Isabella finally looked up at him, her previously indifferent tone carrying a hint of excited joy.[]
“Your uncle is back in the country?“[]
Seeing her return to normal, Ronan’s lips curved into a knowing smile.[]
“Oh, so you’re really that desperate to marry me? Don’t worry, I’ll show up to the wedding. Just cut the drama, alright? Playing hard–to–get is cute for a while, but keep it up and it just gets old.“[]
As he spoke, Ronan opened the car door.
Isabella knew explaining would be pointless–he wouldn’t listen anyway. Instead of arguing, she got into the passenger seat and said simply, “I need to go home first. I want to do my makeup and change clothes.“]]
Seeing how seriously she was taking this dinner, Ronan assumed she loved him so much that she wanted to make a good impression on his uncle. He raised raised an eyebrow and, for once, agreed to her request.
After getting ready, they drove to the Moretti family estate.[]
The dinner was well–attended, and guests greeted Isabella warmly, unsurprised by her presence.[]
She returned their greetings politely, then found a quiet corner to wait for Lucius to appear.[]
Not knowing what their reunion would be like, she felt distracted all evening, her heart pounding with anticipation.[]
Ronan quickly noticed her agitation and shot her a displeased look.[]
“I’m right here with you. What are you spacing out for? This is my final warning–I’ve agreed to marry you, so cut the act! If you keep this up, I might change my mind!“]]
Isabella almost snapped back, but caught herself just in time.]
Soon enough, he’d learn he wasn’t the groom. There was no point wasting words.
Minutes later, the main doors finally opened.[]
Everyone turned expectantly.
But it wasn’t Lucius who appeared–it was the Ronan’s grandpa.]
He walked slowly to the podium and announced to the crowd:[]
“Lucius was in a minor car accident before departure and missed his flight. He’s still overseas and won’t be attending tonight’s dinner.“[]
Hearing this news, Isabella shot to her feet, her voice tight with concern.[]
“Mr. Moretti, how is he? Is it serious?“[]
The old man waved his hand reassuringly. “He’s fine. It won’t affect anything important. Don’t worry, Isabella.“[]
Ronan frowned, pulling her back down and scolding her quietly.[]
“Yeah, the engagement’s set, but you’re not part of the family yet. Don’t act like you’re already the future wife just because you’re suddenly all concerned about my uncle. It’s not a good look.“]
Isabella had reached her limit and was about to speak plainly when Mr. Moretti coughed, instantly silencing the room.]
“I’ve gathered everyone here tonight to announce the engagement between the Moretti and Claymore families. The wedding date is set for one week from today at Southview Manor.“[]
Chapter 5
“The couple consists of the Claymore family’s daughter, Isabella Claymore…”
During he’s booming announcement, Ronan received a message from Heyar.
Whatever she’d sent made his expression change drastically. He quickly stood and left the room, missing the rest of the announcement.[]
“…and our family head, Lucius Moretti!“]
This unexpected pairing sent shockwaves through the room, setting off a buzz of whispered conversations.
“Did I hear that right? Lucius? Not Ronan?“]
“How could it be the uncle? Doesn’t he avoid women? Why would he marry some young girl?“[]
The chatter nearly overwhelmed the ballroom, but given Lucius’s status, despite their shock, no one dared say too much. They offered congratulations to Isabella as she rose to acknowledge them.
After the dinner ended, still worried about the car accident, Isabella specifically sought out Mr. Moretti.[]
He patted her shoulder, his face beaming with joy.[]
“Lucius sent photos–saw them. Just minor injuries that will heal quickly. Isabella, just focus on preparing for your wedding.“[]
These words finally put her mind at ease.[]
Over the next few days, Isabella stayed home preparing invitations, selecting her wedding dress, and organizing her trousseau, completely absorbed in wedding preparations.[]
During this time, she received numerous messages from Ronan’s friends, but never opened any of them.[]
One evening, while getting ready for bed, she accidentally clicked on one and discovered they were all about the same thing:[]
“Ronan got hurt and is in the hospital–Room 609 at Chicago General. Aren’t you coming to see him? Bring some of that chicken soup he likes.”
“What’s with not responding to messages? Still playing hard–to-get? This is getting old.“[]
“Isabella, what’s your problem? Stop pretending and get over here!“]]
Reading these messages, Isabella found them almost laughable.[]
She took a few seconds to type a response:[]
“Ronan’s car accident has nothing to do with me. He has nurses, he has you guys, and he has Heyar. Why would I be involved?“[]
After the message showed as delivered, Isabella opened her social media feed.[]
Scrolling through, she saw a series of selfies Ronan had posted from the hospital.[]
She couldn’t remember him ever posting on social media before, so this seemed odd.[]
But she didn’t dwell on it. After a quick glance, she closed the app and reached out to the Moretti family members she’d recently connected with, asking them about Lucius.
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Chapter 5
“The couple consists of the Claymore family’s daughter, Isabella Claymore…”
During he’s booming announcement, Ronan received a message from Heyar.[]
Whatever she’d sent made his expression change drastically. He quickly stood and left the room, missing the rest of the announcement.[]
“…and our family head, Lucius Moretti!“]
This unexpected pairing sent shockwaves through the room, setting off a buzz of whispered conversations.[]
“Did I hear that right? Lucius? Not Ronan?“]
“How could it be the uncle? Doesn’t he avoid women? Why would he marry some young girl?“]
The chatter nearly overwhelmed the ballroom, but given Lucius’s status, despite their shock, no one dared say too much. They offered congratulations to Isabella as she rose to acknowledge them.]
After the dinner ended, still worried about the car accident, Isabella specifically sought out Mr. Moretti.]
He patted her shoulder, his face beaming with joy.[]
“Lucius sent photos–I saw them. Just minor injuries that will heal quickly. Isabella, just focus on
Those words finally put her mind at ease.
preparing for your wedding.“[]
Over the next few days, Isabella stayed home preparing invitations, selecting her wedding dress, and organizing her trousseau, completely absorbed in wedding preparations.[]
During this time, she received numerous messages from Ronan’s friends, but never opened any of them.]
One evening, while getting ready for bed, she accidentally clicked on one and discovered they were all about the same thing:
“Ronan got hurt and is in the hospital–Room 609 at Chicago General. Aren’t you coming to see him? Bring some of that chicken soup he likes.“[]
“What’s with not responding to messages? Still playing hard–to–get? This is getting old.“[]
“Isabella, what’s your problem? Stop pretending and get over here!“[]
Reading these messages, Isabella found them almost laughable.[]
She took a few seconds to type a response:[]
“Ronan’s car accident has nothing to do with me. He has nurses, he has you guys, and he has Heyar. Why would I be involved?“]
After the message showed as delivered, Isabella opened her social media feed.[]
Scrolling through, she saw a series of selfies Ronan had posted from the hospital.[]
She couldn’t remember him ever posting on social media before, so this seemed odd.[]
But she didn’t dwell on it. After a quick glance, she closed the app and reached out to the Moretti family members she’d recently connected with, asking them about Lucius.
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