Chapter 61

Michael glanced at the familiar number on Isabella's phone and let out a sigh. Qiana had finally figured it out.

"Isabella, are you into the design of Maple Hill Hot Springs? Wanna check out my drawings?" Michael asked.

"Really? Can I?" Isabella's eyes lit up with excitement.

Michael took her hand and led her to his study. He booted up his computer and pulled up a folder. "This folder's got all the info on Maple Hill Hot Springs. Start with these. I've got some hand-drawn sketches too;I'll grab them for you."

He climbed a ladder and pulled down a semi-transparent storage box from the top shelf, packed with pencil sketches of landscapes.

"Take your time with these, Isabella. A friend's coming over, so I gotta step out for a bit. If you get tired, just crash; no need to wait up for me,"Michael told her.

"Okay, Michael. Dón't forget your coat; it's chilly out," Isabella reminded him,squeezing his hand.

"Got it!" Michael gave her a quick kiss and headed out.

He made his way to the third villa up front.

The door was open, so he walked right in.

Qiana was in the living room, sipping tea and waiting for him.

"Wow, you got here faster than I thought! Looks like Ms. Taylor doesn't keep any secrets from you," Qiana teased.

"Of course not. Isabella's my girl; she tells me everything," Michael said,puffing up a bit.

"Your girl? Isabella's a sweet, hardworking girl, and you've messed her up," Qiana snapped,glaring at him.

Michael got defensive. "What's that supposed to mean, Qiana? When I dated a model, you all said Stella's job was inappropriate and she was too loose. Now I'm with a simple girl like Isabella, and you say I'm ruining her. What kind of woman would make you happy? Or do you want me to end up alone or with a guy just to please you?"

Qiana's face turned red with anger. She stood up, pointing at him."Michael, do you have any idea what you're saying? Are you blaming us for you not being married? Grandpa and I just want you to be happy!"

Her eyes welled up with tears.

"Qiana, I'm sorry." Michael looked down, realizing he'd gone too far. He knew she meant well but just saw things differently. He poured her a cup of tea.

Qiana took the tea, downed it in one gulp, and then raised her hand to slap him, but it landed softly.

"I knew you wouldn't really hit me," Michael said, giving her a small smile.

Qiana sighed. "We're siblings, the closest people in the world. Of course, I want the best for you. I'm happy with Isabella as your wife. She grew up without a mother, her dad Aiden ignored her,and her stepmom Sophia didn't care for her. She and her grandma Ella had to rely on each other.She worked hard to get into Crestwood College. You know how tough that was. She changed her life through her own efforts. You shouldn't have rushed into things with such an amazing girl. If you can't be responsible

ou'll end up hurting her."

"You've done your homework," Michael said. "Then you should know Stella's the one cheating with John, the guy who wronged Isabella."

Qiana sighed. "Yeah, I know. Stella was bound to cheat sooner or later.But Michael, you shouldn't drag Isabella into this mess just to get back at John and Stella."

"Qiana, you said you're happy with her as my wife. Now that we're together, what's the problem?" Michael asked,exasperated.

Qiana replied, "I'm happy with her, and you're lucky to have her. What I'm not happy with is you. You got with her out of spite to get back at Stella. That's not fair to Isabella. Even if she has her reasons for marrying you, she's devoted to you right now. You haven't introduced her to me or Grandpa, and you haven't made your relationship public. Isn't that because you want an easy out later? Michael, how is that any different from being a jerk?"

Michael was at a loss for words. "Who said I want to break up with her?"

Qiana said, "I asked her, and she said you have the final say about the marriage. If you tell her you want a divorce, she'll leave immediately.Isabella is devoted to you. If you don't plan to spend your life with her,you should break up sooner rather than later. The longer you wait,the more you'll hurt her."

Michael was taken aback. "Qiana,are you saying she likes me?"

Qiana nodded. "When she talks about you, there's a light in her eyes. She also said you're the best person to her besides Ella."

"I'm leaving, Qiana. Good night," Michael said abruptly.

"Think about wwhat I said," Qiana reminded him as he left.

"Qiana, I like her more than you think," Michael said.

Leaving Qiana's villa, Michael quickly headed back home.

He gently pushed open the study door and found Isabella asleep at the desk.

The computer had gone into screensaver mode, and Isabella was still holding a pen. The notebook beside her was filled with notes.

Michael picked it up andflipped through it. In Isabella's neat handwriting,she had written down her thoughts and insights, even howw she would design it if given the chance.

"Isabella, you really took this seriously," Michael murmured.

He bent down and gently picked her up. The sudden lift made Isabella instinctively wrap her arms around Michael's neck.

"Sweetie, let's go to bed," Michael whispered in her ear, trying not to wake her.

Isabella murmured softly,leaned against Michael's chest, and fell back into a deep sleep.

Michael laid her on the bed and looked at her sleeping face. Her long eyelashes were like little brushes, her skin rosy and smooth like rose petals,and her slightly pouted red lips seemed to invite him to kiss them.

On the spur of the moment, Michael leaned down and kissed her gently.He stopped only when he felt he couldn't control himself any longer. He lay down beside her, held her in his arms, and they fell asleep together.