258 I completely believe you

Silence fell between them, only the autumn wind whistling softly through the air.

Sam looked at Isabella, and she returned his gaze, blinking innocently as if she hadn't realized the shock value of her previous suggestion.

It wasn't until Sam couldn't hold back any longer. "Are you kidding me?"

"You knew I was joking? I thought you took me seriously for a moment there."

Isabella's eyes crinkled into crescents, her expression teasing, almost proud of catching Sam off guard.

Sam, now realizing she was definitely joking, was still momentarily taken aback. He responded, somewhat annoyed, "So why make that kind of joke?"

Walking side by side down the street, Isabella glanced at Sam, her smile tinged with a mix of resignation and mild irritation. "You're not mad, are you?"

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because I let down your expectations."

"Stop talking nonsense; I had no such expectations."

Sam flatly denied it.