Chapter 243: It Has Been Years Since We Broke Up

A woman with slender fingers casually hooked around her sunglasses stood before Isabella. Sensually dressed, her healthy, strong appearance, arched eyebrows, and bold red lips projected a vibrant, assertive vibe. What surprised Isabella, however, wasn't the style clashing with the surroundings, but the woman's striking resemblance to Zendaya.

"Is she Elaine Graham?" Isabella wondered.

Alexander interjected, "Elaine, you're back."

Elaine smiled, approaching them. "Yes, I just returned. I didn't expect to run into you first. Aren't you the type who never goes shopping?"

Though speaking to Alexander, Elaine's curious gaze fixed on Isabella, her eyes filled with interest, devoid of malice.

Isabella smiled. "Hello, I'm Isabella."

"I know. You're Alexander's beloved wife. It's all over our circles abroad. They've made you sound like a legend," Elaine said, her expression highly intrigued. Arching an eyebrow, she added, "I'm genuinely curious. How did you manage to win over this emotionless robot?" After all, even Eleanor, despite her best efforts, had failed. Elaine almost laughed recalling Eleanor's disgraced departure before reaching home. Everyone had considered them the perfect campus couple, but Elaine saw them as mismatched—one clueless, the other pretending. They were, in her opinion, fake lovers. What she couldn't stand was Eleanor's post-marriage attempts to cause trouble. However, what truly intrigued her now was Isabella's conquest of the eccentric Alexander.

Elaine spoke bluntly yet charmingly.

Isabella retorted, "Alexander is not a robot."

Alexander was taken aback. A memory flashed: "It feels like Mr. Alexander is a machine without emotions"

"You're wrong! Alexander isn't like that at all. He has so many feelings, you can't even see them!"

Alexander's eyes flickered as he looked at Isabella. The affection in his eyes was so palpable that even Elaine felt a shiver.

She thought the rumors were exaggerated, but the reality surpassed them. Alexander's devotion to his wife was undeniable. Elaine almost burst out laughing. His transformation was unbelievable.

"Okay, he's not a robot anymore. He's now a human being. But his taste in clothes is really bad," Elaine said, pointing to the swimsuit Alexander had chosen—a peculiar combination of a short-sleeved top with a drooping chest covering and shorts with a skirt-like fringe. Cute on a child, but on an adult, it hid Isabella's model-like curves.

"In a private pool, it's unnecessary and too much. If you're going out, making her wear that would be a joke. People would mock her taste. Do you want her to be laughed at?" Elaine said mercilessly. Alexander, embarrassed, admitted he'd never attended such gatherings and was unaware of appropriate attire.

"Sorry, I didn't know," Alexander said uncomfortably, his selfish intention extinguished.

Isabella, who actually liked the swimsuit, remained silent.

"I'll help you choose. My taste is better," Elaine offered, then casually asked, "What occasion is it for?"

Isabella's gossip radar went on high alert.

Alexander revealed, "A pool party, organized by Clifford."

Isabella eagerly watched Elaine's reaction.

Elaine laughed. "So everyone's going? Perfect. I wanted to see everyone after I got back. I'll go too, and surprise them. Can you two take me?"

(Internal monologue: This is too convenient! What a dramatic moment, the real one showing up while he's pestering the rebound, hahaha!)

Alexander's mouth twitched.

Elaine saw his expression and asked, "What? Am I not welcome? Don't tell me Clifford still holds a grudge. We broke up ages ago."

(Internal monologue: It seems Clifford's plan to use lookalikes to provoke Elaine failed completely. She didn't pay attention at all, even when he flaunted them on social media. What expression will Clifford have when he sees all his efforts were in vain? It's going to be priceless.)

Affected by Isabella, Alexander almost smiled but remembered Clifford's friendship and coughed. "I don't know. If you don't mind, let's go together."

Elaine shrugged.

Since they were going together, Elaine also needed a swimsuit and continued helping Isabella choose. As a fashion designer, Elaine favored the sexiest option but, sensing a gaze from Alexander, opted for a moderately revealing yet stylish swimsuit instead. Her own choice, however, was boldly sexy.

Alexander paid, and Elaine treated them to dinner before heading to the club.

They were shown to the changing rooms. Elaine, needing time for pre-swim preparations, told Isabella not to wait. Isabella, wanting to find Zendaya, went out first and saw Alexander near a marble pillar. His swim trunks were understated, but he wore an open, yet largely concealing, elegant shirt.

His striking looks and tall, slender figure were captivating. Many glanced at him. Someone approached, but Alexander looked up, oblivious to most, except for Isabella. Upon seeing her, his cheeks flushed, and his gaze wavered. He moved to meet her, only to be stopped by another girl.