Husband With Benefits
Chapter 416: Confessions

Chapter 416: Confessions

As Isabella leaned into him, the realization that Ian was here for her, that he had somehow found his way to her, was overwhelming. The floodgates of emotions she had tried so hard to dam broke free, tears streaming down her cheeks, not just from fear or surprise, but from a well of feelings too complex to name. Yet, in the safety of Ian’s embrace, surrounded by his warmth and the undeniable reality of his presence, she found a sense of peace she hadn’t known she could have.

Unable to help himself, Ian patted her back and teased her," Ahh, now you cry like a baby.What happened to all that ’I’m breaking up with you’ stiffness?"

And in that moment, she remembered the threat that Emerald had given her. Hurriedly, she scrambled off his lap and wiped her tears, without daring to look at him," You need to go. I told you already that we are breaking up? Why did you come here then? Is it your ego that is hurt because I broke up with you? If that is the case, then go ahead and you break up with me."

"We are not breaking up." Ian said coolly as he looked at the girl who’d been crying in his arms a moment ago.

"We’ve already broken up." Isabella answered, unable to keep the tremor out of her voice.

The air crackled with tension as Isabella finally glared at Ian, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. Ian, on the other hand, maintained his composure, his expression calm and determined, as if he was not discussing anything more important than the weather.

Isabella crossed her arms in a defensive stance as she retorted, "Ian, we can’t just ignore the fact that I ended things. I meant it."

Ian sighed," No you didn’t. And that is the problem. If you’d ended things honestly, I wouldn’t be here. But you are hiding something. And trying to push me away. That doesn’t work on me Isabella."

She scoffed, a mixture of anger and hurt in her voice. "Oh, so now you’re going to decide if I’m honest or not?"

Ian sighed and pushed up his glass with a mutter or irritation,’I did not come here to pick a fight with you. So stop that."

"Well, then, what did you come here for? Did you think I would welcome you when I have specifically told you that I have no interest in you? Nothing changes the fact that we’re broken up."

Finally, Ian sighed and covered her mouth with his hand,"Get it through your head, Isabella Ruffalo. I love you, and you love me. So, we cannot break up."

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Isabella stared at Ian, her wide eyes searching his face for any sign of uncertainty. Ian, maintaining his calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to process his words as he removed his hand from her mouth.

Slowly, as if trying to grasp the reality of the situation, Isabella questioned, her voice barely a whisper, "You love me?"

Ian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. His hand now cupping her face as he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "That’s what I said, doll. I love you."

Isabella’s eyes widened even further, almost as if they would fall out, as disbelief and confusion swirled in their depths. Her mind raced, trying to reconcile Ian’s declaration with everything...

"I... I love you?" she stammered the question hesitantly.

Any other man would have hesitated or doubted himself at her question. But this was Ian. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes with a hint of exasperation in his expression. "Isabella, why are you changing factual statements into questions? Yes, you love me. That’s a fact."

Isabella’s brows furrowed as she tried to process the revelation. The weight of her own emotions and the unexpected turn of events left her grappling. Was she dreaming? Had she somehow slipped into some alternate reality?

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice a mix of vulnerability and curiosity.

Ian let out a dramatic sigh and repeated her question, "Why?" and then grinned mischievously, as he raised his fingers to count, pretending to misunderstand her, "Oh, let me count the reasons, Isabella. You love me because I am undeniably handsome, I always care for you, I have a great sense of humor, and let’s not forget, I’m exceptional in bed. Plus, I’m an incredible cook, a patient listener, a skilled dancer, and I can recite Shakespeare in my sleep. That is the most important point. What’s not to love in me, doll?"

He raised an eyebrow playfully as Isabella’s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and amusement before she broke out into a chuckle with tears still streaming down her face. Unable to understand herself, she threw her arms around Ian and buried her face in his neck," You doofus. You’re right. I do love you."

"I know. You’re too smart not to. But I still like it when you say it. I love you Isabella Ruffalo, for all your eccentricities, your naughtiness, your determination even your silly stubbornness that you’ve been displaying for the past few days. Did you know that your smile can make the darkest day brighter than the sunlight?"

Isabella moved back and looked at him with wide eyes as he smiled down at her," I bet you didn’t know that. Isi baby, you’re not just someone I love, you’re someone I admire and respect. You bring out the best in me, and I want to be the person who brings out the best in you, too. So, no matter what challenges come our way, I’m here for you, and I love you for all that you are. Okay? From now on, there would be no talks about breaking up."

It was as if someone had doused water on her. Isabella bit her lip as she looked at Ian, wondering if she should tell him about Emerald but worried about it. She knew he could handle things... and it was so tempting to lean on him...

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