Chapter 218 An Orchestrated Surprise
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She hadn’t expected Blaze to say that. She felt like a pawn in a pre–arranged game, only released after all the pieces had been moved into place.
“Blaze really is a decent man,” Isabelle agreed.
Back when he hadn’t known about her marriage to Damian, his attempts to persuade her o leave had come from a place of genuine concern. He wasn’t a bad person–in fact, he possessed a certain rugged, principled charm.
“Both families have already started wedding preparations–they even skipped the formal engagement party,” Sienna said, pursing her lips. “But I barely know him, and I’m not sure how I feel about him.”
A
Blaze gave off a quiet, intellectual vibe, seemingly detached from everyday affairs, but Sienna had seen a very different side of him.
That day, when he’d carried Isabelle to her room wearing only a towel, Sienna had witnessed a glimpse of his unguarded intensity.
Isabelle glanced back at Damian and smiled. “Don’t worry, I think Mr. Wilder will treat you well. Perhaps he’s been considering this possibility for a while, too.”
When she and Damian first got together, it was similar–they weren’t close initially, but she later realized the depth of his feelings had been there all along.
“Too? You and Mr. Cross…” Sienna looked intrigued. “How are things between you two now?”
Isabelle’s smile softened.
She felt genuinely happy. He could be infuriatingly dense at times, but his love for her was unmistakable.
Still, she tried not to set her expectations too high. Their relationship had begun under unconventional circumstances.
Isabelle believed she had fallen deeply for him by now. She used to claim she’d love herself seventy percent and reserve thirty percent for others, but lately, that balance seemed impossible to maintain.
She was completely, wholeheartedly in love with Damian.
“We’re in a good place now,” she said simply.
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Chapter 218 An Orchestrated. Surprise
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They had their disagreements, of course. She valued directness, and so did Damian, which made their communication surprisingly effective.
“How did you two actually get together?” Sienna couldn’t help but ask, her curiosity getting the better of her.
News of their marriage had only recently begun wed for some time.
No one had expected a man of Damian’s standing family background.
g, even though they’d been legally
o choose a partner with no/prominent
Even with Isabelle’s talent, lacking social connections usually meant she wouldn’t be considered a suitable match in their circles.
“He sort of… orchestrated it,” Isabelle said, almost laughing at the memory.
He had gone out of his way to ensure she witnessed Gary’s infidelity, then meticulously created situations that drew her steadily into his life. What else could you call that?
He had made her moving in with him seem like the most natural progression.
“Orchestrated it? Like a strategic takeover? I never would have guessed. You weren’t interested in him at first?” Sienna pressed.
“He had a… formidable reputation back then. I was actively trying to keep my distance,” Isabelle admitted with a laugh.
When she first started working at his company, the rumors were clear–the boss was undeniably attractive, but his demeanor was famously icy.
“A formidable reputation?” That was an angle Sienna hadn’t considered.
“Why didn’t Mr. Wilder come today?” Isabelle wondered.
If Blaze had agreed to the marriage, he must have been serious. Since Sienna was here, he likely knew–and might even be looking for her.
“Mr. Cross invited my brother today. I came with Maddox, so Blaze might not know I’m here,” Sienna said, a slight pout forming. “I kind of hope he doesn’t show up–it would be awkward. I’m still not entirely comfortable around him.”
Isabelle frowned slightly. Why had Damian invited so many people today?
Wasn’t the primary purpose to discuss a business collaboration?
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Chapter 218 An Orchestrated Surprise
Or… was there another layer to this gathering?
She turned to look at Damian, and his gaze met hers at that exact moment.
He looked mildly puzzled, his expression practically asking, “What’s wrong?”
Isabelle offered a reassuring smile and let the thought go.
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Perhaps he simply hadn’t socialized much lately and wanted to invite a group to unwind.
Isabelle and Sienna chatted easily, their conversation flowing naturally. Sienna was an engaging talker, and the two were enjoying themselves so much that they didn’t notice the men behind them had already ridden ahead.
Isabelle’s legs were beginning to ache. The sun was dipping lower, casting long shadows, but Sienna said she wanted to walk a little longer–she hadn’t been out much recently.
Not wanting to dampen her friend’s spirits, Isabelle agreed, strolling back with her at a leisurely pace.
Dusk gradually deepened into evening
“That’s a strong scent of gardenias–do you smell that?” Isabelle asked, pausing to inhale.
The fragrance was unmistakable and particularly intense–gardenias were among her favorite flowers.
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