Chapter 217 - Jeffs Birthday party (4) (2/2)

In the ladies' room, Sarah and Isabella are in front of the mirror, checking their makeup.

”You don't seem to be enjoying...” Sarah decided to go with an honest approach.

”Is that obvious?” Isabella faintly smiled.

”I'm sorry... if I can help you somehow, let me know.” Sarah was hoping to find a way to solve the issue that Jeff and Isabella are facing.

”You can give me a boost so that I get out of here.”, Isabella pointed to the window.

Sarah smiled helplessly and shook her head. ”Running away through the window will not solve anything.”

”Easy for you to say...” Isabella sighed. ”You get to stand next to the person your heart selected.”

Sarah thought that there is more to her words but didn't want to intrude and ask too much. ”You know, Jeff is not a bad guy...” Sarah saw that Isabella's face fell and didn't continue. She got another idea. ”Hey, they have a great chocolate bar here... with a huge chocolate fountain, and we can dip stuff in it... how about it?”

Isabella's face softened and she nodded in agreement.

…

The atmosphere brightened up between Sarah and Isabella and two of them chatted happily while dipping fruits and marshmallows in the chocolate fountain.

Sarah found out that Isabella is from Salina, Georgia. She graduated with a degree in arts and is preparing her third solo exhibition of sculptures and paintings. When Sarah heard that the theme of the exhibition is ancient Greece, she looked at Isabella like she is her biggest fan. ”Oh, my! Oh, my! You must tell me where and when. I will definitely come! I'm an ancient-Greek-geek if I may say so myself.”

Isabella laughed, ”Eh? Really? ... Now you are making me nervous.”

Sarah observed that Isabella is a very friendly and warm person without her guard up. Unfortunately, that confirmed her suspicions when she saw her stiff and not talking to Jeff: Isabella didn't want to have anything to this arranged marriage.

Sarah could tell that Isabella is a good person, and she wanted to help. And she can help in getting Jeff and Isabella closer or in breaking this arrangement made by their parents years ago. But is that even possible?

As Sarah looked what fruits to pick next to smother in the liquid chocolate, with the corner of her eye she saw a palm moving towards her, like she is about to be groped. Sarah swiftly stepped aside, avoiding the stray hand, and turned around in one elegant move. She looked at the owner of the hand and her expression became cold. ”What do you think you are doing?”