Love Burns Without a Trace

Before the family gathering kicked off on the weekend, Anthony's grandma, Melinda Clarke, called Isobel into the room to talk privately.

She carefully pulled out a pair of bracelets from the closet and warmly took Isobel's wrist. With a smile, she began, "Isobel, here. These are for you."

Isobel stared at the bracelets and spotted a tiny line of engraved words on the inner side. It read "eternal love".

"These bracelets were passed down from generation to generation. They are reserved for our future daughters-in-law! Belle, let me know if Anthony ever bullies you. I'll put him in his place!"

Isobel teared up in silence. She pursed her lips. Finally, she took the bracelets. "Thank you, Melinda."

During the dinner, Frank announced that he would give Isobel a group of double-story villas in the newly developed district in Halthorne City.

"Belle, those villas are ocean-facing. If you ever feel down, you can stay there for a few days."

Anthony's mom, Sheila White, did not want to be overshadowed. "Belle, look at these latest limited edition bags I've got! Take anything that you like. Let's go shopping at Everest Mall again when the renovations are done! We'll shop for new bags."

Isobel was caught off guard by the family's affection. She gradually believed that no one knew about Anthony and Sasha's illicit affairs.

Still, she had decided to leave. She could not forgive Anthony just because his family was lovely to her.

Burdened with emotions, she felt suffocated and excused herself, saying that she was tired and wanted to rest early.

After sleeping for a while, she felt thirsty and went downstairs to get some water. From the staircase, she spotted Sasha openly sitting beside Anthony.

"How far along is your pregnancy?" Melinda asked.

"About four months now," Sasha purred.

"Has the family doctor performed a paternity test? Is the baby Anthony's child?"

Isobel held her breath.

Sasha's pregnancy was never a secret, but she had claimed that she was pregnant with her late husband's baby.

Anthony affirmed, "Yes, we did the test. She's carrying my baby."

There was a downpour in Halthorne City that night. Lightning struck, and Isobel felt like she had been split into two.

"Give birth to that baby, then," said Frank. "We can still afford to pay for you and your baby. Our manor in the west of the city is the perfect place for you to stay until you're in labor. You can stay there from now on."

Sasha demurely accepted the keys. "Thank you, Frank!"

Sheila, who had been sipping tea calmly, remarked, "I like that you're obedient and never make trouble. It's no wonder that Anthony is into you."

"Sheila, I really love Anthony. I want to stay by his side. I won't ask for more."

Anthony pulled Sasha into a hug when he heard that. He looked confident and proud as he watched the beaming woman in his arms.

He kissed Sasha on her temple and said, "Now, be a good girl and go to bed. I'll join you soon."

Sasha obediently rose from the seat and went up to her bedroom from a different staircase.

"Grandma, Dad, Mom, do you approve of Sasha?"

Melinda tapped her walking stick on the ground. "I'm too old to be poking my nose into your business. All I want is a great-grandchild.

"You see, Belle struggles to conceive. Her health hasn't improved after all those years of treatment. If she can't conceive, let's not pressure her."

Nodding, Sheila chimed in, "You're right."

"It's normal for a man to keep a few women around. Anthony, I don't care who you sleep with, but you'll only marry Isobel Sutton. Got it?" Frank patted his son on the shoulder.

"Yes. You must marry Belle so that we can answer to the Sutton family. Besides, that will help with the company's reputation. Sasha's background is truly…"

"Don't worry. I won't marry anyone else," promised Anthony. "At the end of the day, I love her the most. I know my limits. I'll keep it a secret from her."

Isobel realized that she had gone from being his one true love to his "most favorite woman". She scoffed, feeling offended. His love was worth nothing to her! She couldn't believe his audacity.

She nearly lost her balance on the stairs.

Her heavy heart, her guilt, and her deliberation about dumping Anthony turned out to be a joke. The whole family knew the truth and worked together to fool her!

She covered her mouth tightly to muffle her sobs.