After the Secret Wedding Rise of My Queen

Chapter 253 What the Hell?! Isabel, It's You?!

Oh no! Isabel sucked in a sharp breath, her widened eyes fixed on the shiny leather shoe that had suddenly intruded into her hiding space.

The polished leather and sleek design immediately gave her a clear idea of who owned this shoe. She recognized it in an instant.

Gulp. Isabel swallowed nervously, staying motionless as she remained crouched under the table. She strained her ears to catch the conversation happening above her, silently praying they'd leave soon. Staying in this cramped position was torturous, not just for her but also for the babies in her belly.

"Richard, when you have time, come visit me at my place," Ivana said. As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward the kitchen. She had been to Richard's house twice now, and neither time had she seen any household staff. It was clear that Richard lived alone, cooking and managing everything by himself.

He was such a thoughtful and independent young man-his self-sufficiency made her heart ache for him.

Why are they still talking? Isabel was growing anxious. Her legs were starting to go numb.

Ordinarily, she could endure far worse. Even though her current physical fitness couldn't compare to what it was in her past life, her endurance had been ingrained in her soul through countless trials.

But this was different. She wasn't just looking out for herself anymore; the babies in her belly made her situation far more complicated.

Sweat slowly trickled down from Isabel's temple as her discomfort grew.

Are they seriously planning to stay for dinner? she worried. What if they start cooking here?

Just as Isabel's head began to ache from overthinking, Xander's sharp gaze flicked toward the vegetables on the table.

Did Richard buy all this food? he wondered.

Ivana noticed it too. "Richard, were you planning to cook for yourself?"

Richard's brows furrowed slightly at the question. Isabel was still hiding under the table, and if this conversation continued, he was afraid she wouldn't last much longer.

"Yes, I've always cooked for myself," he replied.

He needed to come up with a good excuse to get Ivana and the others to leave.

But what excuse could he use?

Ivana stood up suddenly, grabbing the groceries from the table. Looking at Richard, she said, "Forget cooking tonight. I will make dinner for you instead."

Richard blurted

Isabel cursed internally, What

warmly and continued, "Don't tell me you forgot that I know how to cook? When you and Leslie were

anymore. His mind was preoccupied, trying to figure out how to politely but firmly get Ivana

you," Samuel said,

be my sous chef." Ivana handed the groceries over

this house like their

saw Yolkie strutting out of

look exactly like the one

dog. Isabel, on the other hand, felt her nerves

come over here. Please, for

gaze locked on Yolkie, scanning him from head to tail. The resemblance wasn't just striking-it

Xander wondered. When Isabel said she was giving Yolkie to a friend, was she talking about Richard?

probably just a dog

down and studied Yolkie for a few

Yolkie tilted his head and wagged his

"Wait, what?" Samuel blinked.

a moment before

name, Yolkie jumped up

anyone. But he had

waves of suspicion through both Samuel and

head to look at Richard.

to when Isabel had dropped Yolkie off, explaining that Xander was allergic to dogs, so she

Richard began, but before he could finish crafting his excuse, Yolkie

dove underneath her, showering Isabel with enthusiastic licks and nuzzles, its tail whipping back and forth with the joyous abandon of a conductor leading a symphony. "Shoo, shoo!"

moment she spoke, every pair of eyes in the room turned toward the

time. He grabbed the tablecloth and

to contain himself. "Isabel?! Wh-what the-how are you

instant Xander had heard the sound from under the table, he had

enough-it

was Isabel hiding under

here in the first place? And why had she

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