Chapter 3Her Boyfriend, My Husband

The next day, I drove to the property. It had been developed into a high-end villa community. Isabelle’s party was being held in one of the completed model homes.

I contacted the property manager, an old subordinate of my father's, and had him transfer the highest-level access for the villa’s smart lock system to my name.

Then I got back in my car and waited for the show to begin.

Soon, the lawn outside the villa was decorated with flowers and balloons. A champagne tower sparkled in the sunlight. Guests began to arrive, most of them young faces I didn't recognize.

Until I saw my cousin, Zoe.

She was holding a glass of champagne, her arm linked with Isabelle’s, her eyes full of fawning admiration.

“Isabelle, you’re amazing! Owning a house in a place like this at your age.” She then turned to Ben. “You’d better treat our girl right, you hear me? Or her family won’t stand for it!”

Isabelle lowered her head, blushing, and Ben pulled her into his embrace, promising Zoe with a solemn face that he would cherish Isabelle for the rest of his life.

The lawn erupted in applause and whistles.

A middle-aged woman grabbed Isabelle’s hand, her wrinkled face beaming with pride as she announced to everyone, “Our Isabelle has always been such a good girl! Look how successful she is now, with such a wonderful boyfriend!”

Isabelle, her cheeks red, smiled sweetly. “It’s all because Ben is so good to me.”

Others chimed in. “The Miller family has really produced a phoenix!”

Another man raised his glass. “And Ben is a real man’s man! Giving her a gift this big before they’re even married. That takes guts!”

A relative sighed wistfully. “God, if only my daughter could find a man like Ben. I think about my son-in-law and I could just scream!”

The crowd laughed. “Keep dreaming! Do you see the kind of woman Isabelle is?”

The party was in full swing. Toasts were made, compliments flew. Ben and Isabelle were at the center of it all, basking in the adoration.

And I watched the whole ridiculous spectacle without a flicker of emotion.

Just then, Ben pulled out a ring. In front of everyone, he dropped to one knee, his eyes locked on Isabelle with profound love.

“Isabelle, in front of all our friends and family, will you marry me?”

The enormous diamond glittered, painfully bright in the sun.

“Say yes! Say yes!” the crowd chanted.

Isabelle’s eyes filled with tears as she choked out, “I will.”

They embraced tightly, surrounded by a chorus of blessings and wishes for their happiness.

Until a discordant voice cut through the noise.

“Mr. Vance, if I recall correctly… aren’t you already married?”