Chapter 14 One of Nathans friends patted him on the shoulder and teased , Nathan , youd better bring Isabella back soon . If one day she returns pregnant and asks for a divorce , youll have no choice but to cry . Also , if the famous Nattan gets dumped by Isabella , itd be a real blow to your reputation . Grinding his teeth , Nathan muttered , She wouldnt dare … Ultimately , perhaps pressured by the impending company gala , Nathan chose to compromise . Noah , book me a flight to the U.S. And buy some gifts for my wife , he instructed . His assistants expression was hard to read . Yes , sir . The next day . Nathan boarded a flight to the U.S. , carrying a ragdoll cat as a gift his assistant had purchased . 12 12 Chapter 14 He had finally decided to personally bring Isabella back home . He thought to himself , * This trip will make up for the months l ve ignored her . When I arrive , Ill coax her a little , and shell happily follow me back . * Nathan went to the Smiths house . Six months ago , he had. tasked his assistant with finding a reliable family to help care for his unfamiliar , timid young wife . But when Nathan eagerly knocked on the Smiths door and explained his purpose , their confused expressions immediately doused his excitement . Isabella ! Nathan called into the house . He thought shed rush out joyfully to greet him as soon as she heard his voice . However , contrary to his expectations , Mr. Smith met him with a firm response . Hill , please lower your voice . Youll disturb the neighbors . Smith , Im Isabellas husband . Im here to take her home . Please let her know Im here … 12 120 Chapter 14 But their reply was an even colder splash of water to his face . Apologies , Mr. Miss Isabella never came to us . Nathan was stunned . What ? She didnt come to you ? It was at this moment that he realized Isabellas decision to sever ties with him six months ago wasnt just a passing fit of anger . She truly wanted to leave him . Like a kite whose string had snapped , Isabella had slipped from his grasp . Feeling lost , Nathan bid the Smiths farewell . Hill … Mr. Smith called after him , offering a well meaning suggestion . Six months ago , a foreign student was tragically killed during a street riot in California . Her body was never claimed and was eventually handled by the federal authorities . Maybe you should check with them ? Nathans face turned even paler , and his voice softened . Thank you . Ill look into it . Chapter 14 At the federal office , Nathan explained his situation . A staff member scolded him harshly . Youre too late . What were you doing six months ago ? The body has already been cremated , and the perpetrator has been executed . Theres no way to identify the deceased now . However , based on the autopsy report , we can share some details : the victim was a 22 year old female , wore a red dress , had long hair , and weighed around 90 pounds . Thats all . You can leave now . Nathan had no idea if Isabella had ever owned a red dress , nor could he recall her hairstyle clearly . Furious , he slammed his fist on the desk . Is this how you handle things ? That might have been my wife ! Cant you understand my pain ? The staff member looked at him as if he were an idiot . If you really cared about your wife , you wouldnt have waited six months after her death to find out she was missing . Honestly , if shes your wife , she probably wouldnt want to be found by someone like you . It was as if Nathan had been plunged into an icy abyss . 12 12 D Chapter 13 The staff members words struck him like a hammer : * If your truly cared , you wouldnt have been so negligent . * He left the office , his legs trembling , as mocking voices echoed behind him . What a scumbag . No wonder his wife wouldnt want anything to do with him . For the first time , Nathan felt an overwhelming sense of guilt toward Isabella . He had failed her, deeply and completely . Isabella , Im sorry … Where are you ? Meanwhile , in Milan , Isabellas life was filled with joy and excitement . Her teacher called her into the office to deliver thrilling news : Thea , Ive entered you into the 24th Global Fashion Festivals Newcomer Competition . Prepare well I believe you have a 1212 great chance of achieving something remarkable . Isabella felt a surge of adrenaline . Although this competition wasnt a definitive career making event , it was a stepping stone . Winners could apprentice under industry giants , including the legendary fashion maestro , Jasmine . Jasmine wasnt just a pioneer in luxury fashion design ; she was also a philanthropist and one of the worlds most influential women . Coincidentally , Isabella had met Jasmine once before . But that memory was one she preferred to forget . Back then , she had accompanied Nathan as his official girlfriend to a lavish event . Because of Nathans neglect , she hadnt prepared an appropriate gown , becoming the laughingstock of the elite socialites . Behind her back , people sneered , calling her nothing more than Nathans obedient pet . Feeling humiliated , she had asked him for a bit more allowance to buy a decent dress . 12.12 Chapter 14 288 cochers His response ? A cold glare and a disdainful remark : Isabella , stop being so vain . She had been stunned . Was wanting a decent dress truly vanity ? Yet he lavished countless jewels , designer bags , and outfits on Victoria without hesitation . That night , she had hidden away in a lounge , sobbing in despair . It was then that Jasmine had found her , wiping away her tears and praising her for her natural elegance and striking looks . Jasmine had even gifted her an exquisite jewel the legendary * Lone Moon * , a piece fit for royalty . As she departed , Jasmine had gently advised , Remember this , Isabella : every girl is her own queen . Learn to love yourself . Jasmine had been a beacon of hope for Isabella . Sadly , it had taken her far too long to realize her own worth . Isabella ? Chapter 14 288 Vouchers Her teachers voice interrupted her thoughts . What are you daydreaming about ? Did you hear what I said ? Snapping back to reality , Isabella smiled . Ill give it my all , Teacher . Her teacher nodded approvingly . If you run into any difficulties , dont hesitate to reach out to me . Thank you , Teacher . In "The Secret of Nami Sushi" by CrushReel, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding a renowned sushi restaurant. As the story unfolds, secrets hidden within the delicate flavors of Nami Sushi come to light, weaving a web of drama that keeps both the characters and readers on edge. 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