Chapter 44

Michael felt a bit ticked off after hanging up the phone, all because of Isabella's last words.

"Since you told me not to worry, I won't. I trust you," Isabella had said, dead serious.

Michael shoved his phone back into his pocket, still annoyed. He was sure now-he was head over heels for Isabella, and she was clearly into him too.

But that love weighed heavy on him.

'If Isabella knew who I really was, would she still want to marry me? She trusts me, but I've been lying to her.' Michael remembered Isabella saying she couldn't stand anyone from the Williams Family except Mason.

Michael pushed the door open, feeling irritated, and went back to his private room.

Ten women, clearly drunk, were sprawled all over the floor. Benjamin was lounging on the sofa, a bottle of wine dangling from his hand.

"Michael, you're such a weirdo! First time I've seen a guy in a bar with beautiful women, and he's just drinking!" Benjamin quipped.

Michael ignored Benjamin's jabs and plopped down on the sofa, looking all gloomy and deep in thought.

Benjamin noticed Michael's mood and asked, "What's up? Let me guess-it's not work, or you wouldn't be here. Must be about your relationship. Did you and Isabella have a fight?"

Michael just shook his head.

"I'm just thinking, what if Isabella finds out who I really am? She hates being lied to." Michael grabbed a glass of wine and downed it.

Benjamin patted Michael's shoulder sympathetically. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that now, as I haven't experienced it myself. Maybe I'll think of something, but not now."

Michael shot Benjamin a look, not expecting any useful advice.

Benjamin sighed, leaning back on the sofa. "A lie is like a soap bubble-tell one, and you gotta keep blowing more to keep it from popping. But no matter how many pretty bubbles you make, one poke and they're all gone. It's a mess."

Michael grabbed the wine bottle, chugged it, and slammed it on the table.

"If you can't help, stop talking about it. I'm really annoyed!" Michael snapped, getting up and storming out of the bar.

Watching him leave, Benjamin smirked but then frowned.

"I feel like there's something I need to tell Michael... damn, I've had too much to drink, and I can't remember." Benjamin scratched his head, then passed out on the sofa.

Meanwhile, Michael sat in his car, wondering where to go. He really wanted to see Isabella, but he knew John was at the hospital.

"Why am I scared? Even if John finds out, so what? Drive to the hospital!" Michael ordered his driver.

The driver nodded and headed to the hospital where Isabella was.

In her hospital room, Isabella received the clothes Michael had sent over. Among the usual clothes, there were some interesting pieces.

Blushing, Isabella picked up a red lingerie set. It had a cut-out design, with thin fabric barely covering the essentials. She couldn't imagine how she'd look in something so seductive.

"Why did Michael send me this? Does he want me to wear it for him?" Isabella wondered, feeling a sudden urge to try it on.

Just then, she heard a strange noise from the window. She put down the lingerie and looked out, seeing a figure climbing up.

Startled, she thought it was John coming to retaliate. She rushed to lock the window, but a hand blocked it.

Unable to close the window, Isabella instinctively grabbed a lunchbox and hurled it at the intruder. The lunchbox hit Michael's head, and blood trickled down his forehead.

Seeing it was Michael, Isabella was shocked and quickly grabbed tissues to wipe his wound.

"Why is it you? Why are you climbing through the window?" Isabella asked nervously, wanting to take him to a doctor.

"It's just a scratch, no big deal," Michael reassured her, grabbing her hand.

Isabella smelled the strong scent of alcohol on him and frowned. "You should drink less. It's bad for your health and can affect sperm quality, leading to deformed fetuses."

Michael froze. "Have you already thought that far ahead?"

Blushing, Isabella lowered her head. "Isn't that what you're thinking? Why else would you send me that kind of clothing?"

"What clothing? What are you talking about?" Michael looked confused, but then he noticed the pile of clothes on the bed, especially the red lingerie on top.

His expression stiffened. He had his subordinate send some clothes, but he didn't expect lingerie to be included.

'Damn, who bought this? But it does look sexy.' Images of Isabella in the lingerie flashed through his mind, making his throat dry and his Adam's apple bob.

Feeling Michael's rising body temperature and rapid heartbeat, Isabella softly said, "If you want to see, I can wear it for you now."

She held the red lingerie in her hand.

Michael's breathing quickened. He wanted to tell her there was no rush, but he couldn't speak. His brain and eyes seemed to have taken over.

Just then, the door to the hospital room swung open, and Amelia walked in carrying a bag. "Isabella, I brought you what you asked for."