Chapter 218: The despair
A few days had passed, and Bella hadn’t gone out anywhere. She hadn’t gone to work and even switched her phone off. To keep her distracted, she kept drawing design after design. But no matter how hard she tried, those images of Theodore with Gina popped up in her mind, making her heart ache.
Bella pushed the thought away once more, tightening her grip on the pencil. Her fingers moved deftly as she continued drawing the intricate patterns. She worked mechanically, forcing her mind to focus on lines and fabrics, hoping to drown out the swirling storm of emotions inside her.
She had uploaded some of her recent sketches to her freelance account, but even the small satisfaction of seeing her portfolio grow couldn’t reach her. The work was a distraction, nothing more.
A knock echoed from the door, breaking her concentration. Bella barely flinched, her gaze never leaving the sketch in front of her. "Bridget, I’m busy. You can go to work. Just lock the door from outside. I don’t want anyone to disturb me."
Bridget sighed, her shoulders slumped in defeat as she turned to the woman beside her.
"Why did she say to lock the door from outside?" Willow, who had finally come to see Bella, asked with a mix of surprise and concern.
"It has been like this for days now," Bridget replied dejectedly. "She doesn’t want to see anyone. Bella locks herself in there, working for hours, not talking to anyone, and only comes out when it’s time to eat. I’ve tried to get her to take a walk, to get some fresh air, but she won’t listen. I don’t know how long this can go on."
Willow’s gaze shifted to the closed door, her heart heavy with worry. She couldn’t stand the thought of Bella suffering alone, pushing everyone away. Bella was strong, but even the strongest people had limits. Willow’s chest tightened. She resolved to bring Bella out of her shell.
"I need to see her," Willow said resolutely. "Tell her that I’m here."
Bridget hesitated, anxiety etching on her face. "I don’t think it’s a good idea, Willow," she said cautiously. "Bella is hurt... deeply. Your presence might only make things worse. Maybe you should leave her be for now. I’ll try to talk to her, get her to come around slowly."
But Willow had already made up her mind. She had come there, intending to talk to Bella. Theodore had his own problems, which stopped him from meeting Bella. But she had not such bindings. Bella was her friend, her confidante, and Willow wouldn’t let her continue shutting out the world.
"I’m not leaving without meeting her," Willow declared firmly. "Trust me, Bridget. I know Bella. I’ll help her get through this."