Xavier~
"Bella, I reached my hotel." I don't know why I texted her about reaching my hotel room, but the urge was too strong to resist. My thoughts always seemed to drift back to her.
"Good night, take care," she replied almost instantly.
I blinked at the screen, surprised she was awake—surprised she responded at all. Why was she still up? It was late.
After spending time with Alan and sharing dinner with Bella and him, I felt an unusual sense of peace and contentment. It was as if, for a brief moment, I was part of a family. A perfect family. Meeting Alan had only deepened my desire to fit into Bella's life once again.
As I lay on the bed, my mind raced back to how pleased Alan looked earlier that day. His innocent laughter filled the house, and for a fleeting second, I allowed myself to imagine what it would have been like if I hadn't betrayed Bella. Would we be a real family today?
The thought sent a wave of longing through me, but I quickly pushed it aside. She wasn't ready to let me back in—not after everything.
The next morning, I woke up to my alarm. Bella had told me to take a break since she'd already gathered her evidence for the case, leaving me with nothing but to think about her. I hadn't seen her in the last three days, and it made me restless. Under the guise of this murder case, I'd been able to spend time with her, but now I was left with no excuse to meet her. Just as I contemplated calling, my phone rang.
"How are you, Bella?" I couldn't wait to hear her voice.
"Uncle! Why didn't you come to see me? I miss you!" Alan's innocent voice came from the other side. My heart softened immediately.
"Alan, did you dial my number?" I asked, surprised to hear him.
"Yes, uncle. Mama is so busy that she hasn't had time to help me with my school project. I need your help. Daddy's not here, and I don't want to do it alone." His voice was filled with complaints, a hint of frustration that a child his age shouldn't feel.
Where was Bella? Why was she so busy that she had no time for her son? The way Alan spoke told me he was feeling neglected. That hurt me more than I expected.
"Will you help me, uncle?" Alan's voice was full of hope, and though I knew Bella wouldn't be pleased, I couldn't say no. Alan's trust in me meant something I couldn't ignore, even if it put me at odds with Bella.
"Of course, I'll help."
Arriving at their house, I found Alan surrounded by papers and art supplies, clearly trying to piece together a school project. I looked around, but I couldn't find Bella. Alan explained that she had locked herself in her room for the last two days.
A strange unease settled inside me. Why was she locking herself away? What could have possibly consumed her so much that she couldn't spare a moment for her son?
I spent some time helping Alan with his project, his little face lighting up with each bit of progress. He evoked a profound sense of need within me. Still, my mind couldn't shake the lingering questions about Bella.
A sudden movement caught my eye, and I looked up to see Bella leave her room. I stood, ready to explain why I was there, but she walked past me without a word, heading straight for the kitchen. Her cold demeanor cut through the air, and when she called Alan for dinner, I hesitated.
Alan was so eager for me to stay, but the tension in the room made it difficult to breathe.
I sat at the dining table, feeling out of place but unable to deny Alan's request.
I attempted to initiate conversation as I sat down at the dining table. "How are you, Bella?"
"Everything is fine," she replied coldly, her eyes fixed on her plate.
Alan, oblivious to the tension, spoke up.
"Mama, Uncle came here to help me with my school project."
"That's great, but you're old enough to be more independent," Bella responded without a glance in my direction, her tone as icy as ever. I felt a knot of unease in my chest. If she didn't want me around, why did she keep allowing me into her life?
"I'm sorry, Bella, for coming unannounced," I said, nervously fiddling with my fork. "I couldn't refuse Alan.
"You're welcome to visit my son anytime, Mr. Thompson.")" Her voice was polite but distant, leaving me with questions. If she didn't truly want me here, why was she allowing this? Why was she keeping me close yet pushing me away at the same time?
"How's everything going with the case?" I inquired, aiming to initiate a discussion.
"Everything's going smoothly. You don't need to worry. We'll win this," she said, finally meeting my eyes, her voice firm and confident.
"What's your plan?" I probed, eager to know what was going on behind that wall she had built around herself.
"You'll hear everything in court," she replied, standing up to say goodnight to Alan before disappearing back into her room.
She was so distant—so removed from everything, including her son. Watching her like this made me understand Alan's feelings even more. He felt lost in her world, just as I did.
As much as I hated to leave Alan alone for the night, I knew Bella's behavior wouldn't change. I said my goodbyes, promising Alan I'd visit again soon. Bella's coldness was still fresh in my mind as I left their house, questions swirling. Was her husband behind this shift, or was there something deeper, something she was hiding from me? Every time I was near her, it felt like she was covering something up.
Days flew by, and before I knew it, the day of the final hearing had arrived. I had grown even closer to Alan in the past four days. Each visit to Bella's house only strengthened our bond, though Bella remained locked away in her world. It was as if nothing could reach her, not even Alan's innocent affection.
The tension outside the courtroom was thick. Journalists and spectators awaited the final verdict. I was nervous, but I had made up my mind—I was going to ask Bella to be my friend, even if I could never regain her love.
I waited for her outside, scanning the crowd.
When she finally appeared, my heart sank. She was alone. Alan had asked to attend the hearing, and Bella had promised to bring him, yet here she was, walking down the steps without him. I sensed a discrepancy, but before I could inquire, she motioned for me to accompany her into the courtroom.
The court session was about to begin.