Isabella wore only a pair of thin cotton socks and could already anticipate the pain of stepping onto the cold, uneven path.
She took a deep breath, preparing to grit her teeth and get out of the car.
But before she could move, a tall figure blocked her way.
She looked up—it was Ethan.
His brows furrowed slightly as he studied her. Without a word, he leaned down and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. His deep voice murmured in her ear, "Grandma Hannah is watching. Don't worry her."
True enough, when Isabella returned, both Grandma Hannah and Lady Emily were already waiting at the door to greet her.
A wave of guilt washed over Isabella. What did I do to deserve their kindness?
Seeing Ethan carrying her, Grandma Hannah beamed with joy. "Are you tired, Isabella? Go to your room and rest. I'll have the housekeeper bring your dinner upstairs."
Then, she turned to Ethan and smiled approvingly. "You've finally come to your senses. Today is truly the happiest day of my life."
Isabella forced a polite smile, playing along.
But as soon as they entered their room, she immediately pushed Ethan away. "That's enough. I can walk on my own."
"Suit yourself." Ethan loosened his tie. "But don't wander off. Someone will be here soon to fit you for tomorrow's dress. Try not to miss them."
Ignoring his sarcasm, Isabella sat on the sofa and made a phone call.
"Hello, Olivia…"
Hearing her on the phone, Ethan turned and walked into the bathroom.
"Are you feeling better?" Olivia asked, concern in her voice. She already knew about Isabella's collapse and how James had taken her to the hospital.
James had asked Olivia about Isabella's condition as well, but she hadn't shared much.
"I'm better now," Isabella said softly. "I just… suddenly remembered my parents." Her voice wavered, grief tightening around her throat.
Olivia hesitated before saying, "Isabella, my condolences…"
"Do you know what happened after their accident? Why was our house sold? I can't remember anything." Isabella's voice carried an urgent desperation. The house had been filled with her happiest memories, and now, there was nothing left of it.
"I'm sorry," Olivia said. "At the time, I was back in my hometown and wasn't around. When the school year started, Chloe mentioned your family's bankruptcy and how much it affected you."
"Chloe?" Isabella's expression darkened. Her cousin. The one she had never gotten along with.
"Yes. She took advantage of your vulnerability, but you never fought back. You went through life like a zombie… You even almost got expelled."
Isabella stayed silent.
"But then, something changed," Olivia continued. "One day, you just… woke up. You became determined, focused. You said you wanted to make your parents proud. You mentioned that someone's words had woken you up."
"Someone woke me up?" Isabella murmured.
Before Olivia could respond, Ethan's deep voice cut through the air from inside the bathroom.
"Isabella, come here for a moment."
She rolled her eyes, pretending not to hear. "Do you know who it was?" she asked Olivia.
"No idea. I asked, but you never told me. Then, out of nowhere, you insisted on marrying Ethan. None of us could stop you."
"Isabella!" Ethan's voice thundered again. Olivia could hear it through the phone.
"Who's calling you? Is everything alright?" Olivia asked.
"Come here!" Ethan's voice boomed.
Frustration flared inside Isabella. She clenched her fists, marching toward the bathroom door. "What do you want?"
"Get me my pajamas."
"No. I'm not your servant," she snapped.
Ethan's tone turned lazy. "Are you sure about that? Fine, I'll come out. But just so you know—I'm not wearing anything."
Isabella's eyes widened. Panic surged through her.
"No, no, no!" she stammered, reaching for the door handle.
But just as she did, the door swung outward.
Both of them froze.
At that exact moment, Lady Emily's voice echoed from the hallway.
"What's going on?"
Isabella's stomach dropped. If Lady Emily saw this, her perfect image would be ruined.
Thinking fast, she did the only thing she could—she shoved Ethan back inside the bathroom and followed him in, slamming the door shut.
Inside, she turned to him with a glare. "Shut up!" she hissed.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't?"
"You can try me," she shot back.
Outside, Lady Emily's voice grew closer. "Isabella? Ethan? Are you in there?"
Before Ethan could answer, Isabella panicked.
Without thinking, she grabbed his collar and kissed him.
Ethan stiffened. The words he had been about to say died in his throat.
At that exact moment, Isabella's elbow accidentally hit the shower controls.
Water sprayed down on them, soaking them both instantly.
Outside, Lady Emily caught a glimpse of their blurred silhouettes through the frosted glass. She chuckled to herself.
"Well, it seems Isa has already claimed him," she murmured before turning to leave.
Back inside, Isabella finally processed what she had just done.
She yanked herself away and glared at Ethan.
"Why didn't you dodge?!"
Ethan wiped water from his face, looking amused. "Why should I?"
"If this happens again, I won't let you off so easily!" she threatened.
Then, with as much dignity as she could muster, she turned to leave—only to struggle with the outward-opening door again.
Ethan leaned against the wall, watching her with a smirk.
"Need help, wife?"
Isabella shot him a murderous glare before storming out.
---
A Grand Celebration
That evening, the most influential figures of Crown City gathered at the Anderson Mansion to celebrate Grandma Hannah's 80th birthday.
Isabella, dressed in an elegant white satin gown, exuded grace and beauty. The dress had been chosen to match her role as Ethan's wife, whether she liked it or not.
Lady Emily beamed with pride. "My dear Isabella, you look stunning. We're blessed to have you in our family."
"Thank you, Mom," Isabella responded, though her heart ached for her real parents.
As the banquet reached its peak, all eyes turned toward the grand staircase.
Grandma Hannah descended with Isabella and Lady Emily at her side. The dazzling lights illuminated Isabella's ethereal beauty, capturing everyone's attention.
From across the room, Ethan's expression darkened as he caught sight of her dress.
"Who picked that dress for her?" he muttered.
Meanwhile, his childhood friend Alexander approached with a notable guest.
"Come, Ethan. There's someone you should meet," Alexander said.
Ethan turned, only to find himself face-to-face with James.
James smiled as he extended a hand.
"A pleasure, Mr. Ethan. It seems we meet again."