Chapter 17
Memories of the past surfaced in Kendall’s mind, making him feel like he’d been struck by lightning. He finally realized that he had done many things to hurt Isabel.
Regret and guilt washed over him. He shook his head, wanting to explain himself to Isabel. However, he was almost incoherent in his panic. “It’s not like that, Izzy! I do care about you! You’re my girlfriend, so how could I not?”
Isabel curled her lip, her mockery evident. It was as if she knew he didn’t even believe his words to be true.
Kendall lowered his head in shame when he saw the look in her eyes. He continued with difficulty, “I’m sorry, Izzy. I know I made a mistake. I did many stupid things to hurt you. But think about the 11 years that we’ve spent together. That’s worth another chance, right?”
She shook her head and plucked a tulip. “You see how I’ve plucked this flower and killed it? Do you think it can come back to life if I apologize to it?” The flower fell to the ground, and its petals fell.
Isabel got up to head inside the manor, but Kendall refused to give up just like that. He cried, “We spent 11 years together, Izzy! A because you’re now the Lodge family’s daughter?”
you scorning me
She wanted to laugh at that. From beginning to end, he’d never truly understood her. She said coldly, “You’re the one who stepped all over my heart, Kendall. No matter whose daughter I am, you’re no longer worthy of my love!”
Then, she left without looking back.
Kendall stumbled and held onto the swing to steady himself. His nose prickled, and his emotions surged.
Isabel wasn’t the same person she used to be–not just in terms of her identity, but also in her feelings for him.
That realization scared him. It had taken her departure from his life to make him realize that he’d long since gotten used to having her around. Still, no matter who she was now, he had to make her stay by his side.
Kendall stayed in Branada with that thought in mind.
One day, Isabel attended a jewelry auction. She felt a burning gaze on her as soon as she entered the auction hall. She followed it to see Kendall standing there in a sharp suit.
During the auction, she casually raised her paddle while waiting for time to pass. She didn’t even pay attention to what was being auctioned.
Amid the flurry of bidding, Kendall stood up and made a gesture, signaling that he would pay ten times the market price. Ultimately, the emerald bracelet ended up in his possession.
After the auction ended, he approached Isabel with the bracelet, feeling on edge. “Izzy, the host said that this emerald bracelet symbolizes letting go and new beginnings. I want to give it to you. Let’s let go of the past and start over, okay?”
His eyes were bright with hope as he looked at her. She saw her reflection in his eyes, and it was almost as if she was the only person he could see. Her heart skipped a beat, but she turned away and quickly blinked to wake herself up. In the past, she would’ve thrown herself into his arms and forgotten about all the pain he’d caused her.
But now, the pain had seeped into her bones and traumatized her. She didn’t dare allow her heart to waver in the slightest.
Isabel took a deep breath and regained her earlier composure. She said indifferently, “You’ve misunderstood me, Mr. Johnson. I don’t like this bracelet. Also, the suffering I endured in my past has given me life experience. There’s nothing I need to let go of. I’m doing well now.
“You, on the other hand, need to see what exactly your heart wants. Just because you’ve lost something doesn’t mean it’s the best thing you’ve ever had. Sit down and think properly about what you genuinely care about. Stop disturbing me.”
With that, she left. Kendall was left alone in the auction hall. He stood there, mulling over Isabel’s advice to think about what he genuinely cared about. He wanted to tell her that she was the only thing he cared about, but it seemed it was too late…
