Chapter 4
After dinner, Leonard was also quite drunk.
Their family and friends were concerned about them heading home in that state, so they suggested they stay the night.
Isabelle called for the servant and helped him to their room.
Once she had helped him freshen up, she turned off the bedroom lights and left the one by the bed on.
A little while later, Leonard slowly opened his eyes, reached out, and pulled her into his embrace, mumbling, “Anora, you came back for me, didn’t you?”
Isabelle froze, unsure whether to tell him that he had mistaken her for
someone else.
She stayed silent for a while before responding, “And you? You drank yourself. Who was that for?”
“It’s you, Anora. Only you. Don’t you get it?”
Even though she had expected this, hearing it from him still struck a painful chord in her heart.
It was then that she understood why someone who drowns their sorrow in drink would, in her presence, act as though they touched not a drop of alcohol.
Once
So, he was afraid of showing his true feelings drunk, like he had just done, and worried she might find out?
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Chapter 4
Her fists clenched, making it hard for her to breathe, and she struggled to break free from his grip.
After sitting in the bathroom for two hours, Isabelle finally managed to calm herself.
When she returned, Leonard was no longer in the bed.
When Isabelle opened the bedroom door, she noticed that the voice- controlled light on the balcony was off.
She quietly walked over and looked through the window, where she saw Leonard and Anora standing outside.
The darkness hid his expression, but his voice, strained and low, was clear.
“Didn’t you tell me yesterday you wouldn’t go back to Europe? Why the change today?”
“And what about you? Why did you marry Bella without telling me?”
Hearing Anora’s calm response, Leonard felt the anger inside him grow uncontrollably.
His remaining rationality crumbled in an instant, and he grabbed Anora’s hand tightly. “Shouldn’t you understand why I married her? She looks just like you and shares your blood. With her, I can be close to you without anyone knowing! I don’t have to fly to Paris and wait for hours downstairs just to catch a glimpse of you!”
So, he had gone to Paris for Anora, ignoring all calls in the process.
Isabelle’s heart tightened in pain, her fingers digging into her palms as the weight of it all hit her.
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Anora was stunned by the realization, murmuring, “You’re crazy!”
Leonard shot back, “I’m crazy! Since the day you insisted on breaking up with me, I’ve been crazy, don’t you see? I need you here, even if it means having someone who only looks like you. It’ll be enough for me to remember you for the rest of my life!”
The pain in his voice, which had no outlet, left Anora speechless.
After a long pause, she managed to force out a painful question. “Leonard, what do you take Bella for? You two have been married for three years, and she’s carrying your child. Don’t you have any feelings for her?”
Leonard immediately chuckled, “Anora, she’s just a substitute. How could I ever fall in love with her? Even if I were to feel anything, it would only be because she resembles you, and my thoughts are always on you!
“Bella and I are about to have a baby. I’ve already picked a name for the baby. We’ll name the baby Leonora Anderson. It combines your name and mine, and we’ll always be connected!”
Isabelle shuddered upon hearing this and could no longer hold back her
tears.
Leonora Anderson.
What a ridiculous name!
She closed her eyes, remembering how he had been so demanding in bed. after their wedding and how anxious he had become when she got pregnant. She clenched her teeth, fighting back her sobs of despair.
Her strength completely drained, she leaned against the wall, turning away and stumbling weakly.
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The argument between the two slowly faded as she moved away. Just before the bedroom door closed, she heard Anora ask, “Aren’t you worried before the bedroom door closed, she h that Bella might learn the truth?”
Leonard stated, “She’ll never find out. Even if she does, she loves me too
much. She would never leave!”
“Never leave him?”
Isabelle placed her hand on her flat stomach, a sad smile curling on her lips.
She would.
She would break free from the cage he’s built around her and get her freedom.
She’ll never look back.
Leonard didn’t return that night.
When dawn broke, Isabelle got up.
She didn’t disturb anyone. Alone, she returned home and, with her documents in hand, completed the immigration procedures.
As soon as she finished, she received a call from Anora.
“Bella, would you come with me to the cemetery today? I want to visit. your father’s grave and also visit my sister’s.”
Since Isabelle’s mother passed away early, Isabelle had little connection. with her maternal family.
Though she and Anora were only five years apart, they were not particularly close.
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However, since Anora was visiting her parents‘ graves, Isabelle had no choice but to agree.
She picked up a bouquet of flowers and had just reached the cemetery entrance when she spotted a sports car parked nearby.
It was Leonard.
He noticed her too and quickly stepped out of the car, walking over to her. “Why didn’t you let me come with you to visit the grave?”
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