Isabel shot a look at him. “What’s with that attitude? You don’t want me to sleep over at your place, do you?” Roland muttered stiffly, "...No." Isabel eyed him severely. His face was spelled with the same stoical calm, it did not seem like he did not want to help her. Her expression softened, and she confessed, "It's my ex-boyfriend." Roland’s expression shifted for once. "Your ex-boyfriend came to pester you?” Isabel hugged her bag tightly while she walked on, she answered hesitantly, “Something like that.” “Do you need help chasing him away?” he asked concerningly. “No, I'll take care of it myself, just focus on your work, don’t worry about me.” He had to help her handle affairs at Carter Corporation till dusk every day. She could not possibly trouble him any further. Besides, it was better that she handle her personal affairs on her own. Besides, Decker was no ordinary threat. She doubted even Roland could help. Roland peered at her and stopped tryi
It seemed like the room was a guest room. Everything was made ready for the eventual guest. It would appear that she was the first person to ever use this room at all. She went to the bathroom and took a hot shower. She recalled back to the first time she met Roland. Both he and his mother hailed from Westboro and had been in Westchester for a year by now. With the respectable position he held in Carter Corporation and his impressive salary, why did they not have any friends or family coming to visit them? Perhaps they did not have any such relations? Roland may seem emotionally distant, but he was not someone who was pompous or the type to hold himself above others. Martha was as friendly as they come. Furthermore, she had a refined air about her, one would imagine that she came from an educated and cultured background. It was unlikely that these two did not have friends or relatives. The more she thought about it, the more curious she became. Still, she acknowled
Isabel turned off the alarm clock on her phone since she had the day off tomorrow and slept until nearly eleven the next morning before she woke up at last. Remembering that she was at Roland’s house, she hurriedly got up out of bed and walked out of the bedroom, just in time to bump into Martha who seemed to have just returned home. She was carrying large bags from her shopping trip. She greeted Isabel with a warm smile, "Isabel, you woke up! Did you sleep well last night?" Isabel helped her carry the bags into the house and said with an equally bright smile, "I slept great, Aunt Martha.” "That's good to hear,” Martha continued, “I think it’s going to take at least half a month before they get things back in order at your place that just got burned down. I bought a bunch of living essentials for you. You can stay with us for now.” As she said this, she extracted a pair of pink slippers from her bag meant for Isabel to use. In addition to the slippers, she also bou
There was a still look in Roland’s eyes as he looked at Isabel. Isabel withdrew her hand and approached the sink. She turned on the faucet and doused her hand in cold water with her back facing Roland. There was a mirror in front of the sink, so she caught a brief hint of Roland’s reflection in it. While washing her hands, she subtly inspected his reflection in the mirror. She saw Roland staring at her from behind for several seconds before he went to pour the contents of the pot into a bowl. His movements were practiced and graceful. Isabel snuck another look at his face. He seemed very focused on his task and did not seem to be thinking about anything else. He probably did not think much of it when she grazed her fingers against his palms. With that, she heaved a sigh of relief. Then, she wiped her hands and walked out of the kitchen. Roland had already set the food on the table and had sat down. When he noticed Isabel stepping out of the kitchen, he asked in con
Roland had a white towel wrapped around his firm waist, covering the entire lower half of his body. With the light shining on his body from above, the striking outlines of his muscles were visible. He usually looked quite lean with clothes on, so it was a surprise to Isabel to see that his figure was easily comparable to the male models she usually saw. She gulped subconsciously and forced herself to shift her gaze to his face instead of gawking at his body. “I, um, would you believe me if I told you I accidentally went into the wrong room?” Roland stopped in front of the bathroom door and looked at her with a pair of quiet eyes. "I believe you.” Isabel was frankly a little taken aback by his naivety. How could he be so easily convinced? She stared at him awkwardly before asking, "Why are you taking a shower at this hour?” Roland replied, “I was occupied with a lot of work today.” "Oh." Isabel looked at his defined muscles before asking nonchalantly, "Are you
”Huh? Why?” Isabel sat up from the bed. “I’m not at my place right now. I’m in a neighboring apartment. Just wait for me at the entrance. I’ll get ready and meet you there.” “Okay, got it.” After hanging up, she shot out of bed and quickly washed up. Then, she changed into a set of clean clothes before prancing out of the bedroom. Roland was in the living room. He wore a buttoned shirt paired with leather pants and was seated on the couch watching the morning financial news. Martha was making breakfast. When she saw Isabel, she greeted her with a warm smile, “Good morning, Isabel, I’m just making breakfast. Sit down and eat with us.” Isabel said kindly, “Thanks, Aunt Martha, but I’m in a rush. My driver and assistant are already waiting for me outside." She had breakfast with Martha yesterday, but she could not just sit here and take her time eating breakfast while Carla and her driver were waiting for her downstairs. “It’s alright. Why don’t you at least take s
Isabel grimaced instinctively. It was just a quick, simple exchange with Roland. When had she been smiling? Liz was a fellow guest star in "The Wonder" who had been around since the beginning of the show. She was a natural comedian and was known for her gags and vibrant personality on the show. She may not be as flamboyant off-camera, but she was still very friendly and humorous. She was Isabel’s partner during most of the day’s segments. Isabel told her quite frankly, "No, it’s just a friend.” Liz squinted suspiciously. “Really?” “Really.” “Do you have a boyfriend?" "No." "Why not?" “I’m too busy. I don’t have time to see people.” “Good point.” Time passed faster than she expected when she had a chatterbox like Liz helping her kill time with casual talk. Fast forward to the afternoon of the following day. After they wrapped up the filming for the premiere of the show, everyone went their separate ways. Most of them went to film for whatever proje
Liz was just as perturbed by the sudden appearance of the man. She recalled the same man being affectionate with Isabella only moments ago. This man seemed like the one she thought to be Isabella’s benefactor and was rumored to be the future successor of the Rockwells in Southboro. Why was he approaching Isabel? In such an affectionate manner, no less! Liz looked at Isabel. Isabel snapped at him crossly, "None of your business!" Liz was stupefied. Decker's handsome expression darkened immediately. Isabel was not afraid of him at all. She turned to the two bodyguards following behind her who were only employed this morning. They dutifully stepped forward and came in between Decker and Isabel. Isabel warned him icily, "Decker, if you try to harass me again, I will have them beat the life out of you.” With that, she tugged at Liz’s hand and took her to the car. The two bodyguards glared at Decker menacingly and approached the car as well. Decker stood moti