Page 70 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
He reaches for my hands, his touch sending a current of warmth through me. "I'm asking you to forgive me, Isabella. For not treating you how you deserve, for not realizing sooner what you truly mean to me."
His eyes search mine, laying his soul bare. "I love you, Isabella Carrington. You're extraordinary, and I want to be there for you, for our baby. Every step of the way."
In that moment, with his heartfelt words, the barriers around my heart begin to crumble. He's not just the cocky, bad boy jerk I thought I knew—he's more, so much more. His declaration of love, his promise of commitment, it's what I've yearned for without even knowing.
"I love you too, Dom Steele," I finally manage to say, my voice quivering with emotion. "And I forgive you. We have a future to build, for us, for our baby. And I can't think of anyone else I'd rather build it with."
As we stand there, holding each other, the world outside our bubble doesn't matter. It's just Dom and me, and the promise of a new beginning. A beginning filled with love, hope, and a shared future.
40
Dom
Iwakeuptoa world bathed in sunlight, the kind of morning that screams potential. But right now, all I can think about is the hour ahead. It's time to face the music with Isabella by my side.
We're going public about Jason's bombshell, holding an impromptu press conference to set the record straight. The internet's been a buzzing hive since last night, and it's up to us to calm the swarm.
Isabella looks nervous, a rare crack in her usually unflappable armor. I lean in, whispering, "Hey, we've got this. Together." My words seem to bolster her, a faint smile breaking through.
"Thanks, Dom. I needed that," she says, her voice steady.
We walk hand in hand to the main cabin, where the press, our teams, and the investors are gathered. It feels like walking into the lion's den, but I'm ready. Ready to fight for us, for our future.
The cabin is packed, a sea of expectant faces turning towards us as we enter. Camera flashes ignite like a storm of lightning, and the murmur of the crowd swells to a crescendo. I squeeze Isabella's hand, a silent message of solidarity.
We take our place at the front, standing side by side. The room falls silent, waiting for us to speak. I clear my throat, feeling every eye on me.
"Good morning, everyone. Thanks for coming on such short notice," I start, my voice calm and clear. "I know there's been a lot of speculation since last night, and we're here to set the record straight."
I glance at Isabella, giving her an encouraging nod. She steps forward, her presence commanding the room.
"We want to address the claims made by Jason Sinclair," she begins, her tone confident. "Yes, it's true that our engagement began as an arrangement. But what started as a strategic move evolved into something real. Something neither of us expected."
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of every eye in the room fixed on me. This is it, the moment of truth. No more hiding, no more games. My heart is pounding in my chest, a rhythmic reminder of what’s at stake. But as I look out at the sea of faces, something steadies within me.
"I know this might come as a surprise to many of you," I begin, my voice strong and clear, ringing out in the hushed room. "Life, as I've learned, rarely follows a script. It's full of twists and turns, unexpected journeys, and surprises. And this," I gesture between Isabella and me, "this is one of those astonishing turns."
I pause for a moment, letting my words sink in, feeling every beat of my heart as if it's a drum leading me forward. "Isabella," I continue, turning slightly towards her, "she's been the most wonderful, unexpected turn in my life. I started this journey with a plan, a strategy. But what I didn't plan for was falling for this incredible woman standing beside me."
The room is still, a captive audience hanging on my every word. "She's not just someone I'm in a contract with, or a partner in a business deal. She's become my confidant, my support, and my unexpected joy. I've found in her a strength, a passion, and a heart that I never knew I was missing."
I take another breath, feeling a wave of emotion rise within me, raw and honest. "In Isabella, I've found more than just a partner; I've found a reason to rethink what I thought was my path. She's changed everything, and for the better."
The room remains silent, but I can feel the shift, a change in the air. It's as if my words have bridged a gap, turned skepticism into understanding.
"We've faced challenges, yes, but we've also discovered a love that's real and powerful. And now, we're starting a new journey together, one that's about more than just us." I glance at Isabella, her presence a source of strength and certainty.
"And there's more," I continue, my gaze softening as I turn to Isabella. I gently pass the baton to her, letting her share this part of our story.
She steps forward, a radiant glow on her face despite the nerves.
"We're expecting a baby," she confirms, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and joy. The news sends a ripple through the crowd, a chorus of congratulations and excited murmurs.
As I conclude my speech, a hush falls over the room. I look around, meeting the eyes of the press, the investors, and the team. "I lied to all of you," I admit, my voice steady with the weight of my confession. "We both did. And for that, I am truly sorry. But if it meant having Isabella in my life, I’d make the same choice a million times over."
Turning to face her, I take her hands in mine, feeling their warmth, their strength. "I love you, Isabella. More than I ever thought possible." The words feel like a release, a truth that’s been waiting to be acknowledged.
Tears glisten in Isabella's eyes, reflecting the depth of emotion that has grown between us. "I love you too, Dom," she says, her voice thick with emotion. It's a moment of pure, unguarded honesty, and it feels like the world outside this room has faded away.
