Chapter 13%
Irish’s POVE
“You’re not going to hurt her. In fact, by giving her what she wants, you’re making her feel at ease,” Harry said in a calm but firm tone. His words silenced me. For the first time, I saw him in serious mode.W
“Is there something I don’t know about?” I asked, eyebrows furrowing. My heart started to race with unease, suspicious he was hiding something big.
“We agreed to be engaged for our own personal reasons. So just do what you’re supposed to do. And I’ll make sure your ex–husband doesn’t find out where you are.” His voice was steady, his gaze sharp and locked on mine.
“But… it seems like you’re having second thoughts,” he added, narrowing his eyes as he studied my reaction
“Second thoughts? No…” I quickly denied, turning my head to the side to avoid his eyes.W
“You still think about the memories you shared with him, don’t you? But that’s normal… you two were together for a long time.”
My guess was right. He had noticed me daydreaming while I was cooking earlier. Harry was sensitive enough to pick up on things like that.B
“So, what’s your plan for the end of the month? You were kidding about the engagement party, right?” I asked, trying to confirm.
“No,” he replied bluntly.
“What? Are you insane, Harry?” I jumped up from the sofa, nearly knocking over the pillow beside me. “Being fake fiancés? Fine, I can accept that. But throwing an actual engagement party? In front of a crowd? Absolutely not!”
“What’s the difference?” He took a sip of his wine casually. “It’s just a small party, a simple announcement.“W
I shook my head vigorously. My breath quickened, and my chest tightened in frustration. “You don’t get it. If we throw a party, your parents are going to start pushing for a wedding. Do you really think they’ll just sit back and say nothing?“W
“If they ask us to get married, then let’s just do it. Come on, let’s get married…“M
My eyes widened. “Harry…!” Without thinking, I stood up, grabbed a pillow, and threw it at him. He just chuckled softly, like this whole thing was some kind of joke.
“Enough! Let’s just end this fake engagement. I can’t keep lying to everyone. Especially not by messing with their feelings. You may think this is all a game, but I don’t!”
Harry looked at me with a crooked smile. For some reason, that smile only made me feel more disgusted.
“Bella.. I don’t mind marrying you. We could start this relationship pretending. I know we don’t love each other. But marriage doesn’t always have to begin with love, does it? Sometimes, it can start with familiarity. That’s even more exciting–because there’s no pressure to protect each other’s feelings.”
I froze. It felt like I’d been hit with something heavy. “You’re insane, Harry! I thought you were someone with integrity, someone who respects commitment. But clearly… you’re no different from those jerks out there. Treating women like something to use and then throw away.“%
I couldn’t look at him anymore. My chest felt tight as I stormed to my room and slammed the door behind me. My breaths were shallow. Angry. Disappointed. Disgusted. All of it swirling together.”
In the middle of my boiling anger, a notification popped up on my phone. A message from Aunt Caroline.
[I’m so glad you agreed to get engaged to Harry, Irish. I really appreciate your effort to make Anya happy.]
My heart pounded. What does she mean by that? I stared at my phone screen, confused. Aunt Caroline’s words felt like a riddle.
Without thinking, I rushed back to the living room, where Harry was still lounging, swirling his wine glass.
“Harry!” I snapped, my eyes locked on him. But before I could say anything…
“You can’t back out of the deal we made, Bella. Everything’s already in motion. Me… you… everyone…”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Explain it to me.”
“You’ll get your answers soon enough.“}
<-8
The days that followed felt like walking on a tightrope. Everyone around me seemed to welcome me… but their smiles felt like invisible. bars trapping me.”
I met with Anya again, hoping to get some clarity. We sat together, working on embroidery. Anya was smiling, her face peaceful.”
“Anya,” I spoke up, “what if you were the one who got engaged to Harry instead?”
Her face changed immediately. Her smile vanished. The color drained from her cheeks. A wave of tension settled around us. Shouldn’t she be happy? She’s getting the man she likes.”
“A–Anya… the truth is, Harry and I-“W
“I would do it, if Harry truly wanted me.” she interrupted, smiling softly.
