He Chose My Stepsister, So I Chose His Brother - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Isabella's POV
Alex leaned back in the chair casually, his smirk widened. “The fire department got there after I pulled you out. The building was totally destroyed, but thanks to you, and others, all the kids were already evacuated.”
Tears blurred my vision. I had prayed they would all make it out, but hearing it caused relief to flood me.
“I made some calls,” he continued. “They’re in another building right now. A private one. I bought the whole building and converted it overnight. I put everything in place for them, from medical help, to security, and lots more. No one is going to harm them, especially not Marcus.”
“You what?” I gaped, staring at him in disbelief.
Alex gave a little shrug, like it was no big deal. “You were unconscious for a while. I had time to move things around.”
I stared at him completely dumbfounded. How could someone be so thoughtful and caring? And have a brother like Marcus?
My lips parted, but no sound came out. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't.
So instead, I launched myself forward, ignoring the piercing pain from my body, and threw my arms around him.
Alex caught me with a surprised grunt. “Izzie, be careful, you're hurt—”
“I don’t care,” I whispered into his chest, holding him tighter. “You saved everything. You didn't just save my life, you saved everything.”
He wrapped his arms around me, and he held me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
His arms were so soft and they felt so safe.
“I'm here for you,” he murmured softly into my hair.
His words broke something in me.
My chest tightened, and my eyes swelled up with tears. Before I could stop it, I began sobbing. Tears ran down my face uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry,” I gasped, my voice shook as I tried to pull away, feeling embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… I just… I’m sorry for crying.”
But Alex wouldn’t let me go.
“No,” he said softly, holding me firmly. “Don’t apologize.”
I sniffled, trying to control my sobs, but he pulled me closer.
“You’ve been hurt so much, Izzie,” he murmured, and his hand held the back of my head gently. “You don’t have to be strong right now. You don’t have to pretend, especially not with me.”
I bit my lips as I struggled to control myself, even as his words pierced deeper.
“You’ve been holding it all in, Izzie.” he whispered. “All the pain, the fear, the betrayal… You need to let it out. All of it. Just let it out.”
His voice was so calm and comforting.
So I did as he said, and I let it all out.
I cried like I had been holding my breath for years, and Alex didn’t say a word. He just held me firmly, but gently.
Eventually, I calmed down, and my sobs quieted. My throat hurt, but I felt lighter, somehow. Like I had taken off a huge weight from over my shoulders.
Alex brushed my hair out of my face and pressed his forehead to mine. “You’re not alone anymore, Isabella. I promise you, you’ll never be alone again. I am here for you.”
We stayed like that for a while in comfortable silence, before I finally broke the silence.
“Alex?” I croaked, pulling away slowly.
He hummed.
“Why? Why did you agree to help me? I know you don't like your brother. Why are you doing all these for me?” I mumbled quietly.
Alex looked down at me with a small mysterious smile.
“Well, because the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” He replied, but an unreadable expression crossed his eyes.
I knew he wasn't telling me the full truth, but I honestly didn't have the strength to keep digging.
“So tell me,” I said, changing the subject. “How are we going to ruin Marcus Pierce?”
Alex smirked, his eyes gleamed mischievously.
“I have so many plans, and I can't wait for us to begin. This should be fun.”
I furrowed my eyebrows at him. “You sound like you've been waiting for this day for a long time.”
He grinned. “You have no idea, Izzie.”