Villainess Becomes The Knight

Isabella pov

I know he was talking about work, yet my heart beat so fast when he said that we will reach the sky together. His eyes were clear like the night sky. For a moment I felt myself lost in them.

"If you would go to prison then how would you work on jewels too?" I tried to change the topic as I looked back. I did not know why but I suddenly felt uneasy when he moved towards me and sat in front of me. 

"I will not go to prison but even if I did, I am assured that when I come out. You would still let me work with you. I am sure you have enjoyed working with me as much as I have enjoyed your company." he looked deep into my eyes as he said that.

There was a calming smile on his face but I was anything but calm. Why was I feeling that every word had double meanings?

"I will make sure that you will not have injustice since you are in this predicament because of me.'' I replied with a serious smile and he chuckled.

"You are not at all like rumors, lady Isabella. I wish people would try to understand you rather than judging you all the time.`` His voice was melancholic and I frowned.

"Are you having pity on me? Was that the reason you tried to be the foolish hero who protests damsel in distress. Ha! Let me tell you, I am strong enough to handle everything. I am even strong enough to show them what I am. But if that  happens I do not need to depend on violence. When i will come first in the entrance exam and then will pass every activity with flying colors, they will automatically get the slap they deserve.'' I reminded him and his amused eyes softened.

"I am sure you will be a very successful person in the future, lady Isabella. I am even sure that you didn't need my help. So, don't blame yourself for what happened. It was my impulsive decision. It has nothing to do with you. In fact, if there would have been anyone else, even then I would have taken the same action." as the words left his mouth, i felt cold.

Shouldn't I be happy that I was not responsible for his actions? Since he was ready to do this for other girls too. It means that it was part of his personality. But still my heart felt heavy when he said that I didn't mean anything to him.

"I understand, but since I was the reason for the incident. I will handle it myself. You do not need to go and apologize.'' I replied in a strict one and he raised a brow.

"When did I say that I would go and apologize. I have other means to handle this matter. You did not need to worry about it, my lady. I will handle it easily." he replied with so much confidence that if i did not know any better, i would have thought that he had some sources.

"And what is that?" I asked , confused but he just shook his head.

"It is late Isabella. You should go and rest. I will see you in the morning. It is better that we work on the jewels early. So that we have enough pieces ready before we both join the academy." he said with a smile as he stood up. Out of all his words, I only heard him taking my name directly.

"Did you just take my name?" It was something very intimate that only close friends, relatives and family do.

"No, why would I do that?" he asked, stunned and I blinked. Did I hear wrong then?

"But you just said, it's late Isabella.'' I replied, completely sure that he had taken my name. And the way he did it, it did not feel like it was done mistakenly or slip of the tongue. His voice was not at all filled with respect but intimacy. My cheeks turned red as i said so but he just chuckled and shook his head.

"I said, it's late, my lady. I think you heard wrong. Or maybe.." he stopped as he chuckled again and I frowned. 

'Did I really hear wrong? How could that be!!'

"Or maybe?" I pressed. Somewhere I felt that he was playing around with me. And I did not like the thought at all.

"Maybe you want me to call you like that so you imagined it when you were worried about me." he said with mirth in his eyes and his lips have that mischievous smile again.

"Ha! Why would I want that? You are just a commoner, my assistant at work. I was worried because you are included in the fire because of me. If it would have been anyone else at your pace, even then I would have been equally worried.`` I replied the same way he did. And the smile disappeared from his face in an instant.

I felt a bit guilty, but I maintained my serene expression.

"I understand my lady. It is too late for me to be here. I shall leave." he said with a formal bow, which he had given me for the first time since we met.

I only nodded my head and he left. I walked towards the bed and laid again but why did it feel that instead of being calm I was feeling more restless than before.

I closed my eyes but continued to toss and turn but the sleep was looking like a distant dream so I stood up and walked towards my closet. I took out an old parchment paper, whose corners had turned yellow, but the smile it had on my father's face still looked bright. Tears soon started filling my eyes as I continued to look at it. When I heard the footsteps again.

I turned to see Oliver standing there with shock. I wiped my eyes and hid the portrait behind me when he walked closer to me. He used his index finger to touch a tear from my cheek and then my eyes widened when he kissed it.