Chapter 4

I didn't know how to respond to that. So much had happened tonight, and I hadn't had time to process everything. However, since it was her mother asking me the question, I couldn't just ignore it. I tried to be vague. "We've been talking about it lately. Once everything's settled, I'll let you know." It was an ambiguous answer, but hopefully, she wouldn't overthink. She quickly replied, "Okay, this is between the two of you. I won't interfere. You're together right now, right? Can you tell Isabelle to bring up the eggs from the basement when she gets home?" Isabelle's parents lived in an old building on the fifth floor, and there was no elevator. They weren't in great health, so whenever they bought groceries, they'd leave them in the basement for someone to bring up later. Usually, that "someone" was either me or Isabelle. There was no way she would be home tonight, so I decided to drive over and help out. Bonnie was surprised when she saw me. "You're not with Isabelle?" "No, she's at her friend's place tonight and will probably stay over there." "Oh, I see. You could've waited for Isabelle to do it when she's back. You didn't have to come all the way here just for that. Your place is half an hour away!" I smiled. "It's no big deal. The hot weather might ruin the eggs if they stay in the basement too long. You should get some rest. I'll head home now." After saying goodbye to Bonnie, I drove back. On the way home, I couldn't help but think about one of the main reasons I decided to marry Isabelle—her parents were genuinely good people. I always hated the idea of being involved in a family with constant drama between in-laws after marriage. So, when I was looking for a partner, I was drawn to someone who came from a peaceful and stable family. Isabelle's parents were both teachers. Not only were they easygoing and communicative, but they were also very considerate. I was confident that once we got married, our families would blend seamlessly. However, I was currently feeling rather apprehensive. When I got home, I showered and lay down on my bed. I felt the blanket on me. Ever since we got together, Isabelle had taken charge of everything in my life. Even the bedding I was using was something she had picked out for me. She loved to shop, and I didn't have the energy or interest to focus on those kinds of things. I sighed softly as I looked around at the traces of her everywhere in my home. I had gotten used to having her around. Perhaps I should give her another chance. Maybe I was overthinking things, and she just made a mistake. The next morning, knowing Isabelle might have a hangover and wouldn't have time for breakfast, I made her a sandwich and grabbed a carton of milk. I planned to drive over, take her to work, and have her eat breakfast on the way. Once everything was ready, I gave her a call. She answered the call quickly. "Bryce, you don't need to pick me up. I'll head to the office myself, and I'm already eating breakfast." Then I heard Sean's voice in the background. "Isabelle, be careful with the milk. It's hot. Let me blow on it for you." "Aw, Sean, you're so sweet to her! I guess I must be your adopted sister." I heard Isabelle get up and move to a quieter place. "I'll call you at lunchtime, okay? I have to go now." Before I could respond, she hung up. I stood there for a long time, completely frozen. At that moment, I felt like an outsider. Looking at the breakfast in my hand, I saw a cleaning lady by the roadside and handed it to her. I couldn't focus all morning at work. By the time lunch rolled around, I instinctively grabbed my phone, expecting a call from Isabelle. I waited for 20 minutes, but nothing happened. Unable to resist any longer, I called her instead. She didn't pick up the first time. The second time, she finally answered, but the background was noisy. "Isabelle, where are you?" "I-I'm having lunch. Bryce, have you eaten yet?" I answered honestly, "No, I was waiting for you—" Before I could finish, Sean's voice chimed in again, "Isabelle, do you want ice cream? It's buy one, get one half off!" My heart sank. "Isabelle, are you with Sean?" I had tolerated it when they were together last night. I had let it slide when they had breakfast together this morning. But lunch too? No matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise, I couldn't find any more excuses. Isabelle's voice sounded panicked. "Bryce, don't overthink it. Sean just got back and doesn't have any friends here. The restaurant he used to go to was closed, and he couldn't find anywhere to eat. He called me for help, and I came to keep him company. If you're worried, why don't you come join us?" So, she knew I was worried. Despite knowing that, she still chose to spend time with him without a care in the world. That told me that she didn't care about me at all. I responded calmly, "No thanks." With that, I hung up. Not long after, I received a message from her that said, "Bryce, I'm sorry. I know you're misunderstanding the situation, and I should've kept my distance from Sean. But there's really nothing between us. In the three years we've been together, I haven't talked to him once. I'd already cut ties with him for two years before I met you. It's been five years since we've spoken—what are you so worried about?" Five years, huh? Five years ago, Isabelle was only nineteen. That meant her relationship with Sean started even earlier. No wonder he was her first love. The love shared between two innocent childhood sweethearts during their youth left the deepest impression. Too bad I didn't have one of those. Back then, all I did was study hard, trying to live up to my family's expectations. It wasn't until after I graduated from college that I started looking for someone. After two failed blind dates, my first real relationship was with Isabelle. I truly wanted to take this relationship seriously and make it last. After work, Isabelle finally called. I picked it up immediately. "Isabelle?" "Bryce, I'm really sorry about lunch. Let me make it up to you with dinner tonight. Where are you? I'll come pick you up." Hearing the remorse in her voice, I felt a bit better. She apologized, and she cared about how I felt. That was enough for me. I wasn't expecting her to be madly in love with me. I believed that, once we got married and spent a decade or two together, she'd eventually grow to depend on me and put me first. Hence, when she pulled up in front of me, I couldn't stop smiling until I saw Sean riding shotgun. Isabelle stepped out of the car, walked up to me, and apologized, "I'm so sorry, Bryce. I ran into Sean on the way here—really, it was just by chance. He couldn't find a ride, so I gave him a lift. I thought we could all have dinner together, and then you'll see that he and I really are just friends. Okay?" I'd been fuming earlier, but hearing her explanation, I slowly nodded. Maybe she was right. I'd be able to tell their relationship from just one meal with them.