Chapter 76

While wandering with Austin, Isabella saw Michael's name flashing on her phone screen. She figured he was probably surrounded by women, so she ignored the call. When he called again, she ignored it again.

"Isabella, who's blowing up your phone? You seem kinda upset," Austin asked,curious.

"Don't worry about it, just a wrong number," Isabella said, trying to sound casual.

Austin could tell she was in a bad mood, so he didn't push it and just followed her quietly.

Before they knew it, they ended up outside Willie and Elara's pizza shop.

Isabella suggested, "Hey, let's grab some pizza."

"Willie, Elara, can we get two pizzas?" Isabella called out as they walked in.

"Isabella! Great to see you! I'll get those started right away," Elara said,bringing over some snacks while they waited.

Isabella turned to Austin, "This is the oldest pizza place near Crestwood

College. The owners are super nice."

Then she introduced Elara, "Elara, this is Austin, a freshman at Crestwood College."

Willie brought over the pizzas, and as Isabella started eating,her phone kept buzzing in her pocket.

Meanwhile, Michael had Jerry driving him all over Silvercrest City. He couldn't believe he couldn't find Isabella in such a small place.

After a while, he realized finding her was harder than he thought,especially without any leads.

As he kept calling, he thought, 'Where could she be? She's nostalgic and needs security; she'll definitely go somewhere familiar.'

"Head to Crestwood College!" Michael told Jerry.

Arriving near Crestwood College, Michael scanned the area. Then,at Willie and Elara's pizza shop, he saw Isabella sitting inside, seemingly carefree,enjoying her pizza. And opposite her was a man who looked vaguely familiar to Michael.

Michael decided not to go in; he waited outside instead. The luxury car quickly drew a crowd of students taking pictures. Isabella noticed the commotion and looked out. Sure enough, she saw Michael's familiar black car.

"My husband's here to pick me up. Let's finish eating and go," Isabella said,looking down.

"What? Isabella, you're married?" Austin asked, surprised.

Isabella nodded. "Yeah, I haven't been married long."

Austin felt a sudden pang of disappointment.

"Isabella, you got married so early! I was just thinking of setting you up with someone!" Austin joked.

"My family's situation is kinda unique. My grandmother's health isn't great,and she wanted me to marry early," Isabella explained.

"Oh, so you got married for your grandmother!" Austin said, imagining some kind of arranged marriage.

"Let's go," Isabella suggested, seeing that Austin had almost finished eating.

She noticed Michael had been waiting in the car for a while. No matter how mad she was, she should go out now.

Their friendly interaction made Michael uncomfortable. When they came out, Michael got out of the car too.

"Michael, you're here!" Isabella greeted him with a smile, pretending everything was fine.

Instinctively, she felt she needed to keep up appearances in front of Austin.Isabella's initiative calmed Michael down halfway. He cooperated with her,walked up, and pulled her into a hug.

Austin was taken aback when he saw Michael. He didn't expect Isabella's husband to be the same Michael he met in Evergreen Valley.

Austin thought, 'Isn't he Lucy's husband? Is he cheatng?

Isabella turned to Austin and said, "My husband's here to pick me up.Where do you live? We can give you a ride!"

"Thanks, Isabella, but no need. I live on campus, just a short walk away,"Austin quickly declined, worried that if he kept talking to Isabella,he wouldn't be able to hold back from exposing Michael.

"Alright then, you should head back early and stay safe. Let me know when you get back to campus," Isabella reminded him.

Austin smiled brightly. "Got it, Isabella. You should go."

Isabella waved and walked towards the car.

Michael glanced at Austin, recognizing him as the guy Lucy had bumped into. Austin gave him a disdainful look and walked away.

Michael watched Austin leave, feeling his anger rise.

He thought, 'Isabella saw me with all those women at the bar, yet she can stiIl laugh and chat with Austin. Isn't she mad? Doesn't she care about me at all?'

Michael didn't want to think about it anymore and walked heavily towards the car.

As soon as he got in, he asked Isabella, "Lucy told me you went to the bar.Why didn't you say hi before leaving?"

His tone had a hint of hurt, like Isabella had ditched him to go have fun.

Isabella raised an eyebrow and said, "Say hi? No, I didn't wantto interrupt you."

"I'm your husband. Don't you feel any sense of ownership over me?"Michael's tone was full of resentment.

Isabella felt a sort of incredulous disbelef. Clearly, he was the one out having fun, surrounded by women, yet he was questioning her. She shot back, "You didn't push those women away. You enjoyed it,but you expect me to feel ownership? Lucy said this is your usual lifestyle. I can stop you today,but what about after that?"

"You're not jealous?" Michael asked, not ready to give up.

"Not jealous, because I know you're just playing around," Isabella said calmly.

"You're not angry?" Michael continued to ask.

"Very angry! That's why I left. I didn't want to see it!" Isabella said.

Michael pressed, "If you're angry, why don't you take it out on me? Why did you leave?"

"Mr. Johnson, do you really want me to throw a tantrum?" Isabella raised her head like a proud peacock and asked, "If I barged in, slapped you in the face, and then started yelling at you, would you be happy to see that?"

Michael was speechless. If Isabella had done that, he was sure he would

have been the laughingstock of Silvercrest City that night.

Isabella raised an eyebrow. Michael's reaction was just what she expected.

"Mr. Johnson, if I did that, you would be even more unhappy." She stood up. straddled his lap, and seductively lifted his chin, making Michael look up at her. "So, Mr. Johnson, tell me, what should I do to please you?"

Michael glanced up at Isabella, who was looking down at him with that smug expression. Her delicate hand was gripping his chin,making her look like some kind of queen.

He'd never seen this side of her before, and honestly, he found himself undeniably captivated by it. Under Isabella's confident stare, it was as if their roles had been completely reversed. Suddenly, Michael, who had always prided himself on his dominance, found himself feeling like a shy,timid bunny.

He couldn't help but think he must be a bit of a masochist because being pinned down by her was really doing it for him.