Chapter 739: Chapter 739: He’s Here!
Later, the Willow family faced an economic crisis. She kneeled at the Crawford family’s doorstep as heavy snow fell that day. He approached, stepping steadily in his black boots, looking down at her and said, "I can save the Willow family, but you have to marry me, become my Mrs. Crawford."
And then, she married him.
On the day of the grand wedding, adorned with splendid decorations for miles, she wore a beautiful wedding dress. The old Mrs. Crawford liked her very much and gave her a large red envelope, much like a mother giving her daughter New Year’s money, and slipped the Crawford family heirloom bracelet on her wrist.
His sister, Iris Crawford, was lively and playful, she also liked her very much. She came over, grabbed her hand, and sweetly called her sister-in-law.
She lost her balance and nearly fell. He came over and reprimanded Iris, who stuck out her tongue and hid behind her, "Brother is biased, marrying a wife and forgetting his sister. Now I can only follow my sister-in-law; you have to protect me."
That day was like a dream, the breeze was gentle, the sunlight perfect. He came over and held her small hand tightly in his palm. She smiled slightly, thinking that the cycle of time had begun to favor her, granting her reachable happiness.
She thought it was just the beginning.
She liked him, liked the old Mrs. Crawford, liked his sister Iris. She imagined that in the future, she would be a good wife, giving birth to his children, not wasting the beautiful years; she would be a good daughter, accompanying Mrs. Crawford, sharing family joys; she would also be a good sister-in-law, protecting this sister with him.
However, little did she know, before it began, it had already ended.
Falling from heaven to hell took only a moment. She wasn’t prepared for anything, wasn’t a good wife, failed to fulfill any filial duty, couldn’t protect Iris, the only sister, causing her to lose her lively and playful self.
Her existence was the biggest mistake.
If she hadn’t been there, everything wouldn’t have happened.
Now Iris has attempted suicide by taking pills. Isabelle Willow feels as if a giant hand is squeezing her heart tightly, causing great pain.
Her eyes grew hot and wet. She quickly lifted her gaze upwards. Actually, everyone is born not knowing how to cry, but she found a way not to cry—by looking up at the sky when wanting to cry, letting tears flow back.
But this time it didn’t work. She kept her eyes wide open, looking upwards, yet the burning tears still gushed out in big droplets.
Isabelle Willow hugged herself tightly, buried her tear-streaked face deep between her knees, and cried inconsolably.
She was wrong.
She shouldn’t have hoped for anything from the start.
She shouldn’t have fallen in love with Jude Crawford.
She shouldn’t have returned.
Not wanting to see, hear, or think meant not having to be sad.
At that moment, a chill invaded as someone arrived.
Jude Crawford hurried over. His deep, handsome face showed little emotion, but the cold wind outside fluttered the hem of his black wool coat. His persistent, stable footsteps on the floor reflected a stern, powerful aura that made people shy away.
Jude Crawford walked inside and immediately saw the woman curled up in the corner. She was hugging her knees, her small face buried in them, her whole slender figure hidden in the dim light, alone and desolate.
Her shoulders still shook as if she was crying.
"It’s been just a few hours, and you’re locked up here, huh?"
Isabelle Willow froze entirely, the familiar low and mocking voice echoing in her ears.
She slowly raised her head, Jude Crawford’s handsome face enlarged in her view.
How did he come here?
Out of surprise from looking up, she hadn’t wiped her face, so her face was covered with tears, as dirty as could be. Jude Crawford frowned his sword-like eyebrows and strode forward, bending one knee to the ground, extending a clearly defined hand to scoop her tear-stained face into his palm.
His thin lips pressed into a cold, displeased arc. His perfect facial contour was stern and sharp, "Just this little courage, hiding here crying secretly, how much are your tears worth?"
"..."
Initially, Isabelle Willow didn’t feel aggrieved; now, being chided made her feel very wronged. If he hadn’t come to provoke her, it would’ve been fine.
She wouldn’t have fallen for him, been obsessed with him, started daydreaming.
In her whole life, Jude Crawford was the only man she ever wanted.
Isabelle Willow cried uncontrollably, "Jude Crawford, you’re scolding me..."
Jude Crawford’s firm heart suddenly softened. His deep and narrow eyes slowly flooded with some indulgence and helplessness. Forget it, in this life, he was doomed to be captivated by her.
He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket, lifted her face, and meticulously wiped away all her tears, "Isabelle Willow, I’m a bit worried about how you’ll live without me in the future."
Isabelle Willow stiffened, forgetting to cry, staring at him blankly, "You... what do you mean?"
Jude Crawford threw the handkerchief into the trash can, then lifted her like a little chick, making her stand, "I mean you’re foolish."
"..." Isabelle Willow managed to stand, but she slipped back down.
Jude Crawford frowned, looking at her impatiently, "What happened again?"
"I... my legs are numb..."
Jude Crawford gave her a dark look, then removed his wool coat and draped it over her shoulders before bending to carry her in his arms.
Isabelle Willow smelled his familiar masculine scent, reassuring and comforting, and slowly reached out her small hands to hug his neck, choking, "Jude Crawford, Iris... Iris..."
"I know, don’t worry about Iris’s incident. A lawyer is already here dealing with the procedures. I’ll take you home first." Jude Crawford carried her out.
Isabelle Willow looked up at him. He pressed his thin lips, looking reserved, obviously not wanting to discuss Iris’s matter. Iris was standing between them, pushing them further apart.
...
Reaching the luxurious car, Isabelle Willow jumped down from Jude Crawford’s arms, looking at him, "Jude Crawford, I want to go to the hospital."
"Go to the hospital for what?" Jude Crawford revealed a hint of mockery, "Go back."
"I and Iris..."
Jude Crawford directly interrupted her, as if the topic of Iris Crawford had exhausted his last bit of patience. He directly opened the passenger door, "Get in."
Isabelle Willow originally had many things to say, about Iris’s abnormal behavior, but now she understood she didn’t need to say anything. She realized whatever she said would be wrong.
Isabelle Willow curled her fingers, "Jude Crawford, go to the hospital. I’ll go back myself. I already told you last time, I’ve never loved you. Don’t appear in front of me again. I’m annoyed!"