Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Christopher carried Isabella into his room and gently laid her on the bed.

Isabella was still feeling dizzy and uncomfortably warm. Her hair, resembling seaweed, spread out on the pillow, and she tugged restlessly at her robe.

After soaking in the hot spring earlier, Isabella's cheeks were flushed, enhancing her allure.

Christopher looked down at her, feeling a sudden reaction in his body.

"It's so hot…" Isabella murmured, sinking into the soft bedding. Her consciousness felt like it was soaked in warm water, and a soft moan escaped her lips, carrying a hint of desire.

To Christopher, it felt like an unspoken invitation. He felt his breath catch for a moment.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he knelt on the bed, reaching out to gently cradle her head before kissing her.

Christopher's lips pressed fervently against Isabella's, not too hard but undeniably hot.

Isabella felt her lips burning under his touch.

She opened her eyes in a daze, the room illuminated by a soft, warm light, making it hard to see clearly.

Fighting the pain in her head, Isabella squinted to see the person in front of her. "Why do you look like Christopher?"

Christopher paused at her words, then fixed his gaze on her slightly dazed eyes.

In the next second, he reached out to touch her forehead, only for Isabella to instinctively slap his hand away.

"I can't stand your face," Isabella's soft voice whispered in Christopher's ear. "I hate your face the most."

If she hadn't been bewitched by this face, her grandmother, already terminally ill, wouldn't have spent her final days worrying.

Her grandmother had left this world filled with regret.

A tear rolled down Isabella's cheek as she weakly pushed Christopher away.

But her hands were suddenly grabbed forcefully by him.

Christopher exerted some strength to pull her up, bringing their faces inches apart.

Christopher's face was visibly angry. He lightly pinched her chin, his eyes as cold as winter ice.

"What did you say? Say it again."

Isabella's body temperature was high, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes, as she instinctively pushed him away. "I hate you… I hate you!"

"You hate me that much?" Christopher clearly wasn't planning to let her go.

His hand moved from her chin to the back of her head, then he leaned in to silence her words with another kiss.

His overwhelming presence was suffocating, and Isabella couldn't break free no matter how hard she resisted.

But it was like a switch had been flipped in Christopher. He pushed Isabella down onto the bed, pressing his body against hers, his long legs slightly bent, his hands moving to her chest to knead.

Isabella struggled desperately, but soon passed out.

Christopher lifted his head from her chest, frowning as he touched her forehead, realizing her face was unusually hot.

Christopher cursed under his breath, then made a phone call, giving a few quick instructions.

After hanging up, he stood by the bed, looking down at the now unconscious Isabella.

Her neck and chest were slightly exposed, revealing smooth, warm skin.

In the soft light from the bedside lamp, she exuded a delicate fragrance.

It was the same scent that had lingered on his lips and tongue moments ago.

Christopher's eyes darkened as he remembered the month they had spent together.

They had been tangled up like this every night, often ending with her in tears, submitting to him.

In the heat of the moment, she would call his name, her voice warm and broken, pleading with him.

Christopher couldn't quite understand how they had ended up in this situation.

He remembered Isabella storming out of a dinner party in a fit of anger before suddenly disappearing.

If anyone should be angry, it should be him.

Christopher walked over to the sofa, poured himself half a glass of cold water, trying to quell the fire in his throat and heart.

But it didn't help much. He ended up lighting a cigarette to calm down.

Just then, the doctor arrived, giving Isabella a quick examination and some medication. "It's just a common fever. Check her temperature again in three hours. If it goes down, she'll be fine."

The doctor had served the Harrison family for years. He didn't know Isabella, but being called over at this hour by Christopher suggested she was important.

He hesitated for a moment, then offered, "Sir, shall I take care of her while you rest?"

"No need," Christopher refused. His gaze returned to Isabella's pretty face. "Get a room next door. I'll call you if anything comes up."

Christopher intended to watch over her personally. The doctor glanced at Isabella again, realizing her importance.

After the doctor left, Christopher took a shower. When he came out, Isabella's phone rang.

Who would be calling her at this hour?

Christopher had a guess. He walked over and checked the caller ID.

It was Benjamin.

Of course.

Without hesitation, Christopher answered the call. "Hello? What do you want?"

Benjamin had been planning to connect with Isabella today. Since he learned of Christopher's interest in her, he hadn't let go, despite his waning feelings.

After all, she might be useful in the future.

But he hadn't expected Christopher to answer the call.

Had she already gotten back with Christopher?

He distinctly remembered her being sweet and caring when they last spoke.

"Mr. Harrison?" Benjamin hesitated.

"What do you want?" Christopher raised an eyebrow, his eyes on Isabella's pretty face. "She's asleep."

It was late at night, and Christopher's words were a clear implication.

"Oh… okay…" Benjamin stammered, finally saying, "If she's asleep, then I don't need anything."

"Mr. Harrison, you should rest too."

With that, Benjamin quickly hung up.

Christopher looked at the disconnected call, a mocking smile on his lips.

This was her choice?

Her first love?

What a cheap man. He didn't even dare ask more questions.

Christopher despised Benjamin even more.

He climbed into bed and pulled Isabella into his arms.

Isabella struggled briefly in her confusion but soon fell back asleep.

"Sick and still causing trouble," Christopher muttered, pinching her cheek.

Isabella's breath hitched for a moment, her hand flailing before falling back into the covers, her cheek still tinged red from his pinch.

Christopher spent the night worrying about Isabella, but her fever broke by midnight.

When Isabella woke the next morning, finding herself in Christopher's arms, she was bewildered.

She tried to get up and escape.

Christopher, who hadn't slept well, woke up as she stirred. He pulled her back into his arms.

"Don't go. Sleep a little longer."