Chapter 33 Between Love and Lies
BELLA
A soft knock pulled me out of sleep, and I blinked in the darkness. Elowen was beside me, whispering urgently, “Bella, get up.”
I groaned, burying my head in the pillow. “What, Elowen? Why are you disturbing my beauty sleep?”
She rolled her eyes. “Trust me, it’s not me. Just look out the window.”
I dragged myself up, yawning, and peered outside. A row of sleek black cars lined the street below, headlights beaming like spotlights. My heart dropped. David. I glanced at Elowen, my eyes wide.
“How does he know I’m here?”
She shrugged, arms crossed. “You tell me.”
I was still trying to process when the pounding started on the front door, each bang rattling the walls.
She shot me an exasperated look. “If your crazy husband breaks my door, you’re paying for it.”
“Don’t tell him I’m here!” I hissed, darting to the wardrobe, heart thumping. I barely had time to close the door when I heard David’s voice, low and furious, fill the room.
“Where is she?”
“She’s not here,” Elowen said, her tone cool.
A bitter laugh echoed from him. “I know she’s here, Elowen. If you don’t want me tearing down your apartment, bring her out.”
I held my breath, pressed against the back of the wardrobe, as his footsteps grew louder. Before I could think, the door was yanked open.
“There you are,” he said, smirking as if this was all a game.
Anger flared in me. “What are you doing here, David?”
He stepped closer, his eyes dark and intent. “I’m here to take you home.”
“This is my home.” I crossed my arms, chin held high. “I belong here.”
A hint of frustration flickered across his face, softening his usual hardened look. “You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do. Aren’t you supposed to be with your girlfriend?” The words came out harsher than I intended, slicing the air between us.
He held my gaze, his smile fading. “Bella... I’m sorry.” His voice softened. “I never wanted to hurt you. She kissed me, not the other way around. She did it on purpose when she saw you.” His voice trembled with something close to regret, but I couldn’t let myself believe him not yet.
“So, is that what you came to say?” I scoffed. “If you’re done, you can go.”
He exhaled, his shoulders sagging. “Bella, I’m sorry. Really. I know I messed up, but I don’t love Lizzy. I don’t love anyone but you.”
He reached for me, his hand tentative as if afraid I’d disappear. “I was worried about you,” he whispered, his fingers brushing my cheek. The warmth of his touch melted something inside me, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine, a silent plea woven between us.
I pulled back, still wary. But he wrapped his arms around me, his voice a low murmur in my ear. “Please... don’t leave me again.”
Elowen cleared her throat. “Hello! Right here, remember? You two lovebirds want to take this somewhere else?”
I couldn’t help but laugh, the tension breaking just a little. But I still shook my head, looking at David. “I’m not going with you.”
A glint of mischief sparked in his eyes. “Alright. Enough of this.” Before I could protest, he scooped me up, tossing me over his shoulder as I shrieked in protest, pounding my fists against his back. He just laughed, steady as ever.
The drive was quiet, the breeze whispering through the open window, cool against my skin. I felt myself relaxing despite the storm of doubts. What if he’s lying? What if this is just another game?
When we reached the house, I barely had time to step out before my little boy, Jasper, barreled into my arms, squeezing me tightly.
“I missed you, Bella! Don’t leave again.” His small voice, so full of love, tightened my chest, and I pulled him close, pressing a kiss to his hair.
“I won’t, Jasper. I promise.”
My phone buzzed, breaking the moment. It was a message from Michael: We’re having a childhood reunion. Hope to see you there.
David peered over my shoulder, reading the message before I could hide it. “Are you going?” he asked, his gaze thoughtful.
I bit my lip, glancing away. A part of me wanted to see those familiar faces, to revisit a world I hadn’t touched in years. But another part of me couldn’t help but wonder... should I really go back?