Chapter 65

As soon as Michael arrived, Lucy jumped out of the car and ran over to him, saying, "Baby, thank God you're here."

Michael held her at arm's length and asked, "Alright, what happened?"

Lucy quickly explained, "I was driving on the road when this guy, out of nowhere,jumped in front of my car, claiming I hit him. He's trying to scam me for money!"

The guy's face turned red with anger. "How can you lie like that? You drove onto the sidewalk, and I couldn't get out of the way in time.Now you're blaming me?"

Feeling more confident with Michael there, Lucy put her hands on her hips and snapped back, "It's your fault.Skateboards aren't allowed on the road or the sidewalk. You should be fined. And seriously,you're old enough to buy a car but still ride a skateboard? That's just sad."

Michael noticed the skateboard and recognized the brand; it was high-end and definitely not cheap.

"Lucy, calm down. Let's talk this out without getting personal," Michael said, trying to keep things civil. He then turned to the guy and added,"And you, why argue with her? Just call the cops. Her offense is worse than yours.Or are you scared because your skateboard isn't legit?"

"The skateboard is mine," the guy clarified.

"Then call the cops. Both of you are at fault. Let them sort it out," Michael suggested.

The guy pulled out his phone to call the police, but Lucy rushed over and grabbed it, yelling, "No police!"

Michael took the phone from Lucy and handed it back to the guy. Lucy kept shouting, "Don't call the police. If you do, I'll never forgive you."

Michael grabbed Lucy and said coldly, "If you want a favor,ask nicely."

Lucy, almost in tears, said, "We can't call the police. If we do, I'm screwed.

I... I don't have my driver's license yet."

"So you're driving without a license. No wonder your driving sucks! How dare you drive withot a license?" the guy shot back.

Lucy retorted, "So what? I've driven plenty of times without getting caught.

And who cares if my driving is bad? At least I have a car, unlike you with your skateboard. Poor guy."

"My skateboard was bought with my own money. Did you buy your car with your own money? If not, you're poorer thanI am," the guy countered.

"Enough!" Michael, tired of their bickering, stepped in. "Arguing won't solve anything."

Both of them went quiet at Michael's outburst.

Michael looked at the guy and asked, "Do you want to call the cops or settle this privately? If you want to call the cops, go ahead. She needs a wake-up call. If you want to settle privately, name your price, and I'll make sure you're happy."

"I don't need money," the guy said. "I just want her to apologize. Her attitude is terrible."

Michael pulled Lucy over and sternly said, "Apologize!"

Seeing that Michael was genuinely angry, Lucy started to cry and said,"Why should I apologize? I'm a victim, too."

Seeing Lucy cry, the guy got flustered and said to Michael, "Forget it. I

won't hold it against her. Since she's your girlfriend, you shouild take care of her."

With that, the guy hopped on his skateboard and took off.

Michael called Aaron to come and drive Lucy's car back.

Lucy immediately objected.

"Then let a tow truck take it," Michael said,clearly annoyed.

Lucy gave in, "Fine. Let him drive it back."

After sorting out Lucy's mess, Michael, worried about Isabella back at the hotel,grabbed a cab to head back.

Lucy tagged along; she didn't want to stay with Aaron.

When they got to the hotel, they saw Vaughn walking ahead empty-handed. with Isabella trailing behind, carrying a bag and some documents.

Michael nudged Lucy and said, "That's Vaughn. Aren't you going to say hi?"

Lucy rushed over and called out, "Vaughn."

She threw herself into Vaughn's arms.

Isabella saw a girl rush over and call Vaughn. She looked up and was surprised. Judging by the voice, she was Lucy, the same girl who had called Michael "baby."

Before Isabella could process it, Michael covered her mouth and pulled her into the stairwell.

Isabella pushed his hand away and snapped, "What are you doing? Mr.

Vaughn Johnson is still outside!"

Michael pinned her against the wall and asked, "Are you still mad? Tell me why."

Isabella turned her face away, refusing to look at him or speak.

Michael let go, placing one hand behind her head to protect it from the wall and lifting her chin with the other, making her look at him. He said,"Isabella, relationships are messy. Like you and me, we've been together for à short time, and you don't know much about me. Misunderstandings happen. But when they do, we need to talk it out. We're married, the closest people to each other. I hope you can trust me and ask me if you have doubts instead of sulking alone, leaving me guessing."

Isabella lowered her eyes, her long lashes fluttering, showing her nervousness. She said, "Then... I'll ask."

"Ask anything you want to know, and I'll tell you," Michael said, deciding to come clean, thinking Isabella knew his true identity.

"Yesterday morning, I called you, and a girl answered... she called you:..baby," Isabella said nervously, fearing the coming answer she didn't want to hear.

Michael visibly relaxed and said, "Lucy? Isabella, I can explain."

Isabella interrupted him, "At first, I didn't believe it, but when I went home to get my luggage, I saw your car at the intersection while waiting for the light. You two were in the car, looking very close. I..."

Isabella took a deep breath and continued, "I was hurt. The evidence was right in front of me, and I had to believe it. At the hotel, she called you,and you left immediately."

As Isabella recounted these events, it felt like a knife was cutting her heart.She was in agony but had to face it. She thought it was better to endure the pain all at once and let the wound heal slowly.

She mustered the courage to continue, "I've said before, if you fall for someone else, just tell me, and I'll cooperate with the divorce. My stance hasn't changed."

After she finished, Michael's tense body visibly relaxed. He held Isabella's hand,kissed it, and said, "I won't divorce you. Listen to me. Her namne is Lucy, my aunt's only daughter, spoiled by the family. Her college boyfriend cheated on her with someone wealthy. She dragged me to show off in front of her ex, and since then, she wouldn't change but insists call me baby, no matter what I say."

"You mean,she's your cousin?" Isabella was surprised.

Michael nodded deeply and softly said, "Yes, really."