Chapter 15
Later, after the misunderstanding was cleared up, their interactions gradually increased.
He had shown a strong interest in her from the start, and his occasional invitations were welcomed by the professor, even causing some frustration among the other seniors.
William knew exactly how to gauge the right amount of attention–enough to keep her interested but not too frequent to make her feel uncomfortable.
Everything seemed to fall into place naturally.
On the day of his confession, he chose a night when the first snow had fallen.
The fireworks illuminated the night sky, reflecting the vast white expanse of snow. There were no onlookers cheering; holding a bouquet of flowers, he knelt on one knee.
In that moment, Isabella felt as though it was just the two of them left in the world.
“Isabella, I like you. Let’s be together,” he said.
He gave her enough space to refuse, and he didn’t lack any sense of ceremony. She looked at him, hesitating, but didn’t take the flowers.
“I’ve been married before, and I’ve had a child.”
She lowered her head, her voice still hoarse, and William could hear the unspoken words that followed.
Why would you like me?
Before deciding to confess, William had also seriously considered this question.
Unlike Alexander, William had known Isabella’s identity ever since she first appeared by Alexander’s side.
She wasn’t a suitor, nor was she the marriage partner sent to him by Old Mr. Carter.
She was someone who had voluntarily signed a six–year contract with the Carter family to repay a debt.
From the perspective of an outsider, he watched as she cared for Alexander for six years, even gave birth to his child, and did her best to be a good wife and mother. Even when she was repeatedly slandered for falling in love with her former adopted brother, she never seemed to think of leaving.
He thought she had truly fallen for Alexander.
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At that time, he felt regretful, even a little envious envious that Alexander had a grandfather who thought of him in every way, and a wife who loved him.
It wasn’t until the farce at Olivia’s birthday party that he realized he had been narrow–minded all along
The next time they met, she had shed the silence and docility she once displayed while being with Alexander. Now, just standing there, she was enough to draw attention.
He was attracted to her and unconsciously moved closer, his interest growing
Now, he was certain of his feelings. It wasn’t a fleeting whim, nor was it a childish attempt to compete with Alexander. It was simply because, at this moment, she was her just her.
“Isabella, I know everything, so I also know that I like you. It won’t change because of anything else. Everything I do now is because I like you.”
The sincere affection in his eyes made it hard for her to refuse.
Because of that six year contract, because Alexander’s heart had always been closed to her, and because the child she had carried for ten months had turned from indifference to disdain, she had once doubted
whether she was suited for family life.
But now, looking into his eyes, she suddenly felt that perhaps she could try again.
The worst outcome would just be walking the same path again.
So, she reached out and took the flowers he handed her–ninety–nine red roses–standing out even more against the snowy night. A smile curved on her lips, making him momentarily lost in thought.
Everything seemed to fall into place naturally.
She accepted his confession, and they became a legitimate couple.
From then on, every time she appeared, his presence was always with her.
And today, coincidentally, was the one–year anniversary of Isabella and William’s relationship. She had just been angry earlier because she found out that William, in order to spend this time with her for their anniversary, had stayed up for several nights, finishing all of his work before he could come to Toronto.
In the end, Isabella was just heartbroken for William.
Looking at the photos and text information sent by her assistant, the Isabella in them was vibrant, a
completely different person from the one she was with him.
Alexander felt a complex mix of emotions, as if a vinegar jar had been overturned, the sourness overwhelming. What made it even harder for him to accept was that now, William was her official
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boyfriend, and he, he was nothing
He opened the glove compartment, took out the maroon divorce certificate, and for the first time, regretted deeply. Why had he signed that divorce agreement with Isabella back when they got married?
Why, over the six years, had he never thought of settling down properly with her, of building a good life
with her?
Why, after Olivia returned to the country, had he let his feelings slip so far and even pushed her away by involving Benjamin?
If not for all that, would he have waited all this time to finally see her again, only to realize he couldn’t even find an excuse to meet her? And she, long having let go of the past, had already started a new life?
Isabella had no idea of Alexander’s inner turmoil. At this moment, she was sitting in a private room at
Luxury Pavilion, enjoying personal service from the CEO of Matthews Group.
Chapter 36
Chapter 16
The Breshly cooked ingredients were still steaming, dipped in the hotpot sauce William had personally prepared. After one hite, it chased away the cold from her body, leaving her fully satisfied. In a rare moment of compassion, she picked up a piece of treat, dipped it in sauce, and fed it to his mouth. William. not at all shy, took the bite directly from her chopsticks, his gaze never leaving her.
She felt a hit embarrassed under his gaze and slapped him lightly. Just eat properly, why are you staring
at me?”
“Because you’re so beautiful! Even though he was slapped, he didn’t look away, still smiling
mischievously
That annoying look made Thuan Isabella suddenly feel like her hand itched. She clenched her fist but, after a moment’s thought, chose not to hit him again. She was afraid it would make him too happy.
Her plan failed, and William’s eyes showed a hint of regret.
At that moment, Thuan Isabella was even more grateful that she hadn’t continued hitting him.
The two of them continued to playfully banter while eating, and when they finished, an hour had already passed.
Just as they were about to get up, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open. Thuan Isabella instinctively furrowed her brow, thinking it was the waiter. She was about to ask why they didn’t knock, but when she looked up, her gaze met Alexander’s standing at the door.
Beside him was Benjamin, who had grown so much that he now reached Alexander’s waist.
It had been five years since they last saw each other. Benjamin had grown from a little boy into a young teen. His looks had changed, and his temperament had become more restrained. He was no longer the boisterous child he once was, now appearing more mature and composed.
Even though Thuan Isabella didn’t pay much attention, she had still heard many things about them. Some said Alexander was deeply affectionate toward his wife, while others spoke of how smart Benjamin was, even resembling his father at a young age.
She didn’t comment on these rumors, but every time she heard them, she couldn’t help but remember how, back then, others had believed those rumors about her, judging her and hurting her without knowing the truth.
“Affectionate? People like them just say whatever they want. Just like how they kicked the first wife out to make room for the adopted daughter. As for the younger one, he’s nothing like his father, who would blindly believe in the mistress‘ words, even hitting his mother for her.”
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