Chapter Two: How Could You Cheat on Him?

After saying that, Isabella stormed off to her bedroom, locking herself away. Evelyn, watching her leave, couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pity and let out a quiet sigh. All night long, Isabella cried alone in her room, the weight of her pain kept crushing her heart. It was like a needle piercing through it. When she woke up the next morning to the warm sunlight streaming in, she desperately wished that the events of the previous night had just been a terrible nightmare. Just as she was contemplating checking on Sebastian in the study, the bedroom door swung open abruptly. Standing at the doorway was her mother-in-law, Rose Maria. The moment Isabella laid eyes on Rose, her tears started flowing again, memories of last night refreshed in her mind. Before Isabella could utter a word, Rose spoke bluntly, “I know about it. The babies you carrying aren’t my son’s. He asked me to convince you to give them up.” Isabella stood there shocked before muttering “what?” Rose looked at her indifferently “you were unfaithful first. You betrayed my son and went ahead to carry another man’s babies and yet you’re still denying your infidelity.” “I can’t believe you’d stoop so low.” Isabella was shocked to the core “you’ve got it all wrong. I could never cheat on Sebastian.” she continued “ these children were a result of a decision made by me and Sebastian. You have to believe me.” Isabella couldn’t believe how things had escalated into such a devastating misunderstanding with Rose. Despite Isabella’s explanations, Rose remained adamant that Isabella had been unfaithful and unloyal to Sebastian” “He won’t divorce you, but you must give up the babies. That’s his only condition. There are many families eager to adopt, so you needn’t worry about them,” Rose firmly said.” Holding her belly protectively, Isabella asserted, “ No! I’m not giving up my babies. You may not acknowledge them, but they are mine. You have no right to decide for me.” Feeling cornered and desperate, Isabella shook her head. She longed for someone to support, someone to believe in her. “These children were conceived through IVF. I haven’t cheated. I’m not a cheat. This was our mutual decision from the start.” Rose, who had always treated Isabella like a daughter since her marriage to Sebastian, was deeply shocked to hear Sebastian’s accusation of infidelity. Despite her initial disbelief, she chose to believe her son under the circumstances. “I know you’re trying to defend yourself, but the truth remains and nothing can change it. If you’re not cooperative, I’ll have my son divorce you right away.” Rose said, her tone steeped in arrogance. Isabella protested, “Sebastian won’t do that…” “The decision to divorce is not yours to make. I’ve already spoken to your father, Jake. He’ll be here soon. It’s best if both our families discuss this together and come up with a solution” After Rose’s departure, Isabella sat on the floor, emotionally exhausted but still firmly cradling her belly, insisting on her innocence. When Isabella’s father, Jake Hall, arrived, the sound of their heated argument reached her upstairs. Rose, usually composed, was now vocally defending her son. “I’ve seen Isabella grow up. I never thought she would be so irresponsible, I loved her like my own daughter only for her to cheat on my son.” “We’ve treated her so well, cared for her like her own family own and she’s let us down greatly, she has broken our trust and has let us down. It might be better for Sebastian to divorce her quickly. Our family can’t be associated with such a scandal.” Isabella hurried downstairs, her face etched with distress. Seeing her father, she managed to say, “Dad…” Jake looked at his daughter with a grave expression. “Who’s the father of the children?” Isabella stood frozen, her heart sinking. She wondered in dismay why her father, who had always shown her love, now doubted her as if he wasn’t the one that raised her. She clenched her fists, her voice dripping with determination “They’re Sebastian’s children.” Before Jake could respond, Rose cut in, “You still won’t admit the truth? Why do you keep on denying when everybody can see the truth?” Jake, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, said, “Your mother-in-law may be right. Perhaps it’s best to give up the children after birth.” You’re young; you’ll have your own children someday. Just apologize, and we can put this behind us. “Dad, I haven’t cheated, at least have faith in your own daughter. Why don’t you trust me?” Isabella insisted, her voice firm. She didn’t know how else to convince them. It was baffling to her why they refused to believe the truth . Jake, looking disappointed, said, “The evidence is clear. Why are you so adamant? Why can’t you admit your mistake? I thought I raised you better than this.” Jake turned to Rose with a decisive tone, “I’ll convince Isabella to give up the children. She and Sebastian have always had a good relationship, they shouldn’t let trivial issues affect their relationship. If the children are given up, they won’t have to divorce, right?” Rose agreed, seeing this as an opportunity to maintain control over Isabella in the future. Jake tried several times to persuade Isabella, but she steadfastly refused, determined to keep her children. Frustrated and angry, Jake left. It was then that Sebastian came down from upstairs, echoing his earlier stance, “Send the children away Isabella.” Isabella, realizing the situation was unchangeable, wiped her tears and faced Sebastian with resolution. “Let’s get a divorce, since you can’t accept our children, let’s go our separate ways” she said firmly. Sebastian’s face turned hard, a mix of feelings inside him. “You’d pick divorce over our kids?” Isabella stared, feeling both shocked and angry, and let out a bitter laugh. “I never knew your true self, I still can’t believe you’re such a despicable guy. I’ll protect my kids from a vile person like you no matter what.” Even though Sebastian knew the truth, he stayed silent when Rose and Jake scolded Isabella mercilessly. He made up lies that made her look like the bad one. Everyone admired her for marrying a seemingly nice and perfect guy, but his real, tricky side blindsided her. Her heart ached with betrayal. “Fine” Sebastian snarled, “ we’ll get a divorce, but you’ll get nothing, you aren’t getting a penny.” “you’re joking! Half this home is mine by right! Divorce splits things fair. Just like you have a share, I also have in everything” “You should be grateful I’m not saying you cheated. Letting you leave empty-handed is already kind. Don’t try me,” he snapped. Isabella felt deeply hurt and broken. “you’ve shown your true colors now I understand who you are, a green snake in green grass, how could I be so blind? I spent eight years with you but I never really knew the real you, but better late than never” she sighed. “Let’s finish this divorce, quick.” ”Sure, leave, find your new lover, who can father those illegitimate babies of yours” Sebastian sneered, stinging with sarcasm.