Six

“You look good. Stop tugging on them.”

“It feels like they are too big on me.”

Even the smallest clothes he had were at least 2 sizes bigger than me, and it took lots of adjustments for them to get any form of proper fitting on my body.

“I'll take you shopping once we are done here, but for now, what you have on looks good on you.”

I immediately shook my head. 

“There's no need for that, I'll just go get my things where I left them.”

He cocked his head to the side, both brows raised.

“Do you think that's a good idea?”

Before I could respond, an old man walked up to us.

“You are here, sir.”

“James” to my surprise, he pulled the man into a side hug, “I should have been here yesterday, but I had important business to deal with.” 

He glanced at me as he said that and I felt my cheeks grow hot. Why did that feel strangely intimate?

“This is Isabel, she's with me today.”

“Ohh” a smile formed on James’ face as he took my hand in a soft handshake, “it's a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Are you interested in the farm? We've got lots of things for you to see and lots of work to be done. My wife would be more than happy to show you around and get your help.”

“No, she won’t-”

“Actually, I'd love to look around and help.” I cut in and made sure to avoid Desmond's eyes. I just can't linger by his side while he does his work.

“Let me show you to her. I'll be right back.”

Holding my hand firmly in his, he led me to a group of women huddled over a table together and cutting what seems to be like cabbage.

“They are trying to make Kimchi, the company is thinking of producing it for people who are far from home but Miss the taste of kimchi.”

“That's… beautiful.”

“Who are you holding now, James?” An old but vibrant woman who seemed to be in charge asked, her voice stern.

James immediately handed me over to her then whispered something that made her eyes light up.

“I see!”

They both exchanged looks then James walked away, leaving me looking all confused.

“Welcome, beautiful one. What's your name?”

“Isabel.”

“Such a pretty name for an angel like you.” She cooed and even pinched my cheeks before she turned to the other ladies who were now looking at us with curiosity.

“Everyone, this is Isabel. Sir Desmond brought her here himself!” she said that like it was meant to be some sort of big deal and the way the ladies’ eyes lit up, I guessed it was.

They all began to introduce themselves to me and before I knew it, I was seated and under some sort of interrogation as I helped them out with their work.

“Is that his clothes?” One of them asked, finally noticing after hundreds of questions had been thrown my way.

I felt my cheeks grow hot as I nodded and they all slapped their hands over their mouths.

“What? I had nothing to wear and he offered his.”

They exchanged glances then one of them began to speak, but her words never made it out of her mouth. She instead continued to stare at something behind me, and when I turned, Evelyn stood right behind me, wearing my clothes.

“This is where he brought you? After the great display yesterday?”

“Excuse me,” I muttered and immediately left the table to meet with her.

“What is that supposed to mean and what are you doing here?”

She took a couple of steps back once I stood a couple of inches away from her, and my chest squeezed. She looked disgusted, and to make matters worse, she pinched her nose.

“What is that smell? And what are you wearing?”

I sniffed the air but all I could smell was the cabbage I was helping them cut a while ago and it didn't even smell bad.

“That's my question actually, why are you wearing my clothes?”

She glanced down at the outfit she had on, then at me.

 “Oh this? Scott said it was okay for me to wear them. He said he bought them so they are not exactly yours.”

“What?” 

My eyes took her in and my guts twisted. The dress was more of her size than it was mine. He bought it with her in mind. It was never truly mine.

“I see.” It was pointless being hurt over the truth I've been running from. And I hate to admit it, but I might have to take Desmond's shopping offer up. “Well, I'll leave you to whatever it is that you are here for.” 

Her voice stopped me in my tracks as I was about to walk away.

“Scott has asked me to marry me.”

She cannot possibly be serious. 

“What did you just say?”

“Yesterday evening, he asked me to marry him.”

My head throbbed and my heart was beating so fast I feared it would suddenly stop working.

The guilt in her voice already let me know where this was going, yet I asked.

“And what was your response?”

“I know you were there that night before your wedding.”

I spun around so fast to face her, I thought I'd get a whiplash. 

“You knew?”

“Yes, I saw you when you walked in. I thought you were going to realize you were about to ruin your sister's happiness and change your mind, but you went ahead with the marriage.”

My head began to spin at how ridiculous everything was sounding.

She told me she wanted to travel to Italy for art school, she couldn't leave with the debts our parents left. It was transferred to my name, every debt and our chance of paying was one of us getting married to Scott Blackwell, and in this case, it had to be me. 

I was the one with the debts in her name.

I didn't marry just for love. It was also a sacrifice.

“You cannot be serious, Evelyn.”

“I am. You chose your happiness three years ago, and I'm choosing mine now. I'm getting married to Scott before the year is over.”