Chapter 356

As Isabella's husband, Michael could sense there was something off behind her smile, but she wasn't talking, and he had no clue how to bring it up.

After Isabella finished her shower and got dressed, Benjamin and Amelia came out of their room too. It was time to leave the hotel and try some local food.

Taking the hotel staff's advice, they headed to a spot known for its local dishes. But just as they ordered, an excited voice interrupted.

"Benjamin, is that you? Wow, I can't believe I'm seeing you here!" a woman exclaimed, rushing over to Benjamin.

Benjamin's face showed pure shock when he saw her.

Isabella and Amelia exchanged puzzled looks, while Michael narrowed his eyes.

"Lila? What are you doing here?" Benjamin asked, still stunned.

"I'm traveling! Remember, I always wanted to be a travel writer? To explore and write about different cultures?" Lila said, hugging Benjamin with excitement.

Benjamin looked a bit awkward and glanced at Amelia, who stayed cool and composed.

Isabella leaned over to Michael and whispered, "Who's Lila? You seem to know her."

Michael nodded, "Yeah, Lila's Benjamin's ex from college. After they broke up, Benjamin, who never drinks, got wasted, and I had to drag him back to the dorm."

Isabella was surprised, not expecting to run into Benjamin's ex while they were abroad.

"Amelia, don't you think this is weird? This woman showing up here feels off," Isabella said, eyeing Amelia.

Amelia smiled, stood up, and casually linked her arm with Benjamin's, smiling, "Honey, is this your friend? Why not introduce us?"

Benjamin was caught off guard, feeling the tension in the air.

"Sure, this is Lila Donovan, a friend from college," Benjamin said.

Just as Benjamin was about to introduce Amelia to Lila, Amelia extended her hand to Lila.

"Hi, Ms. Donovan, I'm Amelia Martinez, Benjamin's girlfriend," Amelia said warmly.

A flicker of hostility crossed Lila's eyes, but she quickly smiled and shook Amelia's hand. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Martinez. Benjamin didn't give me the full intro. We weren't just classmates; we were in the same club and even dated."

Lila casually mentioned her past with Benjamin, clearly trying to stir things up.

Women have a sixth sense about these things. Amelia picked up on Lila's vibe and started thinking of how to handle it.

"Darling, why didn't you ever mention this friend?" Amelia asked, holding onto Benjamin's arm with a hint of reproach.

Benjamin looked uncomfortable, maybe a bit clueless. But he wasn't dumb; no guy in his right mind would introduce his ex to his current girlfriend.

Lila's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing Amelia's determination. She knew she wasn't dealing with a pushover.

Isabella was pleased with Amelia's approach. Michael, on the other hand, watched the scene unfold with curiosity, like he was enjoying a soap opera.

Even though men aren't usually as emotionally intuitive as women, Michael could still pick up on the underlying tension between Lila and Amelia.

By bringing up her past with Benjamin and their shared club activities, Lila was trying to stir up jealousy in Amelia and drive a wedge between her and Benjamin.

Amelia, by pointing out that Benjamin had never mentioned his ex, was subtly telling Lila that Benjamin had moved on and didn't care about her anymore.

Michael watched Lila closely, curious about her next move.

Lila didn't get angry at Amelia's words; instead, she complimented her. "Ms. Martinez, you are absolutely stunning! Only someone as beautiful as you could be a match for Benjamin, such an amazing surgeon!"

Amelia flipped her hair and smiled at Lila. "Thanks for the compliment. I think so too. I'm lucky to have found such a great guy like Benjamin. Right, darling?"

She looked at Benjamin as she spoke.

Benjamin was at a loss for words and awkwardly scratched his head. "Yeah, it's my luck too. And Lila, you're very beautiful as well."

A spark appeared in Lila's eyes as she walked over to Amelia and said with a smile, "I think we have a lot in common, Ms. Martinez. Standing together, we look like sisters."

"Are you implying that Benjamin chose me as a replacement for you?" Disgust flashed in Amelia's eyes as she stepped away from Lila.

But Benjamin shook his head. "No, Lila, Amelia looks nothing like you. In fact, I think she's even more beautiful."

Benjamin was being honest; he truly thought Amelia was more beautiful.

Amelia was naturally pleased, but Lila's expression darkened.

A flicker of emotion crossed Lila's face, but she quickly regained her composure. She patted Benjamin's shoulder and said with a smile, "You're still as funny as ever."

Lila tried to brush off the topic as a joke and smoothly transitioned to asking when they had arrived in the country.

Meanwhile, Isabella leaned over to Michael and whispered, "Why do I feel like you're not very happy? Have you noticed something?"