Can't Win Me Back (Isabella and Nathan)

Nathan's cold eagle-like gaze fixed on Isabella, his eyes burning with resentment, like a fire about to ignite.

Isabella, however, stood tall, bravely lifting her chin to meet his stare, her eyes filled with defiance.

Theo, sensing the tension, tactfully stepped away from his friends and leaned close to Isabella, whispering softly, "Bella, I'll wait for you in the car. Call me if you need anything." Isabella nodded in acknowledgment.

Nathan stepped closer to Isabella, his presence immediately overwhelming, as he loomed over her, practically grinding his teeth as he spoke:

"Isabella, to get a divorce, you really will stop at nothing. Fine. I'll grant your wish! But let me make myself clear-since you begged for this divorce, once it's done, you and I will have nothing to do with each other."

Isabella's dark eyes seemed to light up with countless stars. "Nathan, don't worry. After the divorce, you and I will have-nothing to do with each other, ever again."

Nathan was stung by the disdain in her eyes. He couldn't understand where Isabella's confidence came from, or how she thought she could fare better without him. He tried to bring her back to reality:

"Isabella, I think you've been living too comfortably and don't realize how harsh the world can be. Do you really think you can integrate into Theo's circle? Hmph, without Mrs. Hill's halo, when you're nothing but a secretary who's served others for a few days, you'll just become his plaything. You're getting arrogant because of that brief, lowly role you had as someone's assistant."

Isabella simply smiled and said nothing.

Nathan thought his ex-wife was nothing but a parasite, but what he didn't know was that since Isabella had stopped loving him, she had focused entirely on developing her career and walking her own path.

Theo, on the other hand, was simply a nice addition to her life, not someone she relied on for survival.

"Isabella, remember this: no matter how hard or miserable your life gets, don't ever show up in front of me and disturb my peace," Nathan warned, his teeth gritted.

Isabella rolled her eyes dramatically. "Nathan, why are you so sure that I'll be miserable after leaving you?"

Nathan sneered, "A woman without status or a background, and losing her only support-Isabella, you're too stupid to see your own worth."

Isabella's face turned red with anger. "Nathan, I don't need anyone to support me, because I am my own support."

Having lived two lives, she knew that her parents couldn't be trusted, her Bella was unreliable, and her husband was no better. If she still relied on others, then she truly would have wasted her life. Nathan sneered at her rebellious, stubborn attitude. "Isabella, let's see what happens."

Isabella didn't want to waste any more words with him. She tossed a final remark over her shoulder, "Nathan, see you tomorrow at the Public Affairs Directorate. I hope this time you won't act like a turtle hiding in its shell." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.

Nathan shouted after her, "Isabella, deactivate your social media account!"

Isabella waved without turning around. "Get a divorce first, then I'll deactivate it."

Nathan was furious.

---

Isabella climbed into Theo's car, and Theo couldn't help but tease her when he saw the smile curling at the corners of her lips. "So, he agreed to the divorce?"

Isabella nodded excitedly. "Mm," her joy hard to conceal.

Theo let out a barely audible sigh, as if releasing a lifetime's worth of pent-up frustration.

Then, quickly regaining his usual youthful energy, Theo grinned. "Bella, to celebrate your soon-to-be newfound freedom, how about we go out for a big meal tonight?" Isabella happily agreed.

---

At the restaurant.

As Theo's car pulled up, Isabella quickly opened the door and stepped out, hurrying around to the front passenger side. She opened the door for Theo with full respect, her posture as if serving him. Theo froze for a moment, his bright eyes darkening.

"Bella, are you really getting too deep into the role? It's after work hours; shouldn't the secretary be off the clock by now?"

Isabella realized that he was sulking, so she quickly reassured him. "Theodore, this act won't last long. Tomorrow I'll divorce Nathan, and then I'll take back Thea's identity."

Theo finally relaxed, his brows smoothing out.

They entered the restaurant, and Theo immediately felt the warm air. He casually took off his coat.

Isabella, ever so eager, hurried to take it from him.

Theo sighed and tossed the coat into her hands.

Just then, a figure rushed forward. The woman, engrossed in her phone conversation, didn't see where she was going and accidentally bumped into Isabella, knocking her to the ground. Theo's face darkened as he stepped in front of Isabella. The woman looked up, surprised, and seemed to recognize Theo. Her face froze as she opened her mouth.

"Apologize to the person you bumped into," Theo ordered coldly.

The woman seemed to recognize him but reluctantly walked back. She muttered, "Sorry."

Isabella felt that the voice sounded vaguely familiar. She lifted her head, and when she saw the woman's face, scenes from the past flashed in her mind.

She finally remembered. This was Victoria's close friend, Lucy.

In her past life, Isabella had met

Lucy at a birthday party Nathan threw for Victoria. Victoria had wo

a luxurious dress Nathan had bought for her, while Isabella had worn cheap clothes she bought off a street vendor, holding a sick child and going to see Theo.

At that time, Lucy had mistaken her for a maid.

...

Lucy clearly didn't recognize Isabella now.

Isabella, thinking about her

upcoming divorce, knew she wanted to sever all ties with Victoria's circle. She didn't want any involvement with her past life. She shook her head at Lucy, signaling that she should leave.

"I'm fine. You can go now."

Lucy seemed relieved and quickly turned back to her phone, speaking hurriedly into it:

"You need to calm down. Don't let the internet trolls get to you. After all, you're pregnant with two months now."

"Sis, take care of the baby. With your child, you'll have a stronger position in the Capital's elite circles. When you make it big, don't forget to pull me up with you..."

Isabella's face slowly darkened as she stared at Lucy's retreating figure.

She turned to Theo and asked a strange question:

"Why do you think Nathan suddenly agreed to the divorce so easily?"

Theo, being the perceptive person he was, noticed Isabella's gaze had given everything away. He smiled. "Probably because he's trying to cover up evidence of his affair." Isabella suddenly smiled seductively. "I'm starting to think I don't want a divorce anymore."

Theo laughed. "Bella, as long as you're happy."

"I'll support whatever you decide," he added with a teasing tone, trying to lighten the mood.

Theo knew she was carrying a lot of frustration and resentment inside. If she didn't vent it out, he worried she might one day break down.

Isabella stuffed his coat back into his arms and changed her mind. "Theodore, I'm sorry. I'll have to leave tonight. I want to go visit my good Bella at the Moore family." Theo pretended to be disappointed. "Bella, you're the first girl to stand me up."

Isabella coaxed him. "I'll treat you to a feast another time."

Theo's face became serious.

Isabella added an extra benefit. "How about I warm your feet for you in the winter?"

Theo smiled, finally relaxed. "Alright, I'll take you back."

At **the Moore family's mansion**.

Isabella looked at the duplex villa. Although it was in Capital, and not comparable to the large estates of wealthy families, for Isabella, who had grown up in poverty, this villa once felt like heaven.