“How long are you going to keep hiding Bella, Kairos? It’s been too long.”
As usual, after work, Samuel and Kairos relaxed first at the coffee shop. They chatted away, and this time, Edward was the topic of discussion.
Somehow, almost every day, they talked about Edward. There was always some strange thing that man did, raising questions for both of them.
“Until that stupid Edward gets smart.”
Samuel burst into laughter. He immediately shook his head upon hearing Kairos’s seemingly careless response.
But if this was serious, Edward’s fate could be dire. It meant Edward wouldn’t meet Bella for a long time.
“If we’re waiting for Edward to get smart, it seems like it’ll be a very long time. I guess, even after Bella gives birth, they won’t meet. Besides, we both know Edward is slow and a bit stupid.”
Kairos sighed, nodding in agreement.
“That’s why I’m also puzzled about how to make our friend smarter than before. Besides… Bella isn’t interested in meeting, let alone talking to Edward.”
“But, regardless, Edward has rights over his baby, Kairos. Despite all the issues, Edward wants to apologize and take responsibility,” Samuel argued, defending. From the start, he wanted to reunite Bella and Edward, thinking about the innocent baby in Bella’s womb who would be born soon.
“I know that, Sam. It’s just not easy for Bella to forgive and take Edward back into her life. Especially to marry him. Even when I offered to be her husband or stepfather to her baby the other day, Bella flat out refused my offer.”
Kairos wasn’t joking at that moment. Feeling sorry for Bella and her baby, he deliberately offered to marry her or at least become a stepfather to the baby Bella was carrying. For God’s sake, Kairos sincerely wanted to help.
“No, Kairos. I appreciate your good intentions. But thank you very much. I’m not interested at all.”
“Why? Is it because I’m not as handsome as Edward?”
Bella laughed. “Oh my. It’s not like that. To be honest, you’re definitely handsomer than Edward.”
“Then? Why did you reject me? This is the first time a woman has rejected me.”
Bella continued to smile. Especially when she saw Kairos’s deliberately sulky expression.
“It’s not about being handsome or not. It’s just that, I feel traumatized about being in a relationship with another man. That’s why I choose to be alone. Besides, I’m capable of taking care of and raising this baby on my own. I promise, after giving birth, I’ll quickly find a job so I can provide for the baby and my mother.”
“So, not interested in marriage?”
Bella shook her head confidently. Kairos’s offer didn’t interest her at all.
“I want to be independent. But for now, I’m really not interested in getting into a relationship, let alone marrying anyone.”
“Alright then. I respect your decision. But if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
That’s why Kairos believed that even if Edward found out about Bella’s whereabouts, his efforts to reunite seemed futile. Besides, there were many mistakes and sins Edward had committed against Bella.
“For God’s sake, Kairos. Are you crazy?” Samuel exclaimed after hearing what Kairos had said.
“Crazy?”
Samuel nodded. He couldn’t believe Kairos didn’t understand his meaning.
“Are you crazy to offer yourself to marry Bella?”
Kairos understood then laughed.
“Oh my, Samuel. Don’t make a fuss. Besides, I was just joking with Bella.”
“What if she responds seriously and agrees?”
Kairos shook his head. His face looked calm.
“No. From the beginning, I was sure Bella’s love was still for Edward. And sure enough, she rejected me and has decided not to marry or get into a relationship with anyone for now.”
“However, even if Edward takes responsibility, they don’t have to get married. What’s important is that both of Bella’s unborn babies don’t suffer and still receive love from both parents.”
Kairos just nodded. After all, he didn’t feel like commenting much.
“Let’s just see how it goes in the future. If Edward truly realizes, I promise I’ll reunite them soon.”
“If that’s what you have to do, Kairos. Poor Bella’s baby.”
***
Julia entered one of the apartment units, then slammed the door shut. Tossing her bag in any direction, she then sat on the sofa.
After days of searching, she finally found a place to live. Although not as nice and luxurious as the house she previously occupied, Julia seemed to have to be grateful. Whether she liked it or not, she had to save money because she only received a small allowance from Edward.
“Damn you, Edward!!!”
Julia cursed. Afterward, she screamed, releasing the frustration that seemed to accumulate in her head.
“How could he give me so little money! Arghhhh damn it. Why does something like this have to happen to me?”
Julia continued to curse angrily. Occasionally, she regretted her decision because she had previously made a prenuptial agreement that separated her property and assets.
What else could she do? Julia had never thought she would end up separated from Edward like this. Initially, her goal in making the prenuptial agreement was to secure her assets in case Edward went bankrupt or incurred large debts. But who would have thought her situation now would be so pitiful. Instead of Edward suffering, it was she who was constantly unlucky.
“In any case, I have to find a job soon. If not, I’ll go crazy having to live like this. Oh God, I have to live in such a lousy place!”
Julia took a deep breath. Then, she placed her hand on her stomach, where the baby who knows whose father was now resided.
“You damn baby! Because you’re useless, I’ll get rid of you as soon as possible. How can I work if this damn baby isn’t gone?”