“What’s wrong?”
Clara asked, wanting to know what Bella was thinking right now. Clara knew that Bella had been gloomy lately. But since last night, the woman whom she always watched over and monitored all her activities seemed gloomy and didn’t speak at all.
Now, even Bella just sat silently on the sofa in the room, lost in thought. Worried, Clara approached and sat next to her, intending to listen to what Bella might tell her.
“I’m angry.”
Clara chuckled then smiled. Her face was clearly teasing. Because they felt close, they were no longer awkward showing each other’s expressions.
“At least it’s far from the matter of Mr. Edward.”
Bella nodded. She sighed repeatedly as if tired. Tired of what had been happening lately.
Just imagine, for over a month she had to restrain herself when Julia seemed to deliberately flaunt affection with Edward. Not to mention Edward’s behavior, which sometimes seemed indecisive. And now, she had to be annoyed because Edward still hadn’t given her any certainty.
Wasn’t she important to Edward? The man claimed to love her. He felt comfortable and didn’t want to part ways. He decided to maintain the relationship by choosing her.
But why couldn’t Edward make her a priority? Was Bella not able to completely replace Julia in Edward’s heart?
“You know?”
Clara quickly shook her head.
“No.”
Bella immediately sighed. Of course, Clara didn’t know anything. She hadn’t even finished telling her story yet.
“Oh, my God! Listen to me first.”
Clara chuckled. She liked seeing Bella annoyed like this.
“Alright. Go ahead. As usual, I’ll be happy to listen to your constant complaints.”
Bella sighed. But, upon reflection, Clara was right.
“Before I tell you, could you not be too formal?”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you’re older than me. Just call me Bella. No need to call me ‘Miss’ or refer to yourself as ‘I’ so we can talk more freely.”
Clara agreed with a nod.
“Alright. So, what’s actually going on?”
“Last night, Edward sneaked into my room.”
“Oh, really? Did you two make love?”
Bella immediately glared. Why did Clara guess like that?
“You’re insane! Of course not.”
“Why? Don’t you have plenty of opportunities? Mrs. Julia won’t be back until next week. You should use the time you have to have fun together.”
Bella sighed. Actually, she also wanted to do that.
“Unfortunately, I’m lazy to do anything before Edward gives certainty.”
Clara furrowed her brows. Her face looked puzzled. What other certainty was Bella referring to?
“What kind of certainty?”
“The certainty of who Edward should choose. Me or Julia.”
Clara was taken aback. She made sure she heard what she just heard. So far, Bella had often complained. She complained about being treated unfairly. Sometimes her position was even like that of a temporary pleasure woman. But Clara had warned her. What Bella was experiencing now was the risk of what she had chosen before.
“Meaning, you’re asking Mr. Edward to make a choice—”
“Yes, Clara! I know you must think I’m out of line. But for God’s sake, I’m also tired of just being a placeholder or just a partner for fun. It’s time for me to ask for certainty about the direction of the relationship you two have been in. If Edward really has the same feelings as me, then he has to choose me. If Edward can’t leave Julia, then I’d better choose to step back as I said before.”
Clara listened and carefully considered the story Bella told her. She didn’t expect Bella to demand certainty like this.
“And Mr. Edward has made a decision?”
Bella nodded.
“Last night, he came to the room with a ring to give to me. Edward said he chose me.”
Clara nodded along as she listened. Shortly, she smiled.
“Congratulations. That means you’ll continue to be by Mr. Edward’s side, right?”
Bella shook her head.
“The problem is, I feel like Edward deliberately chose me just to play it safe by calming my emotions and also reconciling with me. He didn’t genuinely choose me, Clara.”
“Oh, my.” Clara sighed. She was puzzled herself by what Bella wanted. “So, what does Mr. Edward need to do for you to believe he’s serious about choosing you?”
“Of course, by divorcing Julia, and then marrying me as soon as possible.”
“You’re insane, Bella!”
Clara even cursed unconsciously. She couldn’t believe what Bella was demanding from Edward.
Clara knew that Bella now liked her employer. However, she felt that Bella was pushing too hard. Especially it seemed like she wanted to get rid of Julia to be the only woman in Edward’s heart.
“I know you like Mr. Edward. But what you’re asking for seems excessive.”
“Oh, come on, Clara. Excessive from where? Edward has slept with me repeatedly.”
“You did that with full awareness and by mutual consent, right? Besides, from the beginning, you knew that Mr. Edward already had a wife, and you still agreed to this relationship.”
Bella nodded.
“I don’t deny that. But Edward now claims to be more comfortable and in love with me. He should prove his words. Moreover, the baby I’m carrying now is the result of our relationship. Not Julia’s child. So, it’s only right for Edward to take responsibility.”
“What?!”
Clara was incredulous. Not yet finished with the disbelief of Bella’s demands for more from Edward, now she was shocked by the fact that Bella was actually pregnant with Edward’s child.
“I didn’t mishear, did I?”
“Yes!” Bella nodded, confirming. “Your hearing was not wrong at all, Clara. Actually, I deliberately kept this secret. But, for God’s sake, if the baby I’m carrying is indeed the result of the unintentional act that Edward and I did that night.”
Clara was dumbfounded. Indeed, Bella’s confession left her speechless.
“You are truly full of surprises, Bella.”
Bella sighed. Her breath seemed heavy.
“But, please keep this all a secret from anyone. Edward doesn’t even know yet that the baby I’m carrying is the result of our relationship in the beginning.”
“Then, when do you plan to tell him?” Clara became curious.
“I don’t know. Maybe, wait until our relationship improves first. But, I have to find the right time because I’m worried Edward won’t believe it or even get angry at me.”
Clara sighed deeply. She ended up feeling tired of listening to what Bella had told her at length.
“It’s up to you, Bella. I’m getting a headache listening to your story.”
Bella laughed. Shortly after, she remembered something.
“Oh, yes. I noticed that Edward hasn’t been seen all day. Is he out of the house?”
Clara shook her head.
“No. Since this morning, Mr. Edward has been in his room. When I checked, he seemed to be sick.”
Bella, who was initially indifferent, changed to worry. However angry she was at Edward, she would still worry if something bad happened to him.
“Oh, no. Then, do you know if he has eaten and taken his medicine?”
Clara shrugged.
“I don’t know. He said he didn’t want to be disturbed. His breakfast and lunch were untouched on the table.”
Bella sighed this time. Slowly but surely, she started to worry that something bad might happen to Edward.