Chapter 40: Theodore’s support
The atmosphere crackled with a tension that snagged everyone’s attention. Bella, mid-gaffe, stood frozen and watched him walk toward her, her jaws slacking apart. The annoyance that had simmered just moments ago vanished, replaced by a jolt of something far more complex.
Theodore’s unwavering gaze held hers captive. His arm coiled around her waist and drew her in closer. The gesture sent a jolt through Bella, a confusing mix of emotions warring within her.
Claudia couldn’t believe her eyes. The image she had witnessed earlier that night, Theodore leaving in a huff, had fueled a narrative of a brewing fight between the couple. But here he was displaying his affection to Bella as if nothing had happened.
It defied logic. If everything was truly harmonious between them, why had Theodore abandoned Bella alone earlier? The inconsistency gnawed at Claudia, her mind churning with unanswered questions. Had she misinterpreted the situation entirely?
"I just left for a while, and you started bullying my wife." Theodore threw a stern glare at Gina and Claudia.
Gina bristled. "She is the one harassing me!" she retorted, jabbing a finger accusingly at Bella.
Claudia, sensing the escalating tension, reached out and firmly grasped Gina’s hand, forcing it down. "Theo," she interjected, "there’s no need for that kind of accusation. I was simply reminding Bella to be more respectful towards Gina. After all, she is a part of this family."
Theodore’s jaw clenched tight. "Since when did Gina become a part of this family?" he spat. "I didn’t know you had adopted her."
"You!"
Theodore held up his hand and silenced Claudia. "I am too worn out of all this drama here." Holding Bella’s hand, he walked out of the mansion.
"Theo!" Gina screeched, lunging after him. But Claudia, quicker on her feet, snagged Gina’s arm, effectively halting her pursuit.
"Aunty! Stop him!" Gina whined with petulance. "Why did you let him go? Bring him back to me!"