CHAPTER 10

Chapter 10

By the time Nathan realized that he gained nothing from this, the Winslow family would be free from responsibility. As for how Nathan would blame Isabella, Terence could do nothing either. After all, she hadn’t married Zachary yet, so he wasn’t in any position to defend her even if

he wanted to.

Therefore, Terence said camestly, “Let’s just let the kids handle their own relationship matters. Please, ask Isabella to come down. We have to apologize to her in person no matter what.”

Winona locked troubled but said with a faint smile, “All right. But if Nate gets mad at me, you guys have to come to my defense, yeah?”

“Of course, of course,” Lorelal eagerly agreed.

“That’s for sure,” Terence politely concurred.

“Elsie, tell Isabella to come downstairs. We have guests,” Winona instructed.

Elsie hummed in agreement and headed upstairs, only to see Isabella standing quietly at the corner of the staircase.

She glanced back downstairs and sighed inwardly, knowing Isabella must’ve overheard everything, ‘She’s clearly a rich family’s daughter yet

lives a life worse than an ordinary girl, she brooded.

Softly, Elsie called out, “Ms. Sorenson.”

Isabella didn’t want Elsie to worry

orry as the latter was the only person in this family who cared for her. “I’m okay, Elsie,” she assured.

Elsie let out a breath and whispered, “It’s inevitable that you have to listen to them as long as you’re still living here. Please try to bear with it,

okay?”

Isabella said nothing, for bearing with it would only lead to more losses, like winning a war only to be left with ruins. She stood on the third step from the ground, silently observing the people in the living room.

Perhaps having understood many things now, she found them as unfamiliar as strangers as she studied them from here.

“Ah, you’re here, Isabella,” Lorelai quickly greeted affectionately upon noticing Isabella.

Isabella, however, remained fixed in her spot.

“Isabella, Mr. Winslow and family came

me to see you as soon as dawn broke,” Winona gently called out.

Isabella looked at Zachary, who was sitting on the couch. He subconsciously averted his gaze when she turned to him.

“What’s the matter?” sh

she asked quietly.

Terence kicked Zachary’s foot under the coffee table.

Zachary stood up and locked eyes with the poker–faced Isabella, who still stood far away on the stairs. She wore a white short–sleeved top and a light blue skirt that reached her ankles, with her hair loosely braided. It made her look so pure and innocent.

While Zachary appreciated Isabella’s impeccable looks and personality, not to mention her devotion to him, he couldn’t help but long for some excitement in life. Scarlett was a complete contrast to Isabella. Isabella was top vanilla for his taste, while Scarlett had an alluring

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Chapter 10

charm that he simply couldn’t resist.

Finally, Zachary spoke up awkwardly. “Isabella, I–I was wrong. I’m here to apologize to you today.”

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Isabella wasn’t just someone for him to admire, though. Yesterday, his father had given him a dressing down. If his mother hadn’t intervened, he might’ve even gotten a few good lashings. This showed him what was at stake. Consequently, he had no choice but to apologize to Isabella. Based on his understanding of her, he believed she’d surely forgive him.

However, Isabella simply watched from afar, unmoved by his apology.

“Isabella, enough is enough! Zach has already apologized. Just accept it and let this matter be over!” Megan got impatient at Isabella’s lack

of response.

“Shut up!” Terence snapped at his daughter.

Megan had never liked Isabella since she was a child. Even before college, they were always classmates, but Megan had treated Isabella like an enemy. Being sensible, Isabella never took it to heart, yet Megan continued picking on Isabella. Terence was aware of their tense relationship but struggled to take sides between his son’s future bride and his beloved daughter. As long as Megan didn’t go too far, he and Lorelai usually let her attitude slide.

Yet, things were different now, so he had to put on an act to earn Isabella’s favor

He rose to his feet, stepped forward, and said gently, “Isabella, I brought Zachary here today to apologize to you. You can scold or hit him if you want. Just don’t stay mad at him, all right? We promise he won’t upset you again. I’m sorry about the grievances you suffered at the engagement party. When you two get married, I’ll definitely host a grand wedding for you.”

Isabella listened silently, amused that they were still beating around the bush when they were supposedly here to apologize.

Indifferently, she questioned, “Why isn’t Scarlett here?”

The Winslow family stiffened,

Lorelai answered awkwardly, “Scarlett’s in the hospital. The doctor said she’s showing signs of miscarriage, so she needs to be warded temporarily. But don’t worry. Zachary will not marry her. Once she gives birth, we’ll pay her off. Terence and I will care for the child so that the child doesn’t come between you and Zachary.”

Isabella had to grip the railing to steady herself. ‘Wow. So they’ve found a way to have the best of both worlds, huh? Zachary sure knows how to have his cake and eat it, she thought bitterly.

She took a deep breath and calmly said, “This matter no longer concerns me. I ended ourmarriage contract yesterday. Zachary and I are. through.”

Zachary’s face darkened. “Calm down, Isabella. I know I was at fault, but was it really worth what you did at our engagement party? This isn’t Just about your feelings. It concerns the reputation of both our families. You’ve always been reasonable and understanding. How could you act so foolishly this time? Even if you’re mad at me, shouldn’t you consider our parents‘ feelings?”

Isabella fixed her gaze on him, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the railing. “Let me set things straight. I only found out about you two yesterday. Had I known earlier, there wouldn’t have been an engagement party, to begin with! Since you’ve thought of everything, have you ever considered my feelings while you cheated on me?” she roared.

“H–How’s that possible?” he stammered, dodging her question. “Scarlett said you knew long ago and forgave her. You even warned her to stay away from mel

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She let out a wry laugh. “Since you believe everything she says, why bother asking me? Are you here to interrogate me?”

Terence glared at Zachary before hurriedly interjecting, “Isabella, Zachary is poor at words. Please pardon him. You two grew up together, so you should know what he’s like. He truly loves you.”

Isabella sneered at the irony, thinking. They already have an illegitimate child on the way. So much for truly loving me!‘

Having received his father’s warning look, Zachary quickly corrected himself, “Yes, Isabella, forgive me, okay? I–I messed up. Men are bound

to make such a mistake, but my feelings for you have never changed. Despite everything, you still have my heart. Can we just end this here? Don’t be mad at me anymore.”