Chapter 474

"Nathaniel, I've noticed something different about you lately. You've become so distant with me. Why were you with Harrison last night?"

"I tried to get close to you earlier, and you pushed me away. You want Harrison but won't even touch me. Am I really not as attractive as she is?"

The dim lighting cast shadows across Nathaniel's chiseled features, making his expression unreadable. "My patience isn't endless. If you don't show me the crystal pendant soon, I—"

"Here!"

Isabella produced the pendant with a dramatic flourish.

Nathaniel froze. There was no mistaking it - the distinctive Falcon family heirloom, one of a kind.

This was his pendant.

The girl who had saved him all those years ago... It had been Isabella all along.

Her voice trembled with hurt. "I've kept this all these years. It kills me to see how you've changed. How could you doubt me? Did Harrison say something? Did she claim she was your savior?"

"That scheming little— I pitied her and let her stay with us. When I told Mother about saving you, she must have overheard. She stole my story."

"If not for this pendant proving the truth, would you have believed her lies? A few words from her made you question everything between us?"

The revelation hit Nathaniel like a physical blow. The girl was Isabella.

Holding the pendant, Nathaniel couldn't identify the emotions churning inside him. Disappointment. Loss.

Somewhere deep, he'd hoped Harrison was the one.

His heart had already begun choosing Harrison.

And in doing so, he'd wounded Isabella.

She thrust the pendant into his hands, eyes blazing. "We're through."

Nathaniel blinked. "Isabella—"

"I loved you with everything I had, but you've broken my heart too many times. It's over! My life isn't tied to yours anymore. Go be with Harrison. Pretend I never saved you."

She dressed quickly and stormed out.

Nathaniel stood motionless, watching her disappear down the hall. Then he moved, chasing after her.

He caught her on the staircase, gripping her arm. "Isabella, listen."

She covered her ears. "No! I won't hear it! You've shattered me, Nathaniel. All your promises—forgotten."

Torn, he gently turned her to face him. "I'm sorry."

Her tear-filled eyes searched his face. "Do you still want us?"

Memories flooded him—vows made, oaths sworn. Isabella was his girl.

Nathaniel nodded. "Yes."

Tears spilled down Isabella's cheeks as relief washed over her. She threw herself against his chest. "I knew you still loved me."

Nathaniel's expression remained conflicted, emotions warring beneath the surface.

She whispered urgently, "But you can't keep wavering between us. You must choose, or we all get hurt. You've chosen me now. You won't change your mind?"

Several heartbeats passed before Nathaniel gave a firm nod. "I won't."

"Good." Hope colored her voice. "Then we'll be together forever."

In that moment, Nathaniel knew the triangle had to end. No more distractions from Harrison. Isabella deserved his full devotion.

Slowly, deliberately, he wrapped his arms around her.

The choice was made.