CHAPTER 6

Chapter 6

Isabella declared resolutely, “I will draft a formal agreement stating our rights and responsibilities. Our union will only be a sham marriage. Should you happen to develop feelings for someone else during this time, I ask that you wait until we’ve been married for at least a year before seeking a divorce. I assure you, my commitment to our arrangement stands firm, and you will receive every cent of your compensation as promised. With this agreement in place, we can ensure fairness for both parties.”

Noticing a pen and paper tucked under the armrest, Isabella grabbed them, jotting down her phone number before passing it to Clayton. “Here is my contact information. Take your time to ponder my proposal; however, I expect your response within three days. Do not delay.” With that, Isabella exited the car and left, leaving Clayton staring at the note in his hand blankly.

Her decisiveness left Clayton momentarily stunned.

He couldn’t help chuckling as he watched Isabella walk away in determined strides. “Isabella, I’m back. I’ll stand by your side no matter what you do,” Clayton murmured, thinking, “I’ll let her do whatever she wants. Whatever happens, I’ll clean up after her. Even if she didn’t know who he was, Nathan did. Nathan’d never dare to lay a hand on her,

Dinner was served in a peaceful ambiance.

“Ms. Sorenson, you’ve returned.” One of the maids, Elsie Anderson, was surprised to see Isabella.

Isabella paid no heed to the mix of surprise and disdain the other three were displaying. “Dad, Winona.” Dipping her head, she greeted them before settling at the table, accepting the soup bowl offered by Elsie.

She hadn’t eaten anything since morning and was starving. Clayton had suggested taking her to dinner earlier, but she had declined. She would have to face this sooner or later, so why delay it?

“Isabella, why are you only back now? Mom and Dad were too worried to eat,” Yvonne said, sharing a meaningful glance with Winona.

Nathan’s expression darkened.

Isabella finished her soup and put down the spoon. Disregarding the cold leftovers on the table, she explained, “I went to visit Grandpa and Mom. I needed to inform them that Zachary and I have called off our engagement.”

Nathan sneered, “And they didn’t reprimand you?”

Isabella lowered her head in silence.

“Isabella, you’ve pissed your dad off today. How could you

mbarrass him in front of everyone?” Winona said softly.

“Mom, don’t blame Isabella. Remember, she’s the eldest daughter of the Sorenson family and the designated heiress of Sorenson Multimedia. Dad wouldn’t hold it against her. Who knows what those shareholders might say if he did?” Yvonne interjected, stealing glances at Nathan.

Nathan’s expression darkened further as his gaze bore into Isabella.

Isabella quietly ate the food Elsie gave her. She had gotten used to such drama. Winona and Yvonne always sowed discord between her and Nathan. Then, endless insults would ensue that would sometimes escalate into physical abuse.

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Chapter 6

She was a Sorenson, and her father was an Ingram. That was one of her sins.

Nathan didn’t lose his temper. Instead, he snorted derisively before leaving the dining room.

Winona shot a glance and Yvonne and Isabella before following Nathan out.

As soon as her parents left, Yvonne abandoned her facade of dignity. Casting a scornful glance at Isabella, who remained meek and reserved. as always, she said sarcastically, “I’m amazed you still have the nerve to stay alive. If I were in your shoes, I’d have put an end to it all by now, Maybe flung myself into a river or hung myself. Anything’s better than living like this. Your fiancé despises you and cheats on you with your closest friend. Aren’t you devastated? How do you even have an appetite?”

After taking the final bite, Isabella met Yvonne’s gaze with indifference. “I’ve found someone willing to wed me.”

Yvonne scoffed, “Wake up, will you? Do you honestly believe you’re the eldest daughter of the Sorenson family?”

Isabella merely looked at her coldly. Yvonne often carried herself with elegance and composure in public. Isabella was perhaps the only person who had seen her true colors.

She thought, ‘Does Yvonne ever get tired of pretending? I pretend to be indifferent and weak because Winona and Yvonne forced me to, but no one’s forcing Yvonne. So why is she pretending?”

“What’re you looking at?” Yvonne bellowed at Isabella. Isabella’s charming face never failed to anger her. ‘Why does she get all the luck? A wealthy grandfather and mother, and even that envy–inducing facel‘ she seethed inwardly.

Yvonne sent her plate hurtling toward Isabella.

Isabella rose from her seat, narrowly dodging the plate as it crashed to the ground.

“What’s wrong?” Winona asked loudly.

Yvonne glared at Isabella.

Normally, Isabella would’ve quickly apologized to Winona, saying she had accidentally broken the plate. Yet, today, Isabella simply turned to face the incensed Yvonne in silence.

Elsie interjected fearfully, “Mrs. Ingram, I’m sorry, I accidentally dropped a plate.”

Both Isabella and Yvonne looked at Elsie at the same time.

Yvonne shot daggers at Elsie before exiting the dining room.

Elsie tugged at Isabella’s arm, whispering, “Ms. Sorenson, just endure it. This too shall pass.”

Endure. It was a mantra instilled in Isabella since childhood by Elsie and also what her late mother said to her. Today, however, she realized that enduring only made things worse.

Isabella hurried to the bathroom, changing out of the dress and cleansing herself of the shame it carried. She then returned to her room on the second floor, a windowless storeroom bereft of sunlight year–round. She even had to use the maid’s bathroom. Besides Elsie, no one would regard her as the family’s eldest daughter.

The luxurious room that her grandfather and mother decorated was handed over to Yvonne just a month after Winona and Yvonne’s arrival. Isabella’s living quarters changed each time she made a “mistake” until she found herself relegated to the storeroom, a decision that

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Chapter 6

satisfied Winona and Yvonne at last.

This was the consequence of endurance.

37%

Isabella curled up on the cramped bed, the air stifling and hot. The wind could only filter in when the door was opened. Yet, she didn’t want to move, let alone open the door.

Isabella closed her eyes, the events of the day replaying in her mind. She watched them unfold once more like a distant observer.

The moment Zachary started dating Scarlett remained a mystery to her.

Since Zachary’s return from abroad, he started work in his family’s company, leaving little opportunity for him and Isabella to spend time together. Isabella was never one to inconvenience others, so she never interrupted Zachary’s work. Understanding his desire for a compliant girlfriend, she made every effort to fit that mold.

Ever since Zachary returned, the two families celebrated festivals together, which Isabella enjoyed,

Zachary didn’t treat her poorly or particularly well, but he and Yvonne were tight. They got along well, even though Zachary used to dislike

Yvonne as a kid.