Bella’s POV
The afternoon sun cast long shadows as Vance struck up conversation with Serena during our walk through the gardens. His sudden chattiness sent warning bells through my mind.
"Ah, so you’re the Royal Beta’s daughter. That explains quite a bit," Vance remarked, his tone casual yet probing.
For the past several minutes, Vance had been unusually engaged in conversation. This shift in his deanor troubled deeply. The deliberate way he’d suggested this stroll and now peppered Serena with questions felt calculated, dangerous even.
Derek’s discomfort was palpable throughout our walk. I caught him multiple tis attempting to redirect his wife’s attention, trying to signal her to stop talking. He’d tugged at her arm gently, ntioned feeling tired, even suggested they head back early. But Serena remained oblivious to his increasingly desperate attempts to rein her in.
The pattern continued for what felt like an eternity. Vance would pose a seemingly innocent question, and Serena would launch into elaborate explanations, completely missing her husband’s growing anxiety.
"You know what really terrified when Bella returned? I actually turned to my husband and confessed, ’I pray she hasn’t co back for you.’"
Her words slamd into like a physical blow, yanking from my worried observations. I froze mid-step, my entire body going rigid as I stared at her in disbelief.
She noticed my reaction and paused, causing our small group to co to an awkward halt.
"What exactly are you implying?" Derek’s voice carried a sharp edge as he nudged her roughly, his eyes desperately seeking hers, silently begging her to recognize she’d crossed a line.
"What’s wrong? I was simply sharing my thoughts. Did I misspeak sohow?" She adopted that infuriatingly innocent expression, as if her words hadn’t just detonated like a bomb.
"It’s perfectly fine. I have complete faith in my wife. I’m certain she hasn’t returned with ulterior motives regarding anyone. After all, she’s never even ntioned these childhood friends before, so there’s obviously nothing to worry about," Vance interjected smoothly, his voice calm but I recognized the underlying tension.
I knew this was rely his way of diffusing the imdiate situation. Later, in private, he’d weaponize every word against .
"Please don’t make feel terrible about this. I was honestly just making conversation. But you have to understand, Bella harbored intense feelings for Derek back then. She filled countless diary pages with entries about him. Naturally, when she returned, I experienced so concern."
The truth behind Serena’s insistence on this walk suddenly crystallized. She’d orchestrated this entire encounter with one malicious purpose in mind.
My hands balled into tight fists, and I shot Derek an accusatory glare before turning my fury back toward her. I couldn’t even bring myself to et Vance’s gaze yet. That confrontation would co later.
Right now, Serena needed to face the consequences of her calculated cruelty.
Since she’d already destroyed my peace, I decided to return the favor. Perhaps it was petty behavior from a mother of three, but so people push you beyond your breaking point.
"Well, the attraction wasn’t entirely one-sided. Toward the end of our friendship, before my departure, he beca quite physical with as well."
I kept my response brief but pointed, designed specifically to pierce her smugness. That satisfied smile she’d worn after believing she’d successfully sabotaged my marriage began cracking imdiately.
Her head whipped toward her husband with alarming speed. Derek had been studying my face throughout this exchange, maintaining his silence. But his expression didn’t reflect upset or anger. Instead, he appeared confident, perhaps even pleased that I’d finally spoken up for myself.
"You two can continue your walk. We’re heading ho now," I announced, pivoting on my heel and striding past Vance without another word.
Vance, whom Serena had obviously expected to explode with jealous rage and demanding explanations, simply chuckled softly instead.
"Enjoy the rest of your evening," he called out pleasantly.
If Serena believed she could drive a wedge between Vance and , she’d severely underestimated the type of man she was dealing with. His unpredictability would shock her.
Behind us, I could hear Serena’s voice rising as she pressed Derek for confirmation about my claims. I pushed through the mansion’s front door, leaving their drama in the garden where it belonged.
The mont the door clicked shut behind us, Vance’s hand closed around my wrist, spinning around and pinning against the wall. His fingers pressed my hands flat against the cool surface above my head.
He shifted his stance, bending his knees and lowering his torso until his face aligned perfectly with mine.
"So you had quite the admirers during your ti here," he murmured, his voice carrying an undercurrent I couldn’t quite decipher.
Of course, he couldn’t berate for past attractions, especially given his own history of infidelity. And since he’d claid not to be the jealous type, technically I hadn’t betrayed him. Everything Serena had revealed belonged to ancient history.
He had no grounds to make feel guilty or demand detailed explanations.
"Release , Vance," I said firmly, though without real venom.
"Where exactly is the father of your children?" The question I’d been dreading finally arrived.
My hands clenched involuntarily, and his sharp eyes caught the movent imdiately. He straightened slightly, maintaining his grip on my wrists while pressing his body closer to mine.
His lips grazed my cheek before traveling to my ear, his breath warm against my skin.
"Is he one of them?" he whispered, and my entire body erupted in goosebumps despite my resistance.
"No," I managed to breathe out, the word barely audible.
"Interesting. It appears I’m facing considerable competition in this place," he continued murmuring against my ear, each word sending electricity down my spine.
"Kids, look! Your parents are back!"
Chloe’s cheerful announcent as she appeared with my children broke the spell instantly. I shoved Vance backward, desperate to create distance between us.
I refused to engage in inappropriate behavior in front of my children. They were too young to witness such mature interactions.
"Mommy, I had the most wonderful dream!" Leah exclaid, bouncing excitedly on her toes.
My heart lifted at her enthusiasm. It had been weeks since any of my children had experienced peaceful sleep, their illness affecting even their dreams.
But before Leah could share her story, sharp knocking echoed through the foyer.
Vance, still positioned near the entrance, opened the door without hesitation, allowing my half-sister to burst inside unannounced.
She swept in carrying an enormous tray, her words tumbling out in a rush before she’d even acknowledged Vance’s presence.
"This is just a small sampling, but I’ll return with a full dinner spread tonight," she announced breathlessly, her enthusiasm filling the room with unexpected energy.
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