After a blissful night in each other's arms, Isabella and Charles were soon on their way back home.
They were presently driving along the route that led to the hangar where Charles's private aircraft was being kept.
Looking out the window as the trees that were being juggled by the breeze attracted her, Isabella wondered how it would feel to be in the air again.
She had barely taken note of things during her earlier trips with Charles because she was too tired.
Besides, before Charles came into her life again, it had been a while since she travelled.
It was not that she never had a reason to. A vacation just never crossed her mind while she was married to Gabriel.
Wearing a small smile instantly, Isabella began to reason about the state of her life.
She asked herself questions.
Like why she never deemed it fit to take a break from running the hotel. Or why she never thought of going for a long drive after a long week of Gabriel's terrible nagging
Definitely, she would have felt less worked up if she had done those little things.
Isabella sighed.
There was no need for regrets.
Another chance to live her life to the fullest was in front of her and she wasn't going to waste it.
She was going to make sure to enjoy every moment with Charles no matter how crazy her past was.
"What is my girl thinking of so seriously?" Charles swerved to the right when they encountered a bend in the seemingly non-ending road.
Sitting straight into the comfortable seat, Isabella wore a shy smile and replied, "Life."
"You shouldn't think so much. It will make me worried about you." His fingers tapped against the steering wheel as his voice rhythmically responded to her simple statement.
Snorting, she said, "It is just thinking.
"Exactly." Charles glanced her way before focusing on the road ahead. "I won't know what is on your mind if you think too much. And I need to be sure you are doing fine."
Solemnly, Isabella looked down at her palms and studied their lines. "I wasn't thinking about my father though. And I don't think thinking about what Uncle Ben did would make my life better so I am avoiding such thoughts."
"Hmm. At some point, you might have to face it."
"When I do, I'll just run into your arms and let you help me take my mind off it." Her face lit with a smile when her head came up. When their eyes met, Isabella scrunched her nose cutely and Charles chuckled heartily.
"My arms are open every day for you, love."
Isabella sighed again. But this time, happily.
She wondered how on earth she got so lucky that she had a man like Charles by her side.
"You don't plan to start office work soon, do you?" Charles asked.
"No, I don't. Why do you ask?"
"I need your help in selecting a new secretary."
"In that case, we have to find a male this time." Isabella stamped her statement with her fist hitting her palm. "I will make sure you get a male secretary."
A strong burst of melodious laughter escaped Charles's lips. "I can see you still don't like the idea of women being around me."
"Why would I like that?" She pouted. " You are too good-looking to be carelessly left in the midst of women. Besides..." Her arms crossed over her chest. " You should have learnt your lesson from what happened with Miss Kane."
"Hmm." He nodded slowly as his face wore a look of consideration. "You are right. Don't worry, I will also make sure to get a competent male secretary."
"Nice. Why is it taking so long to get to the hangar though?"
"We are almost there." Charles took another turn and a huge workshop-like building came into sight.
After some minutes, they were both out of the car and Charles was securing his car keys into the hands of one of the workers that were around.
After confirming that their flight was ready, Charles reached for Isabella's hand and began to walk towards the building.
"Isabella?"
"Hmm?" She held onto his arm with her other hand as she looked up at him, affection in her gaze.
"I'll make you pancakes when we get home."
She could not ignore the foxy smile on his face as he said the one statement they used in the past before things got steamy between them.
Not even thinking of complaining, Isabella returned his suggestive smile and said, "Who knows, you might be able to make some in the plane."
Charles's gorgeous face lifted with a big smile and Isabella noted the little sprouts of facial hair on his chin. "You are just never satisfied, are you?" he asked teasingly.
"Hey!" She eyed him. " It's not like you are any better. Last night you kept dragging me to the shower and then to the..." His lips fell on hers to cut her short.
"You shouldn't talk too much. Reserve your strength for later," he simply said before chuckling again. Their legs continued to walk them into the huge building, and Isabella could not restrain the pull on her lips
She indeed was a lucky woman.
~
"So, you are no longer working for your father?" Isabella asked seriously.
"I told you I was going to be my own man and I did just that. It was a very fast journey though. My company does so well these days, it scares me sometimes."
Her elbow was on the armrest of the front passenger seat, her palm supported her chin, and Isabella said, "You are a very competent man, Charles. Of course, your company will do well."
"It is still really surprising. And truthfully, at some point, it always feels like it might crash before I know it." The tone of Charles's voice bothered Isabella a lot.
After their flight had landed on a remote land on the outskirts of London, they decided to drive to their marital home in Kensington.
It was a long drive, but it was something they both wished to experience.
It was during the drive that Isabella decided to ask Charles about his company because she felt she didn't know much about his life ever since they met again.
But to think that a man like him could subtly sound sad and pitiful...
It made Isabella realise she had to be there for him in times to come just as he was for her.
"Hey..." She reached for his thick arm and ran her hand through it gently. "I know how serious you are when it comes to your business and I can tell your fears are nothing. They won't come to pass because you are an amazing businessman and also, a very good husband."
"Hmm. That's good to know." He spared her another glance before he took a sharp turn. "We are home," his thick voice announced. And he drove towards the side garage.
Looking to her right, Isabella noticed a figure sitting down on the small bench that was placed below the front window of the luxurious bungalow.
"Who is that?" Isabella asked and Charles leaned in for a better view.
After Isabella watched him squint his eyes severally, she saw a little frown grow on his face.
"What?" Isabella asked. "Do you know her?" Her eyes darted to the black-haired woman who instantly backed them as though she sensed the extra eyes.
"Yes. That's Daphne."
"Who's Daphne?"
Charles did not hear her question as he was soon out of the car.
Watching as he firmly approached the woman, Isabella also got rid of her seatbelt and got down from the car.
When her stance levelled with Charles's who was staring inquisitively at the woman, Isabella also took a good look.
Her oval face was quite pale and her hair kept sticking to her face due to her sweating.
The woman's small, slightly cracked lips wore a small smile.
A little motion happened below the woman's chin and when Isabella's eyes fell in that direction, she almost gasped.
The woman was heavily pregnant.
"What are you doing here, Daphne?" Charles finally asked.
"Is that any way to welcome me after all these months? Uh? Charles?" The woman's voice was so tender and soft that it made Isabella a bit jealous.
Isabella was hardly fond of the way her voice sounded.
"I am surprised I even remember you. What are you doing here?" Charles asked again, his hands pocketing.
"Your words hurt me, Charles. But since you ask..." Her hands rubbed her heavy belly. "I am here because I am tired of pretending."
Isabella's eyes confusedly swung at Charles and she did not miss how his jaws kept clenching.
"Pretending about what?" he asked sternly.
She huffed. "Pretending that you are not the father of the child inside me."