Chapter 190: Way Too Cliché +5 Pearls
Upon discovering the truth, Isabella felt dejected. After all, she couldn't initiate a divorce; only Alexander could propose it. Given his responsible nature, even without love, he wouldn't suggest it. Her only hope was for Alexander and Eleanor to rekindle their relationship.
Initially, she hoped Eleanor's return would mark a new beginning. However, Eleanor proved to be unpleasant. Isabella couldn't bring herself to help them reconcile; Alexander and his family had been kind to her, and she couldn't be so heartless. She could only swallow her frustration.
While everyone was shocked by Lily's revelations, Alexander remained withdrawn. Isabella's gaze toward Eleanor grew increasingly resentful. Eleanor smirked inwardly, anticipating fear. Then, hanging her head, she appeared embarrassed and uncomfortable, seemingly disavowing any intention of exploiting sympathy or revealing past hardships.
"What's going on?"
"She was sick? What kind of illness?"
"Have you been recovering these past few years? No wonder I haven't heard from you."
"How are you doing now? Has your health improved?"
"Why didn't you explain things clearly back then?"
They were longtime friends. Eleanor's sorrowful departure had suggested valid reasons, but her silence left them anxious. They watched her leave, gradually losing contact. Even Audrey was shocked by the truth.
No one suspected Eleanor, from a prominent family, would fabricate such a lie. Isabella was almost enraged. If she'd been genuinely ill, that would have been better! Her sanatorium stay was merely an attempt to ingratiate herself with the aristocratic family's elders. Lily was gullible, believing and defending Eleanor. Isabella realized Eleanor was acting for Alexander's regret. Keep acting! she thought. No one can outperform you! Years ago, she'd used the same tactic for an easy escape. The sanatorium's exclusive clientele ensured information wouldn't be disclosed.
Isabella observed the others' reactions, speechless at their gullibility. She glanced at Alexander, who was frowning, detached from the conversation, his thoughts unreadable. Eleanor, due to illness, had broken up with her boyfriend to avoid upsetting him, then distanced herself for treatment. Now recovered, she found him married, exchanging only silent glances. Alexander doesn't know the truth; he'll be fooled! Isabella thought.
Alexander's eyes sparkled. She cares about me! he thought. Maybe she'll intervene! His heart quickened.
But Isabella's next thoughts dashed his hope. Out of sympathy, I want to warn Alexander about Eleanor. But my information is from the system; I can't explain it clearly without being suspected of sowing discord. Eleanor's tragic heroine image was already established. They'll end up together happily, and I'll be left in the dust as cannon fodder. I might not even get alimony and will be despised by everyone. Damn, this is too cliché!
Alexander was confused. How did you get there?
Isabella's thoughts continued: Sorry, Alexander, but I'd rather others face the trouble. At most, I won't help an evildoer. If you fall for her, it's your destiny. I can't help you; I'm a bystander enjoying the gossip. Alexander's eye twitched. You are my greatest disaster!
Isabella felt she'd navigated the situation. She would wait, her only means of self-preservation.
Alexander, however, was on the verge of reckless anger. If not for concerns about revealing Isabella's mind-reading ability, he would have confessed everything.
The crowd sensed a chilling vibe from Alexander, unusual given his composure and emotional stability. They attributed his turmoil to the revelation about Eleanor's breakup. Some sympathetically glanced at Isabella. If Eleanor had no choice, and Alexander is so affected, their marriage might not last.
As they pondered this, they saw Alexander gloomily look at Isabella. He was saddened by her apparent indifference, but the others assumed he felt apologetic, perhaps even ready to give up on Isabella. Eleanor was elated.
Isabella noticed Alexander's gaze; his dark eyes seemed to draw her in. She felt inexplicably guilty. "W-What's the matter?"
Alexander, quickly composing himself, said, "Something's on your mouth." He used a napkin to gently wipe sauce from her mouth, focusing entirely on her, as if the two were isolated from the others. Isabella, and everyone else, was stunned.
Had this happened earlier, everyone would have speculated it was for Eleanor's benefit. But now, it seemed illogical. Is Alexander really caring for his wife? That doesn't seem right! Even a stranger would react to this news about his ex-girlfriend. How can he react like this? He should at least be a little down, show some doubt! Why is he focused on my mouth? Isabella's confused thoughts made Alexander's eyes sparkle.
He hoped her befuddlement would lead her to read his mind. Usually, Isabella only skimmed the thoughts of those close to her, but her curiosity overwhelmed her. Could he have been spacing out? Let me see… Huh?