Rita approached bella and held her hand in an affectionate manner. Her voice boomed across the room, her words dripping with feigned concern. "Bella dear, why did you run away from home? We were so worried about you!" She said feigning tears
Bella's eyes widened, her face frozen in shock. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. She hadn't expected Aunt Rita to confront her like this, in front of all these people. She looked around and the people were already whispering.
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Rita. He could see the malice behind her words, the attempt to humiliate and control Bella.
Bella's voice trembled but she stood her ground. "I didn't run away Aunt Rita, you know the reason I left. Ken and I deserved better than to be treated like dirt."
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the unfolding drama. Henry's face turned red with anger while Cindy's eyes gleamed with excitement, eager to see Bella squirm.
At Bella's words Rita's expression faltered for a moment and quickly gathered herself but Ethan saw through the cracks of her expression, her voice dripping with false concern. "Oh Bella dear we only wanted what's best for you. We were worried sick about you! You just left home with your sick brother not caring about our feelings, your uncle is still heartbroken, wondering what he did wrong."
The guests began to whisper more among themselves, their curiosity piqued by the drama unfolding before them. "What's going on? What happened? Why is she being so confrontational? Did Ethan's wife really ran away from home to marry him? It seems like she doesn't have a good relationship with her family. How could Ethan marry such a woman really" the whispers continued
Bella's face flushed, her eyes welling up with tears. She felt like she was being ambushed.
Rita pressed on, her words dripping with venom. "You know Bella, your uncle and I only want to help you. We want to make sure you're making the right decisions, especially with...him."
Her gaze flicked to Ethan, her expression dismissive. "After all, you're not exactly known for your good judgment dear."
The room fell silent, the guests' eyes fixed on the unfolding drama. Ethan's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. He knew he had to intervene, to stop Rita's toxic tirade before it went too far...
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger but his voice remained calm and even. "I think that's enough Aunt Rita. Bella has made it clear she wants to move on with her life."
He stepped forward his presence commanding attention, and placed a reassuring hand on Bella's waist. "We're happy to be here tonight celebrating our union and I won't let anyone ruin it." He said in a commanding voice making everyone around shrink their heads in fear.
Rita shivered, face turning red with indignation but Ethan's words brooked no argument and she knew Ethan could not be trifled with so she reluctantly kept quiet but her eyes held malice. Henry sensing the tension intervened, his voice firm but gentle. "Rita dear, let's not dwell on the past. Tonight is for celebration." He said with a light chuckle
The room seemed to exhale collectively as the tension eased. Bella's eyes met Ethan's, gratitude shining in their depths. Seeing Ethan stand up for her she felt tears prick her eyes, no one was there to protect her from her family's torment. She had to endure but not anymore because now she had someone to look out for her.
For a moment their contract marriage felt like a real partnership to her, a united front against the toxicity of her family.
Cindy's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Ethan's hand on Bella's waist. She couldn't believe he was taking Bella's side, defending her against their family's attacks. A spark of anger ignited within her, fueling her determination to ruin bella.
As the night wore on, the party finally began to wind down. Guests started saying their goodbyes, thanking Henry for the wonderful evening and congratulating the couple for their union.
Bella and Ethan still arm in arm, smiled and nodded graciously, their faces exhausted from the night.
Rita and her family lingered, their eyes fixed on Bella with a mixture of anger and resentment. "We'll be talking soon Bella," Rita hissed, before turning to leave.
Cindy's parting shot was a venomous whisper, "This isn't over, Bella. You haven't seen the last of me."
As the last guests departed, Henry turned to Bella and Ethan, his eyes shining with warmth. "I'm so proud of you both. You've shown strength and grace tonight."
Ethan smiled, his eyes locked on Bella's. "We make a good team, don't we?"
Bella's heart skipped a beat at his words, a spark of connection igniting between them Bella couldn't shake off the feeling that their contract marriage was becoming something more...
They bid their goodbye to Henry wanting to go back to their home, they had spent the last few days here with him planning for the party
Henry's eyes twinkled with a knowing glint "No no my dear children you're not going anywhere tonight, why don't you accompany this old man for another night"
Bella and Ethan exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing. Another night under Grandpa's roof meant more time together, pretending to be the perfect couple."
Of course, Grandpa," Ethan said, smiling. "We'd be happy to stay another night."
Bella nodded in agreement, trying to hide her mixed feelings. She was grateful for Grandpa's hospitality and she loved spending time with him, he loved her and accepted her so easily which made her feel guilty about lying to him concerning their marriage arrangements.
As they headed back to their room, Bella couldn't help but wonder what the next day would bring. More pretending, more lies, or maybe something unexpected