Married to my Archenemy

She was wearing only a pair of thin cotton socks and could already anticipate how painful it would be to step on them.

Isabella took a deep breath, ready to grit her teeth and get out of the car, but a tall figure blocked her way.

She looked up and found it was Ethan.

Ethan frowned at her and then took the initiative to pick her up. At the same time, his cold voice sounded in her ear: "Grandma Hannah is watching. Don't worry her."

It was said that when Isabella returned, both Grandma Hannah and Lady Emily came to greet her at the door.

Isabella suddenly felt ashamed. What did she do to deserve their sincere treatment?

Seeing Ethan holding Isabella, Grandma Hannah was very happy and said with a smile, "Are you tired, Isabella? Go back to your room and rest first. Later, I'll ask the housekeeper to bring your dinner upstairs."

Then she turned to Ethan and said, "You finally came to your senses. Today is truly the happiest day of my life."

Isabella could only continue to act with Ethan.

But as soon as they returned to their room, she immediately pushed him away. "That's enough. I can walk on my own."

"Suit yourself." Ethan took off his tie. "But I advise you not to wander around. Someone will come later to fit you for tomorrow's dress. Don't miss them."

Isabella ignored his sarcasm and sat on the sofa to make a phone call.

"Hello, Olivia..."

Hearing her on the phone, Ethan turned and went into the bathroom.

"Are you feeling better?" Olivia knew about Isabella's fainting incident and that James had brought her to the hospital.

James had also asked about Isabella's condition, but Olivia didn't say much.

"I'm better now. I just suddenly remembered my parents..." Isabella felt sad, and her voice choked up.

"Isabella, my condolences..." Olivia hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate to say more at this time.

"Do you know what happened after my parents had a car accident? Why was our house sold? I can't remember anything." Isabella's voice was filled with urgency. The house had held all her cherished memories, and she was desperate for answers.

"I'm sorry. When those events took place, I was back in my hometown and wasn't by your side. When the school year began, Olivia mentioned your family's accident, their bankruptcy, and that you were deeply affected by it," said the voice over the phone.

"Olivia?" Isabella's mind instantly brought up Chloe's face. Chloe, her cousin, was someone she had never gotten along with.

"Yes, Chloe. She took advantage of you when you were vulnerable, but you didn't resist her. You simply went through life like a zombie... You even almost got expelled," the voice continued.

Isabella stayed silent.

"Strangely, you don't remember these events. One day, however, you suddenly changed. You became motivated and determined to rebuild your life. You told us you wanted to make your parents proud and that someone's harsh words woke you up."

"Someone woke me up?" Isabella mused.

Ethan's cold voice abruptly interrupted the conversation, calling from the bathroom, "Isabella, come here for a moment."

This man!

Isabella rolled her eyes, pretending not to hear, and continued the conversation. "Do you know who it was?"

"No idea. I asked, but you didn't tell me. Then, out of nowhere, you insisted on marrying Ethan. None of us could stop you."

From the bathroom, Ethan barked, "Isabella!" His voice was so loud that Olivia could hear it over the phone.

"Who's calling you? Is everything alright?" Olivia asked.

Ethan's voice thundered again: "Come here!"

Isabella clenched her fists in frustration, storming to the bathroom door. "What do you want?"

"Get me my pajamas."

"No. I'm not your servant," she retorted.

"Are you sure about that? Fine, I'll come out. Mind you, I'm not wearing anything," Ethan warned.

Isabella panicked and grabbed the door handle. "No, no, no!" she protested.

But the door swung outward, and she accidentally opened it.

Both of them froze.

Just then, Lady Emily, who was coming upstairs, called out, "What's going on?"

Isabella panicked. If Lady Emily saw this awkward scene, her perfect image would crumble. Thinking fast, Isabella shoved Ethan back inside the bathroom and entered after him.

Once inside, Isabella glared at Ethan. "Shut up!" she hissed.

"And what if I don't?" Ethan teased.

"You can try," she shot back.

Lady Emily's voice echoed outside. "Isabella? Ethan? Are you in there?"

Just as Ethan prepared to respond, Isabella made a desperate move—she kissed him. The words died in his throat. At the same time, the showerhead accidentally turned on, drenching them both.

Lady Emily, seeing the blurry outlines of the two, chuckled to herself. "Well, it seems Isa has already claimed him," she murmured and left quietly.

As soon as Isabella processed what she'd done, she pushed Ethan away. "Why didn't you dodge?" she accused.

Ethan looked baffled. "Why should I?"

"If it happens again, I won't let you off easily!" Isabella warned, storming out of the bathroom—though not without fumbling the outward-opening door again.

---

Later that evening, the prominent figures of Crown City gathered to celebrate Grandma Hannah's 80th birthday at the luxurious Wilson Mansion. Isabella was a vision in her flowing white satin dress, chosen to match her role as Ethan's wife.

Madam Emily showered her with praise. "My dear Isabella, you are breathtaking. God blessed us by bringing you into our family."

"Thank you, Mom," Isabella replied, her heart aching at the thought of her late parents.

The party reached its peak when Grandma Hannah descended the grand staircase, flanked by Isabella and Emily. A dazzling spotlight cast a warm glow on Isabella's ethereal appearance, drawing every eye in the room.

Ethan, among the crowd, frowned as he caught sight of her dress. "Who chose that dress for her?" he muttered, clearly displeased.

Meanwhile, his childhood friend Alexander introduced him to a notable guest, James of the ADC International Psychological Counseling Center.

James smiled as he shook hands with Ethan. "A pleasure, Mr. Ethan. It seems we meet again."