Chapter 12
“Cooperation?
“Yep
He stepped cloure, towering over her with a sardoule smile plays
playing at his tips.
“I need a wife to handle my family and the media, and you need a husband to escape Dominic’s shadow. We each get what we want, without interfering in each other’s lives.
Isabella stared at him for a moment, then let out a low laugh. “Sounds fair
This Lacs Montgomery seemed quite different from his playboy reputation.||
Just the precision and sharpness he displayed now, it all said otherwise.
Lucas didn’t notice her rang thoughts. He reached for a folder on the nearby shelf and handed it to her:[]
“Here’s the addendam to the prenup. Take a look. After marriage, we’ll be husband and wife in name, but our personal lives and finances remain separate of parse, in public, we’ll need to act like a devoted couple.
Isabella skimmed through the document, then looked up. “And if one of us wants out?”
Lucas’s gaze flickered, but his tone remained casual. “Give a three–month notice, walk invay dean
“Dead“]
Isabella signed the document without hesitation and pasted it back to him
Lucas tacked the papers away, then suddenly leaned in close, his long fingers tilting her chin upward. The businesslike demeanor vanished, and the teasing was back
“However, Mrs. Montgomery, 1 suggest you start getting comfortable with your new identity…
He turned his head, his lips almost hrushing her car. “After all, starting tomorrow, the entire city will be watching us, betting on how long this marriage will Jast
Isabella met his gaze meadily, a smile forming. “Don’t worry I won’t disappoint you, Mr. Montgomery,
Lucas diuckled with satisfaction, then released her and headed for the door. “Goodnight then, Mrs. Montgomery.”
The door clicked shut behind him, lering Isabella alone. She stared at her wedding dress–clad reflection in the mirror as she slowly exhaled
The next day.
isabella stood with her suitcase in front of the Montgomery estate, gazing up at the understated yet luxurious mansion
The entire property resembled a sleeping brast–quiet, but dangerous ||
“Miss Bennett, Mr. Montgomery instructed me to show you to the master bedroom to get settled. [
The buder had appeared silently beside her, his lone respectful but cold
Isabella nodded, following his across the grounds.
Water droplets from the fountain sparkled in the sunlight, and Juliet roses bloomed throughout the garden. It was a far cry from the cedarwood and mint cologne that clung to Dumade’s apartment||
A faint woody scent hung in the air–Lucas’s signature timel
The
puler didn’t pause in the entrance hall, instead leading her straight up to the third floor
The other family members rarely sta layout
stay here,” he explained as they walked. “But if you’re interested, I can give you a tour later. Help you get familiar with the
isabella stood on the stairs, looking down at this beautiful yet frigid house in silence.
Her fingers unconsciously fidgeted with the handle of her suitcase.
The estate was immense, with portrait galleries lining the corridors. Each painted pair of eyes seemed to scrutinize her–the outsider.
Remembering Lucas’s earlier comment that one reason for their marriage was to appease his family, she suddenly found the mansion even more intimidating.
“Mr. Montgomery mentioned you’d only be staying here temporarily. After you’ve met the elders, he’ll take you to his house.“)
So it wasn’t
just her. Even Lucas wouldn’t be staying here long
Isabella pushed open the bedroom door. Sunlight streamed through floor–to–ceiling windows, casting dappled patterns across the carpet.|||
Π
The room was more minimal than she’d expected. No extravagant decor–just a massive bed and a wall of bookshelves.||
She moved closer and noticed the neatly lined–up finance books. The worn spines hinted that they’d been frequently consulted.]
“Miss Bennett, Ill leave you to settle in. If you need anything, just let me know. Mr. Montgomery will return later to take you to the family dinner.
“Got it. Thanks.”
The dour clicked shot and Tabella was alone.
Isabella let out a breath and sank onto the couch.
She took out her phone to ask Lucas about any protocols for the family dinner. But at that moment, Dominic’s call came through.[]
Dominic’s name Dashed across the screen. Isabella didn’t hesitate. She declined the call and blocked the number.[]
Still, text messages immediately flooded in
Isabella, we need to talk.
The wedding wasn’t what you think.1)
I never stopped loving you.]]]
She tossed her phone unto the bed and walked to the window, taking deep breaths.
Seven years of what she thought was love–nothing but a sick game of substitution.
she couldn’t understand how Dominic could still spout such self–righteous declarations.
Running her fingers through her curled hair, she remembered it was the exact style Dominic had personally taken her to get–Chloe’s signature look.||
Then footnes approached outside, Isabella quickly wiped away the tears that haing yet
fallen.
The door swung open, and Liscas leaned against the frame, looking every bit the reckless playboy he was rumored to be
Looks like Mrs. Montgomery is all settled in
usual flippancy, but his eyes ke
keenly taught her reddened eyes
Isabella’s nalla dug into her palm as she forced a sundle. 7 just arrived. I was about to unpack |
Larm walked in, dosing the door behind him.
He carried the faint scent of alcohol mixed with woody cologne, creating a strangely contradictory impression ||
The Candy dinner’s been moved up,” Lucas said.||
My grandfather want to meet you.”
