Chapter 11

"Xavier, are you still competing with Izzy?" Monica teased Xavier playfully. Isabella was taken aback and instinctively glanced at Xavier across from her, who gave a half-hearted smile and glanced back at her. "Not anymore." "But it doesn't seem like your relationship has improved," Olivia said. "Humph! You're a grown man but unwilling to give in," Benjamin remarked. Olivia sighed and shook her head. Monica chuckled and reached out to hold Isabella's hand. Her fingers touched the bracelet Isabella was wearing. Years ago, when Isabella's parents had passed away, she was consumed with guilt and fear. She had gone to a church to pray and brought this bracelet back. She was a devoted Christian. Thankfully, the bracelet had protected Isabella for many years. When Xavier was in a car accident and ended up in the hospital, Monica went to get a similar bracelet for him, too. She wanted to get a set for Douglas as well, but he declined. He didn't like wearing things on his hands, and he even joked that he'd consider it only if something happened to him, like it did to Xavier. Douglas was a quiet, introverted man who was quite different from the other two. Thinking of this, Monica glanced over at her eldest grandson. He was as composed and distant as ever, keeping to himself without engaging much with others. Between her two grandsons, she was more worried about Douglas. Xavier had a knack for avoiding hardship, but Douglas always seemed like he was bottling something up, shouldering too much. She thought it would be perfect if only there were someone lively and cheerful to be by his side. As she mused, her gaze shifted to Isabella, who was chatting happily with Olivia with a bright smile lighting up her face. … The whole family gathered around the table for lunch. The dishes were hot, and aside from the occasional clinking of spoons and forks, the room was rather quiet. The three younger ones sat at the far end of the table. When Isabella spotted a dish she wanted but couldn't easily reach, she asked Douglas to pass it to her. With Douglas there, Xavier kept his cool and didn't cause any trouble. His face remained cold and still, though the soft exchanges between the other two reached his ears from time to time. Monica, noticing the situation, leaned over and asked Xavier, "Are you not in a good mood today? You've hardly touched your food." "He's just spoiled," Benjamin interjected. "Don't bother with him." Xavier's sulky expression made him seem like a pampered prince. "You could say a little less," Olivia scolded. Monica just smiled and let it go, not saying anything more. She wasn't partial to either of her grandsons and was equally on the lookout for a good match for Xavier. However, deep down, she was certain that Isabella and Xavier weren't a good fit. They both had fiery tempers, and if they were together, they'd be at each other's throats in no time. At the table, Isabella was the only one who didn't look at Xavier. She was too focused on her meal. After lunch, Monica called her upstairs alone, and everyone downstairs noticed. Xavier narrowed his eyes, about to head upstairs, too, but Olivia stopped him. "No one called you. Why are you going up?" "To sleep," he said flatly. "You're young—why do you act like you've got no energy? Go fishing with your father." Xavier glanced at Benjamin and frowned even more. "Four men sitting in a row fishing? How boring." "Stop complaining. Didn't I remind you of this at home?" Olivia insisted. She just wanted the whole family to spend time together. Though Xavier could be difficult, he was filial. He listened to Olivia and stayed downstairs, but his reluctant gaze lingered on the two figures heading to the second floor. Upstairs, as soon as Isabella stepped into the room, Monica closed the door behind her with an air of mystery. There was a sparkle in her eyes, as if she had stumbled upon something exciting. Isabella couldn't help but laugh. "Grandma, what are you up to?" Monica pulled her to sit on the soft leather couch. "Izzy, tell me honestly—are you seeing anyone?" Isabella was startled. "No, I'm not." She jokingly added, "Why? Are you planning to set me up with someone?" "I don't mind doing that." Monica's smile grew wider. She hadn't come up with this idea on a whim. She and Luke had discussed it years ago. Isabella was their beloved granddaughter, and the thought of her marrying an outsider was unsettling. How could anyone be better than family? She, Xavier, and Douglas were close in age and already familiar with each other. The real question was, should she marry Xavier, or should she marry Douglas? They hadn't debated long—the answer was obvious. It wasn't that they were biased, but Xavier was a bit wild and untamable. He wasn't a husband material. Marrying him would be a disaster. But Douglas was calm, steady, and dependable. And most importantly, he and Isabella got along well. If she agreed, they could get married tomorrow. It seemed like the perfect arrangement. Seeing the smile on Monica's face, Isabella suddenly felt uneasy. "Grandma, don't tell me you've already picked someone out." "My clever girl, you guessed it!" Monica's grin widened. Isabella's smile froze, and she suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Grandma, I just got back to the country. My studio's not even finished being set up. Isn't this a bit rushed?" Monica waved it off, unconcerned. "We don't care about the money. You can work just for fun. I'll transfer ten times your salary to you every month." "No, no, no." Isabella quickly waved her hands. "Mom already gives me enough money for living expenses." She was visibly distressed. She didn't want a setup from Monica but also didn't want to disappoint her, so she hedged. "How about I think it over a little?" As for how long that "thinking" might take, well, that was up in the air. To her surprise, Monica didn't press the issue. "Alright." Her smile deepened. After all, Isabella and Douglas would be staying together, and sharing the same roof would naturally allow their feelings to grow. … By the pond at Silverleaf Estate, Benjamin and Xavier sat with matching sour expressions, neither saying a word. They were simply enduring the situation. Xavier's bait had long been eaten, but he didn't bother to reel it in. He just sat there, holding his fishing rod, doing nothing. Douglas had left to play chess with Luke half an hour ago. That required some brainpower, which Xavier couldn't be bothered with. Isabella approached with two glasses of cucumber juice. No doubt, Olivia had sent her on this errand. From a distance, she could already see Xavier sitting idly, looking as disinterested. Hearing footsteps, he lazily lifted his eyes to glance at her. He didn't react much, as if he were just watching a bird fly by. "Hey, Isabella, come here," Benjamin called out to her, unusually warm. Thinking he was thirsty, Isabella offered him a glass of cucumber juice. But instead of taking it, he handed her the fishing rod.