Chapter 20

After leaving the hotel, Isabella and Michael hopped into the car.

"So, when did you get to the hotel? Were you worried about me?" Isabella asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course, I was. You're my wife, after all. Gotta do my husbandly duties," Michael replied, leaning in closer.

Isabella's heart started racing as she felt Michael's breath getting heavier.

Michael moved in until he was almost touching her. She could feel her temperature rising.

As his lips got closer, Isabella closed her eyes, ready for the kiss.

"What are you doing? Just helping you with your seatbelt," Michael teased, making Isabella snap her eyes open in surprise.

"Seatbelt?" She looked down, seeing it fastened around her.

Her cheeks turned red as she realized her mistake. Out of nowhere, Michael leaned in and kissed Isabella, whose eyes widened in shock.

The kiss was brief, just a few seconds, before Michael pulled away.

"Thought I was gonna kiss you, huh? Well, wish granted," he said with a mischievous grin.

Isabella pushed him away, wiping her mouth. "I closed my eyes 'cause I was tired, not 'cause of you. Don't get any ideas."

Michael found her flustered look adorable and couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, beautiful. Since you're tired, let's get you home so you can rest," he chuckled, starting the car.

On the way, Isabella rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze calm her nerves.

'Isabella, do you actually have feelings for Michael? You didn't push him away, and you were ready for his kiss. But remember, this is just a contract marriage,' she thought, mocking herself.

When the car stopped, Isabella quickly opened the door and bolted. Michael watched her run off, a smile tugging at his lips.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Benjamin.

"Hey, Michael, there's a gathering tonight with the young folks from the four big families. You coming? Everyone's talking about you and your marriage," Benjamin teased.

Michael raised an eyebrow. "You said all the families are there. Is John there?"

"Yeah, he's here. He's the star of the night," Benjamin replied, glancing at the private room where John was. The noise and cheers were still loud.

"John seems to be celebrating something," Benjamin added, noticing the silence on the other end.

"Tell me where you are. I'm coming over. Keep an eye on John; don't let him leave," Michael instructed coldly before hanging up.

Benjamin stared at his phone, eyebrow raised. He had a feeling John was in for a rough night.

About half an hour later, Michael showed up at the bar where Benjamin was waiting. With Benjamin leading the way, Michael stormed into the private room where John was partying.

John, in the middle of celebrating with his friends, lit up when he saw Michael.

"Hey, everyone! Meet Michael, the business genius you all admire," John said, pulling Michael towards his friends.

The room erupted in cheers, glasses raised for a toast, but Michael just gave them a cold stare. He grabbed a bottle from the table, weighing it in his hand.

Before anyone could react, Michael smashed the bottle over John's head, glass shattering everywhere.

The room fell silent, everyone stunned by Michael's brutal move.

John, reeling from the shock and pain, looked at Michael. "What the hell, Michael? What are you doing?"

Michael ignored him, turning to the room. "I'll count to three. Everyone but him, get out."

As soon as Michael counted the first number, everyone in the room disappeared, leaving only Michael, John, and Benjamin.

Without a word, Michael started pounding on John, fists flying. John screamed in pain, and Benjamin's face twitched with unease.

"Enough, Michael! Stop it! You'll kill him!" Benjamin shouted, grabbing Michael's waist to pull him off.

With Benjamin's help, the beating finally stopped.

Michael shoved Benjamin away, pointing at John. "Isabella said you're a fool. Now I see it. Letting yourself get tricked into taking nude photos of her."

"What are you talking about? I'd never do that!" John yelled back, furious.

Michael's eyes narrowed. "Check your phone. Did you call Eric today?"

John pulled out his phone, checking his call records. His face went pale at the unfamiliar number.

"I didn't make any calls today. How...?" He trailed off, remembering Bianca had his phone earlier.

"Looks like you figured it out. If you can't handle Bianca, I will," Michael said, adjusting his clothes before walking out.

John stared at his phone, muttering, "No way. Bianca wouldn't do this. There must be a mistake."

Outside, Michael turned to Benjamin. "The younger generation is getting worse. John got played by a woman. What an idiot."

Benjamin chuckled. "Love makes men stupid. Just like you right now. Aren't you the same?"