Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Chapter 23 : a loveless life is living death

What nonsense are you spouting? They are all lies, ” she said, trying to comfort herself.

Caleb chuckled “ have you forgotten that the Harrison's are famous in New York. I heard about his girlfriend Emma Jackson when I first came to New York. Bella just forget about him and come back to me. I miss us ” he said.

“ In your dreams, I am never coming back to you. Even if Jason never falls in love with me. I won't come back to you ” she repeated.

Caleb suddenly laughed “ Relax calm down. I'm just kidding after my accident. I have finally made up my mind. Am not an unreasonable person, I understand and I genuinely respect your decision. Am ready to do anything for your happiness and even if it means i will have to give up on you ” Caleb said.

Isabella was dumbfounded by his sudden speech. She stared at him for a while trying to figure out if he was telling the truth. He did look serious.

“ am happy that you finally think it true. And I am suprise by your sudden level of maturity. I wish you all the best and I hope you find the girl of your dreams '' Isabella said.

He drew nearer, he pulled Isabella into a tight hug “ thanks Bella ” Isabella didn't think too much as she hugged him back.

“ It's alright, ” she said. He suddenly moved a little bit. Isabella's lipstick left a stain on his white shirt which she didn't even notice.

At that moment her mom barged in and they broke free from the hug. Isabella swallowed hoping her mom didn't suspect that there was something going on between her and Caleb.

She didn't even wait for her mom to speak “ mom am done. Let's go now ” she said, pulling her mom.

“ Wait baby, Caleb, are you sure you don't wanna come with us? ” Mrs Andrew said.

“ Mom his fine, moreover he hasn't fully recovered yet. He might feel bored over there. Let him stay at home ” Isabella said quickly she really didn't want him to come.

“ Yeah, Aunty is fine here, ” he said.

“ Alright take care. If you need anything just call the maids “ Mrs Andrew said as they went out.

Caleb's lips curled up into a sinister smile. He took out his phone from his pocket. He quickly dialled a number ” did you capture everything “ he asked.

A female voice could be heard on the other side of the line ” yeah all good “ she said.

Caleb was in a very good mood. He fiddled with his phone as he strode back to his room while whistling a happy tune.

Chloe was chatting on her phone while coming from the other side she brushed past him ” am sorry I wasn't watching where I was heading to “ she apologised. She noticed that he looked happy even his eyes were smiling.

” oh it's okay no big deal “ he said as he walked away while whistling.

Chloe was amazed, ” who will be this happy on his ex-girlfriend's engagement party?“ That was the answer she needed now. After all she could tell that Caleb wasn't over Isabella.

” I feel like something bad is gonna happen tonight “ Chloe mumbled.

” Chloe! Let's go “ Mrs Andrew yelled.

” Am coming ” Chloe said, snapping out of her thoughts.

“ Erm, where is Emily? ” Chloe asked, looking around.

“ She's not yet ready and we are already late. We can't wait any longer. The chauffeur will bring her when she's done ” Isabella said.

At the Harrison's Manor

Some group of people were conversing outside the hall.

A flashy Mercedes Benz slowly came to a halt. The car was so appealing causing everyone to stare in wonder.

“ Wow, so showy, who's car is this? ” some group of young ladies discussed amongst themselves.

“ I also don't know. I haven't seen this car before ” the other girl replied.

They never thought it was Andrew's cause they are always living a low key lifestyle. They had a lot of flashy cars but they hardly used any of them. Everyone's gaze was on the car; they wanted to know who it was.

The chauffeur got out of the car, he opened the back seat door revealing Isabella's crystal heels which was the first thing they saw. She slowly came out revealing her dress.

Everyone stared at her in blank amazement. She had rubbed them off their speech.

“ Oh my gosh. Who is she? She's so pretty, ” one of the girls said.

Once they saw Chloe, at that time they realised it was Isabella. “ Wow, so it's the daughter of the Andrew's. Even though I don't like her I must say she's on fire today. She's a hundred times prettier than Emma” one of the girls said.

Isabella walked elegantly and gracefully ignoring all the people staring at her and those gossiping about her. She had this strong aura around her making them feel like they were beneath her.

She walked into the hall. Immediately Jason lay his eyes on her and he felt breathless. She looked ravishing and damn gorgeous . She has this calm, innocent look that he couldn't get enough of. He felt like he was getting addicted to her looks.

He walked up to her “ you look so pretty today ” he extended his arm and she wrapped her hand around his. “ You look handsome tonight, ” she Said. They both smiled at each other. Jason took her to their seat.

Emma crossed her arm over her chest as she stared at them from afar.

Ava nuged at her “ come on cheer up they are only putting on an act. And why do you keep coming to their parties when you can't stand seeing them together or do you enjoy feeding yourself with pain.” said Ava.

Emma rolled her eyes “ do you think I want to be here? ” She laughed bitterly “ ever since Isabella came back to New York Jason refused to see me his always around her. This the only way I could see his face ” Emma said.

Ava felt pity for Emma “ what a one-sided relationship” she thought to herself. She understood Emma's pain after all “ a loveless life is living death“

The engagement party was so boring that Bella felt a little sleepy; she just wanted everything to end quickly. It didn't seem like a party to her; she felt it was more like a funeral.

” sleepy? “ Jason asked he noticed that she was trying really hard not to fall asleep.

” uh huh “ she nodded ” it's so boring “ Isabella said.

Jason chuckled, ” Do you want to dance? “ he asked.

” Nah. I will skip “ she said as she placed her palm on her cheek looking around.

” I will be right back ” Jason said as he stood up as he strode to the buffet area.

At that time Isabella's gaze was at the door of the hall. Immediately she saw Caleb her heart sank and her sleepiness disappeared instantly. After all she was hinting for him not to come yet he still tagged along with Emily.

She just hopes that Jason won't cause a scene once he lay his eyes on him. She rubbed her temples. Isabella felt a headache coming.

Emily's gaze wandered around and she finally spotted Jason she noticed he was all alone she smiled walking up to him “ hi ” she said toying with a lock of her hair.

Jason turned around as he stared at her trying to recall “ erm who are you ? Have we met before ” He asked.

Emily's smile froze instantly; she could hardly maintain her smile. “ I'm Isabella's best friend, the one you met at the apartment the other day.” she said.

“ Oh yeah you are the one, ” Jason said. “ I'm sorry I didn't recognize you at first.”

Emily smiled “ no big deal it's okay ” she said, restoring her confidence.

“ erm ivy right ? ” Jason suddenly said.

Emily wore an embarrassed look “ how does Emily and ivy sound alike to him. Isn't she pretty enough for him to remember ” she asked herself.

She let out a fake laugh “ no my name is Emily Anthony ” she said.

“ I hope you don't mind, my brother tagged along with me, “ Emily said.

” Yeah sure ” Jason's gaze suddenly went back to Isabella. He saw Caleb standing next to her. They were definitely having a nice conversation. He could tell from their expression.

Emily noticed his gaze. She smirked “ oh there they are. Come on let's go ” Emily pulled Jason arm.

Jason frowned as he removed Emily's hand from his arm. Emily

pouted her lip as she followed closely behind him like an obedient puppy.

Emma clenched her fist tightly “ who is that bitch with the brown hair. How dare she touch Jason ” Emma said as she burned with rage.

She could have marched over there and teach that bitch a lesson but Jason had warned her to stay far away from him in public places.

“ Emma relaxed, I think she's familiar with Isabella too. Am sure they know each other. But don't you think she's too touchy “ Ava said.

” look at the way she's staring at jason. Like she could have him in her bed right there and now “ Emma said.” I really feel like squishing her bones, what a slut. No wonder she's friends with Isabella. Birds of a feather flock together “ said Emma.

” Emma, just think about it, every cloud has a silver lining. There's also a positive side to this situation. Isabella will have a taste of her own medicine very soon when her friend tries to snatch jason. Look you don't have to worry, we all know Jason only loves one person which is you and that's why he's still with you. Just let them both fight themselves. “ Ava said.

Emma chuckled ” Wow Ava I must say you are becoming more sharp and cunning after spending more time with me recently ” said Emma.

Ava laughed, “ I learned from my best friend, ” she said.