Chapter 5 Watching Stella and Michael's Affection

After a night of tossing and turning, Isabella woke up late the next morning to find that Michael had already gotten up.

She couldn't find her clothes anywhere, so she just wandered out of the bedroom in her pajamas.

Ava was standing by the bedroom door and asked if she needed anything.

Isabella glanced down at her pajamas, feeling a bit embarrassed, and asked Ava to help her find the clothes she wore yesterday.

Ava mentioned they might be in the walk-in closet and led her there.

Isabella had always thought it was just a regular wardrobe.

But when she opened it, she was blown away. It was a room no smaller than the bedroom!

There were clothes of all styles and colors neatly hanging everywhere. All four walls were lined with shelves, packed with bags and accessories.

'Michael must've really spoiled his ex-girlfriend,' Isabella thought, feeling like she was starting to get it. 'He really likes Stella, but seeing her cheat on him broke his heart. Now he wants to be a real couple with me, probably to get back at her and John.'

Isabella felt a twinge of sadness. She didn't want to use someone else's stuff, especially Stella's. So she picked the plainest T-shirt and jeans to get by until she got back to her dorm, where she'd change into her own clothes and return them.

After showering and changing, she found the clothes fit perfectly, especially the jeans, which hugged her curves like they were made for her. But Stella seemed to have a much fuller figure than hers. 'Could Michael be seeing someone else?' Isabella wondered.

Ava took her downstairs for breakfast, and Isabella finally got a good look at the house.

There was a spiral staircase, smooth handrails, soft carpets, beautiful crystal chandeliers, and simple yet sophisticated furniture. The place was luxurious, grand, understated, and opulent all at once.

Isabella realized that John's villa she had visited was nothing compared to Michael's.

Yesterday was hectic with the wedding and sending Ella to the nursing home, and Isabella barely had time to eat anything all day. By now, she was absolutely starving.

Ava led her to the dining room, where an oval wooden table was covered in her favorite breakfast dishes.

Isabella felt oddly at ease and thought, 'It seems Michael's taste is similar to mine. At least I wouldn't cause him too much trouble in terms of food.'

Michael stood on the second floor, leaning against the railing as he watched Isabella dig into her meal. He couldn't help but smile, knowing it was worth the trip across half the city to get all this food.

After eating, Isabella was about to found Michael to tell him that she wanted to head back to her dorm.

The butler, Robert, brought in a tall, voluptuous woman dressed in elaborate, luxurious clothes.

The woman exaggeratedly swayed her hips, like she was on a runway.

'She must think the living room is a catwalk,' Isabella thought.

"Isabella, we meet again," the woman greeted her warmly.

Isabella was confused; she didn't remember ever meeting this woman.

"Mrs. Johnson, this is Ms. Hall, Mr. Johnson's..." Robert hesitated, unsure how to introduce Stella to Isabella.

Isabella figured Michael's friends had nothing to do with her, so she politely nodded and said, "Hello."

Stella burst out laughing and said, "Isabella, you still don't remember who I am? Do you want me to take off my clothes to help you remember?"

As she spoke, she took off her coat, threw it on the sofa, sat down, and looked around the room, exclaiming, "Who would've thought, you ended up being the first woman to live in Michael's villa."

Isabella remembered now; this was Michael's ex-girlfriend, Stella, the one who slept with John.

Feeling annoyed, Isabella said to her, "Thanks to you. You give me the chance to be with such a great man."

Even though Isabella hadn't spent much time with Michael, she could already tell he was so much better than John. She just couldn't understand how Stella could betray Michael for someone like John.

"You really should thank me. With your average figure, no man would really want you," Stella said, looking Isabella up and down.

Isabella was furious. Stella shamelessly tramples on Michael's love, and she still has the nerve to say such things!

She stood up and said to Stella, "Leave. You're not welcome here."

Stella crossed her legs on the sofa, smiling smugly. "This is Michael's house. I come and go as I please. You don't get to decide."

"I married him. This is my home too, and I don't welcome you," Isabella retorted.

"I'll leave if Michael tells me to. As for you..." Stella snorted disdainfully.

"Just go. He doesn't want to see you," Isabella said, not knowing where Stella got her confidence.

"How do you know Michael doesn't want to see me?" Stella asked curiously.

Isabella thought for a moment and seriously said to Stella, "Mr. Johnson loved you so much, but you cheated on him right under his nose and broke his heart. Why would he want to see you again?"

Just then, Robert walked over and said, "Ms. Hall, Mr. Johnson wants to see you upstairs."

Seeing Isabella's incredulous expression, Stella couldn't help but tease her further, "Isabella, you don't understand. Men are just like that. I have what it takes to make him unable to resist."

After saying that, Stella puffed out her chest proudly and followed Robert upstairs.

Michael forgave her so quickly? Isabella was stunned!

Isabella was angry at Michael's decision. Meanwhile, she wondered if this meant she could leave.

She should have been happy about it, but instead, she felt a bit sad.

A few minutes later, Stella came out of Michael's room, holding a file folder.

Isabella didn't want to see her, so she turned her face away, pretending not to notice.

Stella had other ideas. She deliberately walked over, sat next to Isabella, and opened the file folder to show off. "Michael is really nice. Look, he gave me a car, a house, a check for a million dollars, and he's going to help me achieve my dream by recommending me to a renowned director."

"How can you be so shameless?" Isabella said angrily. "You did something so wrong to Michael, and you still have the nerve to take his things."

Isabella felt extremely upset inside. On one hand, she thought Stella was shameless. How could Stella have the nerve to accept gifts from Michael when she was clearly in the wrong? On the other hand, she felt Michael was hopeless. If he couldn't let go of Stella, then he should just win her over and be with her again. But now, by involving Isabella, he was making things complicated. He claimed they were legally married, yet he kept having these interactions with Stella, even showing his deep feelings for her right in front of Isabella.

Stella was pleased to see Isabella angry. "Oh, I didn't want to, but Michael insisted on giving them to me. I couldn't refuse!"

Isabella sighed inwardly, 'Whatever, if Michael wants to give her money, what does it have to do with me?'

Seeing Isabella had lost her fighting spirit, Stella found it boring and waved her hand as she walked away.

After a few steps, she remembered something and came back, leaning close to Isabella's ear, saying, "Isabella, listen, Michael's a great guy. Stick with him. John is a scumbag. He's poor, bad in bed, and has no stamina."

After saying that, Stella walked away gracefully.

Isabella thought helplessly, 'I know Michael is great, but unfortunately, his heart is only for you.'