Love Burns Without a Trace

Isobel stayed quiet during the ride home. Anthony immediately sensed that she was feeling blue. He asked, "Belle, are you upset because I left you behind to work? I'm really sorry. When I'm done with this project, I promise I'll never cast you aside for work again.

"Did someone upset you when I wasn't around? Sweetheart, please don't ignore me."

Anthony might be a ruthless CEO, but he was just a loyal canine in front of Isobel. However, a leopard could not change its spots.

"I'm just tired," she replied flatly.

…

After that, Anthony cautiously kept an eye on her mood. One night, he sat on her bed. "My project will end in a month. Belle, do you want to travel anywhere? Let's go on a vacation!"

Little did he know that she would have left him by then. She shook her head.

"What's wrong with you, Belle? Tell me what's bothering you. You're worrying me." He clasped her cold hand.

How worried was he? She peered into his eyes. His feelings seemed genuine.

He loved and cared for her, even risking his life for her. Yet, he did not even notice she had undergone surgery. Not only that, but he boldly cheated on her.

She pulled her hand away. "It's nothing. I heard that Mason Cullen has a few mistresses and is in the middle of a divorce. Still, he was known to be crazy about his wife.

"People can be very different from how they appear. That got me thinking for a bit."

"Don't worry, Belle. I'll never be like him," Anthony promised without hesitation. He held her to offer her comfort.

He even expressed his loyalty, saying, "Let me be cursed if I fall for anyone other than you, Isobel."

She closed her eyes as tears fell. She had never questioned his promise, but it turned out to be a lie he was so used to making.

…

After that day, Anthony rarely came home. He often stayed out for the so-called project at work.

But that didn't bother Isobel too much. Now, she had the time and space to slowly plan out her eventual departure.

One day, she decided to return to the Sutton residence before leaving Halthorne City for good.

The Sutton residence was located on the west side of the city. After the deaths of Isobel's parents, the Johnson family bought the house and put her name on the title deed, but she rarely visited the place because it made her sad.

Many years later, she was surprised to find the residence neither dilapidated nor unkempt. The landscape—including the pond and the greenery—was well cared for.

She figured that Anthony must have arranged for people to work on the upkeep of the Sutton residence. The thought made her feel a little touched.

Perhaps they could still be family even if they were not fated to be lovers.

She ran her fingers across the familiar bricks and tiles at the residence. Then, she decided to go to the second floor and clean her childhood bedroom.

As she reached the staircase by the windows, she caught sight of two figures in the garden out of the corner of her eye.

Anthony and Sasha's presence on the grounds made Isobel freeze. Her mind went blank.

The two of them were completely undressed as they made out in the garden. She could even hear their dirty talk.

Sasha, who was wearing Isobel's childhood clothes, purred, "Tony, do you like it? If you refuse to comment on it, I won't put this on for you anymore!"

"Can't you tell how much I like it? Guess I'll have to work harder."

"You little rascal! I just wanted to hear it straight from your mouth…"

Their words sent a stabbing pain through Isobel's heart, rendering her breathless.

Five minutes ago, she entertained the silly possibility of ending things on a good note with Anthony.

She put a hand over her mouth and helplessly crouched under the windows, crying silently. Tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped onto the wooden floor, forming a tiny puddle.

She couldn't help but wonder if Anthony had ever been serious during their seven years of dating and if she had ever truly known the real him.

He gave her the impression of an earnest man even during their first kiss.

That day, he had rubbed his hands nervously many times before mustering the courage to hold her hand. Then, he looked at her affectionately before asking, "Belle, can I kiss you?"

She nodded, her smile wide. They kissed under the spectacular fireworks display. At the end of it, he kissed her on the tip of her nose and her ears. It felt like he wanted to be one with her.

"Oh, my Belle…"

Back then, she had naively thought that she was at the top of the world. To her, Anthony felt like home. However, the man before her was nothing but a stranger.

A promise only mattered when two people were in love. And only the person who took the vows seriously would believe in it.