Chapter 154

All these years, he never really had the heart to speak harshly to Olivia, always treating her like a child.

He thought that once she grew up and experienced different people and emotions, she would come to her senses.

But now it was different; she was already an adult. If she continued to act impulsively, it could lead to irreversible consequences.

In the end, the only one who would get hurt would be her.

He had been through far more than she had, and the two of them were destined never to be together. He didn't want her to remain so obsessed.

"A child?" Olivia let out a cold laugh, her eyes welling up with tears again. "Atticus, I never thought that you could suffere so much in the military, you would turn out to be a complete coward when it comes to your own feelings. You say I'm a child, so why do you have feelings for me? Why does your body react to me?"

She lowered her head with a bitter smile. "You don't need to explain; I understand. You just look down on me, think I'm immature, unworthy of being your wife, and even make you feel embarrassed. "

"Don't worry, I won't bother you anymore!" Olivia held back her tears.

She had her pride too; there was no reason to make herself suffer.

Since he didn't want her even when she offered herself, why should she humiliate herself further?

Olivia couldn't bear it any longer. She got up, slammed the door, and ran away.

In the car, Atticus' shoulders slumped, and the aura of authority around him dissipated significantly.

He knew how much his words had hurt Olivia just now. But he had to do it, knowing he couldn't give Olivia any promises, he shouldn't give her hope either.

This way, after her heartbreak, she might start a new relationship, and he wouldn't be troubled anymore.

It was supposed to be the end of a problem, but somehow, Atticus felt a vague discomfort instead of relief.

However, he didn't dwell on it, thinking it was best to stay away from her for both their sakes.

In the Whispering Pines Estates, Isabella was tidying up the table and was about to go upstairs for a nap when she received a call from Aiden. "Isabella, why haven't you come back these past few days? I miss you."

Isabella had deep feelings for Aiden, and upon hearing this, she quickly said, "Grandpa, I miss you too. I'll find some time to visit you in the next couple of days, okay?"

Hearing that Isabella was coming, Aiden replied with a smile, "Do you have time today? Nolan is back, and I was thinking of having you over for a family dinner. Can you make it?"

Mentioning Nolan, Isabella suddenly remembered the matter at Evergreen City University. She had been too busy to go there in the past few days.

She thought she could leave the company side of things to Emilio, and there wasn't much to do today. "Sure, Grandpa, I'll come over this noon."

She had planned to spend a quiet day at Whispering Pines Estates, but it had been a while since she visited Aiden, so she decided to take this opportunity to go.

And she had delayed her promise to Nolan about Evergreen City University for so long, it was a good chance to discuss it with him.

After hanging up, Isabella thought about how Nolan hadn't contacted her about the university matter, probably thinking she was busy and didn't want to disturb her.

Since she was the one who broke the promise first, it was best to buy a gift to express her apology.

After hanging up, Isabella changed her clothes and drove to the mall.

Meanwhile, Aiden had just put away his phone, feeling happy, when he saw Michael, who had been forced to stay home and recuperate, standing at the top of the stairs, eavesdropping on his conversation.

Michael had fallen ill after returning from the hotel where he had parted ways with Isabella the previous night.

His wounds had become infected due to the recent strain, and he had a high fever that wouldn't go down, alarming the family doctor. It took until the middle of the night to bring his fever down, leaving Aiden heartbroken.

"Michael, why are you downstairs? If you need anything, have someone bring it up to you." Aiden walked over, frowning with concern.

Michael wasn't worried about his injuries; he had just overheard Aiden saying Isabella was coming over.

"Grandpa, is Isabella coming?" Knowing she was coming, he felt an indescribable sense of bitterness.

If she saw him in this state, would she feel a bit of pity and stop talking about divorce?

"Yes, Isabella is coming." Aiden saw his pitiful look and felt both angry and helpless. "I told you to treat Isabella better before, but you wouldn't listen. Now look, you have to rely on Nolan's name to get her to come back."

Michael was still immersed in the joy of Isabella coming to see him when he suddenly froze. "What did you say, Nolan? She's coming because Nolan is home?"

"Who else?" Aiden said irritably, "With your usual cold attitude towards Isabella, it's a wonder she doesn't hate you. What more do you want?"

"If you had treated Isabella better before, she wouldn't be so heartbroken now. But don't be too upset; since she's willing to come, it means you still have a chance. Make sure you seize it, understand?" Aiden had done so much for Michael's relationship.

But at this moment, Michael's mind was blank.

Aiden's words kept echoing in his ears, but he couldn't take any of it in.

All he could think of was Isabella's smiling face when she was with Nolan. The two of them looked so perfect together, as if no one else could fit in.

Unlike him and Isabella, who always ended up arguing whenever they met.

He stumbled back upstairs, not even sure how he back room.

Lying in bed, his head throbbed, and his wounds hurt even more.

He couldn't understand why Isabella, his wife, was kinder to Nolan than to him.

At downstairs, Aiden didn't think much of Michael leaving because he had more important things to do.

He decided to host a family gathering for his grandson Nolan, who hadn't been back in years.

Though it was a family dinner, the Brown Family was large, and it had to be done properly.

Aiden, being older, valued his grandchildren immensely.

He had sent invitations to the family members, inviting them to join the celebration.

Isabella's identity had been publicly revealed at the recent birthday party, and knowing she was coming, the Brown Family relatives were all excited, waiting for her to show up.

Aiden had said it was a family dinner, so Isabella didn't dress up too much. She simply chose a short champagne-colored dress at the mall.

She tied her long hair up and applied a shiny pink lipstick, following the current youthful trend.

When her car stopped outside, she saw the person who had come to greet her.

"Nolan..." She had just opened her mouth when she was startled by the gloomy and resentful face of Michael standing next to Nolan.