Chapter 221: The shocking explanation
"Don’t say that. I was worried and wanted to talk to you," he replied earnestly.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "I don’t need your fake concern." She attempted to walk past him, but he instinctively reached out, grabbing her arm to stop her.
"I’m not faking," he insisted desperately. His eyes were filled with remorse, reflecting the pain he felt for pushing her away. "I was..."
"Really?" she sneered, cutting him short. The anger surged within her, drowning out any lingering affection. "You left me alone in the hospital. Is this how you take care of me? Your mistress bullied me, said hurtful things to me, and tried to slap me. But you supported her. You left with her, not bothering to check if I was okay."
Theodore’s heart sank further with each of Bella’s cutting words. He knew he had failed her, allowing Gina to stir up trouble and not doing anything to stand up for his wife. Now, he was facing the consequences of his inaction.
"I know you are hurt," he mumbled. "I’ll explain to you. Come home with me." He reached out, desperate to take her hand and make amends.
But Bella stepped back, pulling her hand away. "Home?" she scoffed bitterly, emphasizing the word with a mix of pain and anger. "Which home are you talking about? We’re getting divorced, aren’t we? It’s not appropriate for us to stay under the same roof anymore."
Theodore winced at her words. "Bella! Don’t do this here," he urged, lowering his voice in hopes of calming her down. "Come with me. We’ll talk." He extended his hand once more, but Bella swatted it away, her frustration bubbling over.
"I am not going anywhere with you," she snapped, glaring at him. Her voice echoed inside the lobby, catching the attention of a few passersby. "Go away, Mr. Reid. I’m sure your mistress is waiting for you somewhere."
That was it. Theodore’s patience snapped, her constant defiance striking a nerve. "Enough," he growled. He had tried to reason with her, to apologize, but she refused to listen. "Whether you want to or not, I’m taking you with me."
Before she could protest further, Theodore grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. Bella gasped, shocked by the suddenness of his move.
"Let go of me," she hissed, twisting her wrist in a futile attempt to free herself. But his grip was firm, unyielding as if he couldn’t bear to let her slip away again.