Nemesis, I'm not yours | COMPLETED.

Chapter Twenty Four

Isla

I'm angry at Xavy... I mean, Mr. King. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. If you don't get why I'm doing this, it's probably because I am trying to convince myself to hate him. I can hate literally any guy because they have big red flags, but for Xavier, I just plain hate him because he doesn't want me to work. Like seriously, I don't want to marry a sexist. Even if he is so sexy and handsome, or he is my childhood crush. Never. Will. I. Forgive. Him.

"Isla, I'm sorry if I said anything that hurt you. I just want you to forget about work for this week. At least while we are here," he says, his voice soft and apologetic.

See, he is just perfect. Any guy I know other than him would have so much ego to even say sorry. I ignore him and walk over to my bedroom, shutting and locking the door. I could catch up on sleep now. That's what I did.

I wake up to the sound of a gentle knock on the door. "Isla, it's me. Can we talk?"

I groan and sit up, my hair a mess. I don't want to talk to him, but I know we need to. Reluctantly, I get up and open the door.

Xavier stands there, looking genuinely remorseful. "I didn't mean to upset you. I know how important your work is to you. I just... I want us to enjoy this time together without any distractions."

I sigh, my anger dissipating slightly. "It's not just about the work, Xavier. It's about you understanding and respecting my passion for it. I can't just turn it off."

He nods, stepping closer. "I get that now. And I'm sorry for making you feel like I don't respect that. I do. I really do. Can we try to find a balance? I want to support you, Isla. In everything."

His words melt the last of my resolve. "Fine," I say, my voice softer. "But if you ever try to make me choose between you and my work again, it won't end well."

"Deal," he says with a smile, pulling me into a hug. "I promise I won't make that mistake again."

I hug him back, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "Good," I murmur. "Because I really do want to make this work."

He pulls back slightly, looking into my eyes. "Me too. More than anything."

I smile, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "Let's just take it one step at a time."

"Agreed," he says, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "One step at a time."

This man is going to be the death of me.

"I've made dinner for the two of us. Come on," he says as he drags me to the dining room. The dining room has a freaking candle-lit dinner, self-made by none other than my Xavy. If I was a cat, I think I'd be on my last life. Like for real, he doesn't cease to surprise me. We sit down and eat until I drop my knife. Xavy, being the gentleman he is, gets down to pick up the knife. NO. Completely wrong. He gets down to propose. Freaking propose.

"Isla Frost, the moment I saw you in the café, there was some attraction, but I was blinded by hate for you. You bring out the best in me and the worst in me. Around you, I can't seem to have control of my emotions, and without you, I can't think of anything other than you. Will you make me the happiest man and marry me so my mind and heart can be at ease that you are mine?"

The heck?! That was so cheesy. Sorry, Xavy... I'm going to make you beg. I get up and walk away.

"Isla, I'm sorry. I just thought you'd accept. It's okay. You don't have to give me a reply right now."

Man, this guy is literally going to be the death of me. Might as well give him what he wants.

"Mr. King, please keep your distance. I have a fiancé."

Xavier looks at me as if I betrayed him. "Fiancé?"

I nod. "My Xavy... He proposed to me and I am his fiancée. I would like you to keep your distance because I don't want him to get the wrong idea."

The corner of his lips curls up into a smile, filling my stomach with butterflies. He grabs my hand and carries me bridal style into the living room. He lays me on the sofa. "It's alright, Isla. Xavier is more than pleased to know that you are his."

I raise an eyebrow. "His?"

"Yeah, he also wants me to say that he is yours." He smiles and then kisses me, a kiss filled with love and passion. I just love the man who kissed me.