Chapter 3
There was a hint of irony in Isabella’s eyes. It had always been this way–she was never really part of this family.
But it no longer mattered. She wouldn’t be leaving soon.
She didn’t say a word, just changed her shoes and walked into the house.
The faces of the three darkened. Hudson shot a cold glance at Molly. Look at this. This is the mess you’ve spoiled her into. I told you long ago not to coddle her.”
Isabella laughed to herself. Coddle?
When had she ever been coddled?
Whenever Ivana misbehaved, Isabella was the one who got blamed. Being beaten, scolded, and starved was almost a daily routine for her.
Whatever she wanted, they never gave her, while Ivana lived like a princess, lacking nothing. If her dad hadn’t needed her grandparents‘ support, she probably would’ve been sent away long ago.
Her steps didn’t falter as she continued toward the stairs.
Hudson’s face darkened even more. He shot a sharp look at Isabella and barked, “Stop right there!”
Molly immediately played the role of the loving mother, “Hudson, calm down.”
Isabella stopped and turned back slowly, her voice flat. “What’s wrong?”
Hudson glared at her and snapped, “Even if there’s nothing, shouldn’t you at least greet me, your father?”
Isabella let out a mocking laugh. “Didn’t you always find it annoying when I called you that?”
This was how they’d always interacted. Why was he so worked up today?
Hudson was momentarily speechless, about to explode, when Ivana rugged on his sleeve. “Dad, calm down. Bella might just be in a bad mood. I’m sure she didn’t mean to be rude,”
A cold glint flickered in Ivana’s eyes. If Isabella married that old man, then Jayden would be all hers.
She needed to keep her dad in check–now wasn’t the time for an outburst.
With a sweet smile, Ivana got up, walked over to Isabella, and grabbed her arm. “Sis, we re family. Let’s sit down and talk for
bit.
Isabella yanked her arm away, disgusted by the thought of Ivana and Jayden’s secret dealings.
F
Ivana’s face flashed with a hint of anger, but before she could say anything, Isabella spoke calmly, “I’m busy. Say what you need
to say,”
“You…” Hudson’s face turned red with anger, but before he could finish his sentence, Molly shot him a warning glance and stopped him. He swallowed his anger and said in a low voice, “Tve arranged a marriage for you. Make yourself presentable, and I’ll take you to meet Mr. Lane in a couple of days.”
Isabella looked at him in disbelief. “A marriage? Don’t you even know I have a boyfriend?”
Hudson’s face hardened. “You’ve already broken up with Jayden. What’s the problem now?”
Itabella’s expression turned even more bitter.
Breakup.
Yeah, it had been months since they last talked. Of course, it counted as a breakup.
Even her dad could see it, yet she had still stupidly waited at city hall for him.
She was such a fool.
11:45 AM c c
Chapter 3
But even so–how could her own father arrange for her to marry into the Lane family?
Ivana noticed Isabella’s unwillingness and quickly hid her smirk. She chimed in again, “Bella, you should listen to Dad. Don’t disappoint him.”
Hudson looked at Ivana approvingly.
Isabella looked at Hudson, her heart heavy with disappointment. “You know the Lane family’s reputation. How could you sacrifice your own daughter for profit?”
“Watch your mouth!” Hudson slammed the table in rage, startling Molly. He roared again, “Isabella, who in our circle actually respects you? If you marry into the Lane family, your status will rise with it. Why can’t you think about what’s best for yourself?”
Isabella let out a bitter laugh, glancing at Hudson as he tried to calm himself.
“Rising status? People don’t respect me because you don’t respect me!
Smack!
Hudson slapped her hard across the face, leaving Isabella’s cheek immediately swollen from the force.
Molly quickly pretended to be worried. “Hudson, don’t hit Bella!
Isabella smirked. Molly was always good at this fake display of affection, and her dad was either blind or simply didn’t care.
Hudson snorted coldly. “Do as you’re told, and you won’t have to suffer. In a few days, you’ll meet with the Lanes, have a meal, and settle this engagement.”
Isabella touched her swollen cheek, feeling the coldness in her heart grow deeper.
She had never been loved or respected by this family. Why had she always held on to the foolish hope they might treat her better someday?
She wasn’t that lucky.
Another 1
“I’m not marrying him. Figure out to call it off.” Isabella turned to go upstairs. Molly and Ivana exchanged shocked glances–when had Isabella ever been this stubborn?
Hudson’s anger flared again as he glared at her. If you don’t marry him, then get out of my house! I don’t want a daughter like you anymore!”
Isabella’s footsteps faltered. She turned around slowly.
Ivana couldn’t help but curl her lips in a smug smile. So tough a moment ago, but now she was going to back down?
Hudson seemed to think so too, his tone softening. “As long as you listen, you’ll still be my good daugh—”
Isabella interrupted, her voice cold and firm, “Then I don’t need a father like you either. We’re done”
Her words stunned everyone in the room.
The next moment, Isabella quickly went upstairs. She didn’t need this family anymore. She… had been disappointed for far too long.
Bella Molly shouted.
Bella- Ivana shouted,
Molly and Ivana rushed after her, but habella locked the door behind her, leaving them knocking in vain.
“Bella, calm down. Your dad and I will talk this over. Just open the door, don’t hurt yourself
Molly pleaded sweetly, her voice dripping with false concern.
Isabella scoffed, starting to pack her things. Their voices were nothing but background noise as she stuffed her suitcase. When it was full, she opened the door.
The suitcase bumped Molly and Ivana back a couple of steps, making them stare in disbelief.
11:45 AM
Chapter 3
Was she really leaving?
Ivana bit her lip. No, this couldn’t happen. If Isabella left, that meant she’d have to marry into the Lane family!
Just as Ivana was about to say something, Isabella pushed her aside and headed straight for the door.
Molly and Ivana shouted after her, chasing her to the living room, but Hudson suddenly roared, Just go! And don’t ever come back!”
Isabella closed her eyes for a moment, then left without looking back
However…
Just as she reached the villa’s gate, she saw a sleek black Rolls–Royce parked outside.
Isabella was surprised. That car..
The next moment, the driver’s window slowly rolled down.
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