EPOV

"I really think Isabella should lead this project." I told Mom, "I already talked to Big Pa."

Isabella was just... brilliant! She ramped up pretty quickly and I could not see any reason why she wouldn't be a good fit for this. I felt that she liked and wanted to work on challenging projects that would give her an opportunity to prove her merit and I couldn't see any project better than this for her to get started at Cullen Inc.. She was a good multitasker and till now, she had been pretty good at handling things at both here and Swan Inc., and as per my discussion with her, she was ready to take on more responsibilities here.

"I thought you wanted to work on this." she said.

"Yeah, I wanted to, but I think this would be a really good project for her to get started here." I said.

"So you're trusting her that she's going to deliver this?" she asked.

"Yes, I don't have any doubts about that." I said, "She's good."

"It's so refreshing to see you trusting someone so easily on one of your ambitious projects," she smiled.

"I think even if she's new here, she has a proven track record of what she is capable of." I said.

"Of course." she smiled.

"Okay, so do you agree with me on this?" I asked.

"Yes." She said, "I know she's good. She has all it takes to lead this project."

"Cool." I said.

"But I hope now you realize that mothers are always right." she smiled, "Hope now you understand that you wouldn't be having this confidence in your partner if you had married that drummer, what was her name again? God, I can't even recall her name! "

My blood boiled as I heard that. Look at that arrogance!

"You really don't have to bring Angela into this," I said.

"Oh right, Angela!" she said, "So do you see what would have happened if you had married her? Either you'd be at some of her stupid gigs, or you might be in the middle of the divorce proceeding because I honestly couldn't see how that was ever going to work! Isabella is your true partner in every sense! I'm glad you're realizing it now."

"I wish I could wipe that smile off your face." I said, "If Isabella wasn't my wife and if she had all it take to lead this project, well, I'd still have recommended her."

"Sure." she smiled again.

This woman was so arrogant. There was no way I was going to give her any satisfaction!

"Do you know what your problem is?" I said, "You think what you believe is always right, but sadly it isn't. You say that Isabella is my true partner in every sense. Well, I'd say that she's a good business partner I have gotten out of this business deal that is our marriage! But sadly, that is all we have. There's nothing more."

"I know that." she smiled, "And I still think that's the best for you. Whatever you're missing in your relationship, I'm sure that could change. I already see some changes in both of you."

"Well, I'm not sure what you're seeing." I said, "Because nothing is going to change for us, and just because of your ego, your son and daughter-in-law are going to have a pathetic, loveless marriage life. I'm sure both of us could have found love somewhere else."

"We will see." She smiled again.

No way!

There was no way I'd let her win!

There could never be something more between Isabella and I.

And the positive thing was, Isabella also really didn't have any expectations from our relationship in terms of romantic or emotional aspects, so we were all good.

A/N: My pre-written content is over, so the updates won't be so frequent now! Lol