hapter 2
Two hours later.
Isabella and Samuel walked out of the city hall, each holding a marriage certificate.
Isabella was still in shock.
The whole process–waiting in line, taking photos, signing papers–felt like a dream.
She opened her marriage certificate in disbelief, and saw a picture of her and Sainuel.
Samuel looked as handsome and composed as ever, his face flawless. By the side, she was dazed, her eyes stiff…
This… was their wedding photo!
Had she really gotten married?
Samuel glanced at her with a faint smile. “Mrs. Howerton, nice to meet you. Let me introduce myself–I’m your husband”
Isabella stared at him, unable to speak
The Stout family and the Howerton family were worlds apart. Even if they had spoken at events, it was only in passing. Samuel probably didn’t even remember her.
But now, this man was her husband?
Jayden and her father had mentioned Samuel to her more than once, always talking about the benefits of getting connected to the Howerton family.
Jayden was not only a movie star but also the heir of the Logue family. He had many businesses under his name.
Isabella took a deep breath, trying to collect herself and come to terms with what had just happened. She looked at Samuel seriously,
“Samuel.”
“Get in the car first.”
Samuel led her to the parking lot, where they both got into his car. It was just t
just the two of them inside.
But Samuel didn’t rush to start the car. Instead, he looked at her and said, “What do you want to say?”
Isabella gathered her thoughts, feeling a bit awkward. “T… I used to have a boyfriend. I came to the city hall today to wait for him.”
Samuel’s expression darkened, but he didn’t speak.
Isabella closed her eyes for a moment before continuing. “It was Jayden. I loved him for ten years, but he betrayed me with my sister. I thought it was just a misunderstanding, but in the end, I was only lying to myself.”
“So, what are you trying to say?” Samuel’s voice was icy.
Isabella’s eyes flickered with anxiety. “I won’t betray you. Now that we’re married, I’ll do my part. But I thought I should tell you about my past.”
Samuel’s expression softened slightly, and he started the engine, Isabella quickly fastened her seatbelt.
“Where are we going now?” she asked.”
“To your house”
“My house tabella was surprised.
“Pack your things and move
ve into our n
marital home.”
“Marital home? Isabella was even more shocked.
11:45 AM
Clupter 2
Samuel glanced at her. “My mother’s been pushing for this. Everything has already been arranged.”
Just as he was about to drive off, Isabella grabbed his arm. “Wait!”
She swallowed nervously before speaking. “It all happened so fast. Could you give me some time before we make it public? I want to clean up the mess in my life first, so I Cam face you properly.”
“But…” Seeing that Samuel didn’t respond, she panicked. “I understand you married me to appease your family, and if you ever change your mind, you can just tell me. We can always get a div-”
Before she could finish the word, Samuel’s eyes turned cold, and he shot her a sharp look. His voice was stern as he said. “The only thing that can separate us is death, not divorce.”
Isabella froze.
ey had no emotional foundation. Why was he so certain?
They
Or did he just believe that any wife would do, and it didn’t matter who?
She didn’t have much hope for love anymore. Maybe a stable marriage like this wasn’t so bad?
Thinking this, Isabella nodded seriously. “Alright, but can you give me a little time to handle everything? Once I’m done, I’ll come to you…
Samuel frowned. “You should stay with me since you’re already my wife.”
“Then… Can I go back home myself? Give me the address and I’ll go there tonight Isabella mustered up her courage.
Samuel frowned slightly but eventually relented. “I’ll take you home. Once you’re ready, I’ll send someone to pick you up.”
Isabella nodded gratefully. “Okay”
At the Stout residence.
The family of three sat on the couch, the atmosphere warm and cozy.
Ivana admired her freshly manicured nails, feeling great. “Mom, Dad, look at my nails. Aren’t they pretty?”
Hudson and Molly both looked at her tender hands with adoration, nodding in approval.
“They’re lovely. Everything my daughter does is lovely,”
Ivana pouted playfully. “Dad, you didn’t even really look! You’re just humoring me!”
Hudson laughed heartily. “How could I not be looking?”
But as he spoke, his face turned a bit more serious. “If only your sister were half as good as you, I wouldn’t be so worried.”
Ivana and Molly exchanged confused glances. Molly gently asked, “What’s this all about? Bella’s always been a thoughtful girl,”
“Thoughtful?” Hudson snorted. “If she were thoughtful, she’d be helping me solve my problems!”
Ivana, now serious, asked, “Dad, what’s going on? Maybe we can help.
Hudson shook his head in frustration. “Today, Dominic from the Lane family came to see me. He wants to arrange a marriage. alliance. You both know that partnering with the Lanes would bring endless benefits to us,”
Ivania was stunned.
Was her father suggesting she marry Dominic’s son?
He was almost forty, lived a wild lifestyle, and who knew what diseases he might have!
Panu flickered in her eyes as she looked to Molly for help.
Hudsoni continued. “Eve raised her for so many years. It’s about time she did something to ease my burdens.”
Chapter 2
Ivana and Molly instantly felt relieved. Ivana looked worried and said, “But Dad, isn’t Bella still with Jayden?”
“They haven’t spoken in three months. There’s nothing between them anymore, Hudson replied, patting Ivana’s hand. “Besides, I’d much rather see you marry Jayden.”
Ivana blushed instantly, lowering her head shyly. “Dad, I could never take Bella’s…”
“You two need to find a way to convince her. I don’t want to waste any more energy y on this”
Molly’s face filled with concern. “Hudson, aren’t you being too harsh on her?”
“If she marries him, it’ll secure the future of the entire Stout family. What’s the problem? Or do you want our little Ivana to be the one to marry him?”
Molly and Ivana’s expressions changed simultaneously, but before they could say anything, Hudson spoke again, his tone serious. “Someone has to marry into the Lane famliy. You need to persuade her.”
Just then, the front door clicked open and Isabella walked in, sending the three a chill.
