Chapter 22
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Amid the sparkle of a party that was supposed to be filled with joy, a figure from my past stood there–tall and composed, yet with eyes brimming with unshed tears. Bobby. My ex–husband. The man I once loved deeply–and the one who hurt me the most.
My body froze for a moment as he strode toward me. Before I could step away, his arms wrapped around me. That embrace… it felt foreign yet familiar. Warm, yet painful. As if it was trying to rip open the wounds I had struggled so hard to sew shut.
“Bella…” he whispered softly in my ear, his breath trembling. “I’ve missed you so much…”
I couldn’t breathe. My chest tightened. But it only took me a few seconds to come to my senses. I was no longer the weak woman he could hold whenever he pleased.N
With what strength I had left in my shaking body, I struggled and broke free. And without thinking twice, my hand flew to his cheek. The slap landed hard, echoing above the still–playing music.
“I’m willing to take as many slaps as you need to give me, Irish…” he said hoarsely. “I came to apologize. I regret cheating on you. Please… come back to me. My life is a mess without you by my side.”
He dropped to his knees in front of me. In front of everyone.
My eyes widened. My heart pounded wildly. All the party guests turned to look at us. Whispers began to fill the space, shattering the once festive mood.
“I’m not your wife anymore,” I said sharply. “And my name is not Irish. Don’t disturb the peace here. Leave!”
But Bobby didn’t move. His eyes remained locked on me in desperation.
“I’ll stay here… until you forgive me. I’ll keep begging, even if I have to fall to my knees…”
And he really did it. Again and again, he dropped to the floor, banging his head like a man who had lost his mind.”
“Security! Remove this man!” Harry’s voice rang out from a distance–cold and commanding.”
Two security guards rushed in, grabbing Bobby by the arms. But he fought back, resisting. Like someone possessed, he broke free and looked at me again. His breathing was ragged, his face red and frantic.”
Aunt Caroline and Anya stood by my side. They positioned themselves like shields. I knew they wanted to protect me.”
“Irish! I know I was wrong to cheat, but do you know who made me do it? Them!” He pointed at Anya and Aunt Caroline. “They’re the ones who ruined our marriage–not me!“}]
His voice thundered, choking the air.
He mentioned Grace’s name. Said Grace was Anya’s close friend. That she seduced him. That he wouldn’t have been tempted if Grace hadn’t provoked him. That he was actually the victim.
“To this day, I’m the only one who truly accepted you for who you are, Irish. The only one who ever sincerely loved you.“}]
I frowned. My eyes narrowed. My breath grew heavy.
“Now I see,” I said quietly but sharply, “that someone who claims to love sincerely can cheat so easily. Just because someone dangled bait, and you took it… now you blame the one who baited you? You made the choice, Bobby. You destroyed everything.”
“Bella… I’m truly sorry,” he sobbed. “I promise I’ll make things right. I won’t cheat again. Please… just give me one more chance. Grace doesn’t even come close to you. I regret it… I truly regret it…“}
I stared at him. He kept repeating the same words. I saw his tears, saw how his body trembled from emotion and regret. But my feelings were already gone.”
Those tears couldn’t erase the pain that had cut so deep. They couldn’t change the fact that he had shattered me–into pieces.
“I’m done, Bobby…” my voice trembled, yet was full of resolve. “I can’t give you another chance. You hurt me too deeply. If there’s even a shred of love left in your heart for me, then please… stop disturbing my life. I’ve made peace with my fate. I’ve let go… the moment you chose another woman.””
“NO!” he shouted. “Don’t do this… I came all this way to get you, Irish. I’m not leaving without you!”
I took a step back, slowly shaking my head. “You will never come back to me again.”
The security guards forcefully pulled Bobby away as he struggled, dragging him out of the building. His voice still echoed–hoarse, desperate, haunting.
I looked down, holding back the tears that welled up in my eyes. Everyone was still watching. I wanted to disappear.”
“I’m sorry…” I whispered to the crowd. “Because of me… this event turned into a mess.“}
I turned away, wanting to leave the place as quickly as possible.
“Don’t go back to your house,” Aunt Caroline said. “Come stay at our home. At least until that man stops bothering you.”
“Yes, Bella… Go with my driver,” Anya added gently.”
I gave a slight nod. “Thank you… Thank you for helping me,” I said, trying to steady my trembling voice.
Anya hugged me. In that moment, my defenses crumbled. My tears burst forth uncontrollably. I cried in her embrace. The emotions I’d held in for so long finally exploded. The pain surged up again, choking me.”
8:01 PM
I just wanted peace.
-0
When I arrived at the Mitchells‘ house, I went straight to my old room. Nothing had changed–it was exactly as I had left it. I sat on the edge of the bed, gripping my phone tightly, then dialed Uncle Jack.N
“Uncle…” My voice cracked.
“I’m sorry, Irish. Bobby… he trashed my restaurant. I had no choice but to tell him where you were.“N
I swallowed hard, the tightness in my chest growing. “I’m the one who should be sorry, Uncle… Because of me, you suffered a huge loss. That man… he’s completely unhinged.”
“You need to be more careful now, sweetheart. Bobby’s crossed the line into obsession.”N
I stared blankly ahead. “The Mitchells are protecting me, Uncle. But I’m worried about you. What about the restaurant? I’ll pay for all the damage Bobby caused.“}
“No, it’s not your fault. But there’s one more thing you need to know. Bobby…”
