Chapter 197 I've Come to Admit My Wrongdoing, to Accept My Punishment
He could be coldhearted and merciless, arrogant and conceited, but also attentive and tender like a gentle stream. That was just who he was.
How did Sebastian manage to stop to buy her a sandwich amid their heated argument? Even though she was so hungry her stomach was growling, they were still at each other's throats.
Suddenly, Isabella understood why she loved him. It seemed that no woman could resist Sebastian’s allure.
He was like Pandora's box; with each layer you uncover, there was a new and unexpected delight within.
"Thank you," Isabella said, opening the wrapper and taking a bite. "It's delicious."
Sebastian remained silent and started the car again. His expression was still sour.
He got out of the car that evening primarily because he was fuming and wanted to cool off alone. He feared losing control in his rage and doing something he might regret to her.
Secondly, she was struggling with low blood sugar and hunger pangs amid their attempts to conceive, and he couldn't just ignore her discomfort.
It was getting dark, and the woman hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. He worried that she might actually starve.
But then again, buying her a sandwich, what was that all about?
Had he lost his mind?
Sebastian’s lips were pressed tightly together.
Isabella cradled the sandwich, nibbling on it bit by bit, savoring every morsel. Perhaps this was the sweetest, most flavorful, most tender sandwich she’d ever tasted.
Because it came from Sebastian, even though he was upset when he got it for her.
Angry as he might be, he still cared for her deep down.
Isabella really wanted to ask Sebastian just how important she was to him.
But she feared that even this small act of kindness might be taken back...
She wasn't Lynda, who was free to bask in his affection without any reservations.
They pulled up to Willowbrook Estate.
Sebastian stepped out first, his immediate command being, “Is dinner ready?”
The butler was momentarily taken aback, unable to respond.
Sebastian frowned. “Well?”
“Mr. Lawrence... The kitchen is working on it, right away,” the butler quickly stammered, “Do you and Mrs. Lawrance wish to dine now?”
Sebastian tossed him the car keys and strode inside.
The butler, fumbling with the keys, looked towards Isabella, “Ma’am...”
“It’s alright.” Isabella smiled slightly. “Just do what you have to, don’t mind him. When is he not scowling?”
The butler pondered for a moment. “Well, when you’re in a good mood, Mr. Lawrence usually is too.”
“That implies I can affect Sebastian’s mood?”
“Absolutely, ma'am.”
“You're mistaken. It’s his good days that allow me to have mine. At the end of the day, I’m just like you, dependent on Sebastian and living at the mercy of his moods”
The butler hastily disagreed, “No, no, ma'am. You have the power to change Sebastian's mood and calm his anger. We could never accomplish that.”
Isabella just smiled.
As she entered the living room, Sebastian was just coming downstairs.
Dressed down in casual wear, swapping his suit pants for something more comfortable, he appeared relaxed yet still statuesque.
Isabella turned and headed for the dining room.
The tantalizing aroma of food intensified her hunger as she eagerly reached for the next dish.
Sebastian was seated at the head of the table, eating with an effortless grace, occasionally glancing her way.
Neither of them spoke a word.
They both knew... the moment they'd start talking, they'd end up in a quarrel. Better to enjoy the meal in peace first.
But halfway through, their dinner was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.
"Mr. Lawrence," the butler approached, giving Isabella a hesitant look, "There's a visitor at the door. They're asking to see you."
"Who is it?" He asked indifferently.
"Miss Grace."
Isabella paused in her eating, "Who did you say? Grace?"
"Yes, Mrs. Lawrence," the butler replied cautiously, "right outside."
"Let her in."
"Let her in."
To their surprise, Sebastian and Isabella said it in unison.
The butler nodded repeatedly, "Certainly."
Isabella looked down, hurriedly shoveling food into her mouth without regard for manners.
Sebastian frowned slightly.
She looked up just in time to catch his expression and offered an awkward smile, "I need to eat up for energy. If I don't eat now, seeing Grace will completely spoil my appetite."
He didn't respond, simply wiped his mouth and stood up to leave.
Isabella took another sip of her soup, then finally set down her utensils, satisfied.
So, Grace was here, huh?
Perfect timing. She couldn't wait to tear her apart!
Lynda had to be involved, too. Otherwise, why would Amber have seen Grace and Lynda together right before everything went down?
Isabella moved to the living room, just as Grace was coming in.
Grace caught Isabella's eye and quickly lowered her gaze, shrinking back with dodgy eyes.
Meanwhile, Sebastian sat on the couch, legs crossed, the picture of tranquility.
Something seemed off.
But Isabella was in no mood to puzzle it out.
She stared at Grace. " I didn't come looking for you, yet here you are, bold enough to show up at my door. What, did you just decide to bring it to my doorstep?"
"I... I came to see Sebastian," Grace responded. "I've come to admit my wrongdoing, to accept my punishment."
Isabella's expression shifted instantly, sensing something amiss. "What did you say?"
"I'll take whatever punishment Sebastian has for me; I'm willing. Just so he can see through you," Grace declared. " What right do you have to accuse me?!"
"What's that supposed to mean, Grace? Spit it out!" Isabella snapped, her patience thinning.
Grace smirked, her voice dripping with disdain. "What's got you so riled up, Isabella? I've said it before, you're not fit to be Mrs. Lawrence. You're talentless, virtueless, and to top it off, you're drowning in the debts of your own family. But even that I could overlook if it weren't for how Sebastian adores you, how he married you with all the fanfare and showers you with love, yet you harbor feelings for another man!"
Isabella was stunned.
What Grace was saying... Why did it sound so bizarre?
She glanced at Sebastian. His expression was calm, unchanged.
Grace shot Isabella a glare and as she brushed past, she bumped into her deliberately.
Isabella stumbled back a couple of steps.
"It was all me," Grace declared, standing before Sebastian. "I confess, and I'll take whatever comes—your anger, your punishment. But let me make one thing clear."
Sebastian's brows didn't even lift. "Go on."
"I have no idea why Marcus got hurt or how it happened. That has nothing to do with me."
"Is that so?"
Grace steadied herself, struggling to maintain her composure. "Yes. I orchestrated this whole thing just to show you Isabella's true feelings. She doesn't love you, Sebastian. I never intended for anyone to get killed; there's no benefit in that for me."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
