Chapter 42 Even Annoyance Has a Sweet Taste

George smiled slightly. "Is there a guy?"

"Want to check?" Isabella snapped.

"Let's check then," George replied.

"You!" Isabella muttered, watching him walk away.

It was George's first time at this house. Despite its age, the place had a cozy feel, especially with the vintage furniture.

He settled on the sofa, taking in the medieval Mediterranean chandelier, green leather couch, vintage wine cabinet, and nice rug. The original owner clearly had good taste.

"Want to check upstairs too?" Isabella asked from the staircase.

"I'll look later," George said, not moving.

"Are all you Spencers so paranoid I'll cheat?" Isabella huffed, sitting across from him. "Why get married if you're so worried?"

"You've been drinking," George noted, picking up the scent of alcohol.

"Got a nose like a bloodhound," Isabella retorted.

"If you've been drinking, take a hot bath. It'll help you avoid a hangover in the morning," George advised, sounding concerned.

"Of course, I'll bathe before bed. Do I need you to tell me that?" Isabella snapped.

"Not happy to see me?" George squinted.

'I don't mind him being here, but I hate that he came to check for another man. It makes me uncomfortable,' she thought.

"A bit," Isabella admitted.

"Why?" he asked.

"I wanted some peace here. If you thought I'd cheat, you shouldn't have agreed," Isabella said, heading upstairs.

'Why do I feel pressured around George, even though I don't dislike him? Maybe it's the lack of trust. I'm not sure,' she thought.

After her bath, Isabella saw George already in bed. "You... are you sleeping here?" she asked, surprised.

George didn't look up from his book. "Yes."

'Fine, if he wants to sleep here, let him,' she thought.

Tired from cleaning and drinking, Isabella got into bed. George immediately pressed down on her.

She tried to push him away, but he pinned her hands above her head.

"George, did you come here just to vent?"

"Don't use that word between husband and wife," George said with a faint smile.

Isabella turned her face away, not wanting to look at him. But his kisses made her weak. "George, do you like me?" she asked.

He paused. "Yes."

"What about Juniper? Do you still love her?" she asked.

Isabella knew she shouldn't ask, but she couldn't help it. She also knew George might get angry, but she didn't care.

George took a deep breath, gently stroking her hair. "Does it matter to you?"

"Sort of."

"Do you like me?" George asked seriously, his eyes full of hope.

Isabella blushed, even her earlobes turning red. "You know I do."

"Then let's make this work."

"When you say 'make it work,' does that mean you can leave me anytime, but I can't do anything about it?" Isabella felt a bit disappointed.

George understood her concerns. He got out of bed, took a document she had signed from his pocket, and handed it to her.

Isabella was shocked. "What's this?"

"Open it," he said gently.

She opened it and saw the words that felt like a death sentence. She quickly closed it, her face pale. "Are you showing me this to remind me?"

"No," George said, gently holding her chin. "I'm giving this to you. I won't restrict you. You're free. No one can imprison you in the Spencer family. I want you to stay because you want to, not because you're forced."

Isabella was stunned.

"So, if I tear this up now, I can leave anytime, right?" she asked uncertainly.

He nodded. "That's right."

Without a word, Isabella tore the humiliating document into pieces, feeling a sense of relief.

George watched her, a rare smile on his lips. "So, are you leaving now?"

Isabella looked at him. "Do you want me to leave?"

"No," he said seriously.

Isabella smiled, hugging his neck and burying her face in his shoulder. "George, thank you. Thank you for giving me my freedom, for making me feel that staying is because of you, not because of this contract."

George held her tightly. "Okay."

The next morning at Stellar University, a black Maybach stopped at the entrance. Isabella got out, waving goodbye to George.

George called her back, waving gently. "Come here."

Isabella leaned into the car window, puzzled. George pulled her in for a deep kiss. "I'll pick you up this afternoon."

Isabella blushed and nodded. "Okay."

As the car drove away, Elodie suddenly patted Isabella from behind. "Hey, he's gone, and you're still looking."

Isabella felt a bit embarrassed. "Annoying."

"Even your annoyance is sweet. Isabella, you're completely smitten now," Elodie teased, walking backward.

Isabella smiled. "Yes, I'm smitten, but I'm happy."

"Did he say he loves you?" Elodie asked, full of gossip.

Isabella smiled sweetly and nodded. "Almost."

"So, you two will live happily ever after?"

"Probably."

Elodie felt a bit sorry for Nathan but was happy for Isabella. "Oh, I wish I could marry a vegetable too."

"Elodie, you deserve a beating."

The two girls playfully ran into the campus.

As they walked down the tree-lined path, Clara suddenly appeared, surprising Isabella.

Before Isabella could speak, Clara said, "Lucas is sick and wants to see you."