Chapter 7 Marrying a Poor Man

The car pulled up at the entrance of Hollow Creek. It was an old, rundown neighborhood in Solara, where Isabella had grown up. The narrow streets couldn't fit a car, so Theodore parked it at the curb. Isabella turned to him, looking a little embarrassed, and said, "Just wait here. I can go in on my own. There's not much stuff to carry, anyway. I'll be back in no time." With that, she reached for the door, but he grabbed her hand. Isabella looked back at Theodore, puzzled. "I'll go in with you," he said. His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "That's not necessary. I can handle it." After all, theirs was only a marriage of convenience. They would divorce in a year, so there was no reason to get entangled in each other's lives. More than that, Isabella didn't want Theodore to see the uglier side of her life—the way her adoptive parents were or the house she had grown up in. Those were the things she never wanted to lay bare before anyone. But Theodore lightly rubbed her hand. His touch felt both calming and encouraging. "Isabella, it doesn't matter how long you choose to keep this marriage. I am your husband until you decide it's over. I'll stand with you through everything, and I won't let anyone mistreat you," he reassured her in a steady yet gentle voice. Isabella froze, and her heart swelled with an unfamiliar warmth. She had never known what it was like to be cared for. So, this was what it felt like to be cherished. Before she could respond, Theodore had already stepped out. He walked around the car and opened her door. He then helped her out like a true gentleman. The sight of a luxury car in the old neighborhood was enough to turn heads. But when the striking couple stepped out, passersby couldn't help but stare. Isabella had grown up here. Naturally, plenty of neighbors recognized her. Soon enough, curiosity drew someone over to pry. "Well, if it isn't Isabella," Sharon Kirk called out. "And this must be your boyfriend. He's handsome! This car must've cost a fortune, huh?" "Good afternoon, Mrs. Reed," Isabella greeted her with a polite smile. "This car doesn't belong to him. It's his boss'." Sharon's smile sharpened, carrying both disdain and excitement. "Oh, so he's a driver? There's nothing wrong with that. "But this must be the first time you've brought a boyfriend home, right? I bet your parents won't take it too well. Your mom's always saying you should marry rich, isn't she?" Heat rushed to Isabella's cheeks. She grabbed Theodore's sleeve, tugging him inward. "Sorry, Mrs. Reed. We're in a hurry, so we'll get going." Her voice trailed after her frantic footsteps, as though it might dissolve into the air. They had barely turned the corner when people started gossiping behind them, loud and unrestrained. "I really thought he was some big shot since he looked so polished. Turns out, he's just a driver. Richard's awful wife would never let her marry a poor driver!" Sharon commented with a sneer, each word cutting Isabella to the bone. Another shrill voice chimed in, "Exactly!" The woman clicked her tongue with glee, then added, "Mark my words. Give it ten minutes, and her mother will be kicking them out!" Theodore stopped, but Isabella pretended not to hear and tugged him along. As they entered the stairwell, the motion-sensor light flickered on. In the dim yellow glow, she kept her head down, her face burning red with embarrassment. Suddenly, Theodore grabbed her hand and strode forward. Silhouetted against the light, his expression was unreadable. Even so, Isabella felt a sense of safety unlike anything she had known.