Reprisal

Chapter 24 : Normalcy Is Beautiful

Standing by the glass wall of her cabin, absentmindedly looking at the tall buildings of Toronto, was Isabel. It was half past 2 in the afternoon and the sun was moving towards the west to set.

Knock. Knock.

“Yes ?” - she permitted the knocker without taking her eyes off the view.

“May I come in, ma'am ?”

Her lips automatically curved into a smile. She turned her head to meet eyes with Christopher who was stood at the door, half inside, with a goofy smile on face.

“You are my boss. You don't need my permission.” - she said now fully turning in his direction, her arms folded over her chest.

He grinned and made his way towards her. “That's for the office. But in actual, you are my boss.” - he said, holding her by the elbows.

Her heart melted. It still felt unreal having that power over Christopher Watson. Someone so closed off and reserved. Someone who had taken six months to finally notice her in that way and her jumping off the building to accept her love.

He unfolded her arms and intertwined both their hands together. “What's the matter, Isabel ? I observed you were off throughout the day. You were also zoned out in all the meetings...” - he softly asked. His tone loving and concerned.

Her smile faltered a little. She was upset over everything that happened in the morning. That's what she had been thinking stood by the glass also.

“You are disturbed over the morning's events, aren't you ?” - he guessed softly.

She heaved a sigh, her shoulders sagging. “Yeah. I am.”

“Everything will be fine. I know you're worried about Dad and the company but believe me-”

“What ? No...” - she stopped him mid-sentence with a frown. “That's not it, Chris. I'm not worried for the company or Dad because I know you will handle it smoothly and everything will be black to how it was.”

It was his turn to frown. “Then what has you so upset ?”

“Aiden.” - she replied. The name leaving a bitter taste on her tongue. “I can't get the way he behaved with you out of my head. The image of him holding your collar is stuck in my brain and it's making my blood boil. I had transferred my everything on your name, making you his equal so that he won't be able to misbehave with you. But that didn't happen and that's why I'm upset over the whole matter because I had assured you that you won't be disrespected by my family and I feel like I'm failing at it.” - she had tears of frustration in the eyes, looking agitated at everything and everyone.

~

Christopher's heart broke. How he wished he could tell her that whatever was happening was on his own will, that he wanted the things to be that way.

Pulling her closer by their joined hands, he held her left hand over his heart, making her look into his eyes.

“You are not failing, Isabel. You will never. Because you failing would mean I failed. In keeping you protected. In making you happy.” - he uttered those words with softness and honesty. “Are you happy with me ?” - his question was deep. Tone holding dread and nervousness.

“Of course I am, Chris. This time, with you, is the best time of my life.” - she assured through moist but honest eyes.

A genuine and real smile graced his handsome features. He pulled her even closer, squeezing her hand over his heart.

“Then I won. If you are happy, I am contented. Which means, you are succeeding not failing.” - he said, bringing out a smile on her face at last.

She moved forward and placed her head on his clavicle, breathing into his neck. He secured his arms around her and her eyes fluttered shut. There was a strange calmness in his embrace, a warmth, a love so fierce that raced her heart and calmed it down at once.