Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Fidelia had always known-Isabel was anything but genuine.

Now, no matter what Isabel said, Fidelia was convinced she was lying through her teeth.

Isabel could feel Fidelia's stare, but when she looked over, her face was the

picture of innocence. She hesitated as if desperate to mend the rift between them, but too lost for words to try.

Anyone who didn't know her might almost feel sorry for her.

Fidelia couldn't stand it anymore. She'd never been one to hold her tongue or hide her feelings. Storming up to Isabel, she forced her to meet her gaze and demanded, "Isabel, how long are you going to keep up this act? You're just using everyone's sympathy to get what you want, aren't you?"

Isabel recoiled as if frightened. “Fidelia, I honestly don't know what you're talking about. What goal could I possibly have? If I really wanted to play the victim, I'd just come right out and ask for help. Why would I distance myself from you all instead?"

Her eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling as she said, "From the very start, I told you—I don't want you to feel guilty, and I don't want you to feel responsible for me. This is just fate, something I brought upon myself. It has nothing to do with any of you."

Fidelia scoffed, "And you're saying all this just so everyone will pity you, right? To pull at their heartstrings?"

Isabel's expression crumpled further. "No, that's not true! You've already made up your mind about me, so nothing I say will ever sound right to you. I don't even want to explain anymore. No matter what I say, you'll never believe me. So just go. All of you just leave me alone."

"You" Fidelia was furious, ready to snap back, but Lindy stepped in and gently pulled her aside.

"That's enough, Fidelia. She's upset enough as it is. Don't make things worse," Lindy said quietly.

Fidelia turned on her, exasperated. "Aunt Lindy, please don't let her fool you! She's a master at pretending to be helpless. She's faking it!"

Lindy patted Fidelia's shoulder in reassurance. "Sweetheart, you're a little worked up right now. Why don't you head home and let me handle things from here?"

Fidelia saw right through it-Lindy wanted her out of the room.

Clenching her jaw, Fidelia insisted, "Aunt Lindy, you can't let her deceive you. She lies about everything."

Isabel's eyes filled with fresh tears. She bit her lower lip and shook her head. "That's not true, I—"

"That's enough. Go home, Fidelia," Lyman interjected.

Fidelia was

group angry she could have

ground her teeth to dust. She'd everything she could, and

one

'saw the truth. Conte

With nothing left to say, she turned to Effie, catching her eye. For a split second, something complicated

Sered between them.

Fidelia thought she understood-her bond with Effie was different, almost telepathic.

"Fine, don't listen to me. Do whatever you want," she muttered, storming out of the hospital room.

Once she was gone, Lindy turned to Lyman and Effie. "Effie twisted her

ankle, too. You should take her

home to rest. I'll stay here with Isabel."

Isabel quickly spoke up, her voice demure. "That's really not necessary. I can find

a nurse myself."

"Nonsense. We'll take care of it for you," Lindy replied.

Isabel knew better than to protest further—any more reluctance would look suspicious.noveldrama

Once everything was settled, Lyman and the others quietly left the room.