My Toxin

Chapter 23: Morning Confessions and Bitter Truths

Alex woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. He blinked, still groggy, and then felt a weight on his chest. Glancing down, he saw Isabella nestled against him, her bare skin warm against his. Memories of the night before rushed back—flashes of laughter, dancing, and the heated passion that had led them here.

He sighed quietly, feeling a mix of satisfaction and a twinge of regret. As much as he enjoyed the night, the lingering thought of Marjorie nagged at him, reminding him that his feelings were far from resolved.

Sensing his shift in mood, Isabella stirred and looked up at him with a sleepy smile. "Good morning," she murmured, her accent wrapping around the words like a soft melody.

"Morning," Alex replied, trying to keep his tone light. But something in his eyes must have given him away because Isabella's smile faded slightly.

"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" she asked, her voice gentle but direct.

Alex hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah... I guess I am. It's complicated."

Isabella sat up, pulling the sheets around her as she leaned back against the headboard. "Alex, listen," she began, her tone more serious now. "I had a feeling this might come up, so I want to be straight with you."

He turned to face her, curiosity and apprehension mingling in his chest. "What do you mean?"

She took a deep breath, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm not the relationship type. I've never been one to settle down with just one person. I'm too free-spirited for that—there's too much to see, too much to experience. I'm here for a good time, not a long time."

Alex absorbed her words, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. "So, you're saying you're not looking for anything serious?"

"Exactly," Isabella confirmed, her eyes softening. "And I've noticed the way you and Marjorie look at each other. There's something unresolved between you two, something that's not going to go away just because we had a fun night. I'm not after your heart, Alex. relax"

Alex let out a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding. "Honestly, that's a relief to hear. I'm not ready for anything serious either, especially not with everything going on with Marjorie. I'm just trying to have some fun."

Isabella smiled, her playful demeanour returning. "Then let's have some fun, no complications. Just two people enjoying each other's company."

"Deal," Alex agreed, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. With the air cleared, the two shared a lighthearted kiss before Isabella rolled out of bed, stretching languidly.

"By the way," she said, glancing around for her clothes. "I think I left my phone in my purse downstairs. My friends are probably wondering where I disappeared last night."

Alex chuckled, watching as she gathered her things. "You better go reassure them before they send out a search party."

Isabella laughed, pulling on her dress from the night before. "They're used to my disappearing acts, don't worry, they have my location at all times, I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."

She winked at him before slipping out of the room, Alex laughed at her playfulness enjoying how easy things were with Isabella.

As Isabella descended the stairs, she ran into Marjorie, who was just emerging from the living room, looking hungover. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her expression was sour as she took in the sight of Isabella, fresh from Alex's room.

"Oh, good morning," Isabella greeted cheerfully, her tone polite but not overly warm.

Marjorie narrowed her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Morning."