Chapter 356 This Time You Really Chose Wrong
Isabella was practically glued to Seb's arm, like she was afraid to let go.
Seb chuckled, giving her hand a playful pat. "It's just a cat, Bella. No need to freak out."
But Isabella was still on edge. After a moment, she blurted out, "I'll go with you."
Seb raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you scared?"
She swallowed hard, pressing herself even closer to him. "Not when you're here."
"Alright then." Seb squeezed her hand. "Stick close. I'll handle whatever comes our way."
They made their way to the window, hand in hand. Seb leaned on the windowsill, peering out, while Isabella hovered behind him. The wind whipped through the open window, stinging their faces.
"Do you see it?" Isabella asked, her voice shaky.
"Yeah," Seb said, turning back and shutting the window. "It's gone."
They headed back to the bed, but Isabella was still a bit rattled.
Seb flicked on the bedside lamp, and the warm light started to calm her down. He rubbed her fingers, noticing the sweat on her forehead. "Bella, you really that scared of a cat?"
Isabella glanced at the window, then snuggled closer to Seb, like he was her only safe spot. "I don't know why, but that cat gave me the creeps. Just like..."
Seb leaned in. "Like what?"
"Just like Quentin." Isabella's eyes widened as she said it. She'd always thought of Quentin as this gentle, refined guy. When did that change? She wasn't even sure herself.
Seb stared at her for a moment, then pulled her into a hug. "Quentin's not a good guy, Bella. If he freaks you out, steer clear of him. I don't want you getting too close."
His words, tinged with jealousy, eased the tension in Isabella's heart. She nodded. "I know."
The next day, Isabella and the gang headed to the airport to see Miley off.
Everyone knew about Miley and Zaire. It was a bummer, but there was nothing they could do.
As they said their goodbyes, Margaret seemed distracted, her eyes constantly darting to the entrance.
"Margaret," Miley said, walking over and opening her arms for a hug.
Margaret's tears started to fall as they embraced. "Miley, do you really have to go?"
Miley's eyes were misty too, but she kept her smile, trying to comfort Margaret. "Margaret, we'll meet again. This goodbye is just for now."
Margaret sighed. "I know. I can't make you stay. But wait a bit longer. I called Zaire. He's on his way."
Margaret thought, 'Only Zaire can make Miley stay now.'
Miley's eyes flickered, but she didn't object. She was clearly moved.
With time to kill before the flight, they went to a coffee shop nearby, sipping tea and chatting.
As the minutes ticked by, Margaret got more and more antsy.
Miley's alarm went off. She turned it off and smiled. "Time's almost up. Looks like this goodbye is happening."
"Stay a bit longer," Margaret pleaded, giving Kelsey a meaningful look.
Kelsey got the hint and excused herself to the bathroom to call Zaire.
The phone rang forever before he finally picked up.
Kelsey was practically shouting into the phone, "Zaire, where the hell are you? We've tried everything to get Miley to stay, but if you don't show up soon, she's outta here for good!"
There was a pause, then a woman's voice came on. "Kelsey, sorry, Zaire can't make it."
Kelsey was taken aback. "Susan? Is Zaire with you?"
Susan sighed. "Yeah, I'm sick, and Zaire's here taking care of me. I didn't know Miley was leaving today. Should I tell him to come over now? Will he make it?"
Kelsey gritted her teeth. "Put Zaire on the phone."
Susan replied, "He's out getting my meds. I'll let him know when he gets back, okay?"
Kelsey couldn't take it anymore and hung up. When she turned around, there was Miley.
Kelsey tried to mask her expression. "Miley."
Miley gave a faint smile. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop; I just needed the bathroom."
Kelsey felt a pang of guilt. What Zaire was doing was seriously messed up.
The plane eventually took off.
At the hospital, Zaire came back with the medicine and saw his phone in Susan's hand. "Why do you have my phone?"
Susan handed it over. "You left it."
Zaire checked the call log, seeing Kelsey's call. Susan's voice broke the silence. "Kelsey called. She said you should go to the airport."
Zaire frowned but stayed quiet.
Susan watched him, biting her lip. "Zaire, are you and Miley over?"
Zaire pocketed his phone, his face unreadable. "We were never a thing, so there's nothing to get over."
He moved behind Susan and pushed her wheelchair towards the elevator. "I'll find someone to take care of you, Susan. Don't do something as dumb as falling down the stairs again!"
"Alright," Susan replied softly, lowering her eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Zaire got home super late. As soon as he walked into the living room, he felt the tension. His family was all there, staring at him like he was on trial. Their eyes followed his every move.
"What's going on?" Zaire asked, trying to keep it light.
Margaret didn't waste a second, grabbing a throw pillow and chucking it at him.
Zaire blocked it with his arm, and it fell to the floor.
"So, you finally decided to come back. Alone, huh? Where's Susan?" Margaret asked, barely holding back her anger.
Zaire picked up the pillow, dusted it off, and tossed it back on the sofa. Leaning back, he said, "I took her home."
The room went dead silent for a few minutes.
Then Margaret snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "How gentlemanly of you!"
She shot Zaire a scornful look and stormed upstairs.
Steven stood up, gave Zaire a once-over, and said, "Gentlemanly!" before leaving too.
Zaire was left speechless. He turned around to meet Kelsey's furious gaze.
Kelsey said, "Zaire, you really screwed up this time. Don't come crying to us when you realize what you've lost." With that, she walked out too.
The once lively living room was now empty, leaving Zaire alone.
Just then, his phone rang. Seeing Susan's name on the screen, Zaire didn't feel any joy. But he still answered it and put the phone to his ear.
