Toxic

Chapter 3

A week later, Isabella was dressing up for a date. As she slipped into her elegant dress, her mind wandered to Chris, but she tried hard to push him out of her thoughts. Her reverie was broken when Courtney came up behind her, admiring her outfit.

"You look stunning," Courtney said with a grin. "Now, I know he's 34, but he's a cardiothoracic surgeon."

"Please stop making me nervous," Isabella replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Courtney laughed softly. "What he's amazing, successful... I know he's not a scumbag, and that should count for something."

Isabella's smile faded as thoughts of Chris crept back into her mind. Sensing the shift, Courtney quickly apologized. "Okay, I'm sorry. Sorry! Please don't be upset."

Isabella sighed, trying to regain her composure. "How does he even know me?"

Courtney explained, "Well, last month he saw you at the fundraiser with me. Ever since then, he's been asking for your number... but you kept denying it, so I didn't give it to him."

Isabella took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But I'm still nervous."

Courtney gave her a reassuring hug. "You'll be great. Just be yourself, and remember, you deserve someone who appreciates you."

Isabella nodded, feeling a bit more confident as she finished getting ready for her date.

At the restaurant, Isabella met Dr. James Collins, a handsome 34-year-old man with a warm smile and striking blue eyes. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his athletic build was evident beneath his well-tailored suit.

They settled into their seats and began to talk, sharing stories about their lives and interests. As they ordered food, Isabella felt her nervousness creeping in, her hands fidgeting slightly.

James noticed and asked, "What is it? Is it because I'm ten years older than you, or...?"

Isabella smiled, shaking her head. "No, that doesn't bother me. I'm just not used to being on a date. It's been a year."

James laughed, a sound that put her at ease. "Well, me too. I've been divorced for two years, and this is my first date since then."

"Okay, now I'm even more nervous," Isabella replied with a nervous laugh.

They continued their dinner, the conversation flowing more comfortably as the night went on. By the time they finished, Isabella felt a genuine connection forming between them.

Outside her apartment building, they stood together, the night air cool and crisp. As they bid each other goodnight, Isabella hesitated before speaking. "I know it's soon, but can I ask why you got divorced?"

James looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "It's okay. Well, I was busy with my career and kind of neglected my wife. We grew apart, and she ended up having an affair."

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked," Isabella said, feeling guilty.

James shook his head. "It's okay. I've tried to change myself since then."

Isabella took his face in her hands and kissed him gently. "It's not just your fault."

James smiled and kissed her back. "So, I think another date is on the cards, then?"

Isabella giggled. "Definitely."

They bid each other goodbye, both feeling hopeful for what the future might bring.

Isabella walked into the lift with a smile on her face.

Just as the doors were about to close, a hand stopped them. The doors opened, and Chris stepped in. He moved straight toward her, and Isabella couldn't speak, just stared as he walked up to her and pressed himself against her. His hands slid to her hips, then moved down and inside her thighs under her dress.

She stopped him, and he moved away, standing next to her. "I'm dating," Isabella spoke.

Chris cut her off, "I saw. I'll give him a two out of ten for his kiss. I can tell him how you like it if you want."

Isabella's eyes filled with tears. "Stop it."

Chris continued, "When we first met, you were so eager to get in my bed, remember?"

Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Please, stop it. Why are you here?"

Chris laughed, "Don't worry, I'm not here for you. I like your red-haired neighbor. She so hot. Just here to bang her soul out of her body."

Isabella's face filled with anger as the lift reached her floor. She walked to her apartment, and Chris followed. Just as she was about to get inside, she turned her head. Chris knocked on her neighbor's door. The door opened, and he went in.