Blizzard, First Love and a Wife Who Finally Snaps novel Chapter 184

She left the decision entirely to Evelyn. But it turned out Evelyn was thoroughly enjoying a real-life game of dress-up. Isabel was getting exhausted from trying on one outfit after another.

“Haven’t you picked one out yet?”

Evelyn was completely absorbed. “Nope, not yet! Everything looks amazing on you. With your figure and your beautiful face, it’s just so hard to choose.”

Isabel sat down on the floor and refused to move. “I’m tired.”

Evelyn immediately had someone bring her drinks and snacks, then resumed her mission.

That’s when Isabel remembered something. “I forgot to ask Julian what kind of event it is tonight. If it’s just meeting the people from the Durantin family who are supposed to be my future parents, I think I should wear something more understated. That white, embroidered silk dress would work, don’t you think?”

Evelyn didn’t know the specifics either. Julian had only said to pick out a gown.

“He said to pick a gown before he left, didn’t he? If it was just a casual meeting, why would he tell you to choose a formal gown?”

“You have a point.”

Still, Isabel vetoed the more extravagant options. “Let’s choose from these more modest ones. This white dress could work. It’s simple, versatile.”

Evelyn wouldn’t have it. “White dresses are for two-faced hypocrites like Selena. Her heart is black as coal, but she wears white thinking it makes her pure? No way. We’re not wearing that. Let’s go with this pale green one. I can even do your hair in a braid.”

The green dress was also a simple design without any fussy details, so Isabel agreed. After she changed, Evelyn braided her hair and applied some light, fitting makeup.

“Perfect.”

Isabel was now certain: Evelyn was playing a real-life dress-up game.

“Well, well, already dressed and ready.”

“It is!” Martha was overjoyed. “It’s so wonderful that you’re not dead!”

“I’m sorry to have worried you. The situation at the time was urgent…”

“You don’t… you don’t have to explain, Ms. Hayes. I understand completely.”

Martha had seen everything over the years. In truth, even if Isabel hadn't survived, she was already planning to leave the Blackwell family. The thought of continuing to serve Adrian and Oliver had left a bitter taste in her mouth. She would rather take a less prestigious job than remain there. But thank goodness, Isabel was safe.

“I’m just so glad you’re alright.”

Isabel hadn’t realized anyone cared for her so deeply, especially not the live-in housekeeper she had only known for six years. Her own father, after throwing her and her mother out, had never once asked about them. All his attention was on his good-for-nothing son. No matter how brilliant she was, it meant nothing. And when she gave up her dreams for Adrian, she became even more worthless in her father’s eyes. A single question would have been a waste of his time. As for Adrian and Oliver, there was nothing to be said.

“Please, call me Isabel from now on.”