Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 25

Monica sat in the passenger seat, eyes brimming with tears as she stared out the window. “This.. this is all my fault. I should never have said anything… then perhaps, if I hadn’t told you, Izzy wouldn’t be doing any of this…”

“This isn’t your fault,” Calen said as he parked the car. They had just reached Amalia and Monica’s house. “Let’s go inside,” he

said.

The three of them immediately went inside and weren’t surprised to see that it was empty. Izzy wasn’t there. However, this wasn’t unusual. In the past, Izzy often spent time at one of her properties, clearing her head or focusing on work.

“Let her cool down.” Calen said as he let Monica sit on the couch, “I know she’ll come back soon.” That was the Izzy he knew.

“Have some water,” Amalia said. “And stop blaming yourself.”

Monica accepted the water, drank it, and then shook her head. You don’t understand,” she said almost meekly. “She… she thinks I betrayed her. She’s shutting us out, cutting us off. Maybe I… maybe I pushed her too far,” she whispered. “I was just… I was just trying to help her see reason. I even encouraged Calen to talk to her in private, Mom” She started crying again.

Seeing this, Calen sighed and sat next to her, slowly stroking her back. “Izzy’s been off since the flight. I’m going to take care of this. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Monica side–eyed Calen but said nothing. She knew why Izzy had been acting off. It was because Calen had forgotten about their anniversary. But why would she tell him that? There was no need for him to try and chase Izzy! After all, Monica was already here for him.

“Do you think it has something to do with…” Her eyes widened. It can’t be.” She shook her head. “It can’t be. That’s not the Izzy I knew.”

“What?” Amalia asked. “What are you talking about?”

“No. It can’t be,” Monica said. “Don’t mind it.”

“Just tell us what it is!” Amalia said.

“Maybe she wanted the promotion!” Monica uttered as she observed Calen’s expression. Sure enough, his face immediately darkened. “But that isn’t like Izzy. She just-”

would be his–the COO of the company! This performance review was his! Why

his eyes widening.

was a child, his father, Renard, had been pushing him to be the perfect son he wanted. Renard wanted him to follow

Renard wouldn’t blink when it came to challenging him, and pushing his boundaries–even if it meant creating a direct rival!

much. I’m sure I’m wrong. Izzy wouldn’t try to steal that from

turned sharp. What the hell

calming Monica down, Calen left without looking back. She had assured him that her mother knew nothing about

Chapter 23

him, Monica was nothing more than a convenient distraction a temporary fling, someone to fill the void when

a glass of whiskey swirling lazily in his hand. Across from him sat Nico, his oldest friend and partner–in–crime from high school days. Nico, with his perfectly tousled blond hair and piercing blue eyes, grinned as he listened and scanned the bar for

flies to honey–if he wasn’t racing, he was usually at some exclusive party or club surrounded by adinifers And he never failed to invite Calen on his… escapades.

chuckling as he set his drink down. “Izzy actually got angry

of course she got mad,” he replied. “It’s like she can’t handle a challenge, even if it’s from me I don’t

Izzy who used to hang on your every word, right? The one who’d stay up all night just to help you impress your dad? That’s pretty bold, man Maybe she’s just finally… seeing the

of person. She’s just…

she’s done playing the devoted girlfriend, considering you’ve been entertaining…

Nico

you saying?” he

suspected anything? Women always know, man. Maybe Izzy’s wising up after all. She’s what now? Twenty–five? Twenty–four? Think

like that. They were mistakes, okay? One–offs.

a lot of mistakes over the years, huh?”

Nico only laughed harder. “Oh, come on, man. Don’t look at me like that.

face. “Izzy doesn’t have it in her to pull something like that on me. She’s not the scandalous type. If she even had a hint that I was with someone else, she’d probably just leave quietly. Unlike

you think it is?” Nico asked. “Do

her,” Calen muttered. “The old man’s been pushing me to take on more responsibilities. This has to be his doing.” There was no way Izzy would pull a stunt like this

drive him to his limits, and make him step up his game. They both knew Izzy could make his life hell if sh wanted. She was relentless in her work, knowing every in