Goodbye Cheater Hello CEO’s Wife by Payne Walter

Chapter 22

“You look stunning. You can wear this in the bedroom from now on.” Clayton handed Isabella a bag with a smile. “But remember, you can only wear this in the room. Time to slip into something else before we head downstairs for dinner.”

Isabella felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her and thought, ‘Damn, Clayton, you did this on purpose.

“Shall I give you privacy to change, or would you like to do it yourself?” Clayton noticed Isabella’s flushed cheeks, feeling a sense of accomplishment at her reaction. Seeing her hesitance, he gently approached her.

Clutching the bag tightly, Isabella dodged Clayton’s hand, her blush deepening. “I’ll manage on my own, thank you. You should go out.”

“Let’s head downstairs for dinner once you’ve changed,” Clayton chuckled.

“I’m not hungry!” Isabella protested, but her stomach betrayed her with a loud grumble before she could finish her sentence. Isabella blushed, feeling utterly embarrassed.

Clayton couldn’t contain his laughter. With a warm smile, he reached out, pulling her closer and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You’ve got five minutes. I’ll come in five minutes later.” Then, he turned around and went out.

Isabella hastily emptied the contents of the bag and slipped the underwear on without thinking, surprised by how well it fit. The outfit Clayton had selected for her was a modest, light blue dress that didn’t reveal much. Once she was dressed, the door swung open.

Clayton was pleased as he sized her up, satisfied with the clothes he chose. Approaching her, he took her hand. “Let’s go eat.”

Noticing Isabella standing barefoot on the floor, Clayton frowned, scooping her up into his arms.

“Hey, put me down! I can walk,” Isabella protested.

Clayton pressed a kiss to Isabella’s cheek. “Be good. It’s chilly on the floor. Let me carry you.”

“Isabella dared not struggle, fearing she might fall. As Clayton descended the stairs, he called out, ““Zaylee, fetch a pair of slippers.”

Meanwhile, Lorelai, instructed the maid, Mina, to place a pair of slippers beside the bed and assisted Scarlett in getting out of bed.

Scarlett cast a timid glance at Lorelai. “Thank

k you, Mrs. V

Winslow.”

Lorelai’s expression remained impassive as Mina helped Scarlett to the restroom..

Megan smirked, observing Scarlett with disdain, “Who does she think she is? How dare she try to seduce Zach? She’s hardly fit to be a part of the Winslow family!”

Lorelai made no effort to stop Megan’s outburst, silently acknowledging that she shared similar sentiments.

As if on cue, Zachary entered the room, holding a fruit basket.

“Mom, where’s Scarlett?” he asked, looking at the empty bed.

holding Mina’s hand. She called

1/4

Chapter 22

Mon, 24 JUN

the fruit basket aside, he approached her. “Scarlett,

“Hmph!

glare. “Megan, mind

mind my words? What happened between you two? Mom, are you really considering letting someone with such

bother choosing

you want? You’ve harbored disdain for Isabella since

with Scarlett!”

and cutting. “What do I want? Perhaps you should ask yourself that question! Let me make things clear to you. This woman is from Nusridge. She has no wealth or lineage to speak of. Her mother scrapes by on a meager allowance, and her brother is a deadbeat. Are you seriously considering marrying someone like her when

dispute between Zachary and Megan,

trembled as she buried her face in the bed, weeping. “Please, stop arguing. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll leave and never return. You won’t have to worry about me or

in Zachary’s heart, leaving him feeling utterly

once

causing him any trouble, defying the typical image of a pampered daughter from an

she gazed at him with admiration, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Unlike Isabella, Scarlett seemed to embody the delicate demeanor of a

have been ingrained since childhood, the certainty of her presence in his life perhaps lessened his desire for her. Yet, there was an undeniable, instinctive pull

will take full responsibility for both of you.” Gently, he reached out to wipe away

tears with a tissue.

Zachary with guilt. Seeing Scarlett in such pain stirred within him a profound

but feel responsible for her

is the Winslow family’s offspring. No matter the circumstances, we

me you sneaked out. Your father wouldn’t be pleased if he found out. Leave

Mom,” Zachary replied without

2/4

Mon, 24 JUN

Chapter 22

scoffed. “You’ve got quite the talent for deception.

mouth, Megani That’s enough” Zachary snapped, glaring at

You’re the one who’s blind, Zach. Isabella doesn’t stand a chance against her when it comes to

through sobs, “Megan, Isabella and I are best friends. It’s my fault. I’ve let her down. Once I’m better, I’ll apologize to her and ask for forgivenes. I… I never intended to compete with her, I love Zachary sincerely, but I didn’t mean for things to end up this way.” Scarlett wiped her tears with the back of

talking. And you, stop crying. Being so

Lorelai

lifted the quilt, stepped onto the floor barefoot, and knelt before Lorelai.

pregnancy. This child shouldn’t exist. I don’t want him to face humiliation and disdain. Let me take responsibility for this mistake,” Scarlett pleaded, her voice choked with emotion as tears streamed down her face. She

“Scarlett, what are

similarly taken aback by Scarlett’s actions, quickly helping Zachary support her. “What are

could hurt