Chapter 22
Perhaps it was Isabella’s profession that made her overly meticulous to notice such things.
“Abigail, has Jaydon arrived yet?” Stacy asked.
Abigail shook her head lightly, the smile on her lips fading
Stacy’s expression didn’t change much as she turned to the two of them with a smile and said, “Excuse me for a moment.”
“Alright,” Olivia replied and suggested to Isabella that they explore the dining area.
As a result, by the time the engagement banquet was nearing its end, the groom still hadn’t. shown up. The planned couple’s dance was canceled. Stacy only informed others that Jaydon was out of town and hadn’t managed to return, leaving everyone unaware of the real reasons.
On the way home, Isabella curiously asked Olivia about it.
Olivia sighed, her expression mixed with joy and concern. “Abigail is a pitiful person.”
“Sophia, please make me a bowl of mac and cheese,” Isabella called out as soon as she stepped through the front door. The dress she wore to the banquet was close–fitting, making her hesitant to drink much water, and she felt like she might faint from hunger.
“Sure,” Sophia replied with a smile before heading to the kitchen.
She hurried upstairs to change her clothes.
Olivia turned to ask another housekeeper, “Is everyone back?”
It was past 11:00 pm, and the house was unusually quiet. She wasn’t fond of such an atmosphere.
“They’re all back. Mr. Valdez and Xavier went upstairs early. Douglas seemed a bit off today. He’s been at the pond,” the housekeeper answered.
“Douglas?” Olivia asked, surprised. “Is he still out there?”
“I didn’t see him come in,” the housekeeper replied.
Olivia furrowed her brows. It was late at night, and the nearby greenery was thick. Being out there felt like a recipe for mosquito bites.
When had Douglas ever done this?
After a while, Isabella came downstairs in a comfortable, loose–fitting long dress. She peeked into the kitchen and saw that Sophia had finished preparing the mac and cheese, but she was still making some side dishes, so it would still take a little while.
Char 22
She rubbed her stomach, reluctantly stepping out of the kitchen.
“Isabella, come here.” Olivia waved her
r over.
“What’s up, Mom?” Isabella asked.
Π
“Douglas is outside getting some fresh air. Why don’t you go check on him and see if he wants to eat? He’s been entertaining guests all day and drinking plenty, but that won’t fill him up,” Olivia suggested, feeling it might be easier for siblings to communicate. Some matters were better left unasked by her.
Isabella was in a good mood, so she replied, “Okay.” Then. she strolled outside without care.
The branches in the backyard were large and lush, and by night, they blocked out any light, making the place feel a bit eerie. She hadn’t noticed it before, but it felt somewhat unsettling tonight, and her pace quickened slightly.
Fortunately, Douglas wasn’t hiding. She immediately spotted him when she reached the lawn.
He stood with his back to the pond, staring off into the distance. Dressed in a black suit, he blended almost seamlessly into the night, his posture cold and lonely.
Isabella couldn’t make out his expression but felt an inexplicable sadness envelop the night, stirring a sense of unease in her heart.
“Douglas,” she called out, her face tightening with concern. Seeing him like this made her feel sad.
Douglas didn’t respond until she raised her voice and called out again, at which point he slowly turned to look at her. His gaze was calm yet vacant.
After a few seconds, he finally seemed to regain some focus, and the strong air of loneliness around him began to fade, becoming less uncomfortable.
She let out a sudden sigh of relief. “What are you thinking about? I called you twice.” “Nothing,” he replied, his expression neutral as he walked toward her.
