Chapter 170: No More Fighting in the Future
"Right," Isabella softened her voice. "After all, you are my husband in name. How can I be indifferent when you're with another woman?"
"But you said..."
"I was just talking. You took it seriously."
As Isabella finished, she felt Sebastian's arms tighten around her.
"It won't happen again," he promised.
"Really?"
"Yes," he whispered against her ear. "I will treat you well, Isabella."
She leaned into his embrace, relieved to have navigated this challenge.
Could she, by following Lynda's path and ensuring Lynda had no escape, make Sebastian truly hers?
She quickly dismissed the thought.
A stolen lover isn't a true lover.
If Sebastian could be taken from Lynda, he could just as easily be taken from her.
Isabella felt a pang of sadness.
Love should be simple—either it exists, or it doesn't.
"While we're not divorced, let's at least create pleasant memories," she suggested.
The word "divorce" caused Sebastian to stiffen momentarily, but he soon relaxed.
"I owe you for the incident with Grace and the Watsons," he admitted. "I'll make it up to you."
"No need."
"Lawrence Group is launching a three-billion-dollar investment project. I've spoken to your father."
"Three billion?"
"Yes, it will clear Wallace Group's debt. The project's benefits will far exceed that amount."
Isabella smiled, saying nothing.
Sebastian's method of compensation was clear—money.
Isabella marveled at how feigning vulnerability had worked so well.
"No more fighting," Sebastian said, intertwining their fingers. "Tell me what you want, what you think. Don't make me guess, okay?"
"Sure."
Isabella's heart fluttered. Sebastian had been guessing her thoughts during her silences?
He would always offer, "Isabella, what do you want?" and she would decline.
It was a lie, against her true desires.
What did she want?
His care, his concern... his love.
But she never voiced it, believing it was unattainable.
"I can give you whatever you want," he assured her.
She snuggled closer, replying playfully, "Alright."
But was she truly content?
What future did their relationship hold, with his heart still with Lynda?
She realized what she truly desired was Sebastian's heart.
One heart, one person, for a lifetime.
She wouldn't ask Sebastian for guidance, not wanting to appear like Lynda.
A woman shouldn't be too cunning, shouldn't expect too much. Living in the moment could provide a blissful ignorance.
But Isabella knew she was compromising herself for the sake of peace with Sebastian.
Eventually, it would all erupt.
Sebastian held her quietly, contented with the embrace they had missed.
If only Isabella could always be this gentle...
Beneath the surface, however, often lies greater turmoil.
At noon, as Wei Ping approached the CEO's office to inquire about lunch, the door opened.
Sebastian emerged with Isabella, their hands clasped.
Wei Ping was astonished. "Mr. Lawrence, do you need..."
"Nothing," Sebastian interrupted.
"Kaine," Isabella addressed Wei Ping, "we're going to lunch, care to join us?"
Wei Ping declined, flustered. "No, you two go ahead."
"You're scared," Isabella teased. "Didn't you enjoy our last meal together?"
"That was different..."
"Because Emily was there?"
Wei Ping blushed.
Isabella laughed it off, "Just kidding. You should take a break too."
"It's my job," Wei Ping replied.
Isabella turned to Sebastian. "You're intimidating your employees."
Sebastian asked Wei Ping, "Did I scare you?"
"No, Mr. Lawrence has been very kind."
Isabella's laughter caught Sebastian's attention, and he smiled at her joy.
Her phone rang—it was Emily.
Sebastian's smile faded at the mention of her name.
Isabella ended the call and muttered to herself.
"What did she want?" Sebastian inquired.
"She's moving and wants to find a place nearby," Isabella explained.
"There's no need to look," Sebastian said. "Kaine has a spare room."
Kaine was speechless.
Isabella's eyes sparkled. "Kaine, haven't you been seeing Emily often?"
Kaine stuttered a denial.
Isabella playfully pointed out their social outings.
Kaine was at a loss for words.
"Oh dear, you're not interested?" Isabella feigned disappointment.
Kaine quickly clarified, "It's not that. I'm just concerned Emily might not want to."
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