Chapter 2

Outside the venue, Dallas grabbed Bella's arm. "Let me take you home."

Bella waved her phone. "No need. I've ordered a car. Don't let me keep you—you should go back. We can meet another time." She spoke politely, though only she knew there probably wouldn't be a next time.

Dallas was still thinking about the networking opportunities in the ballroom, as he hadn't yet connected with many influential people.

"Well, I..." he hesitated.

Bella smiled gently. "Go on. Don't worry about me. I'll text you when I get home safely."

After Dallas disappeared from view, her smile collapsed.

She turned, a car suddenly appeared beside her. The window lowered, revealing Edward's striking features.

"Get in."

Bella froze for a moment.

Edward was already impatient. "Get in. I won't say it a third time. I'm going to your place to collect my things anyway."

Bella's face showed no emotion.

He couldn't even wait one night—he was that eager to move out.

Had he grown tired of her long ago?

Anger filled Bella's heart, and she ignored Edward throughout the drive. While waiting for the elevator, she maintained a clear distance between them.

Edward didn't look at her once the entire time.

His coldness only made Bella feel worse.

She opened the door and had just placed her keys on the entryway table when Edward lifted her by the waist and pinned her chin for an unyielding kiss. His hands traced her waistline downward, across her abdomen, continuing toward more intimate areas.

Trapped between his knees, Bella had no choice but to endure Edward's relentless passion. Her quiet whimpers were swallowed by his demanding mouth.

After countless encounters, he knew exactly how to ignite her desire.

Bella's resistance faded as passion overtook her. She tilted her head back, her body trembling as heat filled the darkened living room.

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

Their passion continued in the shower.

Back in the bedroom, Bella sank into the covers and noticed Edward's wandering hands. With flushed cheeks, she caught his wrist. "I'm really tired."

She had indulged him for so long; surely he was satisfied now.

Edward's fingers lingered on her smooth skin, his voice husky. "You have no stamina."

He carefully avoided any mention of moving out.

But his silence didn't mean the issue had disappeared.

Bella buried half her face in the pillow and asked quietly, "When are you planning to move?"

Edward paused and frowned at her. "Trying to get rid of me?"

Bella kept her eyes half-closed. "What else? Waste another three years with you?"

For men over thirty, people still praised their youth and potential. For women, there was only criticism.

Bella wasn't old-fashioned.

But her parents' constant sighs and anxiety about her marriage created pressure she could barely withstand.

What did loving Edward matter if he wouldn't marry her?

Seeing Bella's silence, Edward let out a cold laugh. "You're sure you want to break up?"

Bella gave a bitter smile, her eyes growing moist as she answered hoarsely, "Yes."

Since they were destined to have no future, it was better to end things cleanly.

Bella felt the bed lighten as Edward got up to dress. Moments later, the front door slammed shut.

At last, she could no longer hold back her tears, which soaked into the pillow.

...

Dallas invited Bella to dinner near the music institute where she worked. She agreed to meet him after finishing work.

Dallas had chosen an upscale venue—a members-only club.

When she pushed open the private room door, she discovered it was a class reunion with a table full of people gazing at her. Bella's expression changed slightly.

Someone called out, "So this is Dallas's girlfriend? He wasn't exaggerating—she really is beautiful, like a celebrity."

"And carrying... what instrument is that? She must be a musician. Why not play something for us?"

Bella's regular violin needed new strings tonight, which is why she'd brought this one to adjust at home. She hadn't expected to become tonight's entertainment.

Bella glanced at Dallas. He remained oblivious, approaching with alcohol on his breath and attempting to put his arm around her waist. "She's a highly educated graduate from a top university, trained in music. She's a violin teacher now—a respected professional. Why should she perform for you? Bella, these are my old classmates. Let's have a drink together."

"That won't be necessary."

Bella stepped back to avoid his touch, her expression cool. "Since this is a gathering of friends, I won't intrude. Enjoy your reunion—I have something to attend to."

Someone who'd had too much to drink slurred, "Leaving already? Looks like Dallas hasn't established his authority yet!"

Dallas looked uncomfortable and hiccupped. "Just one drink? Don't make me lose face."

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

"I told you he was no good, but you wouldn't believe me. How does it feel now?"

Edward's deep voice sounded close to 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 that unpleasant parting three nights ago, they hadn't spoken.

Dallas recognized Edward as the man who had reprimanded him at the gala. "You..."

Edward ignored him and checked his watch. "Come on. I'll take you upstairs to eat."

Bella frowned. Her mind was clear about what she wanted.

Dallas wasn't right for her, but Edward wasn't an option either.

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

Edward narrowed his eyes, then wasted no more words. Using his superior strength, he grabbed Bella's wrist and pulled her outside.

Dallas tried to intervene, but one cold glance from Edward stopped him.

"You're only a blind date. Don't overestimate yourself."

Bella was forcibly led into the elevator, Edward's grip too strong to break free despite her struggles. Her eyes reddened with anger.

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

While her heart might not have truly wanted to end things, she still felt resentment.

But in the adult world, decisions weren't based on willingness or unwillingness—there were too many compromises and regrets.

She wanted marriage, while Edward refused.

Since that was the case, what was left to discuss?

Edward's face darkened, his grip unyielding. "If you don't want me to undress you right here, be quiet."

Bella felt her chest tighten with anger. Looking up at the security camera overhead, she relented.

When Edward's friends saw Bella, they were somewhat surprised. "This is... how should we address you?"

This was Bella's first time meeting Edward's friends. They were strangers to each other, and she had no interest in getting acquainted.

"My surname is Obelon."

Edward set her violin aside and pulled her down to sit, finally releasing her hand. "Order some dishes. She hasn't eaten."

His friend raised an eyebrow and called a server over with the menu.

"So you're Edward's girlfriend? Ms. Obelon, we've heard about you."

Bella was somewhat surprised and glanced at Edward, who was coldly instructing the server to remove the alcohol.

His friend noticed and smiled. "Right, we have two ladies tonight, so no alcohol."

The last lady arrived fashionably late, and looked familiar.

Bella's mood instantly soured.

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

She heard them call her Emily Watson.

A woman's sixth sense is usually accurate.

Just as Bella had seen at a glance that Emily adored Edward, Emily could immediately tell that Bella and Edward had a deep connection.

She stood looking down at Bella, smiling graciously. "Hello, I'm Edward's fiancée. And you are...?"

The conversation in the private room suddenly stopped.

Bella's heart twisted painfully. Her expression went blank for a moment, showing both embarrassment and confusion.

Edward casually added some food to Bella's plate. "What kind of fiancée are you supposed to be?"

A friend quickly tried to smooth things over. "These are all old matters, not worth mentioning. Emily, sit down and eat."

Bella suddenly became calm, silently cursing herself.

She and Edward had already broken up.

Why should she care about Edward's so-called fiancée?

Emily's face stiffened. "An arrangement between our parents—how does that not count?"

She sat down on Edward's other side, her gaze fixed on Bella, observing as Edward removed the leftover mushrooms from Bella's plate. She suddenly spoke up, "Ms. Obelon doesn't eat fungi? That's white truffle—very precious. What a waste not to appreciate it."