Maxon looked at Isabella with a heavy sigh and cleared his throat. "I guess Rose is dating another guy already."
Isabella chuckled lightly, but there was no humor in it. "So? What does that have to do with me? You can see I tried my best. And I can't do more than that."
Maxon's face twisted in frustration. "You're disgusting! You're the one who ruined my relationship! And you're not even remorseful!"
Isabella's calm snapped in an instant. She sat up straighter, her voice rising. "Maxon—or whatever they call you—enough! What exactly is your problem? Am I the one who told you to cheat on her?"
Maxon's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected her to push back.
"Since the first day we met, you've been raining abuse on me," she continued, her voice trembling. "You even threatened me. Yeah, I made a mistake with the delivery, but Maxon, I'm not the one who ruined your relationship. You did. You just love to control people. Just because you're in a higher position doesn't mean you should treat people like me as if we're beneath you."
Her voice cracked. "Some of us can be homeless any moment. Tears rolled down her cheek. Some of us have to work harder than everyone else just to earn a penny. Some of us don't even have a home... or parents."
Maxon froze.
"Some of us work hard every day because we believe that one day, everything will finally be okay," she said softly. "And the funniest part? That guy you saw with Rose—he's not her new boyfriend. He's her brother."
She opened the car door, stepped out, and slammed it shut.
Maxon remained still, stunned by her words. A lump formed in his throat. He quickly opened the car door and ran after her.
"Isabella! Isabella, wait!" he called out. But she didn't turn back.
He stopped in the middle of the street, watching her figure fade into the distance.
He muttered to himself, almost in disbelief. "She should've told me earlier... it was her brother. Oh my God."
Maxon turned back and sank into the driver's seat, slamming the door with a thud. He leaned back, overwhelmed by guilt. Isabella's words echoed in his head.
Could it be possible... I've done too much?
Could it be possible... she's really an orphan?
Could it be possible... she really has no one to care for her?
He sat in silence for several minutes, processing everything.
Then he turned the key to start the car. Nothing happened.
He tried again. Still nothing.
"Oh, come on... not now," Maxon groaned, hitting the steering wheel lightly in frustration.
His thoughts weren't on the car, though. They were still with Isabella—and everything he hadn't seen until now.
Meanwhile, Rose had just dropped her brother off at his house and was driving back when she noticed a familiar figure standing beside a stalled car. She rolled down her window as she approached.
"Maxon? What's up with you?" she called out.
Maxon looked up, clearly frustrated. "The car just broke down, and I've been trying to reach my mechanic, but he's not picking up."
Rose studied him for a second, then smiled gently. "Hop in. I'll take you home."
Maxon looked unsure. "Are you sure about this?"
"Just come in," she said with a light laugh.
He closed the bonnet, locked his car with the remote, and got into her vehicle. The drive was quiet but oddly comforting. When they reached his house, Maxon hesitated.
"If you don't mind… can you at least come in?" he asked. "Let's talk. Please."
Rose gave a small nod and followed him inside. The house was quiet—Demian wasn't around.
As soon as they stepped in, Maxon dropped to his knees.
"Rose, you got it all wrong. I'm not cheating on you. I would never do that. It was just a silly mistake and a huge mix-up. I'm really sorry."
He swallowed hard, eyes pleading. "And about what happened at the market—I never knew he was your brother. Rose, please. Don't leave me. I'm begging you. Please."
Rose's expression softened as she walked to him and gently raised him to his feet. "Stand up, Maxon. I've forgiven you. It's fine. For real."
"You're sure?" he asked, searching her eyes.
She nodded. "Yes."
They stared at each other for a long moment—and then the space between them disappeared. Maxon kissed her, and she kissed him back. In one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms and carried her up the staircase to his bedroom.
The night they shared was hot and passionate, a reunion marked by love and longing.
Later, lying in bed beside her, Maxon turned to face Rose. "I hope we're good now. I'm sorry, babe. I promise it'll never happen again."
Rose smiled. "No problem."
And for the first time in days, Maxon felt a calm wash over him.
After Rose left that night, Maxon couldn't stop smiling. He paced around the living room like a giddy child, every few seconds reliving the moment she forgave him—the kiss, the way she looked at him, the way she whispered, "No problem."
He had her back. He had finally won.
Just then, the door creaked open and Demian walked in, pulling off his jacket and tossing his keys on the table.
Maxon spun around, his eyes lighting up. "Demian! Demian!" he called out, unable to hide his excitement.
Demian paused in confusion, arching a brow. "What's going on with you? Why do you look like someone who just won the lottery?"
Maxon laughed and pointed at him. "Even better, bro. Guess what?"
Demian tossed himself onto the couch. "What?"
"We got back together!"
Demian narrowed his eyes. "Who?"
Maxon grinned, walked over, and bent slightly, placing both hands on the backrest of the couch with a dreamy sigh. "Rose."
Demian's smile froze.
"…That Rose?"
Maxon stood upright again, his smile fading slightly as he noticed the sudden drop in Demian's expression.
The room fell quiet.
Maxon blinked, unsure. "Yeah… that Rose. Why do you say it like that?"
Demian didn't reply.
He stared into space for a moment, his jaw tightening slightly.
"…That Rose?" he repeated again, almost in a whisper this time, and leaned back slowly, eyes darkening
with something Maxon couldn't place.
The mood shifted.
Maxon's smile faltered completely.
"Wait… is something wrong?"