Chapter 2

Outside, Dallas grabbed Bella's arm. "I'll take you home."

Bella shook her phone. "No need, I already called a ride. Don't worry about me; you should head back. We'll catch up next time." She said it politely, but deep down, she knew there probably wouldn't be a next time.

Dallas was preoccupied with the networking opportunities in the banquet hall. He hadn't had the chance to meet many of the big shots. "Well, I..."

Bella smiled gently. "Go on, don't worry. I'll text you when I get home."

As Dallas's figure disappeared from view, the smile on Bella's face faded.

She took a deep breath and turned around, only to see a car suddenly pull up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Edward's strikingly handsome features. "Get in."

Bella hesitated for a moment.

Edward was already impatient. "Get in. I'm not saying it a third time. I need to go to your place to pack my things."

Bella's expression remained blank.

He couldn't even wait a single night; he was in such a hurry to move out.

Was he already tired of her?

Bella was fuming inside and ignored Edward the entire ride home. Even while waiting for the elevator, she kept a clear distance from him.

Edward didn't look at her once, either.

The more he acted like this, the more it hurt Bella.

When she opened the door and had just placed her keys on the entryway table, Edward grabbed her by the waist, kissing her forcefully. His hand traced down along the curve of her waist, brushing across her abdomen before venturing toward more intimate regions.

Bella was pinned by his knees, forced to endure Edward's relentless actions. Her faint whimpers were swallowed and crushed by his lips and tongue.

After countless times of sex, he was beyond familiar with her body.

Bella was also aroused. Her head was tilted back, her body trembling in pleasure. Before long, she felt the heat and stickiness all over her body.

After a long while, Edward carried her to the bathroom.

They made love passionately in the shower.

Back in the bedroom, Bella sank into the covers, feeling Edward's hands wandering on her body again. Her cheeks flushed as she grabbed his hand. "I'm really tired."

The long and intimate moment just now should be enough to satisfy him.

Edward lingered on her warm skin, his voice hoarse. "You can't handle much."

He didn't mention moving out again.

But it didn't mean the issue was resolved.

Bella buried half her face in the pillow, her voice muffled. "When are you moving out?"

Edward's movements paused, and he frowned at her. "Are you kicking me out?"

Bella's eyes were half-closed. "What else? Accompany you in this fruitless endeavor for another three years?"

A man over thirty was still praised for his potential, but a woman only got criticized.

Bella wasn't conservative. But her parents worried about her marriage every day, and the pressure weighed heavily on her.

What did it matter how much she loved Edward? Edward would never marry her.

Seeing Bella's silence, Edward sneered. "Are you sure you want to break up?"

Bella gave a bitter smile, her eyes wet, her voice hoarse. "Yes."

Since their relationship was destined to have no future, it was better to end it.

Bella felt the bed lighten as Edward got up and dressed. Moments later, the door slammed shut.

Bella couldn't hold back anymore, letting her tears soak the pillow.

...

Dallas invited Bella to dine once again, selecting a venue in close proximity to the music institution where she was employed. Upon concluding her workday, she conveniently proceeded to honor their engagement.

Dallas had chosen a high-end, members-only club.

When she opened the private room door, she realized it was a class reunion. As everyone's eyes turned to her, Bella's expression changed.

Someone greeted her warmly. "So this is Dallas's girlfriend. He wasn't bragging; she's really beautiful, like a movie star."

"And she's carrying... what instrument is that? Looks like she's a musician. How about playing a couple of pieces for us?"

Bella's usual violin needed new strings tonight, so she had brought it home to adjust. She hadn't expected to be asked to perform.

She glanced at Dallas, who seemed oblivious, reeking of alcohol as he tried to put his arm around her waist. "She's a top student, graduated from a prestigious university, and teaches violin now. She's a teacher, not here to perform for you. Bella, let's toast with my old classmates."

"No thanks."

Bella stepped back, avoiding his touch, her expression cold. "Since you're all familiar, I won't intrude. You all enjoy your dinner; I have something to do and need to leave."

Someone, clearly drunk, slurred, "Why are you leaving so soon? Looks like Dallas isn't as impressive as he thinks."

Dallas looked embarrassed, hiccupping. "Please, at least have a drink with me before you leave. You're embarrassing me."

Suddenly, an arm reached out from behind Bella, pulling her away from Dallas.

"I told you he wasn't a good guy, but you didn't believe me."

Edward's deep voice sounded in her ear.

Bella glanced behind her; the door to the private room was still open.

She hadn't expected to run into Edward here.

Since their unpleasant parting that night, they hadn't contacted each other for three days.

Dallas recognized Edward as the man who had scolded him at the banquet. "You..."

Edward couldn't be bothered with him, checking his watch. "Come on; I'll take you upstairs for dinner."

Bella frowned, her mind clear about what she wanted.

Dallas wasn't right for her, and the blind date was a failure. But Edward wasn't an option either.

"No need, I'll eat at home."

Edward narrowed his eyes, not in the mood for arguments. Using his strength, he grabbed Bella's wrist and started pulling her out.

Dallas tried to intervene, but Edward's cold glare stopped him, the warning clear.

"You two were just on a blind date. Don't take yourself too seriously."

Bella was forcibly led into the elevator. Edward's grip was strong, and she struggled to break free, her eyes red with anger.

"We've broken up. Is this appropriate?"

She wasn't completely ready to end things, harboring a lot of resentment.

But in the adult world, it was never just about feelings. There was always more to it, full of helplessness and regret.

She chose marriage, but Edward didn't want that.

So what was there left to discuss?

Edward's face was stern, his grip unyielding. "If you don't want me to strip you here, shut up."

Bella, fuming, glanced at the security camera above and stayed quiet.

Edward's friends were surprised to see Bella. "And this is...?"

It was Bella's first time meeting Edward's friends, and she wasn't interested in getting to know them. "I am Bella Obelon."

Edward placed her violin aside, pulling her to sit down before finally letting go. "Order some food; she hasn't eaten."

His friends raised their eyebrows and called the waiter over with the menu.

"So you're Edward's girlfriend? Ms. Obelon, nice to meet you. We've heard a lot about you."

Bella was a bit surprised, glancing at Edward, who was now instructing the waiter to remove the alcohol.

His friends chuckled. "Right, with two ladies here tonight, no drinking."

The last woman arrived late, looking familiar.

Bella's mood soured instantly.

It was the woman who had been with Edward at the banquet.

She had heard them call her Emily Watson.

A woman's intuition was always sharp. Just as Bella could see Emily's affection for Edward, Emily could see the deep connection between Bella and Edward.

Standing tall, Emily looked down at Bella, smiling gracefully. "Hello, I'm Edward's fiancée. And you are?"

The room fell silent.

Bella's heart twisted painfully, her expression blank for a moment, feeling awkward and a bit lost.

Edward casually added some food to Bella's plate. "What fiancée?"

One of his friends quickly tried to smooth things over. "These are merely matters of the past; they hold no significance now. Emily, please take a seat and join us for dinner."

Bella suddenly calmed down, cursing herself inwardly.

She and Edward had broken up. Why should she care about Edward's so-called fiancée?

Emily's face stiffened. "It's an arranged marriage by our parents. How does that not count?"

She sat on Edward's other side, her eyes fixed on Bella, watching as Edward picked out the mushrooms from Bella's plate. "Ms. Obelon, you don't eat mushrooms? That's white truffle, very rare. Such a waste not to appreciate it."