Chapter 141 Hold Tight to Frederick's Coattails
When Isabella came through the door, both her hands were loaded with bags of all sizes.
She didn't even step inside—just set everything down on the front steps for Layla to carry in, then made two more trips to the trunk before she was done.
By the time she got back to the living room, the entryway was packed full.
Strawberries and cherries that Rebecca loved, skincare products she was used to, plus nutritional supplements since she'd been sick recently and needed to take good care of herself.
Storybooks, toys, Legos, and clothes for Alex.
And for Layla, a coat and scarf, plus a perfume she'd bought but already lost interest in by the time she got home.
In the past, there would've been even more.
Supplements for Dad, limited-edition handbags for Mom—each time earning her tons of praise, with them saying it was like having another daughter in the family.
Long used to this habit of hers, Rebecca stood by the wine cabinet with her arms crossed and said, "Why don't you just move out of your apartment and come live at my place? Save yourself from hauling all this stuff over every few days—I'm exhausted just looking at it."
"Your place..."
Isabella looked around from top to bottom. "Alex lives on the first floor, you and Mr. Windsor on the second, and the third floor and up are either the gym or the media room. Mrs. Windsor, you're not planning to have me sleep on the rooftop terrace, are you?"
Rebecca rolled her eyes dramatically. "You make it sound like my house doesn't have any guest rooms."
"Forget the guest room!"
Isabella grinned mischievously. "If you're willing to sleep in the guest room with me, I might consider moving in."
Living together would mean bathroom concerts with her best friend, face masks together, gossiping about some two-faced bitch in their circle, or critiquing newly debuted artists.
Staying in a guest room? Being lonely at night and watching her and Frederick being all lovey-dovey during the day?
"I'd better not come over and disturb you two!"
With that, Isabella pulled Rebecca over to curl up on the couch, took the fruit plate Layla handed her, and the two of them drank afternoon tea, watched variety shows, and chatted casually.
"When are you two having the wedding?"
Eyes never leaving the top male celebrity on TV, Isabella asked offhandedly, "Once you graduate, you'll have to do it, right? So you'd better get moving!"
Rebecca looked amused. "Why are you more anxious than me? Isabella! Come clean..."
Eyeing Isabella suspiciously, as if trying to read something on her face, Rebecca asked, "Don't tell me you've got something going on?"
"Nothing going on."
Isabella cut off Rebecca's speculation with one sentence. "It's just... I want to go somewhere else."
Sighing, Isabella turned to look at Rebecca with a smile. "But don't worry—even if I leave, I'll wait until after your wedding."
"Where are you going?"
Rebecca looked nervous. "Did your mom say something again? Or did the Taylor family do something to you?"
Isabella shook her head. "No. I just feel like the air here doesn't quite suit me. Maybe a change of scenery would be better."
Rebecca fell silent.
No one knew better than her what kind of life Isabella had lived all these years.
As a child, wandering from place to place with Anna, going to so many countries but never staying anywhere long.
Then back to Empire City, but carrying the label of an illegitimate daughter, pushed aside everywhere.
And when Anna started showing up at Empire City high society events, those people didn't dare curse her, so all the blame and dirty looks fell on Isabella instead.
Opening her arms to give Isabella a big hug, Rebecca said, "I've always believed that God won't let down anyone who lives their life seriously. Izzy, you and I—we'll both find happiness!"
Isabella smiled.
Then she saw Rebecca nod with a serious expression. "I've decided—I'm going to hold tight to Frederick's coattails and secure my position as Mrs. Windsor! Izzy, don't worry..."
Rebecca looked up at Isabella. "From now on, when we go out, Frederick's got my back, and I've got yours. No one will dare mess with you!"
"Okay..."
Drawing out the word, Isabella's face was full of smiles.
When Frederick's voice sounded from the doorway, Rebecca's head shot up.
There stood Frederick in the entryway, tall and lean, eyes smiling. "How exactly does Mrs. Windsor plan to hold tight to my coattails?"
When did he get back?
Why didn't he make any sound when he walks?
Their eyes met, and Isabella's expression was equally confused as she shook her head.