Chapter 12

"Alexander, I truly love you and always will, but I can't stay with you anymore. Don't try to find me. It's over. I've decided to start a family with someone who loves and cares for me. Maybe I'll grow to love him. Maybe he'll give me everything I lacked while I was with you. By the time you read this, I'll be in a place you can never reach. Goodbye, Alexander."

Damn it. Damn it! I kicked the basket, scattering jewelry and trinkets across the floor. I tore apart the mattress and flung it aside.

She used to beg me to spend just one night by her side, but I always made excuses about work. I didn't want to take advantage of her before marriage. I didn't want her to suffer like my mother did. I never intended to treat her as just a lover. I wanted to marry her, to spend the rest of my life with her. But I wanted to secure our future first, to make sure she never struggled.

"Bella,"

I whispered hoarsely, throwing a lamp against the window. I didn't even notice my bleeding hand as I slumped onto the wrecked mattress, staring at the shards of glass scattered across the floor.

"This is all your fault, Teal. I swear, I'll make you regret this. I promise you that,"

I muttered, pulling out my phone. The pounding in my head wouldn't stop.

"Track Bella. I don't care what it takes or how much it costs. Find her,"

I barked at the private investigator on the other end of the line.

Alexander Epix doesn't leave loose ends.

... 

"Mom, you won't believe who I ran into at the university—Teal, that annoying girl!"

Malika slumped onto the couch, tossing her bag onto the floor. Her mother gave her a sharp look before saying sternly, "Malika, pick up your bag."

Malika swallowed hard and obediently placed the bag on the table.

"Mom, do something! I don't want to see her! Aren't you the dean of this university? Come on, do something! She'll ruin my academic life and my future, just like she ruined Dad's life!"

Malika knelt in front of her mother, who stood and raised her voice. "Stop this nonsense! First, Teal will continue studying at this university, and you will not bother her. Second, we were the ones who ruined her father's life and stole her childhood innocence. I don't want to talk about the past anymore. Please don't embarrass me. Do you understand?"

Alara's gaze bore into Malika, who grumbled as she stood and wiped her tears.

"My princess, it's been a long trip," a man's voice echoed as he entered the room.

"Uncle Sam, how was Uncle Rick's wedding to Miss Bella? I'm sorry we couldn't attend," Malika asked as she watched Sam wrap his arm around her mother's waist. After he placed a kiss on Alara's cheek, he responded, "I begged your mother to come with me, but she claimed she had important work to do. It wasn't my fault."

Alara glared at Sam and pinched his shoulder, prompting him to quickly add, "Don't worry; I've got videos and photos of the wedding, and I brought plenty of gifts for you."

Malika's face lit up as she hugged him. Who cares about Teal and her problems? I have a loving stepfather who makes up for the father I lost, this big house, and all this luxury. I don't need to stress about a petty pest like Teal, she thought as she eagerly opened the gifts Sam had brought for her.

---

From Teal's Perspective:

"Sorry, ma'am, but I can't make it to my shift today. My mom's condition doesn't allow me to leave her," I said during a video call with the café manager. I was sitting in the garden, watching my mom enjoy the breathtaking view.

"Teal, don't worry. The new waiter has agreed to cover for you. You're lucky! I hope your mom recovers quickly," the manager said. I was truly fortunate to have such an understanding boss. After ending the call, I sat down with my mom to share some tea. It had been ages since we'd spent time like this together.

"I know you've been through a lot, Teal, but now you're Alexander's wife. You need to leave the past behind and focus on your married life. That's my advice to you, my daughter. Promise me you'll do your best to make this marriage work," she said, gripping my hand tightly. Oh, Mom, that tone of yours—it made my heart ache. What's happening to you?

"I saw a sparkle of admiration in Alexander's eyes for you. He truly cares about you," she added. Her words left me defenseless. I took a deep breath before responding, "I promise I'll try."

A soft smile appeared on my mom's face. Alexander and me—a happy married life? I don't believe in love after marriage. How could my mom expect me to make this work? It's obvious he only married me for some ulterior motive.

There's no way he's interested in me. Stop letting your mom's fantasies cloud your mind, Teal. Alexander is far too cold to fall in love. I glanced around the house again. It felt like a dream. I never imagined I'd live in a mansion like this.

---

"Here you are, ma'am. This is your room," Samita said, opening the door. I stepped in, captivated by the perfectly arranged furniture. On the wall, there was a large portrait of Alexander. I swallowed hard, my eyes drawn to those piercing eyes in the painting.

"Your mother has fallen into a deep sleep after her meal," Samita added before leaving. I didn't even notice her departure. My attention was glued to that portrait. The room was filled with his intoxicating scent.

It was midnight, and I needed to study. Thankfully, I'd brought some papers and notebooks with me. I sat on the staircase and began reviewing the lectures I'd missed. Letting out a deep sigh, I glanced at my phone and saw a notification from Instagram—Steven had updated his status.

Hmm, looks like he's enjoying himself, I thought, putting my phone down and staring at the wall clock. When will Alexander return? I needed to distract myself from thinking about Steven. This is hard. Pretending to be fine—it's exhausting. I'm not okay. Steven abandoned me. He broke his promise and left me all alone.