Chapter 503

Hearing this, Emilio's face turned a bit red. "They said they had a bit too much to drink, so they went back to their rooms to rest."

Isabella immediately got the hint.

Olivia and Renee were giving her and Emilio some alone time.

Were they really trying to play matchmaker?

Isabella sighed and sat back down. They sat by the fireplace, quietly listening to the sizzle of the barbecue.

They had been friends for many years, and now that Emilio was the vice president at the Wilson Group, they had plenty to talk about, both work-related and personal.

Isabella didn't want to complicate their relationship, so she started talking to Emilio about work.

After chatting for a while, Isabella had eaten enough.

The meal was prepared for three, but with Olivia and Renee hiding upstairs, she couldn't eat much by herself.

Seeing that Olivia and Renee had no intention of coming back down, she called a servant to put out the charcoal fire and got up to take a walk with Emilio in the backyard garden.

Although it was spring, the outdoor temperature was still a bit chilly.

The flowers in the garden hadn't bloomed yet, and only some evergreen plants were placed around, adding a touch of green to the backyard.

Isabella led Emilio to the center of the garden.

From this spot, they could take in the entire view of the garden.

They stood there quietly, feeling the breeze on their faces, neither of them breaking the silence.

Isabella had already made up her mind.

Emilio was her friend, her childhood companion. Their trip to Graceful Haven Church had made her realize Emilio's feelings for her.

And she understood that he stayed at the Wilson Group for her.

But she couldn't bring herself to accept this relationship.

Since it was better to end things sooner rather than later, she wanted to talk to Emilio face-to-face.

At least, she owed him that much.

After a while, Emilio spoke up, almost as if he was sighing.

"Isabella, this is my first time in your backyard. The design is really unique. Your grandfather designed it, right?"

Emilio hadn't met Daniel much, but he instinctively felt that the style was reminiscent of an older generation's taste.

"Yeah, everything here was created by my grandfather."

Isabella pursed her lips, looking around the garden, and took a deep breath.

"Every part of this place was made by my grandfather. Even after he passed, everything remains as it was. Every time I stand here, I feel like he's still with us."

She had specifically instructed the servants not to move anything.

Only this way could she feel at peace.

But she hadn't brought Emilio here to reminisce about her grandfather.

She had something more important to say.

"Emilio, how long have we known each other?"

Emilio was taken aback and thought for a moment. "Over ten years, I think. I went abroad so early, I can't remember exactly."

"Over ten years. Time really flies."

As a child, after her mother's death, she had thought her life was over. But then her grandfather came, and her life got back on track.

It was all so incredible.

Isabella sighed.

"Yeah, in the blink of an eye, we're almost thirty."

They both knew what was coming next, but it was as if they had a mutual understanding not to break the silence.

But Isabella knew some things couldn't be dragged out any longer.

Emilio had given up his family's business abroad to help her manage the Wilson Group. She couldn't ignore his dedication.

But she couldn't return his feelings.

So, she owed him not just an explanation, but also a change in their relationship.

"Emilio, if possible, I want us to stay like this. I don't want to lose you."

Isabella spoke thoughtfully.

But before she could finish, Emilio interrupted.

"Isabella, we can always stay like this. Even when we're old, I'll always be here with you."

He feared that if he didn't confess now, it would be too late.

"Isabella, from the day I came back to you, I've always wanted to tell you something. Can we..."

Before he could finish, Isabella interrupted with a smile.

"We'll always be best friends, Emilio. I can promise you that!"

They could only be friends.

She couldn't give him more.

All this time, she had considered Emilio her best friend and partner.

If she didn't trust him completely, she wouldn't have entrusted him with the entire Wilson Group.

"Best friends for life?"

Hearing this, Emilio's face turned pale.

She only saw him as a friend.

That was why she interrupted his confession, to protect his dignity with their friendship.

Of course.

Isabella was so smart, how could she not know what he wanted to say?

No wonder she kept steering the conversation back to their childhood. She had seen through his intentions from the start.

His confession was dead on arrival.

Even though he never got the words out, why did the rejection sting so much?

If he insisted on confessing, the outcome would be clear: leaving the Wilson Group and losing Isabella.

They couldn't even be friends anymore.

He couldn't bear to think about a future without any contact with Isabella. It would be a thousand times more painful.

So, he had to choose.

Be friends or strangers.

Emilio took a deep breath and forced a bitter smile.

"You're right. I'll be your best friend for life. Always by your side."

Emilio's voice grew softer, the last words carried away by the wind.

Isabella's eyes dimmed. She had experienced heartbreak and knew how cruel her words were to Emilio.

But this was the best thing for him.

She believed that someone as good as him would find someone who loved him.

They stood side by side, and from behind, they looked close and well-matched.

Upstairs, Olivia watched excitedly, covering her mouth.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

She turned to Renee, "See, I told you! Isabella and Emilio are perfect for each other. I bet Emilio is going to confess to her!"