The Chosen Queen

The step-sibling was silent for a long time, and Izabella leaned on him to try to stop crying. They were unaware that Shanda was there, standing. Even though tears were streaming down her cheeks, she restrained herself from sobbing.

"Iza, don't feel sorry for me; you already know how I feel. I don't need your sympathy. And I can breathe easily around you now. I'm so relieved that it's now out of my chest." He chuckled.

She was sobbing but couldn't help giggling.

"Ironically, you're the last person to understand my feelings."

She raised her eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"

He then let his fingertips dry off her damp cheeks. "Aleks specifically asked me to take care of you. We even discussed my affection for you with you. Nothing serious, just joking about it."

"He never brought it up though I knew he was envious of you; nonetheless, I chose to ignore it since I know how possessive he is. However, tell me when you last spoke."

"You left us in the hospital hallway outside your f