Chapter 44: Do they not hurt?
"I failed to take you on a honeymoon. Why would I have built the cabin for it?" He replied nonchalantly, stepping further into the cabin. His tone was evasive, but Belle wasn’t ready to let the matter rest. She reached out, grabbing his wrist firmly.
"The drawings, the aquarium, the ocean—it’s exactly as I described it. No changes, no differences. Don’t deny it, Quinn," she pressed, her voice unwavering. Memories of her dream came flooding back, the Phoenix Ocean, the place she had longed to visit but never had the chance. Could this be the ocean?
Quinn turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Don’t you think reminiscing about your ex-lover is unfair to your new one?" He deflected, attempting to change the subject.
"Don’t make this about him!" She snapped, her voice rising. "I demand an answer." Her grave tone left no room for teasing, and for a moment, he faltered.
"I made it for Sofia," he finally said, his voice calm but his words hollow. "She’s a sea lover, just like you."
Belle scoffed, letting go of his wrist. "Sofia can’t even stand the sight of a live fish. A sea lover, you say?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Fine. I won’t push it."
She recalled vividly the time Sofia had insisted the aquarium at the Duke’s mansion entrance be removed, claiming she was terrified of the fish. It had been during the period when Belle had made herself invisible, playing the role of the perfect, docile woman, all to secure the divorce papers.
Quinn said nothing, his silence speaking volumes. He didn’t even attempt to defend his lie, and Belle felt her frustration turn into resignation. Why was she still trying to understand him?
"Come on," she said finally, her voice softer now. "Have a seat. I will treat your cut." She turned her attention to the room, scanning for medical supplies. Spotting a small kit on the desk, she grabbed it and made her way back to him.