Chapter 32
Samuel slowly set down his fork, his gaze fixed on the servers. With a firm voice, he declared, “She is my wife.
For a moment, the servers were taken aback, staring blankly at them, suddenly uncertain and unable to speak further. Isabella couldn’t help but choke a little. Before she knew it, a glass of warm water appeared in front of her. Looking up, she found herself meeting Samuel’s concerned gaze. His sharp brows were knitted together as he gently said. “Take your time.”
She nodded, accepting the warm water he offered. “Thank you,” Isabella said habitually before she regretted it Ignoring her embarrassment, she gulped down a few sips to ease the burning sensation in her throat. Once she collected herself, she placed the cup down and got some food from the grill for Samuel. Try this. It tastes pretty good.”
Just as she finished serving him, a wave of regret washed over her. She suddenly remembered what Megan had said about Samuel’s severe cleanliness issues–he never ate food that someone else had picked for him, not even his parents.
While Isabella fretted over this, Samuel casually looked at the food on his plate and slowly picked up a piece with his fork. Isabella’s eyelashes fluttered; before she could think it through, Samuel had already popped it into his mouth.
Isabella’s eyes widened. Megan had been so serious when she warned her about this, but now Samuel’s action made her wonder if she had imagined it all.
“Why are you staring at me? Samuel asked, raising an eyebrow
“Aren’t you a bit particular about cleanliness? Isabella finally managed to ask after a pause.
Samuel threw her a casual glance, saying, “I’ve kissed you. Remember?
Isabella froze for a few seconds, realizing what he meant. Her cheeks turned bright red in an instant.
Samuel smiled, continuing to prep food for her. “Just eat,” he said,
In the end, Samuel didn’t eat much. Isabella, however, once her embarrassment faded, dug in happily. It had been ages since she last had a barbecue, and now she felt completely stuffed
Samuel kept insisting she needed to eat more because she was too thin, making her feel like she hadn’t had enough to eat her whole life.
As they left, Isabella felt the envious stares of the servers following them.
This time, they didn’t linger, heading straight back home. But when they arrived, Samuel didn’t get out of the car. Instead, he turned to Isabella and said. “I still have some work to take care of. You head back first.”
Isabella blinked, surprised he spent time with her even though he was so busy. She stared at Samuel and couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you so nice to me?”
Samuel paused, meeting her gaze again. “I won’t upset my wife. It’s what a husband should do
Isabella paused, thinking, “He’s just fulfilling his duties as a husband? A sense of relief washed over her as she said, “Okay, I get it. Just remember to balance work and rest.”
Samuel pressed his lips together, clearly noting Isabella’s relaxed demeanor. The entire time, she hadn’t truly considered her role as Samuel’s wife. Unaware of this, Isabella shut the car door, and Samuel sped off
Two days had passed. Ever since Samuel dropped Isabella off after their barbecue dinner, he hadn’t returned home. Isabella assumed he was just busy and didn’t think too much of it.
Just then, Isabella walked out of the largest shop in the Southern Medicine Market, scanning the bustling surroundings. Vendors were pushing carts loaded with packages of medicine, rushing back and forth.
A faint smile crept onto Isabella’s lips, she had finally gathered all the materials she needed.
Chapter 32
Suddenly, her phone buzzed, and her expression turned cold. ‘Another call from Molly?’ she thought.
Isabella hung up immediately, but the phone kept ringing insistently. Eventually, she picked up.
Before she could say anything. Molly’s choked voice came through the line. “Bella, your dad’s suddenly fallen seriously ill and. is bedridden. Come back and see him.”
Isabella’s heart sank. “What do you mean?” She tightened her grip on her phone, quickening her pace as she headed outside.
Molly’s voice thickened with tears. “If you wait too long. I’m afraid.” Her words trailed off as she burst into loud sobs, clearly trying to play the part of the devastated wife.
Isabella’s heart plummeted. ‘How could Hudson suddenly fall ill? Just days ago, he had been pressuring me to marry Dominic’s son, and now he’s bedridden?‘ she thought.
“What did the doctor say?” Isabella asked.
Molly and Ivana caught on to the shift in Isabella’s tone, the glimmer of hope brightening their demeanor. “The doctor said he had a stroke. What are Ivana and I going to do?” Her voice wavered as if she was out of breath.
Isabella frowned as she thought, ‘Since Molly and Ivana are still thinking of their own interests, this is probably true. Wait! Just- a few days ago, Hudson had a checkup and was perfectly fine. How could this even happen?‘
With an icy tone, Isabella pressed, “If he’s sick, call the doctor. What does it have to do with me?”
no matter
Molly’s face froze for a second before resuming her dramatic sobbing. “What are you saying? He’s your dad! Bella, no i what grudge you hold against him, he’s still family!”
Isabella’s worry deepened. In the past, she might have acted more rationally, analyzing that if something serious happened, Molly wouldn’t have the energy to call her. But now..
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Before Isabella could dwell on it further, Molly’s voice came through the line, earnest and firm. “Just now he was calling your name, saying he regretted everything and shouldn’t have treated you that way. Bella, he just wants to see you one last time. If you don’t come back, won’t you regret it?”
Isabella’s anxiety escalated. This time, she didn’t think twice; she hung up and rushed toward the parking lot. Meanwhile, Molly was coldly smirking, saying, “With this level of intelligence, there’s no way she can outwit me!” Ivana perked up, excitement in her voice. “Good thing she’s coming back. Otherwise, I’ll end up marrying into the Lane family.”
“Not a chance I’d let that happen!” Molly sneered, putting her phone down to look at Ivana. “You’re my precious treasure.” Ivana smiled and opened Twitter, saying with a sinister tone, “Let’s just wait for her to walk right into our trap!”
An hour later, Isabella parked her car at the Stout residence and hurried inside. However, her expression darkened the moment she saw two people lounging on the leather sofa, laughing and scrolling through their phones. Frowning deeply, she asked in a serious tone, “Where’s Father?”
E
SLND GIFT
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