Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife (Izzy)

"Wait!"

Izzy stopped walking and slowly turned to face Calen, her expression

unreadable.

"What do you need this time, Calen?" she asked.

He stood just a few steps away, looking hesitant.

Seeing her stopped, Calen took a step closer, but Izzy immediately stepped back, maintaining the distance between them. His lips twitched into a sad smile.

"Can we talk? Maybe over coffee?" he offered.

Izzy folded her arms, tilting her head slightly as if pondering the suggestion.noveldrama

"Coffee?" she repeated mockingly. "You know, the last time I had coffee with someone, I ended up being framed. Maybe I should give it up altogether."

+13)

Calen exhaled heavily and glanced at the floor before taking another step forward. Izzy mirrored her earlier move, stepping back once more. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, frustration barely concealed in his posture.

"I'm sorry," Calen said after a moment. "For what my mom said back there. She's angry about losing her grandchild, that's all. She's always wanted one for the longest time so...."

Izzy's lips curved into a smirk, but she remained silent. Calen shifted uncomfortably, clearly expecting more of a reaction. When none came, so he pressed on.

"Are you really willing to go through with this lawsuit?" he asked. "You know it won't just go away quietly. Even if it's all lies, having a case like that attached to your name... it'll affect your reputation, especially with the project in Macao."

Izzy's gaze hardened. She raised an eyebrow, studying him carefully. "What are you trying to say?"

Calen ran a hand through his hair, looking visibly troubled. "What I mean is... this case, even without evidence, could cause damage. You have partners in Asia who won't take kindly to any scandal, no matter how baseless. It could ruin your chances, there."

Izzy narrowed her eyes. "And what do you plan to do about it? Your mother is the one threatening to sue me. Are you just going to stand back and watch?"

Calen hesitated, but finally shook his head. "I don't want that to happen. That's why I'm asking you to... appease her."

Izzy's eyebrow arched higher. "Appease her?" she repeated. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Calen hesitated again, then sighed as if bracing himself.

"Marry me," he said quietly. "If we get married, it'll calm her down. It'll stop this entire mess from escalating."

For a moment, Izzy stared at him in disbelief before letting out a low, bitter

chuckle. She crossed her arms again, her gaze unwavering.

"You want me to marry you? To 'appease' your mother?"

"Yes," Calen said, stepping forward. But before he could say anything else, Izzy raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

11:29 an, 9 Feb

Izzy stared at Calen for a moment, then let out a cold laugh.

"So let me get this straight," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "You want

me to marry you.. to stop your mommy from suing me?"

Calen stiffened, but nodded. "Yes. That's the only way."

He hesitated before continuing. "Last night, my mother spoke with my father about the lawsuit. She's determined to make you pay. She even convinced him to transfer the Macao project to me once the case is filed." He took a cautious step forward as if expecting Izzy to show some understanding. "Izzy, look... I know how much work you've put into this project. I don't want them to take it away from you. 1-"

"Isn't that exactly what you want, though?" Izzy cut him off with a smirk. "You've been forcing me to let you lead this project since it was approved. And now you're standing here, acting like you're all torn up about it? Please."

She tilted her head and took a step forward herself, eyes narrowing.

"Calen, do you think I'm stupid?"

His face twitched, but he quickly masked it with a calm expression.

"That's not fair. I'm just trying to help you."

"Help me?" Izzy repeated, her eyes widening in mock surprise. "Oh, of course. What a noble, selfless man you are! Offering to marry me to protect me from a lawsuit your family is threatening. Truly, a hero for the ages." She clapped her hands slowly.

"Izzy, I'm serious," Calen said, stepping closer, yet Izzy took another step back. "We've been together for three years. I know how much you want this project. If you marry me-just to appease my mom-then we don't have to act like a real couple. You can keep your freedom. This is just to make her drop her ridiculous delusions before things get worse."

Izzy's lips twitched, but there was no humor in her expression. Was he really trying this? The classic good cop, bad cop routine? It might have worked on the naive Izzy of the past. But not anymore. Not after everything they'd put her through What made him think she could still be fooled so easily?

She let out a slow exhale and suddenly smiled-a sharp, unsettling grin that didn't reach her eyes.

"Well then... I guess I'll just wait for that lawsuit," she said lightly as if discussing the weather.

"What?" Calen's brow furrowed. "Izzy, come on. Do you really hate me that much?"

Izzy arched a brow.

"Hate?" she echoed softly. "Oh no, Mr. Weiss. Hate is a strong emotion, and I'm afraid I no longer have that for you."

She took a slow step forward, watching his face carefully. "You see, for me to hate you, I'd have to care. And right now, you're just... nothing to me."

Calen flinched slightly, but quickly masked it. "So, you're willing to throw away everything you've worked for-just because you don't want to marry me?" His voice grew more urgent. "Is that what this is really about?"

Izzy's smile widened. "Throw it all away?" She chuckled under her breath. "Calen, I'd rather die than marry you. I'd sooner end my life than tie myself to someone like you."

"You-" Calen faltered, genuine shock flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected her to be this cold, this resolute. He composed himself quickly, but couldn't hide the tension tightening his jaw. "Izzy... we were together for three years. You 11:29 Sun, 9 Feb

loved me all those years. How can you just... turn that off? How can you throw it all away?"

* 78%

She crossed her arms, unimpressed by his sudden appeal to their shared past. However, Calen immediately took this as a good sign. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Look... Monica's already paid for what she did. She's suffered. Can't we just move on? Forget about her, forget about what happened. We can start fresh. Was it really so hard to do?"

Izzy shook her head, chuckling. "You should just give it up, Calen. There is no way for us to be together anymore. Tell your mother to sue me if she wanted to, but she better not regret it."

"What?"

"If she thinks I have nothing, then let her sue me. I will be waiting."