His voice was cold and unyielding. “We must maintain appearances until the divorce is finalized. Nothing can seem out of the ordinary.”

Isabella felt a sharp sting behind her eyes at his harsh tone.

“You truly have a heart of stone when it comes to me, Ethan,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

She lowered the car window slightly and turned to look outside. The brisk wind helped dry the tears before they could fully fall.

Their car navigated the winding roads toward Blackwood Estate, nestled in the prestigious Crestwood Hills. It was a mere thirty-minute drive from the bustling heart of the city. The vehicle came to a smooth stop in the courtyard.

Ethan opened the car door for her. He placed his broad hand above her head as she stepped out, a gesture that seemed considerate and protective.

Even though she knew it was all an act, Isabella couldn't help but be momentarily affected by his charm.

As they walked toward the grand entrance, his warm hand enveloped hers. She flinched, her fingers twitching as she tried to subtly pull away.

Unprepared for her resistance, Ethan stumbled slightly. He turned to look at her, his expression one of confusion.

In that unexpected moment, as Isabella glanced up, their lips accidentally brushed against each other.

A jolt of surprise shot through her. Her eyes widened in astonishment.

“Ethan…” she breathed out, stepping back quickly. Her retreat was halted by the sudden appearance of Arthur emerging from the house.

Caught off guard, she allowed Ethan to reclaim her hand. Arthur tapped his cane with feigned annoyance.

“Well, well. Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.” His tone was playfully scolding.

Normally, Isabella would have immediately stepped forward to soothe him.

Today, however, she remained frozen. She was unsure of what role she was supposed to play in front of Arthur.

His sharp eyes, honed by decades in the business world, didn’t miss the tension between the young couple.

“Ethan is being utterly ridiculous. Putting you through such unnecessary stress,” Arthur stated. His gaze softened with empathy as he looked at Isabella, then hardened into a disapproving glare directed at Ethan.

Ethan pressed his lips into a thin line. He remained silent, absorbing the weight of his grandfather’s words.

“I’m perfectly fine, Arthur,” Isabella murmured. She forced a strained smile that didn't reach her eyes, which shimmered with a deep, unspoken loneliness.

She was aware of Arthur’s genuine concern for her. Yet, she also knew his affection couldn't change her circumstances.

“You call this fine?” Arthur’s voice was gentle, laced with clear worry. He took Isabella’s hand in his. “You look far too pale. Come, let’s have a game of chess. It has been far too long since our last match.”

With a hesitant nod, Isabella allowed herself to be led into the grandeur of the house.

From a distance, Ethan watched them. His brow was furrowed with a mixture of confusion and concern.

He had mentally prepared himself for the divorce from Isabella. Yet, seeing her find solace in Arthur’s company stirred an unexpected pang of regret deep within him.

As Isabella stepped into the living room, her gaze immediately fell upon Sophia. Poised and elegant, Sophia sat gracefully on the sofa. She held a delicate coffee cup, laughing merrily with Ethan’s mother, Victoria Blackwood.