Chapter 39

John's body shook like a leaf for a second. He dropped to his knees, clutching his crotch, veins popping out on his forehead from the pain.

Isabella finally caught her breath, bolting away from John and sprinting towards the banquet hall. She knew Mason was the only one who could keep her safe.

"Damn it, Isabella," John grunted, using the wall to pull himself up, instinctively wanting to chase after her.

"John." Bianca suddenly appeared. She had initially wanted John to teach Isabella a lesson, but now it looked like John was worse off than her.

John turned around and saw Bianca's swollen left cheek. He frowned and asked, "What happened to your face?"

Bianca opened her mouth but quickly thought of a better plan. She didn't answer his question and instead put on a hurt expression.

"John, can you help me with something?" Bianca's eyes looked like they were about to spill over with tears.

John wiped away her tears, trying to comfort her. "Sure, tell me."

Bianca bit her lip and said, "Isabella wants to announce your engagement at the birthday party to surprise Mr. Williams."

John frowned.

Bianca started crying, "I want you to marry Isabella. I've sworn not to marry you, and my health is getting worse. I probably won't last long. I just want to see you happy."

John thought about Isabella's past insults, feeling a surge of irritation. He waved his hand impatiently. "Stop it; I'm not marrying Isabella!"

Seeing the familiar look of disgust in John's eyes, Bianca finally felt relieved.

"But I might not live to see that day; my condition is getting worse. I just want to see you happy." Bianca tearfully told her most vicious lie, and sure enough, John believed her once again.

John grabbed Bianca's hand, his heart aching. "Don't worry. I'll marry Isabella, but right after the wedding, I'll arrange for you and her to have surgery immediately. I want you to live well!"

Bianca cried and hugged John. Behind the clueless John, Bianca revealed a wicked smile.

Inside the banquet hall.

Isabella had no idea Bianca was up to her dirty tricks again. As she sat down, Mia and Jasper came up to her.

Mia whispered, "Where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere!"

Jasper said, "It's time. You should go on stage and announce your engagement with John!"

Isabella glared at Mia and Jasper. "What if I don't want to? Are you still going to threaten me with suicide?"

Mia and Jasper's faces fell, and Isabella tossed the steak knife and fork in front of them. "Go ahead, show me if you have the guts to do it."

Mia and Jasper looked horrified. They stared at the utensils on the ground, but neither of them picked them up.

"Stop pretending you're doing this for my sake. If you really care about me, then kill that bitch Bianca instead of letting her compete with me for John. Sometimes, I really wonder if I'm your daughter." Isabella shot a fierce look at her parents, then turned and walked towards the stage.

The image of Michael popped into Isabella's mind, and this time, she wasn't about to just roll over and accept her crappy fate. She was ready to fight. She was going to fight for a future with Michael.

As Isabella walked past Mason, she stopped next to him.

"Mason, remember when you asked me what reward I wanted?" Isabella asked.

Mason nodded, "Yeah, I remember."

Isabella's smile grew, and with a hint of apology in her eyes, she said, "No matter what I say on stage later, I hope you'll grant my wish."

Mason felt a pang of unease. He glanced over at John chatting with Bianca in the corner, feeling pretty ticked off.

After a moment, Mason nodded. "I'll grant your wish, no matter what you say."

A smile spread across Isabella's face like a blooming flower. She finally stepped onto the stage, but not to announce her marriage to John.

Isabella walked onto the stage, catching everyone's attention. She spoke into the microphone, "Everyone, today I want to announce something worth celebrating at Mr. Williams' birthday party."

With that, Isabella glanced at John.

Many people didn't know about Isabella and John's drama, and they cheered, thinking she was about to announce the engagement.

Jasper, in the audience, let out a sigh of relief, thinking Isabella had come to her senses and was willing to marry John.

"I told you, Isabella is very sensible," Jasper nodded in satisfaction, not noticing Mia's nervous expression.

Earlier in the restroom, Mia had seen Isabella's madness. She didn't think the seemingly crazy Isabella would stay rational.

In the corner, Bianca's eyes flashed with resentment.

'Go ahead and announce it. John is just temporarily with you. When you die, he'll still be mine,' Bianca thought maliciously.

John had a faint smile on his face. Even though he was reluctant, he still had to keep up appearances in front of everyone.

His face flashed with astonishment as he noticed Michael standing in the corner behind Isabella, looking grim.

Everyone in the audience eagerly anticipated Isabella's announcement of her marriage to John. Even the Williams Family members, except for Michael, wore joyful expressions.

Michael clenched his fists, watching Isabella on stage, slowly walking towards her, his steps heavy as if carrying a huge weight.

But just as Michael was about to reach Isabella, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, his expression turning to one of surprise.

Michael, along with everyone in the audience, looked shocked and confused, the earlier joy replaced by bewilderment.

The reason was what Isabella had said on stage. "I know many of you want me to marry John, but I'm sorry. I'm already married, and he's not the groom."