Chapter 192

Chapter 192

The entire company buzzed with gossip about Edward's new tie.

"The courier company couldn't identify the delivery person," his assistant reported nervously. With hundreds of couriers in just one branch, tracing Bella through an anonymous package was nearly impossible.

Edward's expression darkened. "You couldn't come up with anything better?" The assistant was nearly in tears—what could he possibly do with such limited resources?

After dismissing him, Edward sent a message, only to discover a gray check mark beside it. His face darkened further as he realized Bella had deleted him as a contact. His heart sank. Deleted as a friend, vanished without a trace—was she planning to never return?

Months slipped by. Bella remained in the small county town, contacting only her parents and Scarlett. Fallon had initially scolded her but ultimately couldn't bring herself to be too harsh with her daughter.

Just as Bella decided to return to Seaside City to apologize to Rachel and handle unfinished business, Wallace appeared at her store.

"Welcome," Bella said, startled. She hadn't contacted Wallace either—how had he found her when even Edward couldn't?

Dusty from travel, Wallace smiled faintly. "I'm just here for a medical consultation."

A coincidence, then.

"I'm sorry about everything," Bella said quietly.

Wallace shook his head, glancing around her store. "This convenience store suits you. It's nice." Looking at his haggard face, Bella felt a wave of guilt.

Wallace didn't linger. After purchasing a bottle of water, he nodded. "I should go. We'll talk later."

Bella nodded, secretly relieved. But with Wallace staying for his consultation, they would inevitably meet again. She had a feeling her peaceful life was about to change.

When her six-month lease neared its end, Bella began packing up the store. She booked a ticket, planning to return to Seaside City to handle her remaining affairs.

Wallace arrived to find the store half-empty. "You're moving again? Where to this time? Wasn't it good living here?"

"The store lease is expiring, and the apartment too," Bella explained as she directed the movers. "But I'll probably be back."

Wallace visibly relaxed, having feared she was leaving because of him.

Bella noticed Wallace's dusty clothes with surprise—he had always been meticulous about his appearance.

Catching her glance, Wallace smiled ruefully. "Too busy with work to keep up appearances."

"Understandable," Bella replied, and then they both fell silent, standing awkwardly until the driver broke the tension, "Everything's loaded. Nothing left, right? Please sign here."

After settling the bill, Bella prepared to leave. Some items would be shipped back, while she would take the rest to Seaside City herself.

Now she needed to say goodbye to Wallace. It was strange how difficult conversation had become between two people who once planned to spend their lives together.

"When are you heading back to Seaside City?" Wallace asked hesitantly. "My consultation ends in two days, so maybe..."

Bella forced a smile, cutting him off. "I'll let you know later." Even though she needed to apologize in person, she preferred not to travel with Wallace. He was a good man, but they weren't right for each other.

"Let me know when you're back," Wallace said quietly. "I'll be waiting." Then he left.

The next day, Bella boarded a train to Seaside City. She traveled light, planning a brief stay, hoping to complete her business quietly and leave without drawing attention.

After three hours on the train, she finally arrived. As she wheeled her suitcase out of the station, Fallon called.

"Bella, have you arrived?"

"Just left the station and about to catch a taxi home," Bella replied, having just loaded her suitcase into a cab. "What is it, Mom?"

"Go straight to the hospital," Fallon urged. "Your cousin went into early labor."

Shocked by the timing, Bella quickly instructed the driver to change course. "I'm on my way."

When Bella reached the hospital, Rilla had just completed a three-hour delivery. Thankfully, there were no major complications, though Rilla's parents looked shaken.

"Uncle Bryce, Aunt Marsha, Mom—how's Rilla?" Bella asked, hurrying over.

Fallon sighed with relief upon seeing her. "We almost lost her, but your cousin pulled through."

"I'm so glad everything's okay," Bella said.

Marsha leaned against her husband, weeping with joy. "Thank goodness you brought her in quickly. With Rilla's health, giving birth in that rural area... I don't know what might have happened. If something had happened to her, I don't know how I could go on living!"

Like Bella, Rilla was an only child—the apple of her parents' eye. Would Fallon react the same way if something happened to Bella? The thought made her ashamed of her recent behavior. 

She'd been confused after Edward forced her to confront her feelings, but she shouldn't have left her parents worrying for so long.

After visiting Rilla and her baby, Bella returned home with Fallon. Her mother didn't lecture her, only suggesting that since she was back, she should apologize to Wallace's family soon and return their gifts.

That had been Bella's plan all along. The next morning, she gathered the jewelry Rachel had given her and the unworn clothes, then headed to Wallace's home.

Rachel seemed stunned to see her at the door. "I'm sorry it took so long," Bella said apologetically.

Rachel opened the door to let her in. Seated on the sofa, Bella gathered her courage. "Mrs. Torres, I've come to apologize."