Chapter 425
Men really did act differently when they felt threatened.
Even someone like Atticus couldn't escape the grip of possessiveness.
The question was, when would Atticus come clean to Olivia? If he kept playing dumb like before, Isabella wouldn't stand for it.
Emilio had been watching Isabella closely and, hearing her comments, stepped up to play the "boyfriend" role.
"Isabella, if you're tired, just let me know. I'll carry you."
This time, it was Olivia and Atticus's turn to watch the show. Isabella gave an awkward laugh and quickly declined.
"No, no, I'm fine. I can manage on my own."
The four of them continued walking, as the wishing well was at the top of the hill, requiring them to climb a set of stairs.
Halfway up, Isabella couldn't take it anymore.
"I can't go on. I'm exhausted and starving. I need to eat something before I can move another step."
It was almost noon, and after climbing for so long, the little she had eaten in the morning was long gone.
"Here, have some food to regain your strength. We'll get you something nice to eat once we're back down."
Atticus, hearing Isabella's complaints, quickly handed her the bag.
Inside were the bento boxes Cinda had prepared that morning, along with plenty of snacks, enough for all four of them.
This was why he had taken the bag from Olivia and hadn't given it back. It was too heavy for her to carry up the hill.
Isabella opened the bag and was stunned.
It was packed with all sorts of goodies. Just as she took a bite of her favorite sandwich, she realized there was no water.
Emilio, noticing her dilemma, offered, "I saw someone selling bottled water on our way here. I'll go get some."
"Thanks."
Before Isabella could finish her sentence, Emilio was already on his way.
They were at a pavilion now. Olivia, not interested in eating, stood at the edge, taking pictures with her phone, fascinated by the view.
Atticus sat next to Isabella, keeping her company.
Thinking Atticus might be hungry too, Isabella offered him a bento box. "Uncle Atticus, have some. Cinda's cooking is great."
To her surprise, Atticus shook his head and declined.
"I'm not hungry. You go ahead."
Isabella found it odd until she noticed Atticus's gaze frequently drifting towards Olivia. Then it clicked.
She couldn't help but smirk. No wonder.
Atticus was itching to get some information from her but was too shy to ask.
Isabella continued eating at her own pace, waiting for Atticus to make the first move.
Atticus couldn't hold back any longer. If he didn't ask now, Emilio would be back soon.
"Isabella, I need to ask you something."
He tried to keep his tone casual, but the unease in his eyes was unmistakable.
Isabella pretended not to notice, playing dumb. "Ask away, Uncle Atticus."
After a moment of silence, Atticus spoke, "If you can't help but care about someone, to the point where you can't stand seeing them with someone else, is that love?"
Isabella's eyes lit up.
Atticus had finally figured it out!
She cleared her throat. "Atticus, you already know the answer to that question, don't you?"
"So, what you really want to know is how to keep her, right?"
Atticus blushed, his secret exposed, and nodded.
He had only realized his feelings for Olivia after feeling threatened. He hoped it wasn't too late to win her back.
But Isabella had other thoughts.
This was all part of her plan to make Atticus realize his feelings. All he needed was a heartfelt confession to bring him and Olivia together. There was no need for him to worry about losing her.
What Olivia wanted was his acknowledgment of their relationship.
As long as Atticus did that, Olivia would be over the moon.
But she couldn't spell it out for Atticus.
Even though she was closer to Atticus, he had hurt Olivia so much before. Olivia deserved to see him struggle a bit, to understand the pain she had gone through.
"Uncle Atticus, I believe whether two people can be together depends on both of their attitudes. If one person doesn't cherish the relationship, it won't last. Look at me and Michael."
In the end, maintaining a relationship required effort from both sides.
If one person was always thinking about someone else, the relationship couldn't be strong.
No matter how passionate it started, it would eventually fall apart.
Reflecting on her years with Michael, Isabella saw only countless scars.
Atticus, on the other hand, thought about his recent interactions with Olivia and her cold demeanor, feeling a pang of anxiety.
"Does that mean I have no chance?"
Olivia wouldn't even talk to him now. Maybe she had already given up on him.
Seeing his distress, Isabella patted his shoulder, suppressing a laugh. "Uncle Atticus, your situation is different. You need the courage to face yourself and the public. Once you figure that out, things will go smoother than you think. The key is who you prioritize in your heart."
Isabella raised an eyebrow, not spelling it out, but Atticus was smart enough to understand her meaning.
Atticus had a strong sense of responsibility. If he always put the Wilson Family and his career first, he would never fully accept Olivia.
This also meant he didn't love Olivia enough.
Conversely, if he put Olivia first, their problems would resolve themselves.
As for how to do that, she trusted Atticus to figure it out.
But there was one thing she had to mention about Thomas.
"Atticus, do you know what Thomas has been up to? I handed him the divorce papers for me and Michael days ago, and there's been no progress. What's he doing?"
If Michael hadn't brought it up today, she would have forgotten they still needed that final divorce agreement.
In her mind, she and Michael were already as good as divorced.
But she didn't want Michael to use this against her anymore.
The thought of him as her husband made her head hurt.
She wished he would just disappear from her life.
Atticus suddenly remembered something. "I almost forgot to tell you, Thomas might be dating someone, which is why he's been delayed."
"Dating?"
Isabella was stunned.