6. We are too much different

THE NEXT DAY

AT ISABELLA'S POV:

The next day, I found myself in the castle library, trying to lose myself in a book, but my mind kept drifting back to the disaster of last night. The embarrassment still stung, and I wondered how I’d face Noah again. As if summoned by my thoughts, the door creaked open, and Noah walked in, his expression as unreadable as ever.

He noticed me immediately and approached, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room.

''Isabella.'' He greeted, his tone neutral.

''Noah,” I replied, trying to sound more composed than I felt. ''About last night...”

He waved a hand dismissively. ''We don’t need to talk about it.”

I hesitated, then decided to be honest.

''I was just trying to fit in. But it’s clear I’m not cut out for... well, for this.”I said.

Noah’s gaze softened just slightly, and he leaned against a nearby table.

''This isn’t about fitting in, Isabella. It’s about finding what works for you. Not everyone is meant to live by the same rules.”

I looked at him, surprised by the kindness of his words.

''So you’re saying I shouldn’t try so hard?”I asked.

He shrugged. He was so weird sometimes.

''Trying too hard usually leads to frustration for everyone. You don’t have to like the things we do, or even pretend to. But you need to figure out what you do like, what you can bring to the table.”Naoh said.

I frowned slightly, pondering his words.

''I’m not even sure what that is. So far, it seems like everything I do just... doesn’t work.”I said.

Noah sighed, clearly tired of the subject but willing to continue.

''Then stop doing what you think is expected of you. Do what feels natural. If you hate formal dinners, say so. If you don’t like certain traditions, speak up. We’re not living in some fairy tale where everyone has their happy ending.''Noah said.

I tilted my head, considering.

''You make it sound easy, but I’ve seen how people react when someone steps out of line.”I said.

''They’ll react, sure.” Noah agreed, a small smirk appearing on his lips. ''But if you’re genuine, some of them will respect you more for it. You might even find a few things you actually enjoy.”

I raised an eyebrow.

''And if I just end up disliking everything?”I asked.

''Then you’ll have to get creative.''He said, his tone carrying a hint of challenge. ''But either way, you’ll be doing it on your terms. Not anyone else’s.”

I nodded slowly, feeling a weight lift slightly from my shoulders.

''Thanks, Noah. I think I needed to hear that.”I said.

He met my gaze, his eyes steady.

''Just... don’t spill any more wine on me, all right?”Naoh said.

I couldn’t help but laugh, a genuine smile breaking through.

''Deal.”I said.

In a few days I needed to try it again. It seems that no finally understood what I meant. The new idea that I got was to make sure that he knew that we are way too much different to be together.

''You seem a bit more relaxed Isbaella.''Noah said.

''I am trying too. I don't think that I fit to be with you.''I said.

''In my parents eyes you do and that's the important thing.''Noah said.

I smiled at him and I felt a bit happier than normal. He made sure to tell that if was not his but his parents idea.

''Naoh we have way to many things that we like to do diffirently. I don't want to make this work if we don't have it. I am sure that your parents can find you something better than me.''I said.

''I understand why are you saying that Isabella, but I don't want it.''Noah said.

These words surprised me a bit. Why he doesn't want someone else except me? I sighed and decided to leave to my room. I needed to think how to make him to leave me.

AT THE SAME TIME

AT NAOH'S POV:

I have no idea why does she wants to leave me so much. I might have done a bad first impression when I met her but I don't think it was that bad. Slowly I starting to understand why my parents wish for me to be with her. In the evening I saw her heading towards the market again and it was a perfect time to use 'Michael' to meet her. I changed into a bit diffirent clothes and unnoticed fallowed her out of the castle. Soon I saw Isbaella buying those sweet pastries and I understood that she got sweet tooth. It was something that I have expected from her, so it didn't made me too much surprised.

''Good to see you again miss Isabella. ''I said.

''I am happy to see you too, Michael.''She said.

''It seems that we are almost destined to meet each other.''I said and laughed a bit.

''I don't mind it.''She said.

I kept fallowing her, and I noticed that this way I enjoy her company even more. Her sweet smile made me happy. I might find myself liking her.

''I wonder why you always come to the late of the evening.''I asked.

''My friends are not the happiest leaving my home alone.''She said.

''Duties?''I asked.

''Something like that.''She said.

''I am here for you Isabella if you need it.''I said.

I saw how she smiled sweetly and I nodded. Her beautiful smile made my evening even better. I watched how she left and at that moment I understood that I might have to break my cold exterior to get her interested in me. I think I finally understood why my parents brought her here and I am going to make sure that she is not leaving me anytime soon.