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.

the restroom door, holding Mina’s hand. She

1/4

Chapter 22

Mon, 24 JUN

at Scarlett’s pale complexion with concern. Setting the fruit basket aside, he approached her. “Scarlett, are

“Hmph! Pretentious

sharp glare. “Megan, mind

What happened between you two? Mom, are you really considering letting someone with such a questionable background join our family? She’s even worse

didn’t bother choosing

“Megan, what exactly is it that you want? You’ve harbored disdain for Isabella since childhood, and

unsatisfied with

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

the dispute between Zachary and

buried her face in the bed, weeping. “Please, stop arguing. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll leave and never return. You

in Zachary’s heart, leaving him feeling

and Scarlett had once

sense of independence, never relying on Zachary for assistance or causing him any trouble, defying the typical image of a pampered daughter from an

feel a sense of fulfillment. Unlike Isabella, Scarlett seemed to embody the delicate demeanor of a young lady in need of careful nurturing. As time passed, Zachary found himself gradually drawn to Scarlett.

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

don’t say that. The child is mine, and I will take full responsibility for both of you.” Gently, he reached out

with

in such pain stirred within him a profound sense

feel responsible for

or she is the Winslow family’s offspring. No matter the circumstances, we must have her bring the child into the world.”

company? Don’t tell me you sneaked out. Your father wouldn’t be pleased if he found out. Leave Scarlett to me, Megan, and the maid. We’ll handle it, so you go about your business,” Lorelai addressed Zachary with a tone of

Mom,” Zachary replied without turning

2/4

24

Chapter 22

got quite the talent for deception. No wonder Isabella was fooled

Megani That’s enough” Zachary snapped, glaring

Isabella doesn’t stand

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

watching this any longer. “That’s enough, both of you. Megan, stop talking. And you, stop crying.

Lorelai with to

lifted the quilt, stepped onto the floor

mother isn’t here, and I’m too ashamed to tell her. Please, do me this favor and let me terminate this 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

quickly pulled her up. “Scarlett, what are

by Scarlett’s actions, quickly helping Zachary support her. “What are you doing? It’s freezing on the ground.

could hurt