“I’ve noticed that lately you’ve been more quiet.”
At one of the coffee shops, after finishing a meeting, Edward and Kairos were seen sitting together to relax. A few minutes later, Samuel joined them.
“Maybe because I’ve been thinking too much about work,” Edward replied casually.
“You’re lying,” Kairos countered. As close friends who had been buddies since birth, he certainly knew Edward’s habits well. Just by looking at his facial expression, Kairos could tell when Edward had a lot on his mind. “We’ve known each other for more than just a year or two, Edward. I know what your personality is like. I’m sure you’re quiet like this because you’re thinking about the relationship between you, Julia, and Bella, right? No need to deny it.”
Like a psychic, Kairos’s guess was 100% correct. Lately, Edward had indeed been thinking about the relationship he was currently in. There was uncertainty and dilemma. Edward was struggling to determine the steps he should take.
“What exactly are you troubled about? Are you still unsure about making a decision?”
“I’m just unsure whether to continue the relationship with Bella or end it as soon as possible.”
“And go back to Julia? Goodness, Edward. Don’t you realize that’s the same as playing with Bella’s feelings? If you truly wanted to be with Julia from the start, you shouldn’t have been involved with Bella. I thought you could think rationally. Turns out you’ve been foolish from the beginning.”
Edward sighed. Sometimes, Kairos’s chatter was too much for him. Even though his friend’s intentions were good, he didn’t like his personal affairs being interfered with too much, especially when it concerned his marriage.
“It’s actually because I don’t want to keep hurting Bella’s feelings that I think it’s better to end this relationship. Just so you know, I feel like Julia is aware that I’ve been secretly involved with Bella all this time. That’s why Julia’s behavior has been strange and unusual.”
“How strange?” Kairos asked curiously.
“She’s acting like when we first got married. Being obedient, sweet, and enjoyable. I just can’t bear the thought of-”
“Ah! You’re hopeless,” Kairos interrupted impatiently. He was annoyed just hearing Edward’s confession. “Honestly, Edward, I really wanted to help you. I’ve offered multiple times from the beginning to help you break free from Julia. But seeing how indecisive you are, I’m just not interested anymore. You’ve been way below the level of foolishness.”
“Kairos…” Samuel interjected. Reminding him that his recent remarks were extremely overboard. Even Samuel was shocked to hear them.
“Let it be. Let him realize. After repeatedly cheating on Bella, he has the audacity to want to end the relationship. Does he think Bella is just a comfort woman? Used only to entertain and satisfy his sexual needs when Julia is not at home? Outrageous!”
“Kairos, you’re going too far!” Edward protested. He didn’t appreciate Kairos thinking maliciously of him and considering him a jerk.
“And what do you call it then? If you truly love Bella, you should make a decision promptly. For God’s sake, I could have helped you end the relationship with Julia quickly. But, out of respect for your privacy as a household head, I’ll let you handle this on your own for now. But, eventually, you’re starting to look unreliable.”
Edward took several deep breaths. Thinking again, before speaking to Kairos.
“Please give me a chance to sort this out on my own. I assure you I won’t make a wrong decision.”
Kairos sighed and took a deep breath. Eventually nodding, trying to trust Edward, but still issuing a stern warning to his friend.
“I’ll keep an eye on you, Edward. If you make a mistake, especially if you hurt Bella, not only Julia but you’ll also face consequences from me. I swear I won’t let you both go if you hurt Bella’s feelings.”
Edward swallowed the warning Kairos directed at him. Feeling like there was nothing more to discuss, he decided to excuse himself first.
“Where are you going?” Samuel asked.
“I have to go home right away.”
“It’s only four o’clock, Edward. It’s too early to go home.”
“There’s something I need to take care of.”
Kairos tried to talk to Edward again before he left.
“Don’t forget, there’s a celebration party at my house the day after tomorrow. You have to come because I’ll be leaving for Italy for quite some time next week.”
“Alright. I’ll try to make it to your event. You don’t have to worry.”
“I also invited Bella to attend the event. If you can’t bring her, please let me know. I’ll have a driver or I’ll pick her up myself so she can come.”
Edward nodded. Then he left Samuel and Kairos who were still comfortable sitting. Since the coffee they ordered wasn’t finished yet, they chose to continue their long conversation discussing various topics.
“Kairos, I think your words to Edward earlier were way out of line.”
Samuel, who often remained neutral, felt that Kairos had gone too far. Instead of speaking harshly, he believed there was a better way to communicate with Edward.
“Let it be. Edward is exactly like Raphael, your brother. Equally foolish and brainless.”
Samuel laughed. He didn’t deny it when his cousin compared Edward to Raphael. They were both indecisive and not assertive. And both of their life problems revolved around women.
“I don’t know why, but I managed to have a cousin like Raphael. I’m sure, Uncle Kenzie had a hard time raising that foolish Raphael. Imagine, he was already set up with Elea, who’s beautiful, smart, and wealthy. But Raphael chose another woman who didn’t compare. For God’s sake, if Elea wanted me, I’d gladly be her fiancé.”
Samuel laughed. Discussions like this weren’t the first he’d heard from Kairos.
“But, back to Edward’s issue, why don’t you just tell and show him the evidence that Julia has actually been cheating on Edward all this time?”
“Let it be. I want to see what Edward will do. Besides, he needs to be firm. If his final decision still ends up being Julia, then I’ll take action. Besides, I have to be careful.”
“Careful for what?” Samuel inquired.
“Just in case Julia has already found out about the relationship between Bella and Edward and launches a counterattack, making Bella her easy target. That’s why I can’t afford to miscalculate. For God’s sake, Samuel. Just wait and see what I’m going to do to that damn woman.”
***
“Bella, where are you?”
Still in the car, Edward intentionally called. He wanted to make sure of Bella’s whereabouts right now.
Edward deliberately came home earlier than his usual working hours in the hope of meeting Bella and at the very least being able to briefly hug the woman.
For the past month, Edward could only communicate via phone due to Julia’s presence limiting his access. Even phone calls could be counted on one hand. Julia really had him under control. She wouldn’t let Edward stray even a little.
“I’m in the room. Just finished showering. What’s up?”
“I’m already home. Julia isn’t at home, right?”
“It seems she hasn’t returned yet. Julia usually comes home by six in the evening.”
“In that case, I want to meet with you.”
“Just come to my room. I’ll wait for you.”
As soon as he got out of the car, Edward looked around. Making sure Julia’s car wasn’t parked in the garage.
With large strides, Edward hurriedly entered the house. Stepping towards Bella’s room.
“Bella.”
Edward knocked while calling out. After a few seconds, Bella appeared at the door with a smile.
“Edward, I miss you.”
Meanwhile, Bella had just attempted to pull Edward’s arm to get him to enter quickly. But her efforts failed when at the same time, Julia’s voice was heard calling out.
“Darling… are you home already?”
Bella immediately withdrew her hand. Edward was even surprised to find Julia suddenly at home.
“Julia, you’re already home?”
Julia smiled. She nodded.
“Yes. My training ended earlier today. Why are you home already? And… why are you standing here? In front of Bella’s room?”
Edward was flustered in his response. Trying to keep his composure.
“I had a meeting outside. When I came back, I coincidentally ran into Bella and chatted with her for a bit.”
Julia just nodded. Approaching, she took Edward’s arm.
“Have you eaten? How about we have dinner outside? It’s been a while since we had dinner together.”
“But, Julia-”
“Come on, Darling. Are you going to refuse me?”
Edward couldn’t refuse. Without even showering, he followed Julia’s request to go out immediately for dinner together.
Bella, standing in front of her room, could only clutch her chest as she witnessed the unpleasant scene before her eyes. This was the umpteenth time she failed to express her longing for Edward.
As a result, her mood plummeted again throughout the night. While looking at her phone, she hoped Edward would call or at least send a message.
Until midnight, Bella couldn’t sleep due to her longing. Knowing Edward was already home and believing Julia might have already fallen asleep, Bella dared to send a message.
Bella: Edward, are you asleep?
Anxiously hoping while praying, Bella waited for Edward’s response. Until not long after, her phone beeped indicating a received message.
Edward: Not yet, Bella. Have you not slept yet either?
Bella finally smiled when Edward replied to her message. Hoping they could meet briefly tonight.
Bella: Is Julia already asleep?
Edward: She just fell asleep.
Bella: Can we meet? For God’s sake, I miss you.
Edward: Alright. Wait a moment. I’ll try to come to your room.
In her room, Edward made sure Julia was already asleep and then prepared himself. Pulling back the covers, he quietly exited while crawling down without making any noise.
Sneaking around a bit, Edward continued to step towards the door. When his hand touched the door handle and was about to turn it, who would have thought Julia woke up.
“Darling, where are you going?”
Edward froze. It could be assumed that tonight he failed again to meet Bella.