela, I—" Zek's voice caught in his throat as he struggled to form the words.

Isabela chuckled uneasily, ignoring his question. "Never mind, forget I said anything. I just... I don't want things to get weird between us."

But it was too late. The words had been spoken, and the air between them had shifted. Zek's heart pounded in his chest, guilt and feelings swirling in a chaotic storm. He couldn't hold it in anymore.

"I've admired you for a long time, Isabela," he exclaimed, his voice trembling with vulnerability. "And... I think I've developed feelings for you."

Isabela's heart raced, her mind spinning as she processed his confession. "Zek... I..." she stammered, but before she could find the words, Zek leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was fleeting but electrifying. Shock coursed through Isabela, and she pushed him away, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"What are you doing, Zek?" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger and confusion. "I'm Tyler's girlfriend! How could you do this?"

Zek recoiled, his face contorting with regret. "I'm sorry, Isabela," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "I don't know what came over me."

Isabela didn't respond. She bolted from the room, leaving Zek transfixed by his actions.

As she closed the bedroom door, Zek was left alone with his shame, his treachery weighing on him. His mind raced with the consequences of what he had just done, but no amount of remorse could undo it. He had crossed a line, and there was no going back.