Chapter CHAPTER 40
COMMENT
Chapter 40
Clayton left Isabella at home to pack her things. It was better for her to take care of her own home.
As he made his way out, his phone buzzed just as he was about to get into his car. With a slight frown upon recognizing the caller, he answered, “Hey, Dad.”
“Clayton, tomorrow, Jennie, Channing. Mandy, and I are coming over to your place.” Calvin’s voice came through, trying to sound firm yet lacking
conviction.
Clayton’s frown grew. “What’s going on?”
“Well, it turns out Channing and Mandy got into the University of Moulmore. So did Queenie, your Uncle Keanu’s kid. They start classes next week, and we were thinking of dropping by your place tomorrow. They’ve missed you, considering you haven’t been home in ages Calvin’s words flowed a bit too smoothly, hinting at a rehearsed spiel.
A chill passed through Clayton’s gaze.
He thought, ‘Uncle Keanu! Since when did I have an uncle? What’s Jennie plotting now? They think they can just move in with me? Fine then!
He cast a last look at the building behind him, contemplating this unexpected opportunity to lean on Isabells a bit more.
“So, they’ve run out of patience and are finally starting to make their move, huh? Clayton pondered.
“Clayton‘ You there! What’s with you, too busy to talk? Or is it that you’re not up for having us over? You don’t seem too thrilled about us staying with you. Calvin’s tone edged into annoyance.
“You’ve made up your minds already, haven’t you? This call feels more like a heads–up than an actual invitation for my input. Isn’t there a complete lack of sincerity in that?” Clayton retorted, his voice even.
“You…” Enraged, Calvin found himself without a retort
Without another word, Clayton ended the call, musing. Let them come. I’m not the same naive kid anymore.”
Meanwhile, Isabella was busying herself with organizing her things and giving the already spotless house another once–over. Seated on the carpet by the front door, she surveyed her spacious new home.
A sense of contentment washed over her.
This place was her sanctuary now, officially hers according to the title deed.
Clayton was right. She could repay him for his generosity in the future, but for now, she relished having a place to call home.
For the following year, Isabelle planned to work diligently, prepare her graduation thesis, and take up part–time jobs. She was determined to make enough money to sustain herself abroad by the time she graduated.
She thought, The Ingram Family has nothing to do with me now. It’s fine, though. Those ties are better off severed!
However, her train of thought was interrupted by her ringing phone. Dashing to the living room, she answered, “Hello! Clayton!”
Hearing her slightly excited tone, Clayton couldn’t help but chuckle. “Seems I’m homeless now, Mrs. Murray. Might I trouble you for shelter?”
Isabella found his jesting tone amusing. “Homeless, you say? How did someone of your stature end up in need of my humble abode?”
“Every dog has its day. Can you bear to let me sleep on the streets, Mrs. Murray? Given how spacious your place is, maybe I could earn my keep as your servant?” Clayton teased, far from sounding destitute.
Pretending to mull it over, Isabella replied, “Well, if that’s the case, I should charge you rent!”
“Deal. Then, Mrs. Murray, would you kindly open your door for me?” Clayton’s laughter was light and easy.
Caught off guard, Isabella hurried to the door, flinging it open only to freeze at the sight greeting her.
An array of large suitcases lay neatly lined up at her doorstep, and Cayton stood calmly amidst the suitcases, smiling as he looked at her.
“Y–You’re seriously moving?” Isabella asked in a daze.
Clayton nodded and started pushing the suitcases into the house.
Meanwhile, Isabella leaned against the wall, staring blankly at the suitcases that were nearly half her height. She wondered, “How can he have so many things
As Isabella put them on, she said, “Walking barefoot on the floor feels comfortable.”
“No! The floor is too cold” Clayton was resolute.
Isabella furrowed her brows. “You have so many things, I don’t even know how to begin organizing them”
Clayton smiled and replied, “You don’t have to do a thing. Just stay by my side and watch.”
Thus, Isabella leaned against the wall and watched as he took out the contents of each suitcase
She followed him closely as he neatly placed everything in various rooms and locations, finding it impressive.
“Clayton, is there anything you can’t do?” After less than an hour, all the suitcases were empty, and there was no trace of disorder in the rooms. Isabella couldn’t help but marvel at this feat.
After a moment of thought, Clayton chimed in, “Well, there’s one thing.”
“Really? What is it?” Isabella thought he was perfect, so she was surprised there was something he couldn’t do.
“I can’t cook,” Clayton admitted, his tone nonchalant.
Isabella’s face lit up with a grin, sensing an opportunity to contribute.
“Can you handle cooking?” Clayton inquired, captivated by the genuine joy on Isabella’s face.
With a confident nod, Isabella proposed, “How about we make dinner together tonight?”
“Sure! 111 follow your lead, Mrs., Murray, Clayton responded, his heart warmed by her enthusiasmL
“Great! But first, we need to hit the grocery store. The kitchen’s pretty bare; we need to get a bunch of stuff, Isabella declared, bubbling with
excitement.
For Clayton, stepping into a supermarket for groceries was a novel experience.
The variety of pesto and mustard on the shelves was a revelation. This outing revealed a whole new world to him, one where Isabella shone as the expert guiding him through the aisles
Clayton watched her with affection, marveling at how different this lively and knowledgeable Isabella was from the one tied to the Ingram family He wished to preserve her happiness indefinitely.
At the checkout, when they were faced with two loaded carts, Isabella’s worry was evident, Clayton leaned in, whispering reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Murray. We own this supermarket. The bill’s the least pf our worries.
“Wait, you own a supermarket too? Isabella gasped, her surprise evident.
a modest smile, Clayton admitted, “Well, I happen to manage a chain of them.
Isabella was
was dumbfounded, realizing this supermarket chain was the largest in Moulmore, and Clayton just happened” to run it.
As the supermarket staff efficiently boxed up their purchases, Clayton confirmed the delivery details with the manager, leaving Isabella at a loss for
Once everything was settled, he turned to Isabella, wrapping her in a comforting hug. “Hey, what’s on your mind. Mrs. Murray!”
Isabella, still reeling from the revelation, declared, “Hack home, I’m going to do a deep dive on you, Clayton. You’ve got to be loaded!”
Clayton couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction, finding her curiosity and astonishment utterly endearing
Settled in the passenger seat, Isabella fixed her gaze on him, probing further, “Really, Clayton, with your kind of money, my little inheritance shouldn’t even be a blip on your radar”
As he clicked her seatbelt into place, his smile was gentle, tinged with affection.
“Why did you agree to marry me?” Isabella’s bewilderment was palpable. Between Clayton’s opulent mansion, the array of luxury vehicles, the sprawling supermarket empire, and Rayson International, it was clear his wealth far surpassed anything the Ingram family could boast.
Yet, he had accepted her marriage conditions without a second thought, leaving her puzzled,
Leaning in close, Clayton’s presence was enveloping, his breath warm against her cheek.
Chapter 40
Supporting her head gently, he locked eyes with her. “I married you because I love you, silly,” he murmured before sealing his declaration with a tender kiss.
In that moment, Tabella feh her world shift.
The concept of love, so freely offered by Clayton, was something Zachary had never given her.
To her, Zachary’s silence on the matter had signified something else entirely, perhaps that she was just another conquest..
And despite her feelings for Zachary, she had never dared to utter love herself.
The word weighed heavily on her, and Isabella had never thought of saying it to anyone.
Previously, when admirers threw confessions her way, their “I like you” and “I love you” had always seemed hollow, never prompting her to take
them to heart.
But Clayton’s straightforward confession struck a chord deep within hier, rendering her speechless and profoundly moved in a way she hadn’t. anticipated.
Their grocery haul made it back to their doorstep just as they did.
With Isabella overseeing.
- Chyton meticulously organized exch item from their haul. The kitchen was soon filled with a cozy, inviting vibe.
Donning her brand–new apron, Isabella gently nudged Clayton towards the door. “All right, off you go. I’ve got this under control. I’ll give you a shout when dinner’s ready.”
Clayton, however, wasn’t quite ready to detach himself. After a quick embrace and a stealthy peck, he relocated his workspace to the kitchen counter, claiming a spot where he could keep an eye on her.
Given the kitchen’s open layout, Isabella realized his presence wasn’t really an
obstruction and let him
As Clayton watched her deftly handle the ingredients, his attention drifted away from his work, and the irritation stemming from Calvin’s upcoming visit began to dissipate..
This was the life he wanted–just him, her, and a shared sense of belonging.
Isabella cooked up a few dishes and a simple chicken soup, proudly presenting Clayton with a plate and fuck. “Here, give it a try,” she said, her heart swelling with pride.
This meal marked the first she’d prepared in her very own kitchen, transforming an onlinary dinner into a celebration of home and heart.
The soft glow from the table lights accentuated Clayton’s features, adding to Isabella’s joy of dining with him.
Clayton’s reaction to the first bite of steak was one of pure astonishment.
“How is n‘” Iubella inquired; bead tiked in curiosity.
With a thumbs–up and eagerly reaching for another piece, Clayton managed to convey his approval through enthusiastic nods and muffled praises, Incredible
Isabella burst into laughter. “Easy there, n
no one’s going to steal it from you, she teased, setting a bowl of soup by his plate. “Enjoy, but don’t rush.”
She then served herself some pasta, taking her time to savor her meal while observing Clayton’s hearty eating.
The scene, bathed in warm light, brought her an indescribable joy. It dawned on her how perfect it would be to share her life with him in this
manner.
As they finished, Clayton, parting his satisfied belly, expressed his admiration, “Mrs. Murray, you’ve truly ourdone yourself. This is hands down the best meal I’ve ever had. We’ll have to keep Victor in the dark about your culinary skills, we can’t let him get a taste.
Jubella found his comment amusing, though she couldn’t quite place Vicur in the scenario.
Her curiosity piqued, she remarked, “You don’t dine like you’re the elegant CEO of Rayson International. You eat more like one of those wannabe hooligans. It’s somehow rebellious yet endearing.”
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