Chapter 15

Chapter 15

They had run into her at the coffee shop that day.

It was clear who Earl was talking about.

Joseph's curious gaze fell on Christopher. 

Two years ago, he had only caught a vague glimpse of Isabella.

It wasn't until the other day at the coffee shop that he realized Isabella was stunning, the kind of beauty that left a lasting impression.

A woman like her being on Christopher's mind made sense.

Christopher glanced at Earl, who was being overly dramatic, his expression still calm and collected. "Can you chill out?"

Earl was genuinely concerned for Christopher, but felt misunderstood, which annoyed him. "I'm just worried she'll cling to you."

Christopher's mind wandered back to the night he saw Isabella downstairs, happily chatting with Benjamin. His face showed a hint of impatience. "I asked you here to drink, are you drinking or not?"

Seeing that Christopher didn't want to talk about Isabella, Earl felt relieved. "Sure, let's drink!"

Joseph, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow at Christopher, sensing why he had invited them out for drinks today.

The next morning, Benjamin picked Isabella up from her place to take her to his home.

Benjamin was cheerful the whole way. "Don't be nervous. My mom's really easygoing. She heard you were coming and went out early to buy groceries. The beef's been simmering for three hours now."

When they arrived at the Morgan Villa, Mary Davis was already waiting. 

She wore a cream-colored apron and held a dishcloth, her face warm with a smile. "Isabella, right? Come in, come in. It's windy outside, don't catch a chill."

She was shorter than Benjamin, with gentle curls and faint lines at the corners of her eyes. Her smile felt like the warmth of spring, reminding Isabella of her grandmother, making her feel at ease.

Before Isabella could speak, Mary took her bag, placed it on a low cabinet by the entrance, and led her inside by the wrist. "Benjamin didn't tell me you were coming sooner, had me rushing around."

Mary sat Isabella on the couch and went to the kitchen to fetch some fruit. "Have some strawberries, they're washed. Benjamin, go serve the soup. We can eat soon."

"Okay," Benjamin responded, and as he passed Isabella, he winked and mouthed, "Isn't my mom great?"

Watching Mary bustle between the kitchen and living room and smelling the comforting aroma of food, Isabella felt her initial tension ease a bit.

Seeing Benjamin and Mary playfully interact, a pang of sadness tugged at her heart, making her nose sting.

The dining table was already set. When Mary brought out the tender beef stew, the pot bubbled with small bubbles, the rich aroma mingling with the sweetness of radishes, filling the room.

Mary served Isabella a bowl of soup, picking out a prime piece of beef rib for her. "Isabella, try this and see if you like it."

Isabella took the bowl, blew on the soup, and sipped it gently. "It's delicious."

"Eat more if you like it," Mary said warmly. "If you ever want it again, just let me know, and I'll make it for you."

Throughout the meal, Mary didn't ask many questions, only sharing occasional fun stories, making Isabella feel relaxed.

As Benjamin walked her back, he sounded excited. "You see how much my mom likes you? She even doted on you more than her own son at the table. Before we left, she told me she really liked you and wanted me to treat you well."

He turned to Isabella, his eyes full of hope. "Isabella, you felt it too, right? My mom genuinely wants you to be part of our family."

Isabella understood what Benjamin meant. Maybe she had hesitated before, but after experiencing the warmth of the Morgan family, she really wanted to say yes.

But just as she was about to say "I agree," Christopher's words from the office earlier that day pierced her mind like a needle.

Benjamin had worked hard for five years, finally having a chance for a promotion and raise. She didn't want to put Benjamin in an unfair position or even ruin his future because of her.

But she couldn't tell Benjamin this yet. She kept a gentle smile on her face. "We agreed that I'd give you an answer after you come back from Eldridgeville."

She avoided Benjamin's gaze, looking up at the dark night sky, afraid to see the possible disappointment in his eyes.

Benjamin's smile froze, the light in his eyes extinguished like a snuffed candle.

He had brought Isabella home and asked Mary to be warm and welcoming, hoping to push Isabella to agree to be with him.

But the result was the same. A surge of anger rose within Benjamin.

He grabbed Isabella's shoulders, his eyes filled with rage and confusion. "Isabella, are you playing games with me? I've been so good to you, and you still won't agree? Did you never plan to be with me?"

Isabella was startled. She had never seen Benjamin so out of control.

She wanted to explain, but the words stuck in her throat.

She couldn't reveal Christopher's threat. It would only make things worse for both of them.

"I'm not playing games." She tried to stay calm. "I just need a little more time to think."

Before Isabella could say more, Benjamin abruptly let go of her. "I know you're slow to warm up, but I've been more than proactive. It's been two years. You're right, we both need time to think. I need to cool off too. Get home by yourself tonight."

Benjamin turned and walked away decisively. Isabella instinctively reached out to stop him but grasped nothing.

She watched helplessly as Benjamin's figure blurred and disappeared around the corner, leaving only a solitary streetlight casting a long shadow on the ground.

Back home, Benjamin received a call from a friend. "I heard you're back. How did it go with that woman?"