Chapter 11 The untamed wolf that had yet to grow into its fangs was now an irresistible , doe eyed pup . Since he offered himself up willingly , Isabella wondered if she should make the most of him . But then , she thought of the dark emperor reigning at the pinnacle of the pyramid a peerless figure of earthly beauty , unattainable as the lofty flower perched on the highest peak . Isabella ultimately backed down . She couldnt afford to take that risk . No need , she said lightly . For now , Ill stick to what I know best womens fashion . Theodores face revealed a trace of hurt . Fine , but when you start designing menswear , promise youll use me as your model . Isabella humored him with a half hearted response . Throwing herself into a grueling work routine , Isabella sketched several designs for womens clothing on scrap paper . She painstakingly selected her favorite design , cut the fabric , and 0.00 % 12.100 Chapter 11 . # sewed it into a finished garment : a grass green high waisted . skirt paired with a chic short blazer . Layered over a soft oat- colored blouse , the outfit perfectly balanced feminine grace with a touch of boldness . Clutching the completed outfit , she set out to pitch her design to local boutiques . Yet , time and again , she was turned away before even meeting the decision makers . Shop assistants dismissed her outright , sending her packing without a second glance . The sleepless nights and relentless effort finally took their toll on Isabellas already fragile health . One day , as she made porridge for Theodore , her vision darkened . She collapsed onto the kitchen floor , unconscious . When Theodore noticed her absence , he shouted , Sis ! Receiving no reply , he hobbled from room to room searching for her . Eventually , he found her crumpled on the kitchen floor , clutching a dumpling wrapper his favorite dish . She was curled up , utterly unresponsive . Theodores face went pale : In a burst of frantic energy , carried her down the stairs and rushed to the hospital . he After conducting a full examination , the doctor looked at Theodore with a puzzled expression . The patient is missing a 13.32 % Chapter 11 kidney and has surgical scars on her back . Did she recently undergo a kidney removal surgery ? Theodore froze , his knuckles tightening into fists as his blood surged . His face turned ashen . Doctor , what does this mean for her future ? he asked , his voice choked with anguish .. The doctor studied the boy standing before him . Though he was only a teenager , his somber expression and towering height lent him an air of premature maturity . The fragile woman lying in the hospital bed , with her petite frame and doll like face , looked years younger by comparison . Mistaking their relationship , the doctor said gravely , From now on , reduce the frequency of your marital relations . And take proper precautions pregnancy would be dangerous for her. Theodores ears turned crimson . I understand , he murmured awkwardly , without clarifying the misunderstanding . Switching to broken Chinese , the doctor added , Shes very weak and severely malnourished . You should make her nourishing soups chicken or pigeon broth with red dates and goji berries for her blood . Theodores expression grew heavier as images of Isabella , sickly and overworked , flashed in his mind . He recalled how she 3057 12.10 Chapter 11 11 en Moochert stayed up late drafting designs and gave him the nutritious food while she endured her own suffering in silence . How could someone be so selfless , so pure hearted , yet so foolish ? The thought made his chest ache . When Isabella was transferred to a general ward , she slowly woke up . Finding herself in a hospital bed , she weakly asked , What happened to me ? Theodore grasped her hand , his eyes tinged red . Sis , the doctor said you shouldnt overwork yourself anymore . Let me take care of earning money for us from now on . Isabella seemed to understand . You know , dont you ? Theodore nodded , his voice trembling . Sis , I had no idea you were missing a kidney … Her face clouded with sorrow . Painful memories she had tried to bury resurfaced . I was about your age back then young and naive , she said , her voice soft but heavy . When I had nowhere to turn , he took me in . He let me go to school , fed me , clothed me . I was so grateful I thought I owed him my life . Chapter 11 So , when he needed a kidney for his white moonlight , I didnt hesitate . I said yes . She paused , her pale face shadowed with bitterness . Then one day , I accidentally overheard him talking to her . It turned out he d only taken me in so he could have my kidney later . Every kind act of his had been calculated to ensure Id willingly give it up . four years later … Thats when I changed my mind . I told myself , saving her meant I didnt owe him anymore . So , I left him . Her voice cracked as she began to cry uncontrollably . Theodore , dont trust anyone . Not even me . Theodore gently pulled her into his arms . She trembled like a broken doll fragile and lost . He softly patted her back and whispered , Sis , Ill protect you from now on . Ill make sure anyone who hurt you pays for it . Isabella shook her head . Theodore , I dont want to be like him , using gratitude as a weapon to bind you . Live for yourself . You dont owe me anything . Ill handle my past myself . Theodores dark eyes showed confusion . Why are you so good to me ? 42 067 12 The sixteen year olds voice , still not fully matured , carried a low , husky charm . Isabella remained silent for a long time before murmuring , Maybe I owed you in a past life . Theodore seemed to ponder her words . So debts must be repaid . I owe you my life in this one , but I wont finish repaying it now . Next time , Ill find you in the next life . Leaning forward suddenly , Theodore bit down hard on her shoulder blade , leaving a neat set of teeth marks a stamp to seal his promise . Isabella yelped in pain . Ouch ! Im leaving a mark , he said seriously . So I can find you in the next life . Though his words seemed playful , the unwavering sincerity in his eyes made them feel like a solemn vow . Tears welled up in Isabellas eyes as she gazed at him . A fortune teller once said I was destined for a short , miserable life . My father abandoned me , my mother despised me , and my relatives avoided me like the plague . 77 124 12 10 But you youre running toward me . Arent you foolish ? Theodore smiled faintly . If youre destined for misfortune , then Im the calamity star meant to balance your fate . Id say its not me whos foolish its your family whos blind . Sis , youre kind , smart , and hardworking . Being your family is the greatest blessing anyone could have . Isabella stroked his hair fondly . If thats the case , Ill be your Sis for life . How about that ? Then youll have to protect your fragile little brother . Theodores smile was as radiant as sunlight breaking through the clouds . Isabella nodded . In "The Secret of Nami Sushi" by CrushReel, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding a renowned sushi restaurant. As the story unfolds, secrets hidden within the delicate flavors of Nami Sushi come to light, weaving a web of drama that keeps both the characters and readers on edge. Exploring themes of family, tradition, and the consequences of keeping secrets, this novel delves deep into the intricate relationships between the characters as they navigate through the challenges brought forth by the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of Nami Sushi. 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