Chapter 2 How Dare You Betray Me!
"They're together?" Michael's voice was low, filled with unease and jealousy. He couldn't believe Olivia could be so close to Samuel.
Olivia had said she liked Michael, but here she was, so intimate with Samuel. Michael thought to himself, 'Is this her idea of liking? How cheap!'
Grace noticed Michael's change in mood and followed his gaze, feeling puzzled. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Michael said, suppressing his anger, but his tone was cold. The emotions surging in his heart made it hard for him to stay calm, his mind constantly replaying Olivia's pleas and tears on the day of their divorce.
Meanwhile, Isabella looked at the colorful fireworks and the exaggerated "Happy Birthday" message, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Daniel's taste is really something." Isabella shook her head, but her heart felt warm.
"Think about the lousy gifts you got over the years; this is a big step up." Samuel wrapped his arm around Isabella's shoulder, gently pulling her into his embrace. "Today's gifts are just the beginning. Everyone has prepared more for you, filling your room. Isabella, many people love you. Save your love and time for those who deserve it."
Isabella suddenly felt a rush of emotion, deeply moved. "Even so, I won't forgive you for setting me up," Isabella wiped her tears and said with a playful smile, "Bringing your newly divorced sister to watch the fireworks, you really are my good brother, aren’t you?"
"You're so mischievous." Samuel gently tapped Isabella's nose, a scene that Michael and Grace witnessed from a distance.
Michael's anger could no longer be contained, and Grace, seeing Isabella and Samuel, feigned innocence and asked, "Is that Olivia? Who's the guy with her? He looks familiar, and they seem very close."
The fireworks continued to bloom brilliantly in the night sky, but Michael wasn’t up for it. He couldn't suppress his anger and walked straight towards Isabella, his voice filled with overwhelming fury. "How dare you betray me, Olivia!"
Isabella was floored by Michael's sudden outburst. Shocked, a wave of defiance surged through her. "Betray you? Seriously, Michael? Who was the first to trash our marriage?" Isabella shot back, her voice dripping with long-buried resentment and anger.
"Michael, that's enough!" Samuel stepped in, shielding Isabella. He turned to her gently, saying, "This jerk just ruined our good mood. Let's get out of here." Isabella nodded and started to turn away.
"Don't you dare leave!" Michael growled, his emotions spiraling, fueled by the sting of betrayal. He reached out to stop Isabella, but Samuel blocked him. Samuel glared at Michael, standing his ground.
"Olivia, nice job. Care to explain who this guy is?" Michael's face was cold and menacing.
Samuel responded coolly, "Mr. Johnson, seems like your memory's slipping." He held Isabella closer, a calm smile playing on his lips. "We've crossed paths in the business world more than once."
"Olivia, answer me." Michael ignored Samuel, pressing forward.
"We're already divorced, Mr. Johnson. It's none of your business," Isabella replied firmly, "I don't want to see you again!"
Her voice trembled slightly. Thirteen years of love, shattered by Michael himself. She walked side by side with Samuel, making Michael feel as if the whole world had shut him out at that moment.
"You can't just leave!" Michael felt a surge of panic, desperate to catch up with them. "We're not officially divorced yet, and you're already seeing someone else?"
"We're not officially divorced, but Grace can't wait to marry you. I saw you with her and said nothing. What right do you have to stop me from dating?" Isabella's hair fluttered in the wind, her red lips curling into a mocking smile, more stunning than Michael had ever seen, with a fierce defiance. "You can date others, but I can't?"
Isabella's sharp tone left Michael stunned. The usually obedient Isabella was standing up to him! Just then, Grace cried out in pain, "My foot!"
Michael's attention snapped to the cry, a complex expression crossing his face. "Grace, what's wrong?" He turned around, not realizing Isabella and Samuel were making their escape.
"I'm fine, just twisted my ankle a bit." Grace forced a smile, trying to sound relaxed. But her mind was racing with worry about Michael. She couldn't let Isabella and Michael have any chance of getting back together!
"I'll take you to the hospital." After comforting Grace, Michael looked around, but Isabella was gone. He felt a pang of loss, his mind flashing with images of Isabella, mixed with anger and tears.