Chapter 3
Three hours later, Isabelle returned home, cradling her stomach.
After taking a moment to rest, she gazed at her pale reflection in the mirror and picked up her lipstick with shaking hands.
A quick touch–up made her complexion look normal again, but her body still trembled with cold sweat from the pain.
She lay on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, and called the housekeeper. “Take all the jewelry and handbags from the display cases, send them to the auction house, and sell them. Donate the proceeds to poor villagers.”
Leonard, who had just opened the door, froze when he heard this.
“Bella, why do you suddenly want to sell these things?”
Isabelle lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes. “I don’t like them, so I decided to donate them. Consider it a blessing for the child.”
Luckily, Leonard didn’t overthink it. He walked over, wrapped her in a hug, and gently reassured her. “Alright, I’ll take you to the auction in a couple of days. You can pick out what you like, and we can slowly restock the display cases, okay?”
Hearing his soft tone, Isabelle didn’t respond but shifted the topic. “Have you finished your work?”
“I’m done. I know things have been tough for you lately. I’ll stay at home with you and the baby for the next week.”
He reached for her stomach, but Isabelle quickly moved his hand away.
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He looked down and noticed that her belly seemed smaller, a slight frown appearing on his face.
Before he could ask, Isabelle’s phone rang.
When she saw “Uncle” on the screen, she pressed the answer button. “Bella, your aunt returned yesterday, and we’re planning to have a meal at home. Do you want to join us?”
“I’m not feeling well, so I’ll skip it…”
Before she could finish speaking, Leonard took the phone from her.
“Tll bring Bella along, and we’ll be there on time.”
Watching how eagerly he agreed to the dinner, a sharp ache spread through Isabelle’s chest.
She couldn’t help but remember the ninety–nine calls she never made the day her father passed away.
So this is what it’s like. When faced with someone he truly loves, he seizes every chance to see her.
He didn’t consider her feelings or the pain she had just endured from losing her father.
He simply followed his heart, loving and pursuing what he wanted.
After hanging up the phone, Leonard noticed her expression and realized he had just lost his composure.
He gently held her cold hand and said a few words, “Bella, I understand you’re feeling down, but you’re still carrying our baby. You can’t let the sadness take over. Let me take you back to your home to visit your family and relax.”
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Isabelle kept her lips sealed, not saying a word.
By seven o’clock, they arrived at the Carroll’s manor.
Before they entered, Leonard handed Isabelle a gift and said, “I heard from your uncle that you haven’t seen your aunt in ages, so it’s important to be polite.”
In the past, Isabelle might have found his thoughtfulness endearing.
But now, she understood his real motive. He simply wanted to use her to give a present to the woman he loved.
She chose not to confront him about it and walked into the busy living
room.
Upon hearing the noise, Anora, who was chatting with someone, turned around and spotted Isabelle with Leonard holding her hand.
She paused for a second before speaking uncertainly, “Bella, who is this?”
Isabelle stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
Leonard didn’t say a word, but their relatives nearby eagerly started. introducing him.
“Anora, you’ve been abroad for three years and missed the wedding, so it’s understandable that you don’t recognize him. This is Bella’s husband, Leonard Anderson, the CEO of the Anderson Group…”
Anora’s body swayed slightly, and a brief look of surprise crossed her face. However, having experienced many high–profile situations, she quickly regained her composure and moved forward to extend her hand.
The two exchanged formal pleasantries as if meeting for the first time.
Only Isabelle could sense the quiet, tense energy swirling between them.
She handed the gift to Anora, simply saying. “Anora, welcome back.”
“No, I just came back for a month before returning to Paris.”
Leonard’s face darkened at the response.
Anora, however, acted as if she didn’t notice, smiling as she unwrapped the gift.
When she saw the beautiful diamond necklace, a look of admiration. appeared in her eyes.
“Bella, you really know how to pick. I’ve had my eye on this necklace for quite some time.”
Isabelle observed their reactions and spoke in a calm tone, “It was actually Leonard who chose it. He has always had a good taste in these things.”
During dinner, Leonard barely touched his food. Instead, he spent most of his time serving Isabelle, only sipping his drink.
As the relatives and friends noticed this, they all chuckled and began teasing him.
“Bella is really fortunate to have such a wonderful husband. Just look at how affectionate they are!”
Isabelle pressed her lips together, staring at her cutlery.
Since getting pregnant, she has been battling intense nausea and can’t eat any type of meat.
Leonard was aware of this and even joined her in eating only vegetarian meals for a whole month.
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Chapter 3
However, today, he had completely forgotten about it.
He was too focused on switching the plates around so he could pass all the fish and shrimp on the table to Anora.
Her aunt has loved seafood since she was a child.
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