Reprisal

Chapter 6 : Disarmed

Foxen was ecstatic when Isabel and Christopher informed him that they were agreed on living in Wilder Mansion after marriage. He happily announced a feast but Christopher excused, humbly stopping him from ordering the servants.

“Maybe some other day. Right now, I want to take Isabel out on a dinner with your permission.”

Isabel was surprised. Both at his chivalrous nature and desire to take her out because she also had planned a surprise for him as it was his birthday.

Foxen gave a chortle. “You truly are a gentleman young man!” - he said genially. “But you don't have to take my permission, go enjoy yourselves!”

Isabel excitedly ran upstairs to quickly get ready for the dinner.

“Aiden is nowhere to be seen...” - Christopher wondered, looking around.

Foxen sighed. “He stormed out when I told him that I have decided to get you and Isabel married.”

A frown appeared on Christopher's forehead. “I have a feeling he hates me. I don't know why...”

Foxen waved away his worry with the shake of his head. “He is just hotheaded, that's all. Will come around eventually.”

Before Christopher could reply, Isabel's telltale clicking of heels on the marble diverted his attention. His head turned towards the staircase only to be arrested by her beauty.

Isabel had now changed into black — to coordinate with him, he was sure of it. She was simply dressed in black oversized cable knit turtleneck sweater over black jeans. It were her black ankle-high boots that were making that noise but completed her look all the same. Her lips still a deep shade of red brought an automatic smile on his face. He had guessed right. She was fond of red lip tints.

Grinning, Isabel came to stand beside Christopher. Totally enjoying his blown away reaction.

Christopher smiled at Foxen. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Wilder. I'll drop Isabel back in a couple of hours.”

Foxen smiled. “Start practice of calling me Dad now.”

Christopher stilled. Foxen raised his eyebrows at not getting any response even after several moments. Isabel's smile dimmed as well becoming conscious.

“Christopher...” - she touched his arm, making him blink as if he had been lost in thoughts. Just as she was about to assure him that he was not bound to call Foxen ‘dad’, he smiled.

“Sorry, I just...” - Christopher's voice shook that worried Isabel. “You are aware that I am alone in this world, Mr. Wilder. So it all is overwhelming.”

Isabel's heart melted. Her eyes welling up with tears. He was just so pure. When she had been digging information about him, she had gotten to know he didn't have a family but had no idea he felt that lonely.

Foxen stepped forward and held Christopher by the shoulders. “From today, you are not alone. We are a family now and you can always count on me.”

Christopher smiled and hugged Foxen tightly. “Thank you.”

Isabel smiled through the tears and wiped the corner of her eyes.

They bade Foxen bye and walked out. The driveway was a chilly affair, making Isabel smile as she was dressed accordingly. Although, she was surprised that Christopher was not feeling cold despite being in just pant shirt.

“Not that I mind, but may I know why the sudden offer to dine out ?” - she asked, her eyes alight with mischief.

Apart from teasing him, she wanted to know how HE felt about her. Was the dinner a date ? Was he going to confess he also had feelings for her ? Because whatever took place at the office and back home, he still didn't say he loved her.