Chapter 273
With Michael's affirmative response, the argument between the two seemed to hit a pause button.
Isabella looked up in slight surprise, meeting Michael's deep gaze. Neither of them spoke again.
But in each other's eyes, they found the answers they were looking for.
She wasn't the only one who wanted to cherish this moment.
So did Michael.
For the first time, Isabella saw gentleness and anticipation in his eyes.
Her heart couldn't help but tremble.
She thought, even if she woke up tomorrow and found out this was just a dream, she would still be willing.
The top deck of the yacht was so quiet that there was almost no sound. Michael took out a set of clothes he had prepared in advance.
They were made of soft cotton, which would be more comfortable for her to wear.
He had no intention of leaving, but seeing Isabella's face gradually turn red as she took the clothes, he realized she was feeling shy.
His eyes flickered, and he got up to give her the room to change, stepping out himself.
He didn't say a word the whole time, but every detail showed his consideration for her.
He even prepared a pair of shoes for pregnant women, with soft material and little bunny logos.
Once the door closed, Isabella realized her heart was racing.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions, but thinking of Michael's gentle and considerate actions just now, she couldn't help but blush.
He was too gentle.
She almost couldn't take it.
Originally, she was already reluctant to part with him, and now he had put aside all his pride to ask her to spend a birthday with him.
How could she not fall for him?
Looking at her flushed face and the love-struck expression reflected in the window,
Isabella clutched the clothes in her hands and couldn't help but murmur, "Michael, what am I going to do with you?"
No.
She couldn't change her mind so quickly.
No matter how well he hid it, this was ultimately just a fleeting dream.
If Violet were here, he would still treat Violet gently, perhaps even more considerately than he treated her.
In fact, the only reason she received Michael's request was because of Violet's absence, and it was her turn.
She could enjoy this brief moment, but she must not fall into Michael's gentle trap again.
This was her final bottom line.
Tomorrow morning, when Michael's birthday party was over, she should leave.
They wouldn't have any more entanglements, and each would return to their own life.
So, for now, she would just treat this as a dream.
With her thoughts sorted out, Isabella changed into the cotton dress and bunny slippers Michael had given her, feeling a sense of relief.
She no longer had to be constrained by the formal dress.
As soon as she opened the door, Michael was standing outside, leaning against the wall. Seeing her come out, he straightened up and took a few steps closer to her.
His eyes reflected her petite and soft figure under the light, and he couldn't help but praise her.
"You look beautiful. I knew I made the right choice."
Such a simple sentence stirred waves in Isabella's heart.
Did he choose this outfit?
But why did he prepare this outfit for her?
Could it be that he had already anticipated she would stay?
Before she could ask anything, Michael had already taken her hand and led her to the end of the corridor.
On the rooftop, the night wind carried snowflakes as it howled past.
At some point, Michael had draped his coat over her shoulders, while he stood there in just a shirt and trousers.
In this weather, especially on the sea, if they really stood outside watching the snow all night, they would both end up in the hospital as soon as the yacht docked.
As if seeing through her thoughts, Michael chuckled, "Just stay for a while with me, okay?"
Isabella was stunned.
Her first reaction was, was this really Michael?
Could he have been replaced by someone else?
After all, the Michael she knew was always aloof and never lowered himself to ask for anything.
It was almost unbelievable.
But from Michael's perspective, he felt a deep ache seeing Isabella's surprised reaction.
They had been married for three years, and this was the first time they had such a calm conversation together.
No arguments, no sulking.
Just because of an unconscious compliment and gentleness from him, her eyes sparkled with charm.
It was at this moment that he truly realized how much he had wronged Isabella over the past three years.
No wonder her uncles had collectively come to confront him, firmly opposing their reconciliation.
The fault lay entirely with him.
He had been too much of a jerk, failing to recognize her worth sooner and not cherishing her properly over the past three years.
Now, she was carrying his baby. What more could he ask for?
He truly regretted it.
No matter what demands she made in the future, even if she didn't want him anymore, he wouldn't leave her and the child.
He would make it up to her with his actions.
"Michael."
Isabella's soft call brought Michael back to reality.
The person in front of him became clear, and he could even see the blush on her face.
Isabella blinked. Michael had been staring at her since earlier, his gaze deep and unfathomable, like the bottomless sea.
She couldn't read him, but being stared at like that made her face turn red.
Michael suppressed his desire, not forgetting his purpose for being there.
He took a step back, bent slightly, and extended a hand to Isabella, "Would you like to dance with me?"
Isabella was taken aback, "Here?"
Michael nodded, "Yes, here, just the two of us."
"But I'm wearing slippers."
It wasn't that she couldn't dance, but she always wanted to present her best side to Michael.
Dancing in slippers wasn't very graceful.
Besides, Michael might never know that she used to love clubbing and dancing because she had seen him dance at a party.
He stood tall and danced gracefully.
Under the spotlight, he looked like a prince.
She dreamed of being his dance partner, so she practiced in secret, hoping to one day confidently stand by his side.
But when she finally became good enough, she forgot the most important thing that she never had the chance to dance with Michael.
In their three years of marriage, he never took her to any social events. Her role was to stay home and wait for him every day until nightfall.
Now, she finally had this rare opportunity, but she didn't have the right heels for the occasion.
Just as Isabella was feeling sad and about to refuse, a pair of large hands held hers.
He pulled her into his arms, assuming a dance position.
"I just want to dance with you. It doesn't matter what shoes you're wearing. If you were wearing heels, I'd be worried. What if you hurt yourself?"