Chapter 26

Olivia finally snagged a moment alone with Isabella and jumped right in, "Isabella, what's the deal with your husband? Did you hire some guy last minute to show off?"

Isabella looked confused. "My husband's always looked like this! Have you seen him before?"

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't he usually pick you up? And remember that one time outside the police station? I think I saw him then."

Isabella's eyes widened as she realized the mix-up. "Oh, the one who usually picks me up is the driver, Jerry, or the butler, Robert. Even if Michael's there,he stays in the car."

Olivia's jaw dropped. "Wait, you married a rich guy? With a driver and a butler? What kind of family is this?"

Isabella shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know much about his family."

Thinking about family made Isabella remember meeting Michael's cousin Vaughn, which always bummed her out because Michael was weird about her meeting his family.

Olivia realized she had misspoken. Considering Michael's background,he probably wouldn't be interested in girls from ordinary families like theirs.

Olivia quickly changed the subject and tried to lighten the mood. She pinched Isabella's cheek and teased, "Come on, spill it. How could you hide such a hottie like Michael from me?"

Isabella blushed. "Michael's not that handsome, just average."

Olivia pretended to be shocked. "Girl, are you blind? You call Michael average?"

Isabella linked arms with Olivia, laughing so hard she almost doubled over.

She knew Michael was handsome; she was just being modest.

Suddenly,Olivia leaned in and whispered, "Does he have any... issues?"

Isabella looked puzzled.

"You know, any weird hobbies?" Olivia was too embarrassed to be more direct in public.

Isabella still looked lost.

Olivia got impatient and whispered in her ear, "I mean, is he violent? Like,does he have a temper, especially... in bed? I've heard rich guys can get pretty wild and sometimes hurt their girlfriends."

To Isabella's surprise, Olivia meant that. She felt like she could sink to the floor, responding in a tiny voice, "He's quite gentle..."

Olivia sighed in relief. "Isabella, you should be happy. You dtched a bad guy and married a rich, handsome one. You're so lucky. But seriously,why would his ex, Stella, cheat on him with John? Is she nuts?"

Isabella had wondered the same thing but never figured it out. If it were her, she wouldn't have done something so stupid.

"Do you think Michael fell for you at first sight,hired Stella to seduce John,and then swooped in to steal you away?" Olivia's imagination was running wild. "That would be so romantic!"

Isabella laughed, thinking Olivia was getting ridiculous."Yeah,sure.In your eyes, I'm the most charming beauty."

They both burst into laughter.

Michael, walking behind them, broke into a cold sweat. Olivia's wild theories had him on edge, but luckily, Isabella just laughed them off.

After their laughter died down, Isabella turned serious and said, "Olivia,sometimes I feel pretty unlucky. Except for my grandma,all my relatives have ditched me. But then again, I feel like fate's been kind, letting me marry Mr. Johnson. I'm really lucky."

Olivia nodded, equally serious. "Isabella, if you think he's good for you,then stick with him. You're amazing; if I were a guy, I'd want to marry you,too.Why would it be your husband's turn?"

Michael, still trailing behind them, felt even more on edge. Now he had to worry about both men and women trying to steal Isabella away!

As they neared the lodging, Olivia suddenly remembered why Isabella had brought her husband and quickly let go of her. "Alright, Isabella, I won't keep you any longer. If I do, someone might get jealous. Go find Michael;I'll check on the dorm arrangements."

With that, she dashed off, leaving Isabella behind.

Isabella realized she shouldn't leave Michael alone for too long,so she went to look for him.

Isabella looked around, puzzled about where Michael had gone. Suddenly,she turned around and bumped into a solid wall of muscle,causing stars to burst in her vision. Her nose ached, and she couldn't help but cover her face as she crouched down.

"Isabella, I'm so sorry." Michael dropped her suitcase and,before she could react,he had already wrapped her arms around him.

Their colleagues, always up for some fun, started cheering, and someone yelled,"Kiss,kiss!"

Isabella,mortified, quickly jumped down from Michael's arms and explained, "I just bumped my nose, and Michael got worried,so..."

A colleague next to her nudged her husband and pretended to be mad. "Look at Michael, Isabella just bumps her nose, and he's all worried.I nearly chopped my finger off cutting veggies, and you didn't even care.I had to bandage it myself."

Her husband laughed. "I'd love to take you to the hospital, but I'm afraid the doctors won't be able to find any injuries!"

Everyone burst out laughing, and Isabella felt even more embarrassed.

Michael turned to the group and said, "Isabella's sensitive to pain, so I get extra worried when she gets hurt. It's always been like this, and she's mentioned it to me several times."

Everyone nodded in understanding, and Isabella, feeling shy, quickly took his hand and led him away.

Olivia watched their sweet interaction and smiled.

Eric, who had been watching from the sidelines, saw the usually aloof and silent Michael explain so much in one go and couldn't help but sneer, "So pretentious!"

Olivia overheard him.

"Mr. Allen, are you jealous of Isabella and Michael's loving relationship?You don't stand a chance, so you might as well give up!" Olivia shot back.

"What am I jealous of?" Eric looked confused.

Olivia smirked. "Look at Michael-he's rich, tall, handsome,and,most importantly,good to Isabella. You can't compare."

"Why should I compare with him? Am I that bad?" Seeing Olivia compare him to other men made Eric feel very frustrated.

Olivia continued, "See, you're getting defensive. Did I hit a nerve? Since

you're not as good as Mlichael, you should know your place."

"No matter how great Michael is, he's not your husband. What's the point of saying all this?" Eric shoved his suitcase into Olivia's hands. "Since you're so free,help me with my stuff!"

With that, he walked off without looking back.

Olivia stomped her foot in frustration, thinking. 'Isabella's lucky to have a great guy like Michael, but why is the only single guy around me. Eric.such a jerk?