Since this morning, Bella had been waiting for Edward to call. So impatiently, she dared to call him first. There was something important she needed to make sure of and also convey.
However, Edward didn’t respond at all. Whether because he was busy or deliberately ignoring her.
“Oh God, Edward. Where are you? Why are you ignoring me like this?”
Still haunted by frustration, Bella decided to wait for Edward to return from the office. She prayed wholeheartedly to God that he would come home before Julia.
Anyway, Bella was determined that she must talk to Edward today. Once again, she wanted to confirm to him the status of their relationship after last night’s incident.
Unfortunately, Edward came home a little late today. Even when she peeked through the window, she saw him getting out of the car with Julia. Unfortunately, the woman who was still Edward’s legal wife seemed to cling to him as if she were unwilling to be separated.
Annoyed, Bella decided to go to bed early even though it was only eight in the evening. However, before she could even close her eyes, she heard her bedroom door being knocked repeatedly.
“Miss Bella.”
It was Clara’s voice. Afraid that it might be something important, Bella decided to open the door.
“What is it?”
“You’re asked to come down to the dining room.”
“Me?” Bella pointed to herself. “Who asked me to come?”
“Mrs. Julia.”
Bella sighed lazily. She had even tried to avoid the wife of Edward.
“Just tell her I’m already asleep. Besides, what’s the point of meeting all sorts of people?”
“It seems you can’t refuse. Mrs. Julia threatens that if you don’t come down immediately, you’ll regret it.”
Bella closed her eyes tightly. Reluctantly, she dragged her feet to the dining room. There, Julia immediately stared at her, smiling as if nothing had happened between them.
“Please sit down. There’s something I want to tell you.”
Bella sat down. She obeyed Julia’s command.
“After thinking about it since last night, I’ve made a decision. Because I don’t want to ruin my reputation and also my extended family’s, I don’t want to blow up the issue of infidelity between you and Edward. I will consider that nothing ever happened between you two.”
What?
Bella was shocked. She carefully listened to Julia’s words just now.
“What do you mean?”
“Yes, with an open heart, I will still accept your presence in this house until our baby is born. After that, you have to leave.”
Bella was at a loss for words. Glancing at Edward, he seemed to signal her not to protest or object.
“But, Mrs.—”
“Darling.”
Julia cut in, diverting her gaze to Edward. Deliberately ignoring whatever Bella might say.
“You must be very tired tonight.”
“Not really.” Edward responded.
“I asked Brigitta to prepare warm water. We can take a bath together as usual. After that, I’ll massage your body to relax.”
“Thank you. But, you don’t have to bother, Julia.”
“No, dear. Why should it be a bother? I’m happy to do it. I never mind serving and making you happy.”
Hearing these words coming from Julia’s mouth, Bella felt like vomiting. She was annoyed at Julia’s actions, which she considered deliberately tempting Edward in front of her.
“You shameless woman! How dare you seduce Edward,” Bella muttered under her breath.
“But, you don’t have to do that, Julia.”
“Oh come on. Just enjoy it. And… If you don’t mind, can we make love tonight? I miss you, Edward.”
In silence, Bella cursed. She was furious at the relentless temptations Julia was giving to the man she loved.
“I beg you to reject that damn offer, Edward. Please consider my feelings,” Bella murmured to herself, hoping Edward would understand his position.
“What do you say?” Julia asked again to make sure. She looked at Edward sitting beside her. “Just so you know, there’s a new lingerie collection that I deliberately bought a few days ago while I was in Milan. I’ll wear it tonight. I guarantee you’ll love it.”
“Can’t we discuss this in the bedroom?” Edward tried to end it.
Julia then got up first. She grabbed Edward’s wrist to follow her.
“In that case, let’s go straight to the bedroom. I can’t wait to serve you tonight.”
Bella could only tightly seal her lips. She looked at Julia with disgust as she behaved coquettishly and openly invited Edward to make love.