Chapter 187 Too Late
Upon hearing her words, a chill instantly descended upon Alex's face.
"If you're disinclined to converse, then let it be. Perhaps another time," he retorted, his tone icy as he turned away.
Just as he neared the threshold, Ava's voice pierced the silence, a desperate cry echoing after him. "There won't be a next time, Alexander! If you cross this threshold today, there will never be another opportunity!"
...
The towering figure in the doorway faltered momentarily, but then continued his merciless departure.
Ava's laughter rang out, a hollow sound that echoed through the room.
She collapsed onto the plush carpet, her body wracked with sobs and laughter, her fingers clutching the fabric beneath her.
'So that's how it is, Alexander, you never cared about a next time.
'You've never cared about me, your heart only beats for Isabella!'
"Ava, you fool!" she chastised herself, punctuating her words with a stinging slap to her own cheek.
She had to relinquish her hopes for him, for he would always choose Isabella, always!
Each time Alexander offered her a token of affection, she would foolishly accept it, consoling herself with excuses and convincing herself that beneath his cold exterior, he had a heart. She had always tried to convince herself, that from some perspective, he must be a good man.
But those perspectives were irrelevant; what mattered was Alexander's viewpoint. He loved Isabella, and Ava was nothing more than a jester, a mistress masquerading as Mrs. Mitchell!
From this moment forward, she would refuse his tokens. She would not be deceived again!
Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Ava rose from the floor, pulled a coat from the walk-in closet, and exited the room.
As Alexander made his way to the hospital, he remained oblivious to Ava's pursuit.
Under the somber, rain-soaked sky, he parked his car and dashed into the hospital, the rain pelting him mercilessly. Ava followed suit.
By the time Alexander reached the hospital room, Isabella was being prepared for transport to the operating room.
"Isabella!" Alexander, drenched and breathless, rushed to her side and grasped her hand.
"Mr. Mitchell, we need to take Miss Harrington to surgery!" a nurse insisted.
Isabella lay on the bed, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. Seeing Alexander, a wave of emotion washed over her.
Reluctantly releasing her hand, Alexander reassured her, "Isabella, you'll be okay. I'll be waiting for you."
As the medical staff prepared to move her, Isabella's hand shot out, grasping the doorframe. "Wait!"
"Alex," she implored, reaching for him.
He took her hand once more, concern etching his features. "What's wrong?"
"Are you still angry with me? Do you believe I wronged your grandmother? Tell me the truth."
"Isabella, you need to focus on your surgery now. Don’t worry about anything else. We can discuss everything afterward."
"I can't!" she cried. "I'm afraid I might not come out of this. Please, forgive me. I didn't mean to accuse your grandmother falsely, and I didn't mean to upset Ava. I was just so angry, I couldn't hold back. Please, forgive me."
"I forgive you, Isabella," Alexander soothed. "We all say things we don't mean in the heat of the moment. Don’t dwell on it."
"Alex, will you still marry me?"
His response stalled, Alexander was momentarily speechless.
"Mr. Mitchell, we must proceed with Miss Harrington's heart surgery immediately!" the doctor urged.
