Chapter 6 THE PUSH AND PULL

With her heart pounding in her chest, Isabella entered her father's office. The impending conversation was weighing her down like a thick mist. Knowing that her father's expectations had only increased, she had struggled to prioritise her career for weeks. She was conflicted between what she wanted and what she had always been told to do because of his insistence that she set aside her personal affairs and concentrate on the family legacy. As she got closer to her father's desk, the room's air felt heavy, almost oppressive.

His piercing gaze met hers, unreadable, his normally composed expression showing no signs of the thoughts he was having. Isabella couldn't help but question whether he was going to pressure her into making a choice she wasn't prepared for. Her eyes froze as the door creaked open. Sebastian sat opposite her father. Her heart pounded with anticipation. She could hardly recognize the man who had once been everything to her. She felt waves of emotion crash through her like an electric shock from his presence. She made an effort to maintain a neutral expression, but her heart was betraying her by beating too quickly. The icy tone of her father's voice pierced the atmosphere. "Sit, Isabella. We need to talk." Isabella couldn't tear her eyes away from Sebastian. She wasn't prepared for this. Not now. This location was unsuitable for her. As Isabella walked in, Sebastian stood, his steps deliberate and rigid. He fixed his gaze on her, yet a distinct barrier stood between them, a gap that neither of them could successfully traverse. He reached out to shake her hand and said, "Isabella," in a low, almost aloof voice. The spark ignited when his fingers touched hers. Even after months apart, the chemistry that had once come so easily remained, ready to consume them both. Unsure of what else to do, she forced a smile. His touch was both familiar and alien, like returning to a world she had left behind. "Sebastian," she answered, her voice hardly audible above a whisper. The awkwardness between them was intense. Isabella could hear her heart pounding more loudly than the words spoken in the room, even though she was trying her best to remain calm under the weight of the impending conversation. Her voice caught as she tried to keep her composure, "What are you doing here?" Sebastian looked at her, his face unreadable. "I believe you understand my purpose for being here." Sebastian contacted Isabella later that night following the awkward encounter in her father's office. His tone was cold and robotic, and the message was brief: "We need to talk." His words were not consoling when they first met. No warmth. His tone was serious and determined to make amends, but it was not what she had hoped for. Without introducing himself, he said in an emotionless voice, "I'm proposing that we get married for the benefit of the infant. Isabella, your suggestion makes sense; we can maintain appearances and ensure the child's stability. We won't complicate things further, and you will be financially secure." A knot formed in her stomach. She had not envisioned her life like this. She had wished for something genuine, love, and connection. But here he was, giving her a life founded on obligation rather than love. He went on, "I'll marry you, but only for the child." He didn't say much more. The words felt like a shock to her. Her mind was racing, and she found herself unable to speak. Had such an incident really happened? Had they truly reached this point? With a tone of shock and hurt, she questioned, "Is that all I'm worth to you now?" Sebastian's jaw tightened and his eyes hardened. Isabella, it's no longer about us. The baby's well-being is at risk. Currently, that is all that matters. That evening, Isabella returned to her flat, her heart heavy from Sebastian's remarks. Sinking into the couch, she mentally reenacted the exchange. The pain of his apathy grew more intense each time. How did they end up here? Where had the love gone? She felt a deep sadness, but she also wanted to scream and fight back. She had not imagined this life for herself or her child. She had hoped for more. She had hoped for a relationship based on love and respect for one another. However, Sebastian's icy proposal had dashed that hope. Then, as she allowed herself to feel the full force of her emotions, the tears came slowly and steadily. She was mourning the life she had imagined having, not just the breakup of their relationship. She didn't have the strength to check her phone when it buzzed. She recoiled as the door slammed. She tried to regain some control as she wiped her eyes, her hands shaking. She didn't want this choice or this mess. Is it feasible for her to proceed in this manner? She had to make a decision. What would it cost her, though? After a few days, Isabella began to lose control. She was haunted by her father's words. She had always been expected to obey the rules and sacrifice for the family's heritage. Now, she felt torn between two worlds due to Sebastian's rejection and the constant pressure from her father. At what cost had she rejected Sebastian? Her father persisted in reminding her of all the things she would lose if she didn't follow his instructions. Her phone rang. Her ears were filled with her father's harsh, familiar voice. His words sliced through her like a blade: "If you choose this child, you choose to lose everything I've built for you." Isabella took a deep breath. The pressure of his expectations choked her. However, she realized what she needed to do for the first time in a long time. She was willing to pay any cost. She realized this as she glanced at her reflection in the window as the call came to an end. The only thing that mattered now was this child, her future. She refused to allow anyone to take that away from her. "I will fight for this child," she told herself, feeling redoubled. She wasn't concerned about the consequences.