Chapter 15

Isabella was caught off guard by Michael's sudden move and just froze, forgetting to push him away.

Her heart started pounding, and she felt her body heat up. When Michael's tongue tried to slip into her mouth, she quickly shoved him back.

"What the heck, Michael? We're just married on paper. Kissing wasn't part of the deal," Isabella said, blushing and looking at him with wide eyes.

Michael couldn't help but find her reaction adorable. He leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Look, even if this marriage is just for show, we gotta sell it. If we don't act like a real couple, people will get suspicious."

Isabella remembered that Michael's whole plan was to fool his dad. Did this mean he was planning to introduce her to him?

"Wait, are you actually gonna take me to meet your dad? What's he like? Is he easy to get along with?" Isabella asked, curiosity piqued.

Michael nodded. "Relax, my dad's a nice guy. He'll treat you as well as he treats his cat."

Isabella didn't quite get the cat comparison, but she let it slide. She just needed to play her part when the time came.

After dinner, they both pitched in to clean up the kitchen.

Michael helped her with the dishes, and for a moment, he felt like they were a real married couple.

'Do I actually have feelings for Isabella? No way, it's just because this is new to me. Yeah, that's gotta be it,' Michael thought, trying to push down any romantic feelings.

Once the kitchen was clean, they settled in the living room and turned on the TV.

Isabella picked a comedy, plopped down on the carpet with a bucket of popcorn, and laughed along with the movie.

Michael sat on the couch, but his eyes kept drifting to Isabella's face instead of the screen.

She looked so happy and carefree, a stark contrast to the first time he met her. Back then, she always seemed weighed down by something. But tonight, she seemed to have let go of that burden, even if just for a little while.

Isabella was genuinely happy today. Getting out of the hospital, winning the bet against Pearl, and even that unexpected kiss with Michael had all lifted her spirits.

However, when she was feeling happy, she was suddenly doused with cold water.

Halfway through the movie, Isabella's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was her mom, Mia.

She hesitated but answered the call, and Mia's angry voice came through the line."Isabella, why haven't you divorced yet? John came over today and gave your dad a hard time. Are you trying to ruin us?" Mia's voice was sharp and filled with anger.

The good vibes between Isabella and Michael vanished instantly because of that call.

Isabella's hand shook as she held the phone. "Mom, do you even know what John and Bianca did to me? They drugged me and dragged me to the hospital to steal my kidney. And guess what? My blood type doesn't even match Bianca's!"

"Of course, your blood types don't match," Mia's voice cut off suddenly. Isabella felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"Mom, you knew? You knew Bianca didn't need a kidney and still let them do this to me? Do you know I almost died because of them?" Isabella's head spun, and she collapsed backward.

A strong arm caught her, pulling her into a comforting embrace.

"Isabella, we're doing this for the family. I know it's been tough, but can you hang in there? Marry John, and we'll fix everything," Mia's words shattered Isabella's last bit of hope.

Michael was disgusted. He grabbed the phone from Isabella and snapped at Mia, "You two don't deserve to be her parents. If you're so desperate to please the Williams Family, why don't you divorce your husband and marry John yourself? Maybe he'd go for an old hag like you."

Mia's voice turned frantic. "It's you! The bastard who took Isabella away! The Williams Family isn't something you can mess with. Divorce Isabella now!"

"Why don't you and your husband get divorced? If someone has to make a sacrifice, why not you? I'm sure your husband would happily send you to John's bed for the family's sake," Michael mocked before hanging up and turning off the phone.

"I feel sorry for you, having parents like that," Michael said, handing the phone back to Isabella.

Isabella lay on the couch, her eyes dull. "They used to be good to me. But now I see it was all conditional. I've been their puppet. Marrying you is the first taste of freedom I've had."

Her words seemed directed at Michael but also at herself.

Michael suddenly felt a deep pity for her.

Isabella wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Your place is far from the city center, right? Isn't it a hassle to commute? Why not stay here? It'll save you rent."

Michael shrugged. "No need; the commute's not bad."

Isabella's eyes dimmed. She just wanted him around more. Her family's betrayal left her feeling fragile.

The rest of the comedy movie didn't make them laugh. When it ended, Michael left and went back to his place in the city center.

Isabella had trouble sleeping and only dozed off as dawn approached. She was barely asleep when a knock on the door woke her.

"Michael? Did you forget something?" Isabella mumbled, still groggy as she opened the door. But when she saw who was there, she snapped awake.

Standing outside were her parents.