Chapter 367
Isabella, Michael, and Benjamin had a bet going on about whether Lila would frame Amelia or not.
Turns out, Isabella's got a knack for handling jerks.
Benjamin, being a man of his word, bought the latest necklace from the boutique. Then he realized his girlfriend, Amelia, had never gotten such a gift before, so he grabbed a pair of earrings too.
Back at the hotel, Benjamin handed the necklace to Michael. But Michael thought just a necklace was too plain, so he hit up a nearby flower shop for a bouquet. That's why he wasn't around earlier.
"I didn't expect you to give me the $100 like this!" Isabella rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but her look was full of affection.
"Well, money's meant to be spent, so I figured I'd get you some flowers. Consider it me paying up on our bet," Michael grinned, walking over to Isabella with the necklace box in hand.
"Let me help you put it on," Michael said, smiling as he held out the necklace.
Isabella didn't say no. She turned around, and Michael fastened the beautiful necklace around her neck.
"Do I look good with this on?" Isabella asked, turning back to face him.
Michael nodded and clapped his hands, exaggerating, "It's amazing. This necklace only looks perfect because you're wearing it."
"You always know how to sweet-talk," Isabella rolled her eyes again and headed to the bathroom to admire the necklace in the mirror.
Michael followed her, standing behind her and gently wrapping his arms around her waist. "Babe, you're beautiful no matter what you wear-or don't wear."
Isabella playfully tapped his hand. "I like the first part, but let's skip the second part!"
Michael chuckled, about to say something, but Isabella turned to look at him.
"Is there something you're hiding from me?" she suddenly asked.
Michael was caught off guard. She'd never asked him something so direct before.
He wanted to tell her he had never hidden anything from her. Except for his true identity.
But the question felt like a fishbone stuck in his throat, making him hesitate.
Seeing his hesitation, Isabella asked again, "Have you ever lied to me about your feelings?"
This time, Michael didn't hesitate at all and shook his head. "Babe, I swear, you're the only woman I've ever loved."
Isabella smiled, caressing his cheek. "That's all I needed to hear. I feel like you might be hiding something, but even between husband and wife, a little mystery is okay. I won't push you, as long as you haven't betrayed me in love."
Isabella smiled, kissed Michael on the cheek, and then walked out of the bathroom.
Michael stayed behind, furrowing his brow, deep in thought.
'Why did Isabella ask me that? Is she onto my real identity? Is she giving me a chance to come clean?' Michael's mind was racing.
"I don't think she's figured out your identity, but something's definitely making her doubt your love," Benjamin analyzed.
After leaving the bathroom, Michael found Benjamin and shared his confusion, hoping for some advice.
"But what could have happened? I thought our relationship was solid," Michael said, looking frustrated and scratching his head.
Benjamin rolled his eyes and plopped down on the nearby sofa, crossing his legs. "How would I know what's wrong? But I have two reasons for saying this."
Michael looked up at Benjamin and asked, "What are the two reasons?"
Benjamin pointed to the door. "When I went to see my girlfriend earlier, I overheard a conversation between Amelia and Isabella. Do you know what your wife asked my girlfriend? She actually asked Amelia if you had ever loved her."
"How did Amelia respond?" Michael asked, clearly worried.
Amelia was the person Isabella trusted the most. Her opinion was crucial. If she said anything negative about Michael, Isabella might become even more suspicious.
Benjamin chuckled. "Relax. She said you're the most trustworthy person in the world to Isabella."
Benjamin's words relieved Michael, and he felt grateful to Amelia.
"Thank her for me," Michael said.
Benjamin waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Let me get to the second reason. Do you remember the two questions Isabella asked you?"
Michael nodded, recalling that Isabella had asked if he was hiding something from her and if he had ever deceived her emotionally.
"This shows Isabella cares most about emotions, especially after being hurt by John. She might tolerate some secrets, but she won't stand for emotional deception, like cheating!" Benjamin speculated.
Michael furrowed his brow even more. "Are you saying Isabella thinks I'm cheating?"
Benjamin shook his head. "If that were the case, she wouldn't be hugging and kissing you. I think she might have noticed something that looks like cheating, but I don't know the specifics."
Michael thought hard. He hadn't been out of Isabella's sight recently and hadn't had any overly intimate interactions with anyone else. What could have triggered Isabella's suspicion?