CHAPTER 825: CHAPTER 513: DO YOU STILL LOVE HIM? TRULY?

When the doorbell rang, Isla Linton was having dinner. She was puzzled as to who could be coming at this hour.

Ivy had said she would call before coming.

She walked to the door, checked the monitor, but saw no one.

Just as she was about to turn around, the doorbell rang again.

She turned back and saw James Yinley’s slightly swaying figure on the screen.

She held her breath in panic. She had thought he might come looking for her, but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

Isla Linton’s heart was in chaos. She reminded herself not to be soft-hearted, not to see him.

If she softened, she would fail.

"George Sullivan, Ivy Miller, open the door. I have something to say to you."

Isla Linton frowned. So, he thought Henry and Ivy still lived here and had come to find them.

"Open the door. I just saw your house’s lights on from downstairs. I know someone is home. Open up.

Why are you hiding from me? Have you done something wrong?"

At this moment, someone from across the hall came out and said, "Sir, could you lower your voice? It’s too noisy."

"I’m being loud. What’s it to you?"

The neighbor was displeased: "You’re disturbing others from resting. How does that not concern me?

I’m telling you, you’d better leave soon, or I’ll call the police. What sort of person are you?"

"Call the police, then. Do it now."

Seeing James Yinley about to walk towards the neighbor, Isla Linton hurriedly opened the door.

James Yinley turned around and was extremely surprised to see Isla Linton: "Isla? Isla, what are you doing here?"

Isla Linton glanced at him, apologized to the neighbor: "I’m sorry, he didn’t mean it. I’m truly sorry."

The neighbor was annoyed and said, "If you had done this earlier, there wouldn’t be a problem. Your arguments have nothing to do with me, but don’t disturb others."

"Sorry, sorry."

The neighbor closed the door and went back inside. Isla Linton looked at James Yinley, her eyes filled with a bit of sadness.

"Henry and Ivy no longer live here. You should go to the base to find them."

He suddenly grabbed her wrist: "Why would I look for them if not for you?"

Isla Linton smelled alcohol on him and frowned: "James, we’re over."

"You don’t get a say in that. We’re still married, still married," James Yinley wobbled slightly.

Isla Linton bit her lip to steady her emotions: "I’m sorry, Mr. Yinley. I’ve realized I still love Henry. I can’t be with you anymore. Really... I’m sorry, please go."

After speaking, she turned to go back inside. As she was closing the door, she saw James Yinley suddenly lying on the ground, closing his eyes.

Seeing this, she was truly scared, hurriedly crouching down to shake him: "James, James, what’s wrong? Wake up."

She was initially very frightened, but upon hearing his even breathing, she realized he was just drunk and asleep.

She sighed, looked back into the room, and with some helplessness, dragged him inside.

She couldn’t drag him further, so she fetched a blanket to cover him and put a pillow under his head.

After closing the door, she went into the kitchen to make some Hangover Soup.

Hearing footsteps walking away, James Yinley opened his eyes and smiled wryly.

Ivy Miller’s method was really effective. To make it more believable, he had refrained from splashing alcohol on himself.

Now, the smell was so strong, even he found it overpowering.

Hearing footsteps approaching again, he quickly closed his eyes.

Isla Linton brought in a basin of warm water to gently wipe his face and hands.

Looking at his sleeping form, she frowned deeply, gently touching his forehead, her eyes moistening.

She sighed deeply, and just as she was about to get up, he suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Isla Linton was startled, but upon looking back, saw he was still asleep.

Yet, he pulled her into his arms with a gentle tug.

"Isla, come back. Don’t leave me, don’t go."

Isla Linton’s heart raced, realizing he was talking in his sleep.

But didn’t they say that only in drunken words do you hear the truest feelings?

She bit her lip, letting him hold her as she rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes slightly red.

"How much have you drunk? Alcohol is harmful. Don’t you know?

Why torture your body like this? Can’t you take care of yourself?"

Tears fell from her eyes onto his shoulder as she spoke.

He knew she was crying. Though she made no sound, he could feel it.

After living together all these years, he truly felt no one knew this inexpressive woman better than he did.

It had been a long time since he’d held her like this. It felt so reassuring.

Over the years, hadn’t he kept her by his side just for this peace and comfort?

With her gone, the house felt cold and empty, like something was missing.

Being husband and wife, naturally, they should live together, to create more sweet memories, right?

They both drifted into sleep, embracing each other.

Isla Linton was a light sleeper and awoke suddenly after a while.

When she moved, he awoke as well, looking at her with hazy eyes.

"Isla."

"Awake?"

"Am I dreaming? It seems drinking is good; I get to see the woman I love."

Isla Linton frowned: "You’re not dreaming. It’s really me.

I made some Hangover Soup for you, but it’s probably cold. I’ll go warm it up."

James Yinley pulled her back, flipping over to pin her beneath him.

Isla Linton tensed: "James, what are you doing?"

"Don’t go. Even if it’s just a dream, it doesn’t matter. Even if only for a moment, it’s okay.

Day and night, I wish you could enter my dreams. Now that it’s finally happened, you can’t leave."

"I’m not leaving. I’m just going to warm up the Hangover Soup for you."

"I don’t believe you. If I let go now, you’d leave me immediately. I know, I know it all.

You don’t like me. You must hate me, right?"

Isla Linton shook her head: "No, James, you’re mistaken. Why would I hate you?"

James Yinley gave a bitter smile: "I know; you hate me.

Because years ago I selfishly told you I was your boyfriend, to keep you by my side.

I made you lose Henry Sullivan, preventing you from being together again.

You’re right to hate me, but Isla, I admit I was selfish.

Because of my selfishness, I can’t let you go, I’ve grown unable to give you up."

Isla Linton struggled to hold back her tears: "Don’t think that way. You did nothing wrong. I don’t hate you, I don’t blame you, I don’t resent you. The fault is mine.

But James, we must end this, we can’t continue anymore.

This is for your own good. Please stop entangling with me, alright?"

"Why? Why must we separate?

When we were together, you were clearly very happy.

Why give up on me now without even telling me why?"

"I’ve told you, I still love Henry," Isla Linton said, slightly averting her gaze, avoiding his eyes.

James Yinley clenched his fists, "You still love him? Truly?"