Chapter 34

"Hey Olivia, how about we try a different restaurant?" Isabella suggested.

"Why? No way, we're staying here,"Olivia shot back, still a bit worked up.

"Olivia. I don't want you getting upset over people who don't matter,"Isabella said, trying to calm her down.

"Why would I be? They should be the ones upset for running into me.

Didn't you see Ms. Foster? Her eyes were practically rolling to the back of her head."

Seeing Olivia wasn't too bothered, Isabella dropped the idea of changing restaurants.

They went in, found a seat, and ordered.

They didn't see where Autumn went. Olivia found out from the waiter that the second floor was VIP-only, with a minimum spend and a membership requirement, along with reservations. Looked like Autumn had gone upstairs.

Olívia didn't care much about Autumn's date; it wasn't her business.Enjoying the food was more important.

They dug into their meal, chatting and commenting on the unique flavors.

Suddenly,Isabella spotted a familiar face-it was Michael's assistant, Aaron,holding an envelope and hurrying upstairs.

Since Michael and Aaron were usually inseparable, Isabella wondered if Michael was around.

"Isabella, what are you thinking about? You zoned out while I was talking."

Olivia asked,concerned.

"Oh, nothing. Just got lost in thought," Isabella replied.

"Thinking about Michael, huh?" Olivia teased, taking a bite of dessert."No wonder everything tastes off-love must be in the air!"

Isabella felt uneasy for some reason. She forced a smile to hide her feelings."Eat up. Even the food won't shut you up."

Olivia forked a piece of red wine beef into her mouth, smiled at Isabella,and mumbled, "Alright, I'll zip it."

Isabella's phone rang.

She felt a surge of joy, thinking it was Michael.

She quickly grabbed it from her bag, but it wasn't Michael-it was Robert.

Isabella's smile faded.

Robert asked when she'd be back.

She whispered to Olivia, deciding to head back early.

Robert told them to wait at the restaurant; he'd come to pick them up.

A server cleared their dishes and brought them each a glass of lemon water.

Olivia said, "This $888 meal is something else! Compared to other places,the same dish tastes completely different. Totally changed my view on food."

While Olivia was giving her review, Isabella zoned out again.

Her eyes kept darting to the stairs leading down from the second floor.

Aaron hadn't come down since he went up. She wondered if Michael was up there.

Suddenly,someone came down.

Isabella had a clear view from her seat. It was Michael.

Beside him was a woman, but Michael blocked her face. She had a tall figure and elegant demeanor, likely a beauty, and was holding Michael's arm intimately.

Michael was carrying a woman's bag,probably hers.

The previously arrogant Autumn was trailing behind Michael.She was flushed,clearly from crying.

Autumn was anxiously saying something, seemingly explaining. But Michael and the woman ignored her and walked straight out.

Aaron followed at the end, keeping things in check and shooing away the curious onlookers.

Isabella felt like she was watching a movie. The drama unfolding in front of her seemed distant, yet she felt a sharp pain in her chest.

Olivia noticed something was off and quickly turned to see Michael leaving with the woman.

After they left, Olivía cautiously asked, "Isabella,you okay?"

Isabella snapped back to reality, her face pale. She nodded stiffly and murmured, "Yeah, I'm fine. Totally fine."

"Isabella, don't let it get to you. Michael's not worth it," Olivia said,trying to comfort her. "Maybe there's more to it. Michael doesn't seem like that kind of guy."

Isabella forced a bitter smile, thinking. 'He's already out on a date. Looks like Michael won't be my husband for much longer.

Just then, Isabella's phone rang again. It was Robert.

Isabella stood up, pulling Olivia along."Let's go. Robert's here."

In the car, Isabella stayed silent, watching the scenery blur by, her mind a mess.

Olivia didn't know how to comfort her, so she just held her hand tightly.

Robert thought they were tired from their outing and didn't say much.

After dropping Olivia off at her dorm, he took Isabella home.

Olivia wanted to take Isabella back to the dorm, but Isabella said,"I need to face this sooner or later. Better to get it over with."

Back at the house she hadn't lived in for long, Isabella felt utterly drained,more exhausted than ever.

Ava greeted her, "Mrs. Johnson, you're back? Want some supper?"

Isabella remembered telling Ava not to call her Mrs. Johnson.

Maybe Ava never saw her as the true lady of the house.

Isabella waved her off and said quietly, "No, just run me a bath."

Ava had already prepared the bath. She brought towels, essential oils,and incense, and led Isabella to the bathroom.

After setting everything up, Ava quietly left.

Isabella lay in the bathtub, the warm water enveloping her.

The air was filled with the scent of sweet orange essential oil and incense,

like she was in a sunlit orchard.

Isabella told herself, 'Instead of venting, I should solve the problem. The future is still bright. I shouldn't dwell on this but keep my dignity for both Michael and myself.

Having made up her mind, Isabella allowed herself a moment of sadness.

She lay in the tub, closed her eyes,held her breath, and submerged herself in the water, quietly recalling the brief time she spent with Michael.

The more beautiful the memory, the more painful it was. The longer the recollection, the more suffocating it felt.

Isabella finally understood the saying that memories could be overwhelmingly painful.

After getting out of the tub, she went to the closet and picked out a beautiful outfit. She sat at the vanity and put on some lovely makeup.

Isabella forced a smile, telling herself that no matter what, life should be beautiful. But she didn't realize that her reflection in the mirror looked more like crying than smiling.