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?

time she had a 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

working. You should probably call

around but

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

her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She had a feeling she knew

idea of you to treat everyone. I know Monica was a little embarrassed when her cards didn’t

Chapter 13

patience being stretched thin. “I’m sure

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 her when she realized she’d have to dip into her savings. She’s

with a faint smile, though she was far from

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 one. This child has been trying

overtime now,

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

“I think Monica will be fine. She’s always been resourceful in her own way. She managed to cover it tonight, didn’t she?”

for

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 not to count on

said, frowning. “This was Arianna’s invitation. I wasn’t told I’d be responsible for the bill. Was there some

eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”

Arianna was treating me,” Izzy replied. “Especially after I gave her a

gift?” Amalia asked,

hinted about a Cartier bangle, so got her one.”

aunt’s attention veered to the luxurious detail. Amalia had always been drawn to jewelry