Isaiah shot her a meaningful look.Isabella met his gaze, slightly puzzled. "What's with that look?""If I remember correctly, when you were four, you wanted to bring Jojo home too. I think I still have the video of you saying that on my computer."Isabella stayed silent.Isaiah continued, "Wanting to bring someone home doesn't necessarily mean you like them. It could just be you treating them with the same affection as you do for your toys and pets."Isabella corrected him, "I'm twenty-three now, not three."While a three-year-old might not understand, the current her was quite clear on the matter."Can't you like someone else? Jojo is great, successful in his career, handsome, and treats you well." Isaiah's heart was still a bit biased, and he unintentionally played matchmaker. "Are you trying to suggest something improper?" Isabella blurted out.Isaiah looked puzzled. After all, Jojo was not blood-related. Why would she think of something like that?"Jojo holds a similar
"Got it."In fact, she did not worry about these matters. From the information she had gathered about Luther through her conversations with Joshua over the years, Luther was the typical workaholic, cold, distant, and disinterested in romantic relationships, just like he was when they first met."When are you going to visit?" Isaiah inquired."Next Tuesday, I think. Daddy Joshua mentioned that Luther is currently swamped with a major project and won't be available until then," Isabella calculated.Isaiah decided to test the waters. "What if Mom and Dad want to arrange a marriage for you?"Isabella was confused. "What?""If Mom and Dad don't allow you to be with Luther and instead want you to marry Jojo or Ash, would you agree?" Isaiah continued to watch her closely, not missing any changes in her expression. "Are you feeling okay? They've always told us that we make our own choices in life. They don't interfere in our marriages or jobs." Isabella reached out to touch his forehea
After all, she had such powerful parents."Tears are precious; don't shed them for someone undeserving," Isabella said as she handed Ariana a tissue. Her confident demeanor provided reassurance. "Take your time and tell me everything. I'll stand up for you."Nick chimed in, puzzled, "Aren't we on the same team?"Isabella glared at him and replied, "Who said we're on the same team?"Ariana wiped her tears and asked, "Will you really stand up for me?""As long as it's his fault, I'll take your side," Isabella clarified."Last night, he told me he was going to a friend's graduation party and even sent me pictures and videos in the middle of it. Here, see for yourself," Ariana slowly explained and showed Isabella her phone.Isabella opened the video and confirmed its authenticity, saying, "This is indeed real."Ariana hesitated, her eyelashes still wet with tears. "It was my graduation party. I'm Isabella Quier. We left the gathering together last night." Isabella clarified her i
"Different people can wear the same outfit. I can't wear the same set of clothes just once, right?" Nick attempted to brush it off, trying to act cool.Isabella was not fooled. "Your clothes and necklace are all new arrivals from last month. Have you and Ariana only dated for a month?" she pointed out, direct and blunt.She had heard him bragging in their group chat a long time ago about no longer being single and even made fun of Jojo for still being single. Ariana chimed in, "Six months.""The clothes were not even available in the market six months ago," Isabella continued, "Care to explain?""I messed up," Nick admitted, instantly defeated."Talking to me won't help. Explain to Ariana." Isabella moved away to give them some space.Nick sighed silently in his heart. He could not help but wonder how that chubby and cute little girl became such an overpowering adult."I lied to you about this, and I'm sorry. I couldn't stand how you doubted everything I did, suspecting me all
Nevertheless, Nick did not try to stop her and swiftly ended the relationship. Ariana declined the apartment and the car, knowing Isabella offered those as motivation for her to bounce back.A few minutes later, Ariana decisively cut the ties and drove away. Nick slumped into a garden chair, looking at Isabella with a puzzled expression. "This is the first time you met her, so why were you willing to spend so much money to make her break up with me?"Most people would use money to coerce their partners into breaking up, but Isabella used it to help someone see a clear path and avoid being deceived."For her sake, to prevent her from prolonged pain, and for your sake too," Isabella explained as she sat beside him. She had never experienced a breakup herself, but she had seen her roommates go through it. They spent days not eating or drinking, were emotionally drained for months, and only started to recover when they achieved their goals and decided to focus on their careers instead o
"What the hell are you thinking?" Isabella immediately retorted without a second thought. "Jojo has someone he likes. Don't make up nonsense.""He likes you," Nick casually spilled the beans, thinking nothing of it. "Are you really unaware about it?"Isabella cast a disdainful look at him, clearly showing her disbelief. "I'm leaving."With those words, she grabbed her car keys and drove away.Jojo could not possibly like her. Back in the summer after their junior year, she had asked if he had anyone he liked, and he had said yes. He described her personality and appearance, and it was nothing like her.Nick could really spin a tale! Nevertheless, Isabella did not let this matter bother her and headed straight to find Cynthia after leaving. She spent two days with Cynthia and Matthew before returning to her and Isaiah's place.Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, it was already Saturday. Isabella was packing her bags in her room in preparation for Jiverton. Isaiah s
Jojo was still somewhat hesitant. He knew that even if she did not completely cut ties, confessing his feelings would definitely change their relationship. They would not be as close as they used to be, and she would not confide in him as she once did.Amidst various thoughts, Jojo pursed his lips and replied, [Maybe I should just forget about it.][Isaiah: ?][Jojo: I already know the outcome, so there's no need to confirm it. The way things are now is good enough.]Isabella had always liked Luther. Even after all these years of his absence, her feelings had not changed. Jojo knew too well the place Luther held in her heart, much like Isabella in Jojo's.Isaiah did not respond further.Isaiah did not understand matters of the heart, and he had no personal experience in this area. He had informed Jojo of the potential outcomes of confessing, but as for Jojo's decision, he would not interfere.However, if it were him, he would be willing to give it a try, even if the result wer
Nick was confused, asking, "Who?""Isabella," Isaiah blurted out."She's just really oblivious, but anyone could tell that Jojo likes her," Nick responded without much thought.Isaiah's eyes darkened, and Nick's confidence began to wane. "W-What's wrong?""She sees Jojo as a brother. Isn't it normal if she didn't notice it?" Isaiah was coming to his sister's defense.Nick gulped. "Well, they're not blood-related."Isaiah glared at Nick and could not be bothered to respond further. He knew exactly what Isabella was thinking. They had been close friends since childhood, and Isabella had always considered Jojo as a brother. Plus, Jojo had told her himself that he had feelings for a girl who also happened to be from his school. With all these facts, it was difficult for Isabella to suspect Jojo's feelings for her."Alright, alright. I was wrong. They have such great chemistry, but they're not together. Isn't it natural for me to be worried?" Nick was quite intimidated by Isaiah'