Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 13

“An emergency?” Amalia raised an eyebrow as she handed Izzy glass of water. “In the middle of the night? Izzy, I Why would he call you in the middle of the might knowing you are on a break? Can’t he find someone to help him out? In the past few months, you’ve been flying in and out of the country for his business. Why don’t you take a break for a week or two? Look at you losing all that weight because of your job. If your mother knew that-

Irry took the glass and nodded quietly, choosing to ignore the rest of her aunt’s words. She had heard of these words for more than a thousand times and if she didn’t know what she knew now, she might have believed her aunt’s concern was

In the end. Amalia was exactly like her daughter. Two faceil

Still, she wondered how could someone like her aunt lie with a straight face? Somehow this made her wonder what else her aunt was lying about, “I just came back to get my work laptop and some clothes. I’ll be gone for a few days.”

“That her aunt cleared her throat. “For how many days exactly? You do know that your birthday is coming, right? I already started planning things.”

“Actually, you don’t have to plan anything for my birthday,” Izzy said.

In the past, her aunt had always organized Izzy’s birthday, yet everything–from the cake and decorations to the lighting- was tailored to Monica’s tastes. Even Monica’s gown would outshine hers.

But Izzy hadn’t cared about those details before. Why would she? Her aunt had taken her in after her parents died–a debt she once believed she could never repay.

Now, Izzy sneered inwardly.

“How could you say something like that! It’s going to be the dayou turn twenty–six. I need you with me to go shopping for gowns and other things. You should clear your schedule for these things.”

“Gown shopping?” Izzy asked. The last time her aunt took her gown shopping had been a disaster. Amalia had picked out a premade gown that was two sizes too big for Izzy, while arranging for a tailor to customize a dress just for Monica. “You’re planning to host a huge event?”

“Of course! What are you even thinking? Did you know that your mother gave birth to you when she was twenty–six?

birthday that was about her. She wondered what her aunt was trying to pull off this time. “Alright,” she said, while placing the glass on the counter. She knew that once Amalia starts talking about Izzy’s late mother, she would never stop. This conversation will end with Izzy trying

credit cards aren’t working. You should probably

She turned around but

softened, a gentle, almost motherly tone slipping into her words. “Hold on a second, Izzy,” she began, with a small, sympathetic smile. “Monica told me about the dinner tonight, It sounds like it turned into a bit of a… situation. You know how these things can be–when everyone’s out, celebrating, the bill can add

the strap of her bag. She had a feeling she

her cards didn’t go through, poor thing. Imagine how she must’ve felt… surrounded

Chapter 13

but inside she felt her patience being stretched thin. “I’m sure

Amalia nodded, sighing. “Monica’s heart was in the right place, you know? She’s never as organized as you, of course—never has been, bless her–but she wanted to do something special. I think it really got to

suppressed an eye roll. “Savings are for emergencies, aren’t they?” she said with a faint smile, though she was far from amused. Monica had always been so proud of her “savings“-money she’d managed to set aside after constantly mooching off

“Oh, you’re right, absolutely. But this was meant to be a special occasion, not a crisis. I know Monica doesn’t say it often, but she really does look up to you, Izzy. You’ve always been the stable one, the dependable

working overtime now, and Izzy recognized

the cost. You know, just this once. It’s only eight thousand dollars, and she’s learning

a deep breath, giving her aunt a neutral smile. “I think Monica will be fine. She’s always been resourceful in her own way.

for

“Of course, Izzy. I understand. I just thought, as her big sister, you’d want to case her burden a little. Eight thousand isn’t easy someone like her to come by. But if you’re stretched thin right now. I completely understand. I can let her know

Arianna’s invitation. I wasn’t told I’d be responsible for the bill. Was

rose. “What

Arianna was treating me,” Izzy replied. “Especially

gift?” Amalia asked, her

a Cartier bangle,

detail. Amalia had always been drawn to jewelry and designer goods, often using any extra funds