After the Final Goodbye Chapter 02
I didn’t touch a single word of Elena’s thesis.
A few days later, Julian cornered me between the library bookshelves.
He snatched the textbook right out of my hands and slammed it onto the floor, the heavy thud drawing sharp
looks from everyone around us.
“Bella, I told you to help Elena, and you’re here wasting time?”
Elena shrank behind him, her eyes wide and innocent.
“I’m just doing research,” I said, keeping my voice level.
“What research is more important than Elena’s graduation?” He pulled Elena closer to his side. “She hasn’t
slept in days because of this, and you couldn’t care less, could you?”
Elena tugged gently at his sleeve. “Julian, please don’t be mad. Bella probably has her own stuff to deal with.
I’ll figure something out on my own.”
Her words only fueled his anger. He glared at me, his jaw tight. “See that? Look how considerate Elena is!
Bella, I want the final proposal on my desk within a week.”
I crossed my arms. “Got it.”
His expression softened slightly as he wrapped an arm around Elena. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go to that dessert place you love.”
They walked away without looking back, leaving me standing there amid the whispers of onlookers.
I took a deep breath and picked up the book.
It was almost over.
Two days later, Julian called again, his voice freezing cold over the line. “What the hell is wrong with you?
The deadline is right around the corner, and you still haven’t given it to me!”
I turned on the faucet and let the water run. “I’m sorry, Julian. My grandmother is in the hospital, and I have to take care of her.”
“Elena’s graduation is critical. Put your family matters aside and get this done first.”
“But…”
“No arguments, Bella.” He cut me off. “Stop making excuses. If Elena doesn’t graduate because of you, we’re done.”
The line went dead. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, wondering how I could have ever loved a man like him.
Right then, my real estate agent called with the news that the buyer was ready to close the deal today.
To make the house sale official, I needed to clear out some of my parents’ old furniture.
It was too heavy to move alone, and after hesitating, I dialed Adrian’s number.
“Adrian? Are you free? I need some help moving some things.”
There was a long silence on the other end. When he finally spoke, his voice sounded strained. “Bella, now
isn’t a good time. Elena has a high fever. I can send a few soldiers over to take care of it for you.”
Elena, yet again.
I waited a couple of seconds before replying. “Never mind, Adrian. Take care of her. I’ll handle it.”
I had to admit, a small part of me had still been holding onto a hopeless illusion, wanting to know if he ever truly loved me. He had proposed to me, vowing at our wedding to love me forever-was every single bit of it a lie?
A few hours later, clutching my stomach, I called Adrian one last time. “Adrian? I don’t feel well. My stomach hurts badly.”
His response was instantaneous. “Don’t move. I’m on my way.”
I sat on the cold plastic bench of the emergency room waiting area, watching the doctors and nurses rush past.
Half an hour later, his familiar figure finally burst through the doors. He was walking fast, panic written all over his face-but he didn’t even glance toward the waiting room.
He headed straight for the orthopedic wing.
I quietly stood up and followed him.
Outside one of the treatment rooms, Elena sat in a wheelchair with her ankle tightly bandaged.
Adrian knelt in front of her, his voice low and incredibly gentle. “It’s okay, sweetie. The doctor said it’s just a mild sprain. You just need to rest for a few days.”
“But it hurts so much, Adrian,” she whimpered, exaggerating every breath.
He carefully tucked a blanket around her legs. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
The very last piece of my heart died right then.
“Hey, how’s it going?” I asked, completely emotionless.
Adrian spun around, his eyes. widening in pure shock. “Bella? What are you doing here?”
“Stomachache. Just picking up some meds,” I said, gesturing vaguely toward myself.
Are you okay?” He stood up, looking visibly rattled
Same old thing it’s fine. See you around I turned and walked away.
That was the absolute last time. The jealous, helpless Isabella was never coming back.