Chapter 16

A guy got out of the car, looking a lot like Michael, and walked over to them.

"Michael, can we talk?" Vaughn's voice was kind of humble and a bit too eager to please.

Michael pulled Isabella onto his lap and cracked the window just a bit."Make it quick!"

Through the small opening, Vaughn could see a mess of long hair on Michael's lap,clearly showing a woman was there.

Vaughn smirked. "Michael, got company in there? You guys having some fun?"

Michael's voice was icy. "None of your business."

"I get it, man. Don't worry, I won't say a thing." Vaughn had that knowing look.

"Are you gonna talk or what?" Michael was getting impatient,gently smoothing Isabella's hair, maybe to calm her or himself.

Seeing Michael's impatience, Vaughn quickly said, "Go ahead, handle your stuff. I'll find you tomorrow afternoon. You gotta see me,okay?"

"Fine!" Michael agreed.

Vaughn headed back to his car, reminding him before getting in, "Don't forget!"

As Vaughn drove off, Michael closed the window and lifted Isabella from his lap.

Isabella took a few deep breaths, having been stifled. She had stayedIsilent on Michael's lap.

"That guy is my cousin," Michael explained.

"Oh!" Isabella nodded, thinking, 'So you don't want your family to know about me!

Michael explained. "Not letting you meet him because it's not necessary right now."

"Oh!" Isabella nodded again, thinking. 'I get it. You just don't want to.'

Seeing Isabella's lack of reaction. Michael asked, "Are you upset?"

"No!" Isabella replied, sounding a bit down.

Michael got a bit anxious. He knew that Isabella has misunderstood. He explained, but she was still upset, so he "Isabella, if you have something on your mind, just tell me. I hate guessing games."

Isabella felt conflicted, thinking, 'I was just starting to feel confident about our marriage, thinking I'could get along with Michael, and then this happens. Maybe he doesn't want his family to know about me in case we split up. Is he deceiving me?

Seeing Isabella's dazed look and the emotions on her face, Michael asked,"

What are you thinking about? You don't think I'm deceiving you, do you?"

Caught in her thoughts, Isabella blushed and quickly looked down.

Michael said, "Seríously! Tell me, besides you, what else would I be deceiving you for?"

Michael felt he was right; he was only interested in Isabella herself and had no other motives.

Isabella couldn't think of anything worth deceiving her for. At first, she thought Michael was with her to get back at Stella and John,but with Michael spending money to cut all ties, it didn't seem like revenge.

"Then why did you marry me?" Isabella asked, puzzled.

"Just think of it as love at first sight!" Michael said,a bit annoyed.

Isabella thought with a self-mocking smile, 'Love at first sight? I doubt I'm charming enough to make Michael want to marry me after one meeting.Whatever! I'm not losing out. Michael is handsome, wealthy, good in bed,and treats me well. But I just have a decent face. In this light, I'm gaining!Our marriage won't last long, right? I've already prepared myself to leave.If Michael mentions divorce, I'll agree immediately, parting on good terms,leaving a beautiful memory.'

"What are you thinking about now?" Michael asked,lifting her chin with his fingers so she had to look at him.

"Nothing," Isabella replied.

Staring at Michael's chiseled face and those mesmerizing eyes, Isabella thought, 'If I get deceived by a guy this perfect, I guess I can live with it.'

Seeing her lost in thought, Michael pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head like he was making a big decision. "Isabella, don't worry.You'll meet them eventually, just not now. My family's a bit complicated.Meeting them too soon wouldn't be good for you. Don't rush. When I've...sorted some things out, you'll meet them."

Hearing Michael's vague words and knowing he hadn't joined the company yet, Isabella guessed his position in the Johnson family was pretty awkward. Either he couldn't make any decisions, including about his marriage, or he was completely sidelined, with no one caring abouit his actions.Whether she met his family or not didn't seem to matter much.

Still, she felt a bit sorry for Michael.

She buried her face in his chest, wrapped her arms around his strong waist,and said. "Mr. Johnson, I'm not in a hurry, really. I don't care about these things. As long as you're okay."

Michael appreciated her response. He inhaled the scent of her hair and said softly. "Alright, we don't care. Having you is enough for me."

He felt an indescribable satisfaction.

The two were wrapped up in each other, and Jerry drove the car slowly,not wanting to interrupt. By the time they got home, it was almost dawn.

Michael wanted to giveIsabella a day off, but she firmly refused. She cared about her salary and wanted to see what happened with Philip at the company.

With only four hours until work, despite wanting to make love to Isabella.Michael held back. They showered together, and then he made her close her eyes and sleep. But Isabella couldn't sleep, her mind racing about Philip.

Michael told her not to worry about work tomorrow; nothing would happen, and Philip wouldn't bother her again.

When it was time for work, Michael drove Isabella to the office. On the way,she was still anxious, thinking, 'Philip is such a jerk. He never gives up easily. How could he let me off so easily?

Michael reassured her again. Even though he seemed confident, Isabella couldn't fully believe it.

Before she got out of the car, Michael put the car's safety hammer in her bag and said, "Here, take ths. If he gives you any trouble, just knock him on the head. You've got experience with that, and I don't mind bailing you

out of jail again."

Isabella laughed. With a guy like Michael backing her up, what was there to worry about?

She raised her bag like she was making a declaration. "Alright,get ready to shell out another million. I'm going to battle!"

With that, she walked confidently into the company's entrance.

As soon as she entered, she felt that something was off today.

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