During the two days Isabella was unconscious, Alexander came to her bedside every day,
confessing and crying.
She listened silently, her heart unmoved, choosing to deceive herself rather than wake up.
Until the third day, she heard a woman’s voice, tearful and distressed. “Alexander, it’s all my
fault. When Ms. Miller got jealous and deliberately knocked over the candlestick, I should have
pushed you to save her… then none of this would have happened…”
Then Alexander’s gentle voice replied, “Isabella has always been like this, prone to little
tantrums. How could I blame you?”
“But… but I really feel guilty…” Ivy’s sobs choked her words.
Alexander’s tone suddenly took on a teasing edge. “Really guilty? Then I’ll have to punish you.”
Ivy froze, and before she could react, her lips were sealed by his.
Their tongues entwined, and Alexander’s hoarse voice whispered in her ear, “Punishment: no stopping for half an hour.”
Ivy’s face burned red.
Isabella’s fingers curled tightly, her heart breaking.
The suggestive sounds in her ears grew louder. Her stomach twisted violently, and she couldn’t help but vomit.
Alexander realized she was awake only then. Flustered, he let go of Ivy and asked with concern, “Isabella, how are you feeling?”
He paused, then continued, “Ivy has already told me the truth. You did knock over the candlestick, but she said she wouldn’t hold you responsible. Consider this injury as her way of punishing you.”
Punishing…
Isabella clenched her fists. Finally, unwilling, she asked, “Punishment?”
Punishment… for what?
Alexander pressed his lips together and said with slight seriousness, “Enough. You both were at fault. I’ve already punished Ivy. Fair and square. That’s the end of it.”
Chapter 4
26.67%
Isabella almost laughed out loud.
One was knocked unconscious; the other was kissed for half an hour.
Such a “fair” punishment!
She felt bitter. Love or no love, it was crystal clear.
“Fine, let’s leave it at that,” she said flatly, no longer wanting to argue or dwell on it.
Alexander frowned slightly, sensing something strange in her reaction.
He comforted himself that Isabella had probably just woken up and wasn’t fully herself yet.
To put her at ease, Alexander specially held a banquet.
Amid clinking glasses, Alexander held Isabella’s hand tightly, as though she were his most
precious treasure.
He introduced her to the guests, “This is my wife, Isabella Miller.”
The surrounding guests were full of envy.
“Mr. Hawke is so handsome, and Mrs. Hawke is stunning. They’re perfect together!”
“Agreed. I heard Mr. Hawke spent a fortune to marry her back then. Now he’s throwing this party
for her. You can tell he truly cherishes her!”
Basking in their admiration, Alexander smiled proudly, leaning in to whisper to Isabella, “Hear that? They’re all envious of us.”
“Really?”
Isabella’s tone was even, and she was expressionless.
At that moment, a sharp ringtone suddenly rang.
As soon as he picked up, an excited voice came through the line. “Alexander! Great news! The brand we’ve been trying to work with finally agreed to meet! Hurry, the usual place!”
Alexander hesitated, hand gripping the phone. “But I’m-”
“Ah, don’t waste time. They said we only have an hour, no extensions!” Ivy spoke rapidly, then
hung up.
Alexander lingered in place, while flashes and admiring murmurs still focused on them.
Chapter 4
26.67%
He made up his mind. “Sorry, Isabella. I have a business meeting now-”
“So many people are watching,” Isabella interrupted softly, almost pleading. “If you leave now,
it’ll embarrass me.”
Alexander frowned. “Isabella, this isn’t the time for tantrums. That deal is really important to
me.”
He paused, then added, “It’s just one banquet. I’ll make it up to you next time, okay?”
With that, he hurried off, leaving Isabella behind.
The crowd below erupted in whispers.
“What’s going on? Isn’t this the banquet Mr. Hawke threw just for his wife? Why leave halfway?”
“No idea… seems like Mr. Hawke got a call and left. Could it have been… some mistress?”
“Tsk, tsk. So their relationship isn’t as perfect as people thought, huh?”
Isabella barely remembered how she got back home.
She showered in a daze, washing away the carefully applied makeup. The cold water briefly cleared
her mind.
She thought of Alexander’s words, “I’ll make it up to you next time, okay?”
But Alexander… there won’t be a next time.
Soon, I’ll remember my original life.
And… I’ll forget you.
There will be no next time.
Chapter 4
