Chapter 5
The next morning, Isabella had an early breakfast with Olivia. As they headed out, they ran into Louie Stiller at the front door, carrying a stack of documents. Louie worked as the family’s personal driver.
“Aren’t you coming with us, Louie?” Isabella asked curiously.
Louie stopped in his tracks and flashed a friendly smile. Then, he pointed to the papers in his hands and explained, “I’m assigned other tasks today.”
Olivia gently tugged at Isabella’s arm. “Come on. Someone else will drive us today.”
Isabella nodded, wondering if they had hired another driver during her years away.
As they approached the car, Isabella’s smile vanished when she saw who was behind the wheel.
Xavier was lounging in the driver’s seat, his hand propped lazily against the window as he gazed at the yard.
“Xavier,” Olivia called out.
She recalled how reluctant he had been when she asked him to join them yesterday, only agreeing when she showed signs of genuine anger. She had expected to have to remind him this morning but was surprised to find him already waiting.
Xavier turned at Olivia’s voice and withdrew his hand, his face showing clear displeasure.” Since you’re here, just get in the car.”
H
As Olivia moved toward the car, Isabella remained rooted to the spot. She noticed it and asked, “What’s wrong, Isabella?”
“Mom, I just remembered I have to sign some contracts for the studio today. Since Xavier’s going, maybe I should skip this trip?” Isabella forced a smile, unable to imagine spending at day at a spa resort with Xavier.
Olivia frowned, though her voice remained gentle. “Does it have to be today? You already promised me. It would break my heart if you didn’t come.”
Isabella could see how happy Olivia was to have both her children with her today. Understanding her feelings, Isabella glanced at Xavier’s indifferent expression.
If he could manage it, she could, too. Finally, she got into the car.
The drive to the resort took over three hours on the highway. At first, Olivia carried most of the conversation while Isabella and Xavier responded occasionally. After about an hour, only Isabella was still engaging with Olivia, as Xavier showed signs of tiredness.
Concerned that Xavier had not eaten breakfast and might be drowsy, Olivia had him pull over at the next rest stop. However, she did not want to tire Isabella with driving the rest of the
Chapli (4)
journey. Thus, she suggested Isabella move to the front passenger seat to help keep Xavier awake while talking.
Isabella felt her scalp tingle with dread as she took the front seat. This was the closest they had been since their breakup, and the awkwardness was undeniable. Yet, Xavier managed to maintain his usual nonchalant demeanor.
Back on the road, Olivia contentedly watched the scenery from the back seat.
“Are you tired?” Isabella asked stiffly, avoiding looking at Xavier.
“A bit,” he replied flatly.
“Oh.”
The conversation died there.
Later, Isabella turned to stare out the window, watching the scenery rush past in the silent car. The quiet was suddenly broken by her phone ringing, drawing even Olivia’s attention from the
back seat.
“Hello?” Isabella answered after checking the caller ID.
“Isabella, do you have time to meet up in the next few days?” a gentle male voice came through the speaker.
Isabella immediately perked up, her voice brightening noticeably as she asked, “You’re back?”
Xavier cast an unreadable glance in her direction,
Afterward, she enthusiastically agreed to several things the caller suggested, especially regarding work matters.
When the call ended, Olivia inquired curiously, “Isabella, who was that young man on the phone?”
Isabella turned around with a lingering smile. “It was Theodore Farrell–you know him, Mom.
“Ah, yes! That young man is quite promising. Is he coming back to Canneville, too?” Olivia. remembered Theodore well.
He had been Isabella’s study abroad companion, which had given Olivia peace of mind. She had always liked him, finding him handsome, gentle, and reliable.
Isabella nodded and explained, “We were supposed to return together, but he had to wrap up some project details first. We’re planning to open a studio together–he’s handling
recruitment while I’m looking for the perfect location.”
Olivia smiled. “If you need any help, you can always tell Douglas.‘
Isabelle chuckled as she replied, “I’ll definitely do so if there’s anything.”
Chipres
As Isabella turned back around, she caught Xavier staring at her again. She wondered why he was not focusing on driving.
Xavier’s cold gaze swept over her before returning to the road. “Keep it down–you’re too noisy,” he muttered with a slight frown.
You’re unbelievable,” Isabella retorted before falling silent again.
The rest of the drive felt endless, but they finally arrived.
Following the valet’s directions, they parked in a spacious garage. Isabella was the first out of the car, breathing in the fresh mountain air with relief. Their location on the mountainside offered a stunning view of the lush green scenery.
“Mindy!” Olivia greeted her friend with a warm embrace, and both women exchanged friendly kisses on the cheek.
“Hello!” Isabella greeted warmly.
Meanwhile, Xavier offered a perfunctory greeting before making an excuse to leave, asking for directions to his room.
Olivia noticed the faint red veins in his eyes and felt guilty about making him drive.
Had Isabella known Olivia’s thoughts, she would have scoffed. After all, Xavier used to spend endless nights street racing with his team in college without ever showing signs of fatigue.
Mindy Quinn led them on a tour, starting with fruit–picking in the orchard, followed by viewing the hot springs, before settling in a gazebo by the pools for coffee and refresh
