Chapter 4
The man’s sculpted face appeared before her.
Isabella walked closer, a bit surprised. “You… didn’t leave?”
Samuel stepped out of the car, loading her suitcase into the trunk.
Her eyes reddened. At this moment, he felt like her only support. Everyone else was against her, but he was still there, standing by her side.
She lowered her head slightly, trying to steady her voice. Thank you.”
Samuel’s face darkened instantly. His eyes locked onto her swollen cheek. “Who hit you?”
Isabella’s eyelashes fluttered, and she quickly replied, “Let’s talk when we get back.”
But Samuel’s whole body exuded a chilling aura, and he started heading towards the Stout family’s villa. Isabella was startled and quickly grabbed his arm. “Samuel, don’t…”
“Whoever hurt you is dead meat,” Samuel said, his voice icy cold. Isabella clung tightly to his arm, pulling him back. Samuel turned to look at her, seeing her pleading expression. “I’m so tired. Let’s just… go back, okay?”
Her face was half–swollen, half–pale.
Samuel hesitated for a moment, then nodded silently.
The drive was quiet.
An hour later, they arrived at the riverfront villa.
As they stepped inside, several people were waiting in the living room. They immediately greeted them respectfully, “Good evening, Mr. Howerton. Good evening, Mrs. Howerton!”
Isabella blinked in surprise and glanced at Samuel. He had already made all the arrangements?
Samuel gave her a brief look. “If you need anything, just tell them. They won’t speak to anyone outside.”
Her heart fluttered slightly with warmth. He knew she didn’t want to make things public just yet, so he had everyone sworn to secrecy. He took care of everything for her, down to the smallest detail.
Samuel…
Was he secretly a caring man? But didn’t everyone say he was ruthless?
“Dismissed,” Samuel said. He then took Isabella’s hand and led her upstairs.
“Wait a second
Isabella was puzzled, watching him walk over to a cabinet. He returned with a first aid kit.
“You…” she didn’t expect it.
“Let’s reduce the swelling first.
For a moment, her eye welled up with tears.
Samuel, who was always so aloof, was now sitting before her… treating her injuries?
Samuel, assuming her face still hurt, frowned even more. “What exactly happened?”
As he spoke, he began applying the ointment. The cool touch startled her back to reality. Flustered, she reached to take the ointment from his hands. “I–I can do it myself…
“Don’t move.” His voice was firm, leaving her no choice but to stay still.
They were so close, she could feel his breath.
11:45 AM
Chapter 4
Isabella’s heart raced, tension building in the air.
Samuel’s gaze softened as he looked at her flushed face. “Hudson hit you?”
Isabella pressed her lips together, then let out a soft, bitter laugh. That doesn’t matter anymore. I guess I… don’t have a home
now.
Samuel’s eyes darkened as he looked at her, clearly expecting her to say more.
After a moment of hesitation, she quietly added, “I didn’t listen to them, so I was kicked out. They told me never to come back
She let out another sad laugh.
Maybe her father was waiting for her to go back, to apologize and beg for forgiveness
But why did he treat her so cruelly?
Suddenly, a cold sneer came from above her. Samuel’s powerful presence was overwhelming, making the air feel heavy.
But just as quickly as it came, it faded. She was caught off guard when he gently lifted her chin. His icy gaze softened as he said, with a seriousness she hadn’t expected, “From now on, this is your home. No one can kick you out.”
Her heart skipped a beat.
In that moment, the cracks in her heart seemed to heal.
She stared at him, her lips parting slightly, unsure how to respond.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Samuel let go of her chin, closed the first aid kit, and said calmly, “This is the last time. No one is allowed to hurt you again. I. Samuel Howerton, won’t let it happen.”
Isabella blinked, staring at him. She bit her lip and whispered, “Thank you.”
Samuel met her gaze,
his cold
eyes carrying something more. “Remember this well. I’m your husband, not just in name.
Isabella’s heart fluttered. What did he mean?
Did he…
“Isabella, I’m giving you time. But don’t make me wait too long!
With that, Samuel stood up, not sparing her another glance, and left the room
Isabella sat there, stunned. A knock at the door brought her back to her senses. She quickly got up to answer.
Standing at the door was a kind–looking woman, probably in her late forties, dressed in simple gray loungewear. She smiled at
Isabella.
“Hello, Mrs. Howerton. I’m Megan, the housekeeper.”
Megan.
Isabella had heard of her before. She had worked for the Howerton family for decades and was highly respected. This house had just been set up, so Samuel must’ve brought her over specifically
Isabella quickly stepped aside. “Hello, Megan.”
Megan entered, looking Isabella up and down with approval. “Mr. Howerton sure has good taste!”
Isabella’s face flushed. She coughed awkwardly.
Megan laughed heartily. “Don’t be shy. Mr. Howerton already gave me all the instructions. If you need anything, just let me
know.”
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Isabella nodded. “Thank you, Megan.”
“Mr. Howerton, well, he’s not much of a talker and can be a bit cold. But I’ve never seen him this close with any woman before. He even told me to keep you company tonight”
Chapter +
Isabella was surprised. Maybe Samuel knew she was feeling down and wanted Megan to keep her company?
“Don’t take it the wrong way, though. It’s not that he didn’t want to stay with you. He just had some urgent business. He’s going on a trip for a week.”
Isabella nodded. Samuel must be busy, often traveling for work.
At least this gave her time to sort things out.
Megan chatted with her for over an hour before preparing dinner. Afterward, Isabella went to bed early.
Today felt like her last desperate gamble. She had wasted too much time at the city hall. She wouldn’t let herself be so foolish again.
A few days later, Isabella had pulled herself together. Early in the morning, she got out of bed.
Since she had given up on love, she wouldn’t waste any more time on it. She needed to focus on her career.
After a quick breakfast, Isabella headed out.
Her feelings were mixed as she realized she was driving Samuel’s car.
He had taken care of everything.
Isabella pressed her lips together, silently making a note to repay this debt someday.
She was driving along, the road mostly clear since it wasn’t rush hour.
But then, there was a loud crashing sound.
Isabella’s eyes widened in shock.
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