The day before, Edward did indeed consider carefully what Samuel had suggested. Edward mulled over and weighed carefully whom he should choose.
If asked whether his love for Julia still existed, Edward did not deny it. However, he couldn’t forget that he had once been so infatuated with that beautiful woman.
However, gradually his feelings for Julia ‘somewhat’ faded. Especially when Bella entered his life and slowly captured his attention. Edward felt that his heart was starting to shift. And the amount of love he had once wholeheartedly given to Julia, was also redirected towards Bella.
Edward didn’t deny that Bella had managed to capture his heart. There was an undeniable comfort when he was with her. Even now, after a few days of misunderstanding, Edward felt both confused and empty. For anything, he longed for the beautiful moments he had previously spent with Bella.
Confident and determined in his heart, Edward decided to make a choice. However, he still had to consider. Looking at both sides, the good and the bad, and what consequences he would face once he had decided whom to choose.
Even Edward went as far as deciding to consult with his father. He, who had never even hinted to the large Darkwood family that he had to hire another woman’s womb to carry his child, eventually had to confess.
“You’re absolutely insane!”
Eduardo Darkwood, Edward’s father, exclaimed. In his office, the man was furious as he looked at his son with an incredulous gaze. He couldn’t fathom what sin he had committed to have a son with such foolish thoughts as Edward’s.
“How could you possibly agree to your wife’s request to hire another woman’s womb to carry your child? What a fool! Where is your dignity? Is Julia seriously ill? Is she barren to the extent that you have to hire another woman to bear your child? If your mother hears this news, she might die of a heart attack!”
Eduardo cursed. He was angry at the decision his son had made. Thinking all this time that Edward’s marriage had no problems because it seemed smooth without obstacles, it turned out there were many rotten things happening within it. And to his dismay, he had no idea at all.
“For God’s sake, Edward. I sent you to the best schools. But why are you so foolish?”
“Pa!” Edward exclaimed. This was why he was reluctant to talk. Before anything even happened, he received a long lecture. “I came here to see Dad because I wanted advice. Not to get a pointless scolding and berating.”
“You really need a wake-up call.” Eduardo continued to rant. Irritated because his son acted so recklessly. “Just think, you forced yourself to be given permission to marry Julia, a woman clearly disliked by the extended family. And now? You’re asking for advice on whether to choose her or the woman whose womb you’re currently renting to carry your child. Isn’t that foolish? Instead of agreeing to another woman getting pregnant with your child, why not just divorce from the beginning and marry a woman you can live a normal life with?”
Edward sighed. Had he made a mistake by coming to his father?
“Pa… so, did I really make a mistake asking for your opinion?”
Eduardo sighed. Let him be, but he couldn’t deny that Edward was his son.
“Edward… Dad is really disappointed with what you’ve told me.”
“I know I made a mistake in making a decision. That’s why I asked for advice on what to do.”
“Dad can’t interfere too much in your household affairs. You who make the choice from the beginning, then take responsibility for your decision. You can’t act as you please either.”
Edward nodded. He understood what his father meant.
“I know I’ve done wrong. Once again, because I needed advice, I deliberately came to see Dad. There’s a sense of guilt as well as dilemma because I can’t bear to let go of Julia just like that. Julia will surely be hurt, especially if she knows the reason for divorcing her is because I like another woman.”
Eduardo laughed. What was in his son’s mind? Why decide to divorce if he himself was still in a dilemma and felt sorry?
“You say Julia will be hurt? What about your wife’s decision to refuse to give offspring directly? Doesn’t she think that request could hurt you and us as your parents? You should ask whether Julia really loves you or is just using you. Or perhaps she’s just looking for benefits by marrying you?”
“Julia loves me, Pa. I’m sure of it. She’s doing all this because she’s bound by a work contract that doesn’t allow her to get pregnant because it could ruin her figure. Even if she insists, it will take quite some time to fix her figure.”
Eduardo scoffed and shook his head.
“Nonsense. Why does the reason sound so fabricated? Even if now you want to divorce and switch to another woman, settle your marriage properly first. Remember! Papa doesn’t want any drama or scandal tarnishing our family’s reputation once you’re separated.”
Edward nodded. He carefully considered his father’s words.
“So, Dad allows me to separate from Julia?”
Eduardo didn’t immediately agree.
“Just follow your heart. You’re the one living your own life. If following Papa’s heart, I’d have forbidden you from marrying Julia from the start. So, just decide what you think is right. If you think Julia is the wife who deserves to be with you until old age, then hold on to her. But if not, you’re free to choose to let her go.”
All night Edward thought. Firming his heart, he ultimately chose Bella. Moreover, Edward had done many things for that woman. Edward didn’t want to be labeled as a jerk, let alone just exploiting Bella to satisfy himself in bed.
Moreover, lately, Edward felt more comfortable with Bella. He was confident his choice wouldn’t be wrong after this. That’s why Edward even went to the extent of buying a ring to give to Bella. This was a sign of his seriousness in the relationship.
Edward thought, after making a decision and giving the ring as a sign of seriousness, Bella would soften and reconcile with him. At least, the two of them could discuss together what to do next.
However, who would have thought the woman was stubborn. The proof was, even though Edward assured her he chose her, Bella didn’t immediately believe him.
“Don’t play me with cheap jokes like this.”
Bella flat-out rejected the ring Edward offered. As if she was unwilling, she even pushed away his wrist.
“I’m serious, Bella. Someone’s playing games with you.”
“You’re lying!”
“Bella, I’m not lying. I truly chose you to stay by my side.”
Bella shook her head. Taking a step back, she deliberately distanced herself from Edward. “I’m sure you’re doing this to calm my emotions, aren’t you? I don’t believe you’re genuinely choosing me. There must be another motive behind this decision.”
For God’s sake, Edward sighed in frustration. What else could he do to make the woman in front of him believe in his choice? Why was it so difficult to convince Bella to trust him?
“Oh God, Bella. It’s not like that. I genuinely chose you. Not just to calm emotions or play with your heart.”
“Oh, really? Are you sure your choice is permanent and won’t change at all? Which means when Julia comes back, your choice will remain the same?”
Edward nodded confidently. He had thought this through thoroughly.
“Yes, Bella. I’ve made my choice, and it’s you. You’re the only one who will be in my heart.”
Now it was Bella who nodded. She stared at Edward sharply. Regardless, she had to ensure Edward’s words and choice were sincere. No one could guarantee that Edward wouldn’t change his mind when Julia returned.
“So, when are you going to divorce Julia? And most importantly, when do you plan to marry me? Next month? Or maybe next week?”
Edward was suddenly silent. He hadn’t anticipated this question at all. Initially, he only thought Bella would be happy once he gave her the ring and made a choice. Who would have thought that now the beautiful woman was demanding certainty about when Julia would be divorced and when she would be married?
“Bella… I—”
“Ah, so you haven’t thought that far ahead? My suspicion was correct. You’re doing all this just to calm my emotions.”
“Bella—”
Edward tried to explain. But Bella kept cutting him off with a tone full of emotion.
“I already suspected that you’re doing all this just to gain something from me. You’re not genuinely choosing me, Edward.”
“Bella… please, just listen to me first.”
Bella shook her head. Towards the door, she opened it and gestured for Edward to leave her room.
“Just go. I don’t need your answers.”