Chapter 37: The hostility
Everyone gathered for dinner. Claudia, who had earlier bristled with hostility towards Bella, surprised everyone with a radiant smile. She even apologized to her.
The atmosphere was tense despite Claudia’s attempts to smooth things over. Bella sat at the table, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on her, especially Gina’s, who still harbored obvious resentment.
"Sorry for what happened earlier," Claudia began. "Gina got a little emotional. Don’t take her words to heart. I talked some sense into her, she is quite ashamed of herself."
Gina, beside her, offered a weak apology. "Yes, I am truly sorry for my outburst," she mumbled, although her tone betrayed no sincerity. "Theo, please don’t be upset with me. You know how much I love you. Seeing you with her was heartbreaking. I was devastated."
Theodore arched an eyebrow, unconvinced. "And you’re alright now?" he questioned. "No more hard feelings towards Bella?"
Gina hesitated, then mumbled, "I... I don’t have any hard feelings against her." But the defiance that lingered in her tone spoke volumes.
Theodore fought the urge to scoff at Gina’s attempt to placate him. "Well," he drawled, "that’s a relief. Hopefully, you’ll both extend the same courtesy and treat my wife with respect."
Bella remained composed outwardly, but inwardly, she felt uncomfortable under Gina’s resentful gaze. She understood that her presence was causing tension within the family, despite Malcolm’s earlier acceptance.
Gina sat rigidly at the dinner table, her fists clenched tightly under the cover of the tablecloth. Her eyes flickered with jealousy and anger every time they glanced at Bella. The sight of another woman occupying Theodore’s side ignited a primal possessiveness within her. Every rational thought evaporated, replaced by the childish urge to fling the water glass at the intruder.
Sensing the storm brewing within Gina, Claudia reached across and squeezed her fist. "Bella is now a family," she said with a smile. "Of course, we’ll treat her well. Right, Gina?" She gave her a meaningful look.
Gina gritted her teeth and nodded curtly, the memory of Claudia’s stern advice to play nice flashing through her mind. "Absolutely," she forced out, the words scraping harshly against her throat.
Theodore fought back the urge to roll his eyes. He could clearly see how hard they were trying to appear normal, which was ridiculous. While a part of him reveled in Gina’s obvious discomfort, a sliver of unease gnawed at him. He was worried about Bella.