Chapter 196: Do you hate me?
Skyler was confused, but he said nothing. Clearing his throat, he gathered his thoughts and said, trying to sound steady, "Yes, I’ll attend the meeting. I thought Mr. Reid might have come to see you this morning, so I came here."
Though Theodore’s absence left him with little reason to stay, Skyler could not leave, his gaze lingering on Bella’s pale and weary face. He couldn’t forget the fact that she had risked her life to save Theodore and lost her baby. He felt a deep pang of empathy for her suffering.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his tone softening.
Bella didn’t reply instantly. She slowly managed a bitter, pained smile that barely touched her lips. "I can’t say I’m doing good," she murmured.
Skyler fell silent, unable to find the right words to say. The enormity of her loss was beyond his grasp, and he felt a profound helplessness in the face of her grief.
"Don’t be sad. This phase of life will pass," he offered softly. "Just don’t lose hope."
As he turned to leave, Bella’s voice stopped him. "Do you hate me, Skyler?"
Skyler froze, taken aback by Bella’s sudden, disarming question. He hadn’t expected her to confront him so directly, and his discomfort was evident. He turned back to her, his expression betraying a nervousness he couldn’t hide.
It wasn’t that he hated her, but his feelings toward her had always been conflicted. He was afraid she would become trouble for Theodore.
"Why did you ask that?" he asked in response, struggling to understand what had prompted her to ask such a question.
Bella maintained a bitter smile as she replied, "I can feel it. The way you speak to me, your reactions... your expression. It was obvious during that meeting with O’Neil."
Skyler’s gaze darted around the room, avoiding hers, guilt creeping up on him. She was right—he had been harsh with her that day, though it stemmed from his own insecurities. His complex feelings toward her had gotten the better of him.