Chapter 8
A few days later, it was time for the Rangel family’s dinner party.
Bella really didn’t want to go. But when she thought about how long it had been since she’d seen her grandfather, she gave in, slipped on her dress, and headed out.$
She was about to leave this place for good. No matter what, she needed to say goodbye to her grandpa, even if it was just once.
The minute she stepped into the old house, she saw Sean, hand in hand with Calista, striding in for everyone to see.
Sean brought his little canary to the Rangel family dinner–just to embarrass her. He didn’t even bother hiding it.
But Bella couldn’t bring herself to care anymore. The pain was gone. She was just numb.
Ignoring the whispers and the stares, she went straight to her grandfather’s room.
“Grandpa, Sean and I… we’re getting a divorce.“>
She didn’t bother with small talk. She just laid it out there–she was leaving.}
Grandpa Rangel sat up so fast it startled her, grabbing her hand. “Bella, are you mad at Sean? Listen, that boy cares for you. The thing with Calista that must be a misunderstanding.“{
“Grandpa.” Bella forced a smile, but it was more sad than anything. “You don’t have to defend him. I’ve thought it all through. After everything he’s done lately, it doesn’t matter what he feels for Calista. There’s no way for us anymore.“>
He heard the pain and the determination in her voice and let out a long, heavy sigh.}
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“Well, it’s his loss. Remember this, Bella–even if you’re not my granddaughter–in–law, you’ll always be my favorite girl. As long as I’m alive, that canary isn’t setting foot in this house.“}
Bella’s eyes stung. Grandpa had always stood up for her, even in her past life.}
“Grandpa, you should rest.” She stood up to leave, her voice softening. “I’ll go get you some warm milk.“>
Bella went to the kitchen, poured a glass of milk, and walked back. Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard a heavy thump inside.}
“You old bastard!” Calista’s voice hissed through the half–open door. “You still won’t let me in? I’ll kill you!”
Bella’s blood turned to ice.D
She burst into the room and saw Calista pressing a pillow over Grandpa Rangel’s face. The old man’s hands clawed weakly at the sheets, barely moving.
“What are you doing?!” Bella shouted, shoving Calista away.
The pillow hit the floor. Grandpa’s face was bluish, and he wasn’t responding.
“Help! Somebody, call an ambulance!“}
Bella’s scream brought people running from all over the house.
Sean was the first to rush in. The second he saw the scene, his face changed. “Grandpa!”
He scooped the old man up and ran for the door. As he passed Bella, his eyes were so cold they felt like ice cutting through her.
The hospital was blindingly bright. Bella sat on a bench, her hands shaking so badly she could barely hold them together.
Calista curled into Sean’s arms, sobbing softly, throwing Bella hateful looks whenever she thought no one would notice.
When the sky finally started to lighten, the doctor came out. “Mr. Rangel, your grandfather was deprived of oxygen for too long. He’s most likely going to remain in a vegetative state.“@
Sean punched the wall so hard his knuckles split open and bled.
In the VIP hospital room, Sean’s face was stormy as he looked at both women. “What happened?”
“It was her!” Calista shrieked, pointing straight at Bella. “She tried to suffocate Grandpa! When I walked in, she was holding the pillow over his face!”
Bella stared at her, stunned. “What did you just say?”
“It’s the truth! I’ll say it again and again!” Calista sobbed, tears running down her face. “Sean, I was so scared. She almost killed me too…” Sean’s gaze turned glacial, sharp as a knife right through Bella’s chest,
“Bella, after everything Grandpa has done for you, how could you do something like this?”
