Chapter 28 His Jealousy
When Colin made his announcement, Xander’s fork stopped mid–air. His gaze, intense and brooding. settled on Isabel’s phone.
Isabel clicked her tongue and glanced at the phone. “Find me a good match? Does Amelia even have it in her cold, black heart? I’m curious–who’s she trying to set me up with? It better not be some ancient relic in his fifties or sixties.”
“What exactly did you expect? With your current reputation, do you think you’ll attract a wealthy playboy?” Colin’s tone was laden with derision.
Isabel raised an eyebrow, recognizing that Amelia was indeed trying to trap her in a difficult situation.
“What’s wrong with my reputation? The one who cheated was that arsehole, and the so–called innocent woman was merely playing a part. I’m the actual victim here.”
“I don’t have time to debate this! You’re going on this blind date this weekend!” Colin’s voice was commanding and uncompromising.
Isabel picked up a meatball and chewed it slowly, her posture relaxed and defiant.
“And what if I choose not to?”
“You dare!”
“Oh, I absolutely dare.
“You-”
With a beep, Isabel ended the call and swiftly blocked Colin’s number.
Samuel watched her actions with a smirk, shaking his head. “You’re quite the obedient daughter.”
Isabel caught the sarcasm in Samuel’s voice. “Would you want a father like that?”
Samuel rolled his eyes, too irritated to continue the discussion.
Xander glanced between Isabel and her phone, his brow furrowing. “You’re really not going to go on the blind date?”
“I’m already married. What’s the point of a blind date? It would only make you look foolish.”
Isabel’s flippant remark was oddly pleasing to Xander.
“Don’t flatter yourself. You think you’re significant enough to embarrass my brother?” Samuel said with irritation.
“Stuff it!” Isabel tossed a fish ball into Samuel’s bowl.
Samuel stared at the fish ball, grimacing at the thought that it might have been tainted by Isabel’s cutlery.
As he was about to discard it, Xander reached over and retrieved it with his own cutlery.
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Chapter 28 His Jealousy
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“What a waste of food,” Xander said, a trace of disapproval in his voice, before he popped the fish ball into his mouth.
Samuel’s eyes widened in disbelief.
What was this? His typically meticulous older brother was actually eating something touched by someone else?
This was unbelievable.
“Bro, Isabel touched that fish ball!” Samuel said, his voice filled with incredulity.
“Is that a problem?” Xander asked, his tone indifferent.
Samuel’s mouth fell open. He struggled to form a response.
It wasn’t just a problem–it was a major issue!
Before Samuel could regain his composure, Xander shifted his gaze to Isabel.
“He has a strong aversion to germs. Make sure you don’t serve his food for him.”
Isabel nodded, noting how the brothers shared similar peculiarities.
“Got it,” Isabel said, then remembered something. She looked at Samuel. “After lunch, don’t hurry back to your room. I need to give you a shot and change your bandages.”
“Understood,” Samuel said, lifting his leg with some difficulty. Although the movement was strained, he managed to elevate it a bit.
Truth be told, Samuel wasn’t fond of Isabel’s apparent interest in his brother, but he couldn’t deny her skill. Despite numerous doctors and expensive treatments, his leg had remained as unresponsive as a rotting stump, steadily deteriorating.
After the meal, Isabel washed her hands and approached Samuel, carefully pulling away the blanket from his leg.
Every time Isabel exposed his leg, Samuel blushed. He wore short shorts to make the treatment easier.
Though already 24, his disability had kept him from close contact with women, making Isabel the first to see him so vulnerable.
There was something strangely magnetic about her focus, and she was undeniably attractive. Still, Samuel couldn’t shake the feeling that her interest in his brother wasn’t entirely sincere.
Beauty was not just skin–deep.
“All done,” Isabel said, setting aside her tools, She then turned to the maid who had been waiting nearby. “Is the medication warmed up?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the maid replied.
“Bring it over,” Isabel commanded with a calm authority
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The maid complied, delivering the bowl of medicine to Samuel.
He peered at the dark, viscous liquid inside, its appearance more repulsive than any he had encountered before. The thought of drinking it was almost unbearable.
“Quickly, before it cools. Are you afraid of a little bitterness?” Isabel’s voice carried a teasing note.
“You’re the one who’s afraid!” Samuel retorted, rolling his eyes. He braced himself and reached for the bowl.
“Better not be scared. This batch is far more bitter than what you’ve had in the past,” Isabel warned.
As her words sank in, Samuel’s determination faltered, and his forehead twitched involuntarily.
Isabel had clearly noticed his distaste for bitter flavors and was pressing his buttons.
“If you’re not afraid, then drink it. Let it sit, and it will lose its effectiveness.”
Samuel took a deep breath but remained hesitant.
With a practiced ease, Isabel produced a milk candy from her pocket and extended it to Samuel. “Here, take this.”
Samuel’s gaze fixed on the candy, momentarily taken aback.
Xander, positioned between them, clasped his hands in his lap. His expression was stern, and his eyes were shadowed. Watching Isabel’s gesture, he felt strangely irrelevant.
“Hmph! Do you think I’m a child?” Samuel snapped, diverting his attention from the candy. “It’s just that the medicine was too hot. I’ll drink it once it cools down.”
He tilted his head back and grimaced as he swallowed ufe medicine. Each gulp tightened his features as the bitter liquid sloshed down, threatening to make him gag.
Had it not been for his concern about appearing weak in front of Isabel, he might have stopped midway.
After finishing the bowl, Samuel felt drained. He snatched the milk candy from Isabel, tore off the wrapper, and popped it into his mouth.
The sweet, creamy taste offered immediate relief, but as the flavor settled, he regretted his choice Isabel would undoubtedly use this against him.
As if on cue, Isabel’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“This medicine must be taken three times a day. By next week, the dosage will increase. Keep extra candy handy. Don’t feel ashamed for needing it; it’s merely to counteract the bitterness and prevent you from vomiting, which would waste the treatment.” Isabel said, her tone firm as she looked straight at Samuel.
Samuel’s eyes widened in surprise, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.
He had braced himself for Isabel’s usual sharpness, yet she spoke to him with an unexpected kindness, almost as if she were comforting a child.
3/4 Xander checked his watch, noting the 31 minutes that had slipped by. He had been relegated to the role of
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Chapter 28 His Jealousy
a mere observer, and it irked him. Did they truly see him as a mere shadow in their conversation?
With a sense of determination, Xander stood up abruptly, hoping to shift Isabel’s focus from his brother.
Yes, he managed to get her attention, just like he wanted.
However, before Xander could even appreciate the shift in attention, Isabel’s gaze flickered back to Samuel. It was as though Xander’s presence was of no consequence.
“In about two weeks, you should be able to stand with support,” Isabel said with a reassuring tone.
Samuel’s spirits lifted at the news. The idea of standing once more, of not having to look up at everyone, filled him with a renewed sense of hope.
At that moment, Xander’s hand moved decisively, placing itself between Isabel and Samuel.
Both Samuel and Isabel turned in surprise to face him.
What is he up to?
Xander leaned closer to Isabel. “Hand it over,” he commanded.
