Chapter 188: What Is She Doing?

+5 Pearls

Alexander's words hit everyone like a bolt from the blue, leaving them speechless. Even Isabella was shocked, her heart skipping a beat. My goodness, she thought, has he lost his mind? Why is he saying such things?

Alexander smiled. He intended to give the annoying Isabella a little shock.

Isabella mused, Since when did Alexander develop such a short temper, retaliating with nonsense when upset?

With a helpless shrug, Alexander thought, I'm not spouting nonsense. I'm speaking from my heart. Initially, Isabella's inability to settle down and the mental torment she inflicted on everyone had caused the wedding postponement. But now, he found himself unexpectedly looking forward to seeing her in a wedding dress.

Isabella's mind raced. Why is it so quiet? Her tablemates were staring, their stunned gazes fixed on something behind Alexander. She didn't need to look. Tsk! I knew it. I've been used!

Alexander was surprised by her reaction. Isabella thought, He must have noticed Eleanor's arrival and deliberately made those cheesy remarks, even calling me Bella, to provoke his first love. Indeed, a master of mind games.

Alexander felt a surge of frustration. What on earth is she talking about? But… is Eleanor really here?

Isabella thought, Out of the blue, I find myself envying Zendaya. At least she gets paid for riling up her ex, while I'm just an unpaid, ordinary tool. If Alexander doesn't spare me a dime after the divorce, he'd be heartless and greedy!

Alexander thought, I can't believe it. I'm thinking about our wedding, and you're considering divorce? He was on the verge of laughing in anger. Navigating Isabella's thoughts was the most convoluted journey he'd ever taken. How on earth did she conjure up such fantasies?

Isabella thought, Fine, let me see just how charming this first crush of his is. Although she'd seen pictures, Isabella hadn't met Eleanor in person. Following everyone's gaze, she turned. Wow, she's indeed a beauty. Oh, is she on the verge of tears? It seems like a familiar… she tries hard to pretend not to care. And he…

Alexander thought, There's no "he"!

+5 Pearls

Without hesitation, Alexander turned, determined to prove he and his ex had parted amicably. He found himself meeting Eleanor's gaze. He was taken aback. It had been a long time; he felt unfamiliar with her. Her expression, however, made an impression. When they broke up, Eleanor was pale, her eyes filled with shattered dreams and unshed tears. She seemed fragile, like a willow in the wind.

Back then, Alexander thought, She seems quite upset, but insists on breaking up. She's made up her mind. I can only wish her well.

They broke up and never contacted each other again. Seeing her now, he realized, It's impossible for her to attend the reunion with that expression. Could it be because of what I said? Does Eleanor still have feelings for me? When she left, was that look a silent plea for me to ask her to stay? He suddenly felt awkward.

Isabella thought, Such an expression… it truly tugs at my heartstrings!

Alexander was speechless. Why are you pitying me?

Isabella thought, Dakota's makeup skills are incredible!

Alexander was dumbfounded.

Isabella thought, The face of one who has suffered an injustice. Men can't discern it, and women would struggle to notice without careful observation. Dakota's skills are simply incredible.

Alexander scrutinized Eleanor. I'm a man… that's why it isn't immediately apparent to… However, this didn't prevent him from falling into his usual embarrassing habits. So it was all a lie? Just an act?

Eleanor, secretly pleased by his gaze, drooped her eyes and brows, appearing helpless. It was as if she was rooted to the spot.

Isabella thought, Indeed, it was Andrey who found the makeup artist for Eleanor, helping both Eleanor and herself! She killed two birds with one stone, specifically targeting Alexander and Josiah!

Alexander thought, Josiah might be clueless, but one thing's for sure: I'm definitely not a fool!

Silence hung heavy in the air. Everyone watched, holding their breath, afraid to miss anything. This is spectacular, someone thought. His first love appears at a reunion, his wife is present, and he just announced his marriage vow. What an exhilarating scene!

Even those at the same table watched excitedly.

Isabella thought, I never imagined I'd become the center of attention, with everyone focused on the three of us. Although I can't fully enjoy the drama, I can still partake… I can hardly wait to see their reactions. Hurry up, guys!

Alexander thought, I can't believe how irresponsible and self-unaware you are as a wife! This time, he wasn't keen on playing along. His gaze was calm. He didn't ignore Eleanor, nor did he greet her enthusiastically; a simple nod sufficed. He treated the girl behind Eleanor, Lily Jenner, the same way.

Everyone then noticed Lily, a former classmate always by Eleanor's side. She glared at Alexander, dissatisfied. His detachment left the onlookers feeling anticlimactic. Is that all?

Isabella, glancing at Alexander, was surprised. What kind of reaction is that? Way too indifferent. She's his ex-girlfriend and first love! Was he pretending? Putting on an act? Or overwhelmed with emotions? Alexander found Isabella's vivid imagination impossible to stifle. He could only believe the innocent have nothing to fear.

A fleeting disappointment flashed in Eleanor's eyes, but knowing his reserved nature, she didn't dwell on it. Hoping for intense emotion was impossible. Such a person was typically nostalgic and protective of his own. The longer one maintained a harmonious relationship with him, the more affection they received. Even though Alexander was married, Eleanor didn't feel hopeless. She had been by his side the longest; she believed she held a unique place in his heart. Determined to reclaim him, she gave Audrey a look.

Audrey said, "Eleanor, Lily, welcome back. I thought you wouldn't make it, but you arrived just in time." She glanced at Isabella, feigning embarrassment. "Ours is the only table with empty seats. Everyone…"

Clifford said, "We've been friends for a long time. Would you rather sit with strangers?"

Josiah added, "Exactly, is there anyone who objects?"

Everyone, wanting Eleanor to join the drama, quickly agreed. Eleanor, however, seemed reluctant, looking for an empty seat. Lily then forcefully dragged her over. "Let's sit here. I dare anyone to try and drive you away!" she stated, giving Isabella a warning look. Everyone nervously watched, fearing Isabella's reaction. But Isabella remained calm.

Eleanor's gaze swept over Isabella. Having heard descriptions of Isabella as foolish, clumsy, and impulsive, her eyes showed disdain. But when their eyes met, she was taken aback. Isabella's gaze was pure and anticipatory, unsettling Eleanor. What is she doing? Watching some drama? Didn't Audrey mention that the mere mention of me would trigger Isabella?

She expected a confrontation, portraying herself as innocent and Isabella as unworthy of Alexander. Isabella's reaction disappointed her. But she still had a trump card—a presumptuous email—to ruin Isabella. Perhaps I don't even need to spare any effort. I can easily take care of this fool with a single move.

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