Chapter 296 The Banquet Begins
She felt a bit uncomfortable and muttered softly, "Amber, do you have to do this every day? It's too cumbersome and troublesome."
"This one is the last one, and it is definitely what I want," Amber said, putting her hand on Isabella's waist and guiding her toward the dressing room.
Isabella sighed in relief, saying, "You said it's the last one. Don't go back on your word later."
"I absolutely won't!" Amber promised.
Isabella, dragging her weary body, entered the dressing room once again, but this time she changed quickly.
After changing, she held up the hem of her dress, and as she stepped out of the dressing room, she heard a chorus of gasps.
Isabella met Amber's stunned gaze.
"Amber?" She asked and waved her hand in front of Amber's eyes.
After Amber snapped out of it, she said nothing and pushed Isabella in front of the mirror.
Isabella lifted her gaze, and when she looked, she was mesmerized.
"Perfect," Amber commented, then she whispered in Isabella's ear, "Sebastian will be absolutely enchanted when he sees you. He'll definitely want to hide you away."
Isabella smiled faintly and asked vaguely, "Is that so?"
This was her first time wearing burgundy clothes, which made her feel like a whole new person, refreshing.
Paired with the newly styled curly hair, she exudes a sense of maturity and charm.
However, Isabella had no other thoughts but 'Oh, it looks quite nice.'
She knew why she wasn't excited because she... had no one to please.
Amber took a sneaky photo and praised, "I'll send it to Sebastian and exchange it for resources."
Looking at Amber's delighted expression, Isabella really wanted to tell her not to hold onto such hope, as it would lead to disappointment.
But of course, she didn't say anything.
After leaving the studio, they headed toward the Lawrence family's mansion.
On the way, Amber sensitively noticed Isabella's distraction and asked, "Isabella, are you not happy?"
"No, I am." Isabella raised an eyebrow, curving her lips into a smile, "I'm quite happy."
Amber insisted, "No, Isabella, please don't lie to me. I can tell that you're definitely not happy."
Leaning her elbow on the car window, supporting her cheek, Amber gazed at Isabella, explaining, "If I were you, I probably wouldn't be happy either. Although it's the public announcement of your identity, it's something that should have happened. You are Isabella of the Lawrence family."
Amber sighed, "It should have been announced long ago, not waited until tomorrow. Tomorrow should have been the wedding, not just a gathering to reveal the identity."
"Moreover," Amber lowered her gaze, feeling guilty, "there's also Lynda, who is entangled between you and Sebastian."
Isabella thought Amber was definitely on Sebastian's side, staunchly defending him, but she didn't expect Amber to say such words.
She rubbed the little girl's head and comforted her, "Amber, it's nothing. Don't overthink it."
Amber held Isabella's hand, her clear eyes filled with guilt. She pleaded, "Isabella, can you give Sebastian a little more time, please? He will definitely handle Lynda. I understand Sebastian, he really likes you. When he looks at you, he's so gentle. You cannot give up on him, okay?"
Isabella couldn't refuse the little girl's earnest plea, so she could only respond, "Okay."
However, deep down, Isabella knew that Amber was mistaken and had asked the wrong person. It wasn't about whether she would give up on Sebastian or not. It was that she had never truly had him, and he was too deceiving.
The car soon arrived at the old mansion. It had been transformed in just one day.
Everywhere was decorated in a particularly dreamy manner with champagne, wine, and flowers. The venue had already been prepared, and they were waiting for tomorrow's arrival.
Mr. Lawrence Senior was very happy. Amber told Isabella that Mr. Lawrence Senior had been humming tunes these past few days, happier than he had been in many years.
Amber also mentioned that Sebastian's father has a smile on his face these days.
In short, Isabella knew that the Lawrence family was exceptionally happy because of the upcoming announcement of her identity.
Isabella had always believed in repaying kindness. So, she smiled more, making the people who were happy because of her even happier.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, Isabella busied herself with Mr. Lawrence Senior while Amber created a lively atmosphere. The mood was excellent.
Isabella tried to make her eyes shine brighter to show even more anticipation, putting all her effort into blending into the festive atmosphere.
However, when night fell, she found herself lying alone on the bed in the Lawrence family's house, feeling incredibly lonely and empty.
All this joy and festivity did not belong to her.
Otherwise, Sebastian would be present.
It belonged to another woman.
And she felt like a thief.
This night, Isabella tossed and turned, sleeping as nightmares plagued her.
In her dream, Sebastian said that he would take back everything that belonged to Lynda.
Isabella woke up abruptly with her eyes wide open. She stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily, and was unable to fall back asleep anymore.
Then, her right eyelid kept twitching until the next afternoon.
In the evening, the guests who had been invited started to arrive.
Regardless of their busy schedules, these guests prioritized the Lawrence family's invitation and rushed over.
The hairstylists and makeup artists who had designed Isabella's look yesterday arrived early to prepare her for the event.
After yesterday's incident, Isabella had gotten used to the elaborate process, and the time spent on makeup was manageable.
After about forty minutes, Isabella was ready. Outside, the night had fallen, with the sound of music drifting from the courtyard of the old mansion.
The sound of the fountain could be faintly heard in the distance.
Since the banquet had not yet begun, Isabella returned to Sebastian's bedroom. She suddenly felt out of breath and wanted to sit down for a while.
It was strange that the door inside the room was open, but the lights were off.
Isabella was about to reach for the light switch when a force pressed her against the wall.
Before she could react, her chin was lifted by a hand, and a choking smoke was blown into her mouth.
Isabella pushed away that cold hand, coughing from the smoke.
She had never smoked in her life, so she couldn't adapt at all and kept coughing.
Sebastian’s large hand gently patted her back.
Isabella wouldn't have guessed it was anyone else. Besides Sebastian, who else would come to this room?
"The smell is so strong. What are you doing here?" Isabella asked, her eyes watering from the smoke.
In the darkness, Isabella couldn't see Sebastian's face clearly, but only a faint crimson glow from the cigarette.
"I've been under a lot of pressure lately and haven't been able to quit smoking," Sebastian's voice sounded hoarse as if it had been torn apart. "When I saw you, I missed your scent so much that I couldn't resist."
In the darkness, with her sense of hearing heightened, Isabella's ears tingled. She could feel a soothing sensation in her ears because she hadn't heard Sebastian's voice for several days.
It had almost become a conditioned reflex for her.
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