Bella's POV
I pressed my palm against my forehead and disconnected the call.
Hugo must have caught my frustrated expression. He left the children with the other kids and walked over to where I sat on the park bench.
"I tried reaching him directly, but his wife answered instead," I explained to Hugo, drumming my phone against my open hand.
"Yeah, Serena keeps him on a tight leash. Though I suppose you can understand why," he said with a shrug.
I shot him a questioning look.
"Look, I know she manipulated him into that marriage by refusing to back down, but he seemed genuinely content with her. They were making plans for a future together, even though their agreement stated he could walk away if he chose not to have children with her. It wasn't just about wanting kids with her either. Bella, everything shifted when you returned," he said carefully.
I nodded, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly.
