Chapter 179

Besides this, there is another important reason.

That is, Nolan knew about Isabella's years of secret crush and affection for Michael.

So, in front of him, she didn't need to disguise herself.

"Nolan, I'm really not doing this for him."

In front of someone who understood her, Isabella's explanation seemed powerless.

Because only she knew how much it hurt and angered her to see Michael walking towards Violet.

"I understand, so Isabella, don't make things difficult for yourself."

Nolan's voice was gentle, like a soft breeze healing her.

"Nolan is still the best."

Isabella genuinely thought so.

Nolan looked at her and suddenly said, "Isabella, now that I've returned to the States alone, you're the only person I can trust. I cherish the time we've spent together and our past."

"So, I don't want you to distance yourself from me."

"I won't, you'll always be my friend."

Isabella assured him, walking over to Nolan and slowly squatting down, "Nolan, believe me, I'm still the same person, our relationship won't change."

Facing Nolan's sudden low mood, Isabella felt nothing but heartache.

To think that Nolan used to be such a confident and cheerful person, capable and excellent, but now his legs couldn't walk, and he wasn't valued by the Brown Family.

He was even slandered by Michael about his relationship with her.

If it were her, she might have collapsed long ago.

But Nolan had bravely walked out of the predicament, adjusted his mindset, and became a teacher.

Thinking about this, she felt even more heartache for him.

It must have been something Michael said to Nolan that made him like this.

Isabella bit her lip, not wanting Nolan to overthink, and suggested going for a walk.

"Nolan, the sun is shining outside, let me accompany you for a walk by the lake."

There was an artificial lake on campus, surrounded by many flowers and plants, which was her favorite place when she was at Evergreen City University.

"Alright, with Isabella accompanying me, anywhere is fine."

Nolan nodded appreciatively.

Arriving at a small garden by the lake, Isabella pointed to a blooming rose bush and said, "Nolan, look, how beautiful."

Nolan followed her gaze and saw Isabella squatting on the ground, smelling the flowers.

She looked so enchanted.

Very cute.

He couldn't help but say, "If only time could stop at this moment."

Isabella turned around at his words, smiling as she replied, "It would be boring if time stopped, people always need to look forward."

"I'm still waiting for you, Nolan, to become the confident and cheerful Nolan again, and I will find someone willing to spend a lifetime with me. At least when we both find our happiness, it won't be too late to stop time."

When she spoke of her wish, the first person that came to Isabella's mind was Michael.

But the possibility of spending the rest of her life with him was too small.

Given his flirtatious nature, she might as well have a child and let the child accompany her through this long time.

After hearing this, Nolan's gaze fell on Isabella, and he said thoughtfully, "Then let's hope we both find our own happiness."

Seeing Nolan's mood lighten a bit, Isabella's eyes flashed as she remembered something important.

"By the way, Nolan, you haven't told me about your time abroad since you came back. It must have been tough living alone abroad all these years, right?"

When Nolan left, she didn't even get the news.

She only knew that there was a change in the Brown Family, and then Nolan disappeared from the country. It was three months later when she heard about him again.

Although she wanted to find out about Violet's background from Nolan, she was equally heartbroken and worried about his sudden departure abroad.

Nolan just smiled faintly at her words, "There's nothing tough about it. When I knew I had no way out, I just slowly persevered."

Before Isabella could ask more, Nolan raised his eyes and looked at her seriously.

"Isabella, have you been well these past three years?"

Not only was she worried about him, but he also thought about her situation all the time during his three years abroad.

Her love for Michael was something he wanted but couldn't have.

So, he couldn't face it and had to escape.

But now he was back, and she was right in front of him, yet he could only treat her as a friend.

Perhaps Nolan's voice was too gentle, touching the softest part of Isabella's heart. She seemed to understand Nolan's earlier words, "When you have no way out, you just slowly persevere."

Wasn't she the same?

She knew Michael didn't love her, yet she stayed by his side for three years without hesitation.

She smiled bitterly, "Just like that, good or bad, it's all in the past."

"But I feel that the current Nolan is somewhat different from the previous Nolan."

Nolan's face tensed up, but he still looked at her calmly, "Really? Then tell me, how have I changed?"

Isabella stared at him, blinking suddenly, "I can't pinpoint exactly, but the old Nolan wouldn't hide things like this. Even if I didn't ask, he would tell me everything."

Nolan chuckled, as if seeing through her intentions.

"Isabella, you can ask me anything you want to know."

"Really?"

Isabella's eyes lit up, "Then tell me about your experiences in Seraphis, and also about that student Violet you brought to my birthday party. What's your relationship with her?"

Isabella tried not to make her questions too obvious, as she didn't dare to play tricks in front of Nolan.

"Violet?"

Nolan was a bit surprised, "Why are you suddenly asking about her? She's just a student of mine."

Before he could finish, he seemed to think of something, and his eyes changed.

"Isabella, are you curious about Violet's identity because of Michael?"

Isabella hesitated for a moment, but to avoid arousing Nolan's suspicion, she nodded and admitted.

"Nolan, actually, I haven't been completely honest with you."

"I came here today to find Ms. Cooper and apologize for what happened at the birthday party, but who knew Ms. Cooper had an appointment with Michael, so I was left alone."

"You mean, Michael asked Violet out?"

Nolan's tone was full of surprise.

Isabella nodded aggrievedly, "I ran into them as soon as I got to the classroom. Michael said he was there for an inspection, and Violet was arranged to accompany him on the tour. There was no place for me, so I was about to leave when I got your call."

Then, Isabella found a legitimate reason for herself.

"Nolan, you know how deeply I love Michael. He hasn't divorced me yet, and he dares to be with Violet in front of me. How can I bear it? So, I just wanted to find out about Violet's situation from you, as my last attempt to give up."

After saying this, even she almost believed it.

To win back the flirtatious Michael, she specifically came to inquire about Violet's identity.

Probably no one else in the world was as foolish as she was.