Chapter 3
Sean’s brow furrowed. “Reborn? What are you talking about?”
She stared him down. “Then how did you know I’m allergic to seafood?“–8
“Your parents came by a while ago,” he said, completely unfazed, his voice even. There wasn’t so much as a twitch in his expression. “They asked me to treat you better. Left me a notebook with all your preferences and dietary restrictions. I glanced at it before I tossed it
out.”
His response was airtight, leaving no cracks for her doubts to slip through. Still, it stung, sharp and unexpected.
Was she just imagining things?”
A nurse suddenly stepped in. “Mr. Rangel, Ms. Marshall is awake. She’s asking for you.”}
Sean didn’t even look back. He just left. There wasn’t even a word for Bella.§
Three days in the hospital and Sean hadn’t visited her once.§
Every time the nurse came in to change her bandages, her eyes flickered with something that felt a lot like silent mockery. Bella felt every
bit of it.
On the fourth morning, she signed her own discharge papers.
Her immigration documents were ready. All that was left was the last step.}
Divorce.
She sat at her desk, pen in hand, each stroke on the divorce agreement carving just a little deeper into her heart.
The terms were painfully simple: she wanted nothing from him but her freedom.§
Her phone buzzed. Calista had posted something new.
The photo showed Sean at his desk, Calista leaning into him, flashing a smile. The caption read: [He says no non–employees allowed in his office, but today he made an exception for me.]
Bella’s finger hovered over the screen, motionless.
Sean used to break all his own rules for her, too. He’d hated spicy food, but he’d eaten spicy chicken wings with her until he had to get his stomach pumped. For a neat freak, he’d carried her home, completely drunk. He loathed public appearances, but he’d shown up for magazine interviews just because she wanted him there…
Bella forced herself to breathe, shoved those memories aside, and picked up the divorce agreement as she left the apartment.
The Rangel Corporation building was still as intimidating as ever. As the elevator climbed, Bella rehearsed what she’d say about the divorce. She was passing the executive suite when Sean’s assistant appeared, juggling a stack of documents.§
“Ma’am?” The assistant blinked in surprise. “Are you looking for Mr. Range!?“}
“Yeah.” Belia gripped the folder tighter. “I need him to sign something.”
The assistant’s eyes lingered on her pale face. “I’m heading in anyway. Let me take it for you.“{
Bella hesitated, then handed over the divorce papers. “Thank you.“>
He tucked the agreement among his files and knocked on Sean’s door.
The moment the door opened, Bella froze.
Sean was on one knee, carefully massaging Calista’s feet as she lounged on the sofa in a short skirt, her pale legs draped over his. She beamed at him, sweet as sugar.
“Mr. Rangel, these need your signature.” The assistant’s words made Sean glance up.
He barely looked at the stack. He just signed everything, too distracted by Calista to notice what he was scribbling on.
Standing in the hallway, Bella’s nails dug into her palm.
She remernbered in her last life, she’d twisted her ankle playing tennis, and Sean had knelt just like this, tending to her with trembling hands and a furrowed brow, terrified he’d hurt her.
The assistant came out a minute later and handed the signed agreement to Bella. “It’s done, Mrs. Rangel “N
Bella stared at his bold, careless signature. Her eyes burned, but she forced herself to nod, whispered a thank you, and turned away. While she waited for the elevator, she called her lawyer. “We’ve both signed. How long until the divorce is official?”
“Mrs. Rangel, after one month, you’ll be free.”X
She nodded and hung up, but before she could catch her breath, Calista’s voice rang out behind her. “Bella? What are you doing here?“}
20:43
Chapter 3
Bella spun around just in time to see Sean let go of Calista’s hand, his face darkening as he strode over. “Who told you to come here?”
He grabbed her wrist. “How many times do I have to tell you? This is just a marriage on paper! I don’t interfere in your life, so stay out of mine!”
Bella yanked her hand back. “Got it. It won’t happen again.“}
Things were getting tense, and Calista quickly stepped in, wrapping her arm around Sean’s and speaking softly. “Sean, don’t be like that. She’s still your wife.”
Then she turned to Bella, her voice all sweetness. “Actually, I’m glad you came. Sean and I are going to an auction. Why don’t you join us? Your mom saved me last time, and I still owe her a thank–you gift.”}
“That’s really not necessary,” Bella cut her off. “My mom doesn’t need anything.”}
Calista’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “But if you don’t come, I’ll feel so bad…”
“Bella,” Sean’s voice was ice. “Just come with us. Don’t make a scene.“}
The way he looked at her–cold, distant–was nothing like the man she used to know.
Bella suddenly felt exhausted, so tired she couldn’t even argue back.
20.48
