“So, you still haven’t found out where Bella Stone is?!”
Edward’s jaw tightened. His eyes sparkled with anger and frustration as he received the phone call. Just imagine, almost a week of deploying two private detectives to find Bella, yet not one of them could locate her whereabouts.
Truly, Edward was almost desperate. Where could Bella be hiding, to the extent that even the people he paid were struggling and couldn’t sniff out the position of the woman carrying his child?
“We’ve tried searching. We even met her mother. But it’s certain that Bella never came home. Interrogating her friend named Renata Roland, her answer was the same.”
Edward took a deep breath. Now, he was at a loss as to where else to look for the woman. “Anyway, I don’t want to know. At the very least, you should find her whereabouts soon!”
“Alright, Mr. Edward. We’ll continue to search and will update you as soon as possible.”
Edward didn’t respond further. He ended the call abruptly. For a moment, he appeared to massage his forehead while pondering, trying to guess places Bella might have visited or even lived lately.
Initially, Edward thought Bella might have taken her mother along. But upon hearing that her mother had no clue, he became even more puzzled.
“Why? Haven’t you found Bella yet?”
Samuel, who was with Edward enjoying a break and lunch, sounded curious. He wanted to confirm what he had heard when his friend received the phone call.
“Yes,” Edward nodded wearily. His face was somber, showing no enthusiasm whatsoever to do anything. “For heaven’s sake, Sam. I’m at a loss as to where else to find Bella. Despite hiring two detectives at once. But what? Until this moment, there’s still no clue.”
Samuel smiled faintly. There was genuine pity seeing Edward in such distress. But, however, Samuel had promised Kairos not to reveal Bella’s whereabouts because the man wanted to teach Edward a lesson.
“I’ve told you, Bella might be hiding in a place you least expect.”
“What do you mean?”
Samuel shrugged. “Like I said before, she might be hiding in a place you know. Or she could be hiding with another man whom you don’t know at all.”
“No,” Edward shook his head. “I’m not convinced of that. Bella must have found a place seemingly unreachable for me. Honestly, Sam, I’m worried about her condition. Even if she’s hiding now, I hope she’s healthy and safe. She had her prenatal check-up scheduled for the beginning of the month, right?”
Samuel nodded in agreement. “Yes, you’re right. Bella was supposed to have her check-up at the beginning of the month. Especially now that she’s entering the third trimester.”
“That’s why I’m getting more worried.”
Samuel tried to reassure, doing his best to keep Edward from worrying excessively. “I’m sure Bella is fine, Ed. If she does visit the hospital later, I’ll let you know.”
Edward affirmed Samuel’s recent statement, hoping Bella would indeed reappear soon from her hiding. “Hopefully, there’ll be good news soon.”
“If you do meet Bella later, what will you do then?” Samuel asked, curious.
“Of course, apologize, Sam. There are many mistakes I’ve made towards her. I accused her of many things before we parted ways. For heaven’s sake, I feel guilty. Especially knowing that all this time Bella has been carrying a child from our relationship.”
“Do you intend to marry her?”
Edward nodded confidently. There was no more doubt on his face. “Of course. I’ll apologize, then take responsibility for what I’ve done. After that, I’ll propose and marry Bella as soon as possible.”
Samuel nodded understandingly. Seeing Edward no longer indecisive and erratic as before, he believed his friend had learned from his past.
“I pray that you two will meet and unite soon. The important thing is to settle the divorce between you and Julia as soon as possible.”
Right after Samuel finished that sentence, Edward’s phone rang again. This time, he received another equally important phone call.
“Yes, what is it?” Edward responded upon receiving the call.
“Mrs. Julia has filed an Appeal, Mr. Edward. She disagrees with being given only one car and the amount of money she considers too small. She even had a fit because she disagreed.”
“Just let Julia file an appeal,” Edward replied casually. For heaven’s sake, he didn’t care anymore. “Besides, that demand won’t be accepted by the judges. She clearly made the agreement herself not to combine assets. I’m still willing to give her some of my assets. If she wants, Julia can leave without taking anything.”
“In that case, you must personally attend the hearing the day after tomorrow to hear the judge’s verdict. I really hope you can make time. Because, if you skip this time, the hearing will be postponed, and it means the divorce process will be suspended until both parties are present.”
Edward sighed. Although reluctant, it seemed he had to intervene directly. After all, he wanted his divorce process to be completed soon.
“Alright. I’ll make sure to come.”
***
Bella smiled satisfactorily. After nearly two hours of working in the kitchen with Kairos’s house assistant, the cake she had been preparing was finally baked and ready to be enjoyed.
Carefully, Bella transferred her freshly baked cake from the baking tray to the prepared plate. Then, she brought it to the dining room to be served on the dining table.
For the past few weeks, cooking cakes or preparing meals had been Bella’s way to fend off boredom. Fortunately, Kairos was fully supportive. He even bought so many groceries so she could cook every day.
“So, what else did you make and prepare today?”
Kairos had just come out of his room. Catching the fragrant aroma, he hurried to join Bella in the dining room.
“I made croissants and cromboloni. You have to try them.”
Kairos looked enthusiastic. Quickly taking a seat, he tried each of the pastries Bella offered. Tasting them with pleasure. Enjoying, then giving feedback on what he had just eaten.
“Delicious!” Kairos expressed sincerely. He wasn’t boasting or exaggerating his praise. “These are really good, Bella.”
“Thank goodness if you like them. I used to make them often with Mom.”
“Have you ever attended cooking school? Somehow, all the heavy meals and cakes you often make always taste delicious and fit the palate.”
“You’re exaggerating!” Kairos shook his head.
“No, I’m serious. It seems like you’re really skilled in the kitchen.”
“Just a hobby,” Bella replied casually. “Since I was little, I loved helping Mom in the kitchen, whether it’s cooking or baking. Because it’s enjoyable, and I love eating, I’ve learned how to cook various dishes until now. Even before becoming an accountant, I aspired to be a chef at a five-star hotel.”
Kairos smiled widely, proud of Bella’s skills.
“Looks like someday you should open a cafe or restaurant. Somehow, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of customers and patrons.”
Bella smiled, owning a cafe or restaurant was indeed one of her dreams.
“I even once thought about opening a small coffee shop. But… it was just a dream.”
“Hopefully, it’ll come true soon, Bella. I’m also confident that the man who becomes your husband will be lucky to have a wife as talented in cooking as you.”
Bella nodded. Unsure of how to respond. Besides, she hadn’t even considered finding a partner after what happened to her.
“Speaking of husbands…” Kairos continued. “If someday you meet Edward again, would you forgive him and become his wife?”
Bella shook her head.
“No, Kairos. I admit, I did love Edward. But, to get back together, it doesn’t seem likely. I’m just afraid of feeling disappointed for the second time.”
“And you don’t intend to find a father figure for your baby in the future?”
Bella shrugged.
“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about that at all. My hope right now is for my baby to be born healthy and for me to be given the strength to take care of and raise them.”
Kairos nodded, not disagreeing or criticizing what Bella had just said. After all, Bella had the right to determine her own path forward.
“You’re indeed a great woman, Bella. But, no matter what, your child will surely need a father figure.”
“I know. I’m not denying that. But, don’t worry, Kairos. I’m confident I can take care of and raise them as best as I can without needing help from Edward or anyone else. For anything, I don’t want to deal with Edward again. The pain and disappointment I feel right now are too deep. So, let me just stay away this time and if necessary, forget about him.”
“But, Bella…” Kairos interjected. “What if you marry me? After thinking it over, I’m ready to be a father figure to your baby.”
Bella stared in astonishment. Making sure her ears didn’t deceive her. Was Kairos seriously offering himself to be her husband?