This morning, whether she liked it or not, Bella had to participate in the usual breakfast ritual. Yet, she hated having to witness the intimate scenes Julia seemed to purposely show her.
For heaven’s sake, Bella vowed to find time to talk seriously to Edward. Regardless, she had to ensure what the future of their previously established relationship would be. Moreover, Edward had promised to marry her soon.
Luckily, today, luck was on Bella’s side. For whatever reason, Julia left for work on her own and earlier than Edward.
Making sure Julia was gone, Bella hurried to her room. She waited for a moment until she finally caught sight of Edward passing by her room. Bella quickly went out and pulled him into her room.
“Bella.”
Edward was surprised. Blinking, he looked at Bella, who was holding his hands tightly.
“What’s wrong?” Edward asked, making sure.
“We need to talk, Edward.”
Edward shook his head. He held onto Bella’s arms tightly.
“Sorry, I’m really busy right now. I have to get ready because I’m leaving for Switzerland this afternoon.”
“You’re leaving for Switzerland and leaving me alone in this house?”
“I have a task that needs to be completed urgently, Bella. Just two or three days, then I’ll be back.”
“What about me? Are you leaving me alone with Julia?”
“Don’t worry. Julia won’t harm you. She promised not to touch you.”
Bella shook her head. How could she believe that Julia wouldn’t do anything when Edward wasn’t around?
“Are you sure Julia won’t do anything?”
“I guarantee it.”
“What have you both agreed upon, Edward? Did Julia threaten you? Did she ask you not to divorce her? Then what about our relationship?”
Bella bombarded him with so many questions. She became suspicious that Edward had made unfavorable agreements without her knowledge.
“Julia just asked me not to divorce her. She threatened that if I insist on maintaining you, she’ll expose this affair to the public. Which, of course, would tarnish the reputation of both our families, Bella. It could even cause my company’s stock to plummet.”
“And you agreed to her ridiculous demand?”
Edward nodded reluctantly. As much as possible, he wouldn’t hide what had really happened.
“I have to do this, Bella.”
“You’re outrageous!” Bella then hit Edward’s chest hard with both hands, angry at what he had done. How could Edward agree to rebuild their marriage and not divorce Julia?
“Bella, listen to me first.”
“You’re foolish, Edward.”
“I’m doing this to protect you.”
Bella laughed.
“What? Protect me? How exactly are you protecting me?”
“I just don’t want your reputation to be tarnished because of this. I don’t want people out there looking down on you and accusing you of being a seductive woman who ruins other people’s marriages. Julia even threatened to sue you. For God’s sake, I don’t want this to happen.”
Bella felt like screaming. Why did she have to get caught up in such a complicated issue?
“I don’t want you to choose Julia and leave me, Edward.”
Bella shed tears. Shortly after, she remembered something.
“Besides, why should we be afraid of Julia’s threats? Just so you know, Julia is also cheating behind your back!”
Edward was shocked. His eyes widened at the accusations Bella made.
“Bella… don’t speak recklessly.”
“Don’t you believe me? Julia indeed cheats behind your back, Edward. She even brought another man to stay in this house when you weren’t around.”
“Stop it!”
Edward shook his head. He rejected what Bella told him. Perhaps, in Edward’s mind, Bella deliberately said such things to change his mind and revert to the original plan of divorcing Julia.
“Where’s the proof that Julia is cheating? Anyone can accuse without evidence.”
Bella fell silent. Unfortunately, she couldn’t prove her words.
“For God’s sake, I’m not lying. Julia did betray you. From the beginning, I knew this. Not once did Julia bring that man into the house. You should’ve realized it, Edward. You’ve been deceived all this time. Julia succeeded in fooling you. She’s a cheap woman. A slut who likes to sell her body to other men.”
“Bella!”
Edward shouted loudly. He reprimanded Bella right then and there. “Stop your accusations. If you can’t provide evidence, it’s best you stay silent!”
“Edward, I’m just saying the—”
“Silence! I’m asking you to be silent. I never expected you to be like this. I hope you don’t need to say anything else. And I think our conversation should end here.”
Edward decided to leave the room. Leaving Bella, who could only cry hysterically. Mourning her own fate.