Chapter 381

Seb had to pull a late one at work, so Isabella grabbed dinner at the Jose family's crib before heading back.

She was totally swamped and couldn't really look after Sweetie. Margaret told her to chill and focus on her company stuff, promising she'd handle Sweetie.

After dinner, Isabella scooped up Sweetie and took advantage of her being all awake and full of beans to play a bit longer.

Sweetie was a real trooper. At just over three months, she already knew how to react to grown-ups' playful antics. When Sweetie looked at Isabella with those big, bright eyes, she'd giggle.

Sweetie's laughter was like a refreshing breeze, warming Isabella's heart. In that moment, Isabella was totally lost in her time with Sweetie.

At the Jose family's place, Sweetie was the star of the show. Not only did Margaret take great care of her, but Kelsey would often take Sweetie out for strolls. When Steven got home, he'd wash up and hold Sweetie.

Zaire wasn't into kids, but he'd still buy gifts for Sweetie. Isabella had seen the nursery, packed with everything from teething toys to Barbie dolls and toy cars. The gifts were practically spilling over. The Jose family really treated Sweetie like one of their own.

"Sweetie, you've put on some pounds again," Isabella teased with a grin, lifting Sweetie up. "Looks like Margaret's spoiling you."

Sweetie couldn't talk or get what she was saying, but she just giggled.

Isabella glanced over at Margaret, who was crashed on the opposite sofa. Margaret was leaning back, eyes half-closed, totally zonked out.

The faint dark circles under Margaret's eyes showed she hadn't been getting much rest lately. Taking care of Sweetie was already exhausting, and with Nina's sudden drama, Margaret must've been having a rough time.

If Margaret found out about Kelsey and Jack's fling, it would just add to her stress.

Isabella made up her mind to ask Seb about Jack's deal when she got back.

Because of this, Isabella didn't crash after getting home. She went through the documents she brought back from the office while waiting for Seb to return.

Suddenly, a cool breeze blew in from the window. Isabella instinctively turned her head and saw a cat perched on the windowsill.

Its was Cheese. Cute name, right? Made you think of soft, yummy cheesecake. But Isabella had a lingering fear of this cat, especially after it bit her last time.

Cheese suddenly meowed at Isabella.

Isabella shivered, her hair standing on end. She got up and quickly walked to the window, shooing the cat off the sill, then closed the window with a snap. She also drew the curtains before letting out a sigh of relief.

The cat didn't leave right away after being shooed off. It hung around below the windowsill, meowing now and then, like it was reminding her it was still there.

Even though the room was lit, Isabella still felt a bit creeped out.

Isabella grabbed her phone and dialed Seb. "Hey, Seb, when you getting back?"

"I'm already at the door. What's up?" Seb replied.

As he finished talking, she heard a car engine in the yard.

Isabella let out a sigh of relief. "Nothing, just checking."

She hung up, closed the documents, and went to open the door. But she only saw Seb walking alone, the car still parked outside.

"Where's Jack?" Isabella asked.

Seb paused. "He took some time off. Why?"

"Time off?" Isabella frowned. "Something happen to him?"

"Nope. Said an elder in his family was having a birthday, so he needed to go back home. Asked for three days off, plus his vacation days, so he's gone for a week."

"Got it." Isabella mused.

"What's up?" Seb changed his shoes, walked over, and took her hand as they headed to the living room. "Need something from him?"

Isabella filled him in about Kelsey.

Seb said, "Want me to call and check? But I usually don't meddle in my employees' personal stuff, especially love life drama."

Isabella thought Seb had a point. Better to talk face-to-face. Couples argue; it's normal. With Jack back home, both he and Kelsey could cool off. Maybe by the time Jack returned, they'd have patched things up.

Isabella said, "Forget it; we'll talk when he gets back."

"Okay." Seb responded softly, then he brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her earlobe. "Did you have dinner at the Jose family's place?"

"Yeah." Isabella knew what he was getting at and said, "I was gonna bring Sweetie back, but something came up at Nina's company, and I need to handle it over the next few days. Margaret said she couldn't bear to part with Sweetie and knew I was busy, so she told me to wait until Nina comes back to bring Sweetie home."

Isabella continued, "Margaret really takes great care of Sweetie. You know, Sweetie looks so cute now; she's all chubby and adorable."

Isabella said, "Honestly, seeing how Margaret and the others treat us, I feel really touched. Apart from Nina, they are the only ones who have made me feel the warmth of a family. It makes me realize how happy it is to have a loving family."

Isabella was starved for love. She craved it more than anyone. That's why she easily forgave Esme.

Esme was good to Isabella and Sweetie, but for some reason, compared to Margaret, something always felt off.

Seb lowered his head and kissed the back of her hand. "Bella, once the wedding's over, everything will get better. Besides the Jose family, Sweetie and I will always be with you."

"Okay." Isabella nodded.

She could sense Seb's fatigue and understand his thoughts.

Isabella knew Seb was undergoing treatment, so she didn't call him out. She just patiently waited for him to recover. She believed that the beautiful day would eventually come.