Gossip Girl Reborn (Isabella and Alexander)
Chapter 183

Chapter 183 Have They Been Struck By Lightning

Perhaps it was because Alexander's actions were too bizarre, but the bustling ballroom suddenly fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop.

The couple standing at the door was both familiar yet not.

It was the day of the get-together, so Isabella dolled up slightly before leaving home out of courtesy.

At that moment, she wore a sky-blue dress and had a white silk scarf around her neck. With her perfectly proportioned figure, even in such simple attire, she appeared as if she was ready to walk down a fashion runway.

Her hair was a mass of ebony waves, each strand seemingly gleaming as if they reflected light.

Overall, her light makeup accentuated the beauty of her natural features perfectly. Her ruby lips contrasted with her pearly white teeth, the curves of her body graceful.

Her shapely eyes were ebony and crystalline. Widened as saucers from her cheek being pinched, they rendered her even more charming and adorable.

Her ruby lips were slightly pouted, and she seemed surprised and angry at Alexander's action.

She was completely different from the time they met her two years ago. At that time, the gloominess that shrouded her face obscured her beauty, making her an unpleasant sight.

But right then, they finally understood why she could become an artist. With her face and figure alone, she was already more than qualified.

At the main table, a few individuals who didn't hold strong prejudices against Isabella made an unbiased comparison.

In terms of appearance, Isabella completely surpasses Eleanor, as far as we remember. And... how should we put it? Is it because she's too close to Alexander? Why does it feel like they make an even better match standing side by side than Alexander and Eleanor in the past?

Speaking of Alexander, his eyes were still as dark as night, his handsome features extraordinary. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit that perfectly encapsulated his physique, making him appear like a perfectly sculpted model.

Despite knowing he was taken, many of the girls present couldn't help but blush upon seeing the former heartthrob, a shy look creeping into their eyes.

One could say that the Alexander of the past was somewhat juvenile. But with the aura of decisiveness and ruthlessness he acquired from the business world then, his allure had escalated to a whole new level.

Powerful men always had an allure that was hard to resist. If a woman were to be held and looked in the eye by such a man, her legs would likely turn to jelly.

The aspect riveting the girls most was the uniquely distinctive Alexander at that moment.

During university, even though it was known that the heartthrob and the campus belle were an item, and they had also seen them together, it was truly entirely different from the present.

It was somewhat difficult to describe.

Even when Alexander stood beside Eleanor, he remained the same person. His behavior, gestures, and expressions resembled a perfect statue, unaffected by the presence of anyone by his side. However, the Alexander who stood beside Isabella didn't seem to be his flawless and impeccable self.

Such a change in him further tempted the girls who once had a crush on him. It was as if a deity they revered descended to the mortal realm, sparking a desire within them to vie for his attention. Admittedly, Isabella's appearance and the interaction between the couple sowed seeds of doubt in the hearts of most people present.

In truth, everyone had just heard about a piece of gossip that day from the main table-Eleanor would also be coming over. Eleanor was the person who won the heart of the unattainable heartthrob, becoming Alexander's first crush and love.

Moreover, the breakup between them happened without warning. The heartthrob was dumped, while the campus belle left for abroad. Logically speaking, such a breakup would surely be wistful and regretful. It was like an unfinished movie, with the sequel following later. Additionally, there had always been rumors about issues in Alexander's marriage, even lacking a wedding ceremony.

For that reason, everyone believed that as long as Eleanor returned, willingly humbled herself, apologized, and worked hard to salvage their relationship, she definitely had a chance to take up where they left off.

But right then, they started doubting it. No, no, no! Alexander and Eleanor's relationship stretched over several years. Their looks... Well, at least in terms of family background and capabilities, they're a perfect match. Isabella is definitely out of the league. Everyone's minds were a jumbled mess.

The same went for Isabella. What's the meaning of this? Not only is he pinching me, but I also can't shake off the feeling that those ebony eyes are glaring at me. It's as if he has some grievance against me.

"Why are you pinching me?"

When Alexander saw that Isabella's mind had finally stopped wandering and his mind was no longer buzzing in rage, he dropped his hand from her cheek.

As her fair cheeks reddened slightly from the pinch, his eyes flickered.

It seems that I pinched her too hard. Then, he couldn't help but tenderly rub the spot with his thumb.

Seeing that she was looking at him in displeasure, he fibbed, "There was a stain on your face."

Isabella looked at him with a hint of suspicion.

Oh well, I didn't do anything to provoke him, so there's no reason for him to suddenly pinch me. He probably wanted to help me wipe off the stain but didn't realize his own strength. I must really thank him. He almost dented my cheek. He doesn't even know how to be gentle with girls!

As Alexander listened to her sarcastic complaints, his mood inexplicably took a turn for the better.

Just as he was about to ease the force of his arm around her, he heard her wondering inwardly. Wait. Could this be a breakdown on his part? Because he heard the news of his ex-girlfriend, he lost his composure in everything, even his strength... Ahh! Before her thoughts ran wild, he had already pulled him into another tight embrace, heading toward the main table.

Isabella felt as if she was being pushed into doing something beyond her ability. She quickly corralled her thoughts. By the time she put a polite smile back on her face, Alexander had already ushered her in front of everyone. "Sorry, we're late." Alexander's voice was low.

In the face of a group of individuals about to provide her with endless gossip, Isabella remained amiable and respectful. She was about to greet them, only to be met with a sea of stunned expressions as soon as she looked up. She was totally bewildered.

Have they... been struck by lightning or something? What's with their expressions?

Alexander also found their reaction quite peculiar.

Just as he was about to speak, Roland, who followed behind them, hastily cleared his throat to prompt those at the table.

Alas, they remained oblivious. Contrarily, a woman dressed in a pink and white knitted dress who had had her back to them suddenly stood up and turned to face them.

Her long hair was gathered at the back of her ear on one side, draped gently on her shoulder. Her eyes were cast downward, and she looked pitiful, instantly evoking a desire in those who saw her to protect her.

However, she seemed a bit timid in her mannerisms, her expression at that moment one of mild panic. She held a bag in one hand while instinctively cradling her stomach with the other.

She didn't even pay attention to Alexander and Isabella, who had just arrived. Instead, she immediately said to Roland, "Roland, just now... Queenie contacted me. There might be a slight issue with our work during the day. I'm worried about her handling it alone, so I need to make a trip back. I won't be able to join the get-together with you."

That sudden turn of events took Roland aback. After all, he had brought her there that day to formally announce that they were planning to hold their wedding earlier due to an unexpected pregnancy and to extend everyone an invitation.

Naturally, it would be better for the two of them to announce such a matter together.

However, she then had to leave due to a sudden work commitment. Even though Roland respected her, he still felt somewhat discomfited at that moment.

But seeing the urgency in her expression, he couldn't bring himself to upset her. Immediately, he said, "Okay, I'll drive you there."

A flicker of joy flashed across the girl's face, but she quickly lowered her gaze. "No, it's okay. This is a rare get-together for you all. I don't want to hold you up because of me. I'll take a taxi myself."

After she had said that, she took her leave from the others. As she passed by Alexander and Isabella, she inclined her head at them apologetically before quickening her pace and leaving.

Although she declined Roland's offer to drive her, the man couldn't help but worry. Thus, he saw her out and helped her hail a taxi.

Thanks to that interlude, everyone finally recovered from the shock earlier. One by one, they began to greet Alexander and Isabella. Alexander sat down with Isabella.

Everyone's gazes never left the couple. As they looked at Isabella, they studied her curiously.

Naturally, Isabella also carefully observed the individuals in her gossip pool.