Love Burns Without a Trace

The dancing started after dinner.

Anthony bowed slightly, inviting Isobel to share the first dance. After deliberating, she took his hand, not wanting to put the Johnsons in a tough spot.

At that moment, Sasha hurried over to Anthony. "Mr. Johnson, something urgent came up at work that needs your attention."

When he heard that, he immediately straightened up without bothering to ask for the details. He gave Isobel an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Belle. I will need to get back to work. How about I pick you up at night?"

Under the gaze of the guests, Isobel retracted her hand. "Go."

Her heart ached at the sight of Anthony and Sasha hurrying away.

Four months ago, Sasha had moved into the Johnson residence as Anthony's cousin-in-law with the excuse of being widowed and defenseless. The Johnsons allowed her to stay out of sympathy.

At first, Isobel had no suspicion about Sasha's sudden arrival. She even showered Sasha with care.

Isobel thought the Johnsons were just helping Sasha out when the latter was made Anthony's secretary. It wasn't until Anthony and Sasha grew so close that she noticed something was off.

She used to be everything to Anthony. He would always put her first.

Lately, she often noticed him deliberating as though he was struggling to make a decision. Now, he was long past the hesitating phase. He'd run to Sasha without thinking.

Isobel excused herself from the dance, saying that she was unwell. She retired to her bedroom.

At the same time, Anthony and Sasha hurried into his office.

"Tell me. What's the urgent matter?"

"I thought you could read my mind since you didn't ask me anything in the car." Sasha gave a seductive look as he adjusted his tie.

Frowning, he grabbed her hand. "I told you not to mess around! It's Belle's belated birthday party today!"

"Anthony, you're being too harsh on me. I'm three months into the pregnancy now. Don't you miss me at all?"

"Sasha…"

"Weren't you interested in trying it out at the office?" She took off her coat to reveal a skimpy business suit. "Tony, can Isobel even satisfy your needs?"

Anthony's aggressive gaze swept past her entire body. No longer holding back, he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her passionately. His desires were fulfilled.

When they were done, Anthony wiped Sasha's lipstick stains on him off. He checked his phone, but Isobel didn't text him.

His heart skipped a beat. An uneasy feeling arose within.

"Spend the night at my place, won't you?"

He buckled his seatbelt and swatted Sasha's hand away.

"James will send you home. I need to pick up Belle from the manor."

Then, he ignored Sasha's tearful expression and drove off. On his way to the manor, he even bought some famous local candies for Isobel.

...

"Belle, what's wrong? Mom said you were feeling sick."

Anthony had jogged up to the bedroom and expressed his concern for Isobel. She got up in bed and shook her head. "I'm fine."

He caressed her head like he was coaxing a child. "I bought you your favorite candy. Do you want to take a bite? I'll send you home after that."

He had bought the candy from her favorite place—a century-old local store. When they were young, he'd line up to buy some candy and other treats just to cheer her up.

She lowered her gaze. Immediately, she smelled Sasha's overpowering fragrance that made her feel sick.

Why did Anthony not bother to lie better in the final days of their relationship? Just why?

Pushing his hand away, she croaked, "I don't want it. Please leave." She had only eaten the candy in the past because he had bought it for her. But now, she no longer wanted it.

She thought, "Don't bother taking me home either. I lost my only home the moment you betrayed me."