Chapter 39 Get Married Once Again
Isabel’s heart sank at the news of Mason’s potential remarriage. She struggled to accept what Martha had said, dismissing it as a misunderstanding. But Martha’s firm confirmation left no room for doubt.
Desperate for clarity, Isabel crept toward the hallway, even though she knew eavesdropping was wrong. Her instincts drove her to uncover the truth, despite the risk.
As she listened, the words pierced her heart. “What if Isabel tries to stop the marriage?” Mason’s cousin asked, sending a jolt of pain through her.
“I’ll handle it. I’ll make sure Isabel stays out of the way. I can’t even die in peace knowing my grandson is wasting his life with this trash,” Mason’s grandmother declared, her disdain clear in her voice.
Isabel felt trapped, her body trembling with each harsh word. She silently prayed Mason would stand up against the planned marriage, hoping for a shred of resistance.
“You’re the best, Grammy. My life was falling apart with Isabel, and now marrying Addison will fix everything. I can’t wait to get rid of that ugly trash,” Mason’s voice rang out with a cruel finality, each word a dagger to her already shattered heart.
Unable to bear any more, Isabel fled from the hallway, her tears streaming uncontrollably. She stumbled away, desperate to escape the crushing weight of her despair.
Isabel returned to the kitchen, her heart heavy and her mind racing. Martha, seeing Isabel’s distress, felt a pang of sympathy for her.
Isabel was not only consumed by her own grief but also troubled by how her family would react if they learned about the impending marriage. She imagined their heartbreak and struggled with the thought of facing those who had always criticized her and predicted the failure of her marriage.
She was tormented by the realization that marrying someone like Mason was her greatest mistake. She longed for someone who could see beyond her flaws and appreciate her inner beauty, someone who might have spared her from this painful moment.
Determined to address the situation, Isabel decided she needed to speak with Mason. The decision to end their marriage wasn’t solely his; it involved both their families. She knew she had to confront him as soon as possible.
That evening, Isabel approached their room and found Mason engrossed in his phone, a smile spreading across his face as he texted someone. It didn’t take long for Isabel to recognize that he was chatting with Addison.
Despite her reluctance to interrupt, Isabel knew she had no other choice. She called out his name, hoping to catch his attention and prepare herself for the confrontation that was about to unfold.
“What do you want?” Mason asked softly, his tone unusually calm. It was the first time since their marriage that he spoke to Isabel with such politeness, and Isabel knew exactly why. His change in demeanor didn’t make her feel any better.
“I... I... want you to reconsider...” Isabel started, but Mason cut her off before she could finish.
“I need to be clear about something,” Mason said, setting his phone aside and turning to face her with a sudden seriousness.
“I’ve told you before that our marriage was a mistake, forced upon me by my parents. We both know it’s not working and needs to end,” he continued, his voice resolute and unyielding.
Isabel struggled to maintain her composure. The pain in his words was too much; her eyes welled up with tears.
“My grandmother, bless her, has become my saving grace. She wants me to marry someone who truly deserves me, and I agree. To make room for something new, we have to get rid of the old,” Mason said, his words dripping with satisfaction at the thought of leaving Isabel behind.
Each word cut deeper than the last, echoing painfully in Isabel’s mind. The heartache was unbearable, and she found herself unable to argue or plead. The fear of the consequences of opposing the marriage silenced her, leaving her feeling utterly powerless.
Isabel’s dreams of a happy marriage flashed before her eyes, a cruel reminder of how far reality had strayed from her hopes. She felt like a fool for having dreamed so big without seeing how harsh the reality of her flaws would turn out to be.
“Can I ask you something?” Isabel finally spoke, her voice heavy with sadness.
“What?” Mason asked, his frown deepening as he braced himself for what might come next.
“Even though this marriage was an accident for you, it was a cherished dream for me and my family. They were so hopeful and excited about it, and it would devastate them to learn it’s falling apart. I can’t bear the thought of going back to them with a divorce; it would bring them shame,” Isabel explained, her heart aching at the thought of how her family would suffer.
Mason’s irritation grew, thinking she was trying to manipulate him with her family’s feelings. “What are you trying to say?” he snapped, his patience wearing thin.
“Can I stay here until I find a job and a place of my own? I promise I’ll leave before your new marriage, but I need some time to get on my feet,” Isabel said, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.
Mason was taken aback. He had expected her to ask for money or a share of his property, as he had always seen her as greedy. Her simple, humble request left him genuinely surprised.
“Okay, you can stay,” Mason said, grudgingly agreeing to her request. “But I want you out of here before my wedding. If you cause any more trouble, you’ll see a side of me you don’t want to encounter.” Isabel nodded, unable to muster a reply.
Mason was about to continue speaking when his phone rang. Isabel noticed the joy on Mason’s face and recognized the call was from Addison.
“Get lost,” Mason barked at Isabel, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. He wanted privacy for his conversation with Addison.
Isabel quickly left the room, heading toward Nina’s to serve dinner. As she made her way, she heard Grandmother calling for the maids, who were busy working downstairs in the kitchen.
Isabel approached Grandmother’s room, offering to help. But as soon as Grandmother saw her, her face contorted with anger. She launched into a tirade of insults, attacking Isabel’s flaws with viciousness.
As Isabel turned to leave, Grandmother’s final words stopped her in her tracks.
“If you think you can manipulate me like you did with John and Nina, you’re sorely mistaken. You will never earn my acceptance. I will ensure Mason marries someone far more beautiful than you,” Grandmother spat out, her gaze filled with revulsion.