Nemesis, I'm not yours | COMPLETED.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Isla

Three days after our wedding, I wake up feeling groggy and not at all ready to face the day. The chilly morning air slips through the slightly open window, sending a shiver down my spine. I instinctively burrow closer to the warm body next to me, trying to escape the cold.

"Someone please close the window. It's freezing," I mumble, my voice muffled by the pillow.

I feel the pillow beneath me shift, and it takes me a second to realize that my "pillow" is actually Xavier. The memories of our wedding flood my mind, and a smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I'm married. I'm Mrs. King.

"Sweetie," Xavier's deep, sleepy voice breaks through my thoughts, "if you get off me, I can close the window."

"It's too cold," I whine, but I reluctantly let go as he gently untangles himself from me.

Xavier chuckles as he closes the window, sealing out the cold morning air. He climbs back into bed, but by now, the cozy warmth that had me clinging to sleep is gone. I sigh, giving up on the idea of going back to sleep, and slip out of bed.

Xavier watches me with concern. "Isla, is something wrong?"

I wave him off, not wanting to start the day with complaints, and head to the bathroom. A hot shower helps me shake off the last remnants of sleep, and I quickly get dressed in my work clothes. By the time I'm ready, I can smell breakfast.

I find Xavier in the kitchen, holding out a cup of coffee for me. "Are you sure you have to work today?" he asks, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Unfortunately, yes. I have a lot to catch up on," I reply, taking the coffee and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "But thank you for breakfast."

Xavier looks like he wants to protest, but he knows better than to argue with me about work. Instead, he sighs and gives me a warm smile. "Alright, but make sure to take breaks, okay?"

"I will," I promise, feeling a bit guilty as I quickly eat the breakfast he prepared before rushing out the door.

At the office, I dive straight into work. My assistant, Janet, enters my office with a stack of papers. "Janet, have the media department prepare an article about Xavier's and my marriage. We're ready to go public with it," I instruct her as I sift through the designs on my desk.

"Did you discuss this with Xavier?" she asks.

I nod, focusing on the sketches in front of me. "Yes, we talked about it. He's on board."

The day flies by in a blur of meetings and preparations for the upcoming fashion show. Ruth, the head of the company we're collaborating with, is supposed to meet with me tomorrow to finalize the details. Just as I'm wrapping up my work, Janet steps in again. "Isla, there's someone on the phone for you."

I pick up the phone, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. "This is Ebony Black," I say, using my professional name.

"Is this Ms. Frost?" a voice on the other end asks, catching me off guard. Not many people know that I'm also Isla Frost.

My guard goes up immediately. "No, this isn't her. Who's calling?"

The voice hesitates before speaking again. "I'm calling from Frost Enterprises."

My heart skips a beat. That's my family's company. "What do you want?" I ask, my tone sharp.

"Can I speak to Ms. Frost?" the voice presses.

I glance at the ring on my finger, the reminder that I'm no longer Isla Frost. "There is no Ms. Frost. I'm married. May I ask who's speaking?"

The voice changes, becoming familiar. "Isla, it's me, Noah."

My brother's voice makes me relax a little. "What do you need, Noah?"

"We want to announce your marriage. Can we?"

I lean back in my chair, considering it. "I'm fine with it, but you'll need to clear it with Xavier first. And next time, call my personal phone."

"I tried," Noah replies, sounding slightly amused. "I called you and Xavier both."

I pull out my phone and see several missed calls from Noah and Xavier. I rub my temples, feeling a little sheepish. "Sorry, I ignored them. I thought it was just Xavier."

"Trouble in paradise already?" Noah teases.

"Not exactly. He just ruined my morning sleep," I grumble.

"You and your sleep issues," Noah laughs. "Anyway, try to come over for dinner with Xavier sometime soon. We miss you, sis."

"Will do. Later, Noah," I say, ending the call.

The workday drags on until I finally clock out at 7 PM. When I open the door to my office, I'm surprised to see him leaning against the wall, waiting for me.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my frustration from the long day bleeding into my tone.