Chapter 112: Conflicted Feelings
Henry had always thought Isabelle would be his girlfriend, but now it seemed likely that Bryan was his brother.
Although he didn't feel much for the family that had abandoned him, the blood ties made him reluctant to harm his biological brother.
And Emily, whom he had fallen for at first sight and always secretly admired, was now living with Andrew.
With no hope in that direction and driven by physiological needs, combined with the physical pleasure Isabelle provided, Henry desperately wanted to experience the true joy of being a man with a woman.
He couldn't stand the thought of being with random women from nightclubs, fearing they were unclean. Eventually, he set his sights on Avery.
To Henry, Jason was Avery's weak spot.
As long as he revealed Jason's misdeeds to Avery, she would surely submit.
Henry hailed a taxi back to the hospital and ran into his attending physician. He requested to be discharged, and the doctor, seeing no issues, agreed to prepare his discharge summary for the next day. Since he had already been prescribed three days of IV medication, he needed to finish the treatment.
When Henry returned to his room, he found Isabelle had made the bed and was quietly waiting for him.
Henry hadn't expected her to be there, thinking she would be with Bryan.
"Hey," Henry smiled, "What brings you here?"
Isabelle smiled awkwardly, "Can't I be here?"
Just then, a nurse came in with an IV bottle. Isabelle helped out, and after the IV was set up and the nurse left, Isabelle pulled a chair close to the bedside.
She knew Henry liked to be touchy-feely, and if he reached out to touch her, she wouldn't refuse.
But Henry said, "I'm fine here now. You can go back."
Isabelle pouted, thinking Henry was still mad at her, and said, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. When I saw you holding the gun, I panicked. What if it went off? You had no grudge against him; it wasn't worth a life for a life! When I left, I wasn't avoiding you on purpose. I was just scared of his sister."
Henry laughed, "It's fine. Honestly, I should thank you. I was really impulsive then. If Bryan had made a move, I would have pulled the trigger. You saved me from a huge mistake."
Isabelle rolled her eyes, feeling both insulted and unsure if he was being sincere.
Henry continued, "As for Bryan's sister, you don't need to be afraid. She thinks highly of you."
"Really?" Isabelle was momentarily pleased but then worried about hurting Henry's feelings. She pouted, "I don't really like Bryan, especially after meeting you. But..."
Henry said, "It's okay. Given your family background and expectations, Bryan is a better match for you—assuming you don't mind his marriage, even if it's just a sham."
Isabelle didn't respond but asked, "Do you really not mind me being with Bryan?"
Henry sighed, "Everyone has their own priorities. Bryan is your only boyfriend, and you still have feelings for him. I genuinely wish you the best."
Isabelle pouted again, "It's not that I can't forget him. When you saved me from those thugs, I forgot all about him! If I weren't still... not entirely clean, maybe..."
"Isabelle," Henry interrupted, "You need to stop overthinking. We had a beautiful, romantic encounter, but Bryan is your ultimate and best match. Today, I realized you two truly have mutual feelings, and there's a good chance he won't marry Victoria, which will be better for you."
"Who said he won't marry her?" Isabelle said. "He told me he would marry Victoria as planned and asked me to understand."
Henry replied, "I told his sister about Victoria being kept by her father. I think she'll step in to stop it."
"Really?"
Isabelle jumped up excitedly but then looked at Henry with disappointment.
Henry smiled, "If his sister can stop the wedding, it's great news for you. Be happy; I won't be jealous."
"Hmph, it's because you're not jealous!" Isabelle sat back down. "I thought you loved me and cared about me, that you'd fight Bryan for me. But you're just a playboy, falling for every girl you meet. Bryan's concerns were right!"
Henry asked, "What is Bryan worried about?"
"He suspects his sister likes you and fears you'll become his brother-in-law!"
Henry blurted out, "That's impossible!"
"Why?"
Henry couldn't tell Isabelle the truth, so he shrugged, "Why? Because it's impossible. You should be asking why it could be possible."
Isabelle said, "I also think it's impossible, but he says his sister is even more fearless and rebellious than him. The more people think something is impossible, the more she wants to prove them wrong. Many people have introduced high-ranking officials' sons, rich kids, and even colleagues and civil servants to her, but she dismisses them all. Maybe she likes someone like you, an ex-convict!"
Henry looked at Isabelle incredulously, shaking his head.
Isabelle blinked, "Tell me honestly, do you like his sister? Is that why you're being nice to him and not fighting for me?"
Henry asked, "Do you want me to fight for you or not?"
Isabelle looked at Henry, pouting but saying nothing.
Suddenly, the sound of high heels echoed in the hallway, approaching the room. Henry checked the time and knew it was Emily bringing food.
Isabelle also guessed it was Emily and quickly got up to leave. When Emily entered and saw Isabelle, she said, "Isabelle, come help me!"
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