Twisted Ties of Love

Brett had feelings for Izabella, and even he probably didn't know it himself.

With her eyes closed, Kaley thought about the sounds she had heard outside her room today. Her heart felt like it was being twisted and tied up with ropes. She clenched her fists hard, filled with anger and jealousy.

Why didn't Izabella jump off the building like her father did? Why didn't she just die and stop stealing her place?

Her fingertips stuck into her palm, however, she was unaware. Now that she had moved into Quiet Forest Estates, she had plenty of time to deal with the threats to her, one step at a time, starting with today. With that realization, Kaley's tension eased a bit. She opened her eyes and resumed her innocent and harmless demeanor.

"I noticed Izabella didn't look so well. Is she sick?"

"What could be wrong with her?" Although he said that, Brett couldn't help thinking of Izabella's stomach problems. She hadn't eaten much at noon, and he didn't know if her stomach problems would flare up again...

"She'll be fine, you don't have to worry about her. Just take good care of yourself." His words were for Kaley, but they were mostly meant to comfort himself.

Kaley bit her lip, her beautiful eyes filling with tears. "I feel like she doesn't really welcome me here. Maybe I should just move back... but I don't want to leave you."

"You don't need to move out. That property is under my name now, and you can stay if I say so." He admitted that he had ulterior motives for letting Kaley and Izabella live together, but he didn't think there was anything wrong with the arrangement.

He and Izabella were not yet divorced, and the house had been transferred to his name. He could do whatever he wanted with it, and it was not up to Izabella to decide.

Kaley nodded, leaning satisfied in Brett's embrace. "Brett, you're so kind."

"I'll arrange for a maid to take care of you since it's inconvenient to cook at home," Brett said.

"Can I choose the maid myself?" Kaley asked.

"Sure, just make the arrangements," Brett agreed.

Kaley was finally satisfied.

The two lingered outside for the afternoon. Kaley went shopping and got Brett to accompany her to a movie. By the time they came out, it was already late.

"Shall we eat dinner before going back? Izabella probably hasn't prepared anything," Kaley suggested.

That's like something Izabella would do, so Brett agreed. Kaley knew Brett's taste, and they chose a western restaurant for dinner.

When they returned to Quiet Forest Estates, it was already 10 pm. The villa was pitch dark and incredibly cold and empty, as if no one lived there. Brett was suddenly uncomfortable, feeling a sense of emptiness as he entered the living room.

Even though Kaley was by his side, loneliness seemed inescapable.

He had come back late before, but Izabella always left a light on for him and kept food warm in the kitchen in case he was hungry. If she knew he'd been out socializing, she would sit quietly on the living room sofa waiting for him, then bring him a hangover remedy when he returned.

Brett realized that the last time he had come back drunk was two months ago. It didn't seem that long ago, but it felt like years.

Kaley noticed him deep in thought and gently shook his hand. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Brett looked at her sideways. "You must be tired. Go freshen up. It's your first day here, so get some rest."

"Where are you sleeping tonight?" Kaley asked, half-expectant and half-shy.

Apparently, Brett didn't understand the implication in her words. "I'll go back to my own room to sleep."

Kaley's expression immediately stiffened. In order not to let Brett see the twisted expression in her eyes, she quickly lowered her head and tried to calm her voice. "Alright, I'll go freshen up first." Each bedroom had a separate washroom. Kaley had her own plan, intentionally leaving the door slightly ajar to make it easy for Brett to come in. She even changed into a sexy nightgown for tonight.

But after she finished showering, Brett never appeared. The last flicker of hope in her heart was extinguished like a cold shower pouring on her head. She got up to open the door and saw a faint light in the dark hallway.

Brett was standing at Izabella's door.

Kaley clenched her teeth tightly until she tasted blood, then let go. The pain on her lips was unbearable, but it was nothing compared to the heartache.

What did she look like now? Like a prostitute waiting for her sugar daddy?

Her hatred for Izabella grew even stronger.

Brett stood at the door, tried to push it open, but it was locked from the inside.

He knocked three times, but there was no response. His eyes grew dark, and his face looked even more sinister in the shadows.

Izabella was clearly not letting him in, even if she heard the knocking.

He checked the time again, and it was almost 11 pm. If he called her now, he would probably wake Kaley up.

Kaley tightly gripped the doorknob, hiding her eyes, which were as poisonous as a snake's. As soon as Brett turned around, she retreated into her room.

She thought Brett had given up on going to Izabella's room and was coming to hers. Instead, she heard the sound of the door closing in the neighboring guest room after waiting for a while.

Kaley pursed her lips, her eyes reddening once more. Brett would rather sleep in a cold guest room than come to her room.