Chapter 171: You Belong to Me for Twenty-four Hours
Mansion
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."
Chapter 171: You Belong to Me for Twenty-four Hours
"Wow, are you two on a first-name basis now?" Isabella teased, leaving Sebastian momentarily speechless.
Seeing his awkward, blushing face, she burst into laughter. Isabella tiptoed and tugged at Sebastian, signaling for him to lean down. He complied, and she whispered in his ear, "I think I understand why you enjoy teasing people. It's genuinely amusing."
Straightening up, Sebastian couldn't look away from her radiant, smiling face. Any annoyance he'd felt with Lynda's return dissipated in that moment.
"I'll let Emily know," Isabella winked. "Kaine, you should tidy up the house, or it might reflect poorly on you."
"I understand, madam," Sebastian nodded.
On their way to the dining hall, Isabella asked, "Why did you join in when I was matchmaking for Kaine and Emily?"
"Do you want the truth?"
"Of course."
"If Emily is with Kaine, then I get more of your time."
"I'm with you every day, even at night. Isn't that enough?"
"Not enough," Sebastian said, his hand on the steering wheel. "For instance, you always have lunch dates with Emily."
"Because we're both working all other times," Isabella pouted. "My time isn't as precious as yours. I don't need to schedule it."
"I'd prefer you belonged to me for twenty-four hours."
She chuckled. "What do you think of Kaine? You're his boss, after all."
"Reliable, steady, diligent. If he's good for Emily, that's enough."
"Does Kaine live near Lawrence Group?"
"Yes, a ten-minute walk."
"Renting?"
"No, he bought the place."
"Wow..." Isabella's eyes sparkled. "Kaine must be well-compensated. You're quite generous as a boss."
Lawrence Group, situated in New York's bustling business district, meant property prices were exorbitant.
With a single sentence, Sebastian revealed that Kaine had made a significant investment...
"Envious?" Sebastian glanced at her. "Unhappy at Willowbrook Estate?"
"I envy his salary."
"Money enthusiast," he chuckled. "I'll give you a raise."
"Thank you, Mr. Lawrence."
Isabella tucked her hair behind her ear and gazed out the window, a bright smile on her face, yet a hint of loneliness lingered in her eyes.
During lunch, Sebastian attended to her every need with remarkable gentleness, even picking out the chili for her.
"What are your plans for the afternoon?" she asked. "Shall I join you?"
"I'm a bit tired, want to take a nap," she confessed. "I'm just feeling lazy."
"Up to you," Sebastian said, placing a well-cooked steak on her plate.
Isabella did take a nap, waking refreshed after thirty minutes.
The drowsiness, likely due to pregnancy, was becoming more frequent. She thought about the right moment to tell Sebastian, perhaps using it to confront Lynda.
The Watson family issue couldn't be left with Lynda holding the upper hand.
After waking, Isabella didn't find Sebastian in his office—he was probably in a meeting.
She tidied her hair and went to find Emily in the dubbing department, unfamiliar territory for her. Stepping out of the elevator, she found Emily by the window, looking distressed.
"What's wrong?" Isabella asked, patting Emily's shoulder.
Startled, Emily relaxed when she saw Isabella. "What are you doing here..."
"Aren't you usually upbeat, enjoying food and social media?" Isabella observed. "You seem down."
"I'm still house hunting," Emily sighed, leaning on Isabella. "You wouldn't understand our struggles."
"Didn't you find a place? You moved in with Wei Ping, right?"
Emily looked up, surprised. "How did you know? Was it you..."
"It was me," Isabella nodded. "Are you unhappy about it?"
"I... well..."
"As long as you're happy," Isabella said. "I've entrusted you to Wei Ping. If he doesn't treat you well, he'll hear from me!"
Emily hesitated. "It's not appropriate. We..."
"You two aren't official yet, right?"
"Even if we were, moving in like this isn't ideal."
"You're too independent," Isabella sighed. "Being softer could bring you happiness."
Like Isabella, Emily valued independence and didn't want to burden men with problems they could handle themselves.
Emily handed her phone to Isabella. "I'm chatting with Wei Ping."
"I won't look," Isabella pushed it back. "He's willing, just cautious. And you're keeping your composure. So, I'm playing matchmaker."
"Aw, Isabella..."
"If you're uneasy, pay him rent," Isabella suggested, putting an arm around Emily. "Spend time together, let things develop naturally."
Emily was still unsure.
"Don't hesitate. If you like him, follow my advice. Opportunities are rare, and Wei Ping is a catch. Many girls here like him," Isabella encouraged.
"I met him when I started here," Emily admitted.
"The past is irrelevant; focus on the future," Isabella smiled. "I think you two are a great match."
Just then, Emily's phone chimed.
Wei Ping's message read: "When are you moving? I'll help. You need someone, and I want to be there for you."
Reading together, Isabella smiled. "Wei Ping's words are gentle, but the message is clear. I have high hopes for you two."
Dear readers, we wish to inform you that the latest installment of our cherished narrative will resume its regular schedule within a week. Your patience is immensely appreciated, and we are devoted to ensuring that the forthcoming chapters meet the exceptional standards you deserve. We entreat you not to forsake the adventures that lie within these pages, for the ensuing chapters promise to unfurl even more enthralling twists and riveting tales. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
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