Chapter 427

Luke grinned. "Sam, you've changed, huh? I barely recognize you now." "Nonsense. My mom threatened me with Peter's death back then. I could've ignored it, but I gave in and caused a huge mess," Samuel replied. "Has Shel completely forgiven you?" "Nope. But it's already good enough that she's willing to spend the rest of her life with me." Samuel couldn't ask for more. He gently chuckled and said, "Besides, I'm going to be a dad." "She's pregnant?" Luke was stunned. "Yeah." Samuel beamed with joy. "You're not getting any younger, so stop messing around. You're a grown man—can't you make decisions yourself without listening to your family? That's pathetic." "I'm different from you. You've cut ties with your family, but I can't do that. All I can do is keep Isabelle by my side. As long as she's willing, I can give her everything. Just not marriage." "You're out of your mind," Samuel scolded. "Don't you get it? Isabelle won't settle for being your mistress. Does she need your money or your company? I can introduce her to better men if Shelly asks me to." "You're insane." "Not as bad as you, harassing someone first thing in the morning." Luke was speechless. Squatting by the pool, he paid no attention to how disheveled he looked. He agreed that he indeed was out of his mind. If it wasn't for Samuel and Shelmaine's wedding, he wouldn't even get to see Isabelle. He knew she planned to leave the country to cut ties with him. Back then, Luke didn't understand Samuel's actions, and now he couldn't even understand himself. Everyone's situation was different, and this was particularly evident for him and Samuel. He couldn't make decisions as ruthlessly as Samuel did. Luke was an obedient son. Going against his family—especially his mother, Rosie Mayers—was out of the question. Given her poor health condition, defying her wishes was completely impossible. Besides, she had already arranged a marriage for him, and he couldn't just ignore it. Yet, at the same time, he didn't want to let Isabelle go either. Samuel advised, "I'll suggest you think it through before making any decisions." … In Isabelle's room, she had finished packing her luggage. She turned to Shelmaine and said, "I didn't plan to leave so soon, but I can't leave at all if I waited." With Luke's determination, he would never let her leave. Shelmaine replied, "I'll send you to the airport." "It's alright—I've called a cab. I'll let you know once I'm settled." "Oh, Belle…" "Don't be sad. It's not like we're never seeing each other again. I'll still come back to see my goddaughter." "How do you know it's a girl?" "Just a guess. Boy or girl, I'll be the godmother either way." Shelmaine hugged her. "Alright, you'll always be the only godmother of my kid." After a brief farewell, Isabelle left with her luggage. Shelmaine saw her off at the hotel entrance. Just as Isabelle left, Samuel called Shelmaine and asked for her whereabouts. She replied, "I just went out for a walk." "Where's Isabelle?" "She's gone." "Gone?" "What? Did Luke make you ask?" Feeling exposed, Samuel glared at Luke, who was drying his hair with a towel and looking unapologetic. Samuel stammered, "Y-Yeah, he asked me to." "Isabelle wasn't feeling well, so she went to the hospital. I went there with her." "Which hospital? Why didn't you call me? I could've sent you there." "She doesn't want to see Luke." "I won't bring him. I'll come alone," Samuel replied.