Chapter 40
Isabella's announcement hit everyone like a ton of bricks. They'd heard whispers about her getting hitched, but no one took it seriously. It was just too wild to believe.
"Wait, what? Isabella actually got married, and it's not to John?"
"She gave up being Mrs. Williams? No way! So many people would kill for that spot. Is she nuts?"
"I heard she was marrying some regular guy. Could that be true?"
Michael stood in the shadows, watching Isabella bask in the spotlight. Her smile was radiant, and he knew she was doing this for him. He had somehow become her reason to keep going.
Michael wanted nothing more than to run up and hug her, but he couldn't. He couldn't risk revealing his identity as a member of the Williams Family to her.
The crowd's murmurs washed over Isabella like waves, but she stood firm, letting them say whatever they wanted.
"Ms. Taylor, why would you give up John for someone else? Is this new guy better than John?" someone blurted out, unable to contain their curiosity.
"My husband is just an ordinary guy, not from any big family or the upper class. I chose him over John because he loves me," Isabella said, her smile blooming like a flower.
John's face darkened, her words a clear declaration that there was no love between them.
Even though Isabella was telling the truth, John felt a pang of loss, his heart tightening with nowhere to vent his frustration.
Isabella's words plunged the room into silence, and all eyes darted between her and John.
Charles glanced at Mason, worried. Mason closed his eyes, sighed deeply, and waved his hand.
Charles got the message. He quickly ordered the onlookers to leave.
Soon, the grand hall was empty except for the Taylor and Williams families.
Everyone's eyes kept shifting between Isabella and John, but eventually, they all looked at Mason, the one who had arranged this engagement.
Isabella glanced at Michael in the shadows, smiled, and shook her head slightly, then walked towards Mason.
Michael watched her, his heart in knots. He understood. Isabella was asking him to stay silent, to protect him.
'I've always been the one to face everything head-on. When did it become Isabella's turn to protect me?' Michael thought, clenching his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms.
Isabella crouched down in front of Mason, took his hand, and said, "Mason, you promised to grant my wish. I hope you'll let me out of this engagement."
Mason saw the tears in her eyes and gently wiped them away. He patted her head, sighed, and said, "Everyone has their own path. Maybe I shouldn't have arranged this engagement. It's only caused you trouble."
Mason paused, looked at her with a glimmer of hope, and asked, "Isabella, are you sure you don't want to marry John?"
Isabella nodded. "Yes, my husband treats me well. He truly loves me."
John felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his fists clenching tight.
Mason, curious, asked, "Is he really that good to you?"
Isabella nodded again, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she thought about her moments with Michael in the lounge.
Mason got the hint-John didn't stand a chance anymore.
Mason's breathing got heavy, and he started to tremble. People rushed to check on him.
Feeling anxious, Isabella said, "Mason, I didn't mean to upset you. You can yell at me or whatever, but please take care of yourself."
She never thought that just calling off the engagement would almost make Mason faint.
Isabella wondered how Mason would react if he knew the whole truth. Would it send him straight to the hospital?
After Mason's breathing gradually became steady, he asked, "I don't blame you; this is just how things turned out. But I'm curious about your husband. Can I meet him?"
Isabella nodded shyly, "I'll need to ask him first."
Mason looked at her, a mix of emotions in his eyes, then smiled and said, "Yes, you should ask him if he's willing to meet me."
Mia and Jasper were stunned. Even Mason, who had been the biggest supporter of Isabella and John's relationship, was agreeing to her request.
Jasper quickly said, "Mr. Williams, please don't listen to Isabella! We've met that guy. He can't hold a candle to John."
Mia wanted to chime in but was cut off by Mason.
"I've made up my mind. The engagement between Isabella and John is off. Young people should make their own choices. Let's end this here. John, help me home." Mason waved his hand, signaling for John to come over.
John nodded silently, helping Mason towards the exit. As they were leaving, he couldn't help but glance back at Isabella.
"Don't look back; it's too late for regrets now," Mason's low voice echoed in John's ears.
John quickly averted his gaze and helped Mason leave. The rest of the Williams Family followed Mason out of the banquet hall.
The hall was now empty, except for the Taylor Family and Michael hiding in the shadows.
Jasper looked at Isabella, rage boiling inside him. The Taylor Group was beyond saving, and he and his wife had become a laughingstock.
"Why did you do this? Are you trying to ruin us?" Jasper angrily questioned Isabella.
Isabella looked at Jasper coldly and said, "It's done. You don't have to worry about it anymore because the outcome won't change."
"I'll kill you, you fool!" Jasper, furious, raised his hand to slap Isabella.
Mia opened her mouth but didn't stop him; she looked away instead.
Isabella didn't flinch. She stood there quietly, knowing someone would come to protect her. Sure enough, Michael rushed out from the shadows and grabbed Jasper's wrist.
Jasper, with his wrist held, glared at Michael. "How dare you show up here. Do you know where you are?" Jasper spat.
Michael shook off Jasper's hand, turned around, pulled Isabella up, and stood in front of the Jasper couple. "I've had enough of you. It's time to settle this once and for all."