Chapter 13 Because I Don't Love You

"Why? Still scared of the Spencer family? If we go abroad, they can't find us," Nathan said, getting worked up.

Isabella shook her head. "It's not just about the Spencers. Nathan, I don't love you. We missed our chance, and feelings fade. Do you get it?"

Nathan was shocked. "You don't love me?"

"No," Isabella said, looking sorry. "If I loved you, I'd go with you, no question. But I don't. I can't go."

She handed him the porridge. "Going on a hunger strike for someone who doesn't love you is silly."

Nathan knocked the bowl away, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her. "We liked each other. You're lying, right?"

"No," Isabella said, hiding her pain. "I don't love you or George. But the Spencers have way more to offer. Why would I leave them for you? Get real."

"I don't believe it," Nathan said, trying to hold onto something but failing.

Isabella ran out of the hospital room, swallowing her tears and forcing a bitter smile.

'When Nathan tutored Elodie, I tagged along. Nathan, full of energy, called me Isabella, and I fell for him. But I was too shy to say anything. I got into a good university, but we never confessed. In love, being too cautious means missing out. Time changed everything,' Isabella thought.

George's birthday party was grand, with all of Stellar City's high society invited.

John mentioned that last year, George had acquired the world's largest steel trading market and was negotiating mergers on his birthday. Now, George was in a vegetative state, just breathing.

Servants were busy setting up the party, and George's grandmother, Debra Johnson, was talking with Patricia.

Isabella wanted to see George, but Joseph blocked her at the stairs.

Prepared for his usual disrespect, Isabella was ready.

"With so many people around, do you think I can bully you? What are you afraid of?" Joseph smirked, looking smug.

Isabella hated his attitude and didn't want to engage, but he blocked her again.

"Isabella, this is disrespectful to me," Joseph said.

'Respect? From a lecherous man like him, talking about respect is a joke,' she thought.

"Know your place and don't overstep, Uncle Joseph."

Isabella emphasized "Uncle," making it clear.

Joseph just laughed and stepped closer. "I care about you. Let me take care of you."

His lewd smile made Isabella want to kick him right in the balls. But with Debra and guests around, she held back.

She dodged Joseph and headed upstairs. He tried to grab her but only caught the edge of her dress. He sniffed his fingers, looking pleased.

In the bedroom, Isabella saw George lying there. John had dressed him in a fancy suit, but he still looked lifeless.

"George, when will you wake up?" she asked, sitting at the dressing table to do her makeup.

"If you were awake, and someone messes with your wife, wouldn't you knock him out? Truth is, I could handle them, but it's different. A woman without a man to protect her feels really vulnerable. Even if you don't like me, I hope you wake up so no one dares to bully me."

She sighed again.

George's eyelashes fluttered but then stilled.

After finishing her makeup and changing clothes, Isabella looked stunning.

George was wheeled out briefly before John took him back to the bedroom.

Patricia held Isabella's hand, introducing her to the high society guests.

Isabella understood Patricia's message: 'I represent George now.'

Patricia was showing everyone that George was fine and would wake up soon, with a capable wife by his side.

Patricia's brother's arrival made it clear she was preparing for George to take over the Spencer Group.

"Isabella, this is my brother, Damon Baker," Patricia introduced.

"Uncle Damon," Isabella greeted.

Damon looked her over and nodded. "George will need your care. Thank you."

"It's my duty," Isabella replied.

Patricia patted Isabella's hand warmly. "Isabella is very sensible and takes good care of George. He'll wake up soon."

"Waking up is just a matter of time," Damon said confidently.

A commotion drew their attention. Isabella saw the cause first and her face changed.

'Clara? Why is she here?' Isabella thought.

Ignoring the guests, Clara stormed towards Isabella, raising her hand to slap her. Isabella grabbed her wrist. "What are you doing?"

"Isabella, you thief! You stole Lucas's safe with Donna's jewelry. Give it back!" Clara shouted.