Chapter 21
Lucius rubbed his temples, deeply regretting his naive enthusiasm from years past.[]
“Neither of us is exactly full of energy, so how did we end up with two kids who are more hyper than anyone else?“]
Isabella had plenty to say about that. She fixed him with a meaningful look.]
“It’s because you spoil them rotten! Every time I try to discipline them, you jump in to smooth things over. How are they supposed to calm down? If you ask me, you brought this on yourself!“[]
After that lecture, Lucius didn’t dare say a word.[]
Watching him take the scolding in silence, their driver, chuckled with delight.[]
“Mrs. Moretti, ever since you married the boss, his status in the family keeps dropping! Who would’ve thought the guy who used to intimidate everyone would turn into such a pushover dad?“]]
Lucius shook his head helplessly, unable to argue.[]
Isabella covered her mouth, laughing behind her hand.
“Don’t let his grumpy face fool you–he’s secretly loving every minute of it!”
“Absolutely! Mrs. Moretti, you don’t know how grateful all the company employees are to you. They say after the boss got married and experienced family life, he finally understands what’s important. Nobody has to work overtime anymore–everyone leaves right on time with him.“[]
“Alright, then, pull over and then you can head home“|||
Since the boss had spoken, he didn’t argue. He quickly parked and handed over the keys.[]
Lucius slid into the driver’s seat and punched an address into the GPS.
Isabella had no idea what he was up to and asked casually, “What’s at Yan Lake Mountain?“[]
“A date. The weather’s perfect, and I heard they opened a hot springs resort up there. We can check out the fall foliage too.“[]
Isabella had been looking forward to an afternoon nap and objected to his unannounced plans.[]
Lucius softened his voice, trying to negotiate.]]
“How long has it been since we had some alone time? Come on, honey, opportunities like this are rare.“[]
Isabella couldn’t resist his coaxing and eventually agreed.[]
After a relaxing soak in the hot springs, the couple sat cuddled together by the floor–to–ceiling windows, watching the mountains painted in evergreen and autumn red.]
Lucius carefully gathered her loose hair and tied it back, his movements patient and gentle.[]
Looking into those tender eyes so close to hers, Isabella felt a surreal sensation wash over her.[]
Could this kind of peaceful, harmonious life really be part of her story?*]]
After watching her stare at him for a while, Lucius playfully tapped her nose.[]
“What’s going on? Lost in thought again?”
After a long moment, Isabella asked him something that had been on her mind.
“Back then, if I hadn’t married you–well, if I hadn’t married into the Moretti family at all–would you have married someone else?“[]
75.5
Chapter 21
“No.”
His answer was so immediate that Isabella was startled.
“Why not?”
“Why not?
Lucius pulled her closer against his shoulder and gazed into the distance, his deep eyes unreadable.
“If it wasn’t the arranged marriage, I never would have considered getting married at all.“]
Isabella knew he was telling the truth, but she also knew he wasn’t telling the whole truth.[]
For instance, in that first sentence, he’d omitted the crucial words “with you” between “wasn’t” and “an arranged marriage.“[]
He wouldn’t marry anyone except her.
Isabella had known the answer in her past life, so she believed it completely.
But even now, after years of marriage and with their children growing up, he still kept his long–harbored feelings for her completely hidden.[]
Isabella had to admire his incredible self–control.
