Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Chapter 24: engagement party II

Isabella and Caleb were having a nice chat when Jason and Emily walked up to them. Emily was the first to speak “ what are you two smiling about huh? I could feel you two are having a great conversation. Hope we didn't interrupt. '' said Emily.

“ not at all. It was nothing important. You know, casual discussions, ” Isabella said.

Jason furrowed his brows looking displeased “ casual discussions like what ? ” he asked.

Before Isabella could speak, Chloe and Alexander walked up to them joining the conversation.

“ Hey guys ” Alexander said.

“ Just look at the time you arrived, ” Isabella said, rolling her eyes.

He gave a charming smile “ come on Bella. Am sorry I was busy at the company today ” he said. “ By the way you look so ravishing ” he said as he spinned her around a few times.

Isabella shot him a look “ what a jerk. He's trying to frolic my butt, '' Isabella said.

Chloe couldn't help but chuckle.

“ Woah who is this beauty?“ Alexander asked, sizing Emily up.

Isabella pursed her lips ” this is my best friend Emily Anthony from California '' she said. And Emily this is Alexander Miles my childhood friend ”

Alexander extended his hands “ nice meeting you beauty ” he said.

Emily shook hands with him “ nice meeting you too ” she said.

And this is her brother “ Caleb Anthony ” Isabella added.

“ Nice meeting you dude, ” Alex said.

Caleb nodded his head, he wasn't interested in Isabella's friends.

Alexander suddenly pulled Isabella “ ” come with me ” he said.

Isabella was pulled away forcefully “ hey! What are you doing? ” she said.

“ erm I kinda like your Friend, I hope she's single ” Alexander said.

Isabella sigh loudly “ yes she's single. But promise me one thing.” she said.

Alexander was puzzled so he asked “ and what's that ? ” he said.

“ you have to promise that you aren't going to chase after her for fun. Emily is my best friend and I don't want her to be hurt in any kind of way, she's really dear to me. ” Isabella said.

” Come on Isabella, do you think I am that kind of person? Of course I won't hurt her. I promise “ he said.

” Then we are good. I hope you two end up together. You are such a nice guy and she's so sweet you two will definitely make a great couple “ Isabella said.

They went back to join the others.

” What were you both discussing? “ Jason asked.

” none of your business. Alexander quickly said. It's a secret between me and Bella '' he said.

Alexander turned back to Emily ” do you mind having a drink with me “ he said.

Jason finally understood what this dude told Bella.

Emily smiled faintly ” I'm good. Maybe later “ she said.

Alexander felt rejected so Jason offered to join him ” I will drink with you bro “ he said.

” Sure, let's go, “ Alexander said.

” wait. I suddenly want to come along too ” Emily said nonchalantly.

The corners of Chloe's lips twitched slightly and she narrowed her eyes “ she didn't understand the situation. I will come too "Chloe said she wanted to find out what Emily is up to.

“ Caleb, Isabella, are you coming too? ” Chloe asked.

“ I don't feel like it. You guys enjoy ” Isabella said.

Caleb nodded too “ yeah I will keep Isabella company you guys go have fun ” he said.

Chloe really didn't like how everything was turning out to be. She felt like these siblings will cause a lot of damage sooner or later.

They all left, leaving Caleb and Isabella. Jason was extremely displeased to the point couldn't maintain his smile.

“ Do you drink alcohol? ” Alexander asked Emily.

“ Ermm yeah ” she replied with a awkward smile.

“ woah that's incredible and you are Isabella's best friend?. As far as I know Isabella doesn't drink ” Alexander said.

Alexander glanced at Chloe as he couldn't help but chuckle “ I'm not gonna ask you Chloe, everyone knows you can't hold your liquor. ” he said.

Chloe shot him a look “ now I realise why Isabella called you a jerk she said. ” just give me orange juice “

” Okay ladies I will be right back “ Alexander said and walked off.

”erm Jason so do you like alcoholic beverages “ Emily asked with a sweet smile.

Jason was staring at Isabella miles away. She looked like an angel so innocent and peaceful. He found her super cute tonight. She was busy fighting the urge to sleep.

Emily followed his gaze she was a little embarrassed she noticed he wasn't paying any attention to her.

Chloe was enjoying the show as she leaned back on the chair lazily. At that moment Alexander came back with their drinks. Jason poured a glass of liquor for himself as he downed the glass.

Emily was a little angry that she couldn't grasp his attention. ” I think I should go check on my brother. Aunty Evelyn told him to stay at home but he didn't listen, she said as she sigh loudly.

Jason was silent for a while processing what she had just said. “ You mean your brother is living at Andrew's? ” he asked.

Emily acted like it slipped out mistakenly she stuttered “ i-i you know-know erm ….

Jason glared at Chloe waiting to hear from her side. Chloe felt uncomfortable under his gaze so she decided to confess ” yes it's true “ she said as she covered her face with her glass of juice, sipping it awkwardly.

Everyone suddenly felt like the atmosphere had become cold and chilly. Even Emily was a little frightened.

Chloe glared at Emily and she could clearly see through Emily's plan. She couldn't believe Emily could do such a thing to Isabella all because of Jason. If only Isabella knew how vicious her Best friend could be.

Jason's handsome face twitched and his expression turned dark. He couldn't believe Isabella went back to her scumbag ex boyfriend Caleb. He couldn't help but look again. He saw Isabella smiling; she looked happy and lively around him.

He downed the glass of liquor in one go. He poured himself another glass downing it again.

Alexander was so confused that he didn't know what to say. Why is Jason so angry? Isn't it okay if Emily and her brother stayed at Isabella's home he thought to himself.

At the other side of the hall.

At this moment in the eyes of everyone, Caleb walked in front of Isabella and the gentleman bent down and reached out to her with a gesture of invitation ” may I invite you to dance? “

Isabella looked at him with both cries and laughter.

Caleb blinked at her. In this way, inviting to dance with her in public she is not good at rejecting, rejecting is equivalent to throwing Caleb's face.

Caleb was still waiting for her response ” Isabella? “

Isabella stood up, she had to put her hand on his palm ” it's my pleasure “ she said.

He placed his hands around her waist.

He whispered in her ear softly ” I hope Jason won't mind? “

” Jason is not a petty person, “ Isabella replied.

" You remember when we went to a banquet together in California? “ he asked.

” Yeah, it's the same song, right? “ she said.

” Yeah, “ he replied softly. ” Am glad you still remember, ” Caleb said as his lips curled up into a smile.

Back at the other side.

Emma loved what she was seeing “ Ava do you think God has finally answered my prayers ” she said.

“ Who's that handsome guy? Woah look at the way he's staring at Isabella ” Ava said excitedly.

“ That's not my problem, I don't care if his handsome Isabella will leave Jason alone, “ Emma said while grinning with happiness.

She turned to look for Jason. She spotted him sitting with Alex, Chloe and that brown-haired girl.

” Emma, I think we should go ask around who's that guy. He's so good looking. I haven't seen him in New York before, ” Ava said.

“ You are right, we need to find out quickly ” Emma replied.

Chloe couldn't watch Jason anymore he had downed down almost 10 glasses. She knew how strong the alcohol was, for someone like her. She could only take 3 glasses. She must say his alcohol tolerance is quite impressive. Chloe signalled Alexander who took the bottle from Jason “ that's enough bro ” Alexander said.

Jason felt a little tipsy. He abruptly stood up as he marched towards Isabella and Caleb who were still dancing.

Alexander quickly held him “ calm down, you are drunk don't go over and cause a scene ” he said.

Jason shrugged Alexander's hands away. He was about to take another step when his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID but it was from an unknown number. He went outside the hall to pick the call.

“ Hello Mr Harrison, I have an important item for you once you see it the truth will come out ” a man said.

“ What nonsense are you talking about?” he said.

“ I have evidence relating to your girlfriend Ms Emma Jackson. ” He said.

“ Scram away, " Jason said, hanging up.

By the time he went back to the party hall they were done dancing. Isabella was sitting with Chloe and Alexander.

On his way to the restroom,Caleb purposely bumped into Jason.

Caleb's phone dropped to the ground. Jason didn't know who he bumped into at first; he bent down to pick up the phone when he saw a picture of Caleb and Isabella hugging . She was wearing the same cloth she's wearing tonight which means it was taken in the evening.

Jason raised his head as he caught Caleb grinning in pleasure.

” What's your business with Isabella? You think you could hurt her whenever you like. That was then but now she has me. I won't let anyone harm her in any way “ Jason warned him.

Caleb chuckled ” and you think Isabella needs you. Am back to take her from here. As you could see she's happy with me living with her. you could clearly see how happy she is whenever she's with me, that's something you can't give to her. He said. The only thing you are good at is to make her sad and moody “ Caleb said.

Jason was burning with rage he gripped Caleb's collar ” who the fuck do you think you are ? At that moment Jason caught sight of lipstick. It was definitely the colour Isabella was wearing.

Caleb watched as his expression turned ugly. He chuckled with satisfaction “ are you shocked?. ” Isabella couldn't control herself; she was all over me asking for a kiss all day. And I had to give it to her. ” He said.

Jason was enraged ” how dare you say that about Isabella. “ Bella isn't cheap. I know she can never do such a thing, she's the purest person I have ever seen. ” Jason said through gritted teeth.

Caleb laughed “ I am just telling the truth. Why are you all getting angry, man? ” he said.

Jason couldn't take it any longer,he raised his fist, he was about to throw a punch at Caleb. When a small hand suddenly held his fist.

Immediately Jason turned around Isabella gave him a tight slap “ Enough Jason stop your nonsense you are drunk ” she said.

Jason didn't even mind “ Isabella I'm not drunk” Jason said “ just let me teach this scum a lesson ” he said.

Isabella was looking furious “ shut up ” Isabella raised her hands in the air.

Emily smirked “ brother you are so smart, Isabella will be yours very soon. If you keep up with this plan then I will have Jason all to myself ” she thought in her head.

Isabella turned back to Caleb. “ I'm sorry , Jason's just drunk. I will take him to his room” she said.

Chloe and Alexander didn't say anything; they just stood there staring at them.

“ And you come with me, ” Isabella said as she pulled Jason away.

Emily clenched her fist tightly “ how did everything turn out like this?. She thought they were going to have a big fight or maybe they didn't want the guests to find out. After all it's going to be embarrassing when the two big families fight publicly with that thought in mind she felt delighted.