Chapter 25

Saturday morning. Eric rented a bus big enough for the whole department and their families. Everyone gathered downstairs at the company.

Isabella packed two suitcases, thinking Michael, being picky,wouldn't be comfortable at the countryside. She brought all the daily necessities for him.

Early in the morning. Jerry had some errands, so Aaron drove both of them to the company.

On the way, Isabella nervously reminded Michael, "When you meet my colleagues, if you don't feel like talking, ju1st smile. And if someone makes a joke that's a bit much, don't take it to heart. They're all good people and have been kind to me."

Seeing her worried look, Michael held her hand and reassured her, "Don't worry. I know how to act in social situations. I won't embarrass you."

"Of course, I know you won't," Isabella said, "I'm just afraid you might feel uncomfortable."

Michael was touched, not expecting Isabella to be so concerned about his feelings. "Don't worry. I've been through all kinds of situations. I can handle it."

Isabella thought about arriving just in time, hoping to leave as soon as she got in the car to avoid everyone asking questions.

Unexpectedly, because they arrived late, they became the topic of discussion.

"Have you seen Isabella's husband? What's he like?" A colleague asked curiously.

"I saw him from a distance that day when he dropped Isabella off at work.

He got out of the car with gray hair, looking a bit older, but his physique still looked good."

"I've seen him too. He looks older than Isabella, but the age difference doesn't seem that significant. It's just that, well, he looks a bit too... uh..."The colleague couldn't find the right word to describe him.

"Not very refined?" Another colleague chimed in.

"Right, it feels like there's a bit of a gap between them as a couple."

"What do you know? Beautiful women love strong men. Isabella's husband looks like someone who works out." Another colleague said.

"Stop talking. Isabella should be here soon. It wouldn't be good if her husband heard. Even though he looks average, he's very good to Isabella."Olivia said.

Everyone knew Olivia and Isabella were close, so when she said Michael looked average, no one had high expectations anymore.

The topic ended there.

Just before the bus was about to leave, Isabella arrived.

Aaron got off the car first, took their luggage from the trunk, and put it in the luggage compartment with the help of the bus driver.

After finishing all this, he opened the back door.

Everyone was marveling at how Isabella had found such a considerate and attentive husband when a long leg wrapped in trousers stepped out from the back door.

Michael, wearing a navy blue trench coat, stood outside the car, bent down,and held out a hand to help Isabella out.

Seeing Michael's face, the people on the bus couldn't help but exclaim,"So handsome!"

Those on the other side, not knowing what was happening,also came over to see.

Isabella held Michael's hand as they walked towards the bus, with Michael carrying Isabella's small bag.

By the time they got on the bus, everyone had returned to their seats.

Facing the attention of everyone on the bus, Isabella felt a bit embarrassed and pulled Michael towards the back.

A colleague teased, "Isabella, aren't you going to introduce us?"

Michael wrapped his arm around Isabella's shoulder, flashed a friendly smile, and called out to everyone, "Hey, folks! I'm Michael Johnson. Just call me Michael. I'm Isabella's husband. It's great to finally meet you all.Thanks for looking out for Isabella. If we get the chance,we'd love to treat you to a meal."

As he spoke, Michael glanced at Eric, who recognized him but kept it cool.

'Smart guy,' Michael thought to himself.

Michael's name wasn't as famous as Wesley's at the Johnson Group, but it was still known by quite a few.

To divert attention from his name, Michael kept talking.

Sure enough, everyone started focusing on the meal.

"Michael, when's this meal happening?" someone teased.

"Whenever you all have time, Isabella will set it up, and I'll treat," Michael replied, pulling Isabella to find a seat.

Luckily, as soon as they sat down, the bus started moving.

With the bus shaking and the engine humming, everyone quieted down,either catching up on sleep or playing on their phones, no longer focusing on the two of them.

Eric glanced back at Michael, who met his gaze and gave him a knowing look,leaving Eric puzzled.

Isabella,however,didn't sit still.

Worried that Michael might not be used to this kind of bus, she adjusted the air vent for him, took out a small blanket from her bag to cover him,and even put a neck pillow around his neck.

After finishing all this, she whispered in Michael's ear, "I brought motion sickness medicine. If you feel uncomfortable, let me know right away. It's worse if you throw up."

Seeing her taking such good care of him, Michael couldn't help but tease her, "My Isabella is so good. I'mn really lucky."

Isabella felt embarrassed by his words, turned her head, and leaned back in her seat. "I'm going to sleep."

With that, she closed her eyes.

Soon,Isabella really fell asleep.

Michael let her lie on his lap, covering her with the smalI blanket.

The two-hour bus ride passed quickly.

When Isabella woke up, her colleagues had already gotten off the bus,leaving only Michael still on board.

She then realized she had slept on Michael's lap the whole way.

"We should get off too!" Isabella urged, "Have they been off for long?"

"Not long," Michael replied, holding Isabella's hand as they got off thebus.

Isabella rushed ahead to get the luggage, but Michael blocked her. "Ill get it. You just follow."

"Can you handle it?" Isabella asked, thinking, 'Michael is always accompanied by Jerry or Aaron when he goes out. Can he handle this physical task?

Michael was a bit speechless. He thought, 'What kind of image does Isabella have of me? Someone who can't do anything? I have to change my image.'

Michael grabbed a suitcase in each hand and pulled both out of the luggage compartment.

He leaned close to Isabella's ear and whispered, "Don't worry. I can even carry you, let alone two small suitcases."

Isabella couldn't handle his teasing. She blushed and quickly ran to Olivia's side,staying far away from him.

Seeing Isabella's lively look, Michael wanted to pull her back and tease her more.