"My hubby's a certified loony. Topping his list of madcap antics? Defying the world to marry me—his decidedly unloved spouse!"
Bella pens this with a deadpan expression, closes her leather-bound journal, and casts a sidelong glance at their matrimonial portrait adorning the wall.
In the frame, Edward cuts a dashing figure in his tailored black tuxedo, while Bella is the epitome of elegance in her midnight-hued bridal gown, a flawless white bouquet nestled in her grasp.
Onlookers whispered that their union resembled more a somber farewell than a joyous celebration.
Yet, Bella alone harbored the secret resolve that she would traverse any path, endure any trial, so long as it kept her at Edward's side.
But in this fleeting moment, the untouched purity of the flowers seems to sear her vision.
Abruptly, Bella snatches up a scarlet marker and, as if under a spell, begins to meticulously tint one blossom with strokes of crimson.
She's unsure of her motive, uncertain if Edward will detect the change.
At that instant, the door groans on its hinges.
Edward enters with purpose, his gaze sweeping over Bella: "We have a function at eight. You've sixty minutes."
He hasn't noticed...
The realization dawns. Bella's fingers tighten around the red pen.
Over these four years, Edward has paraded her to every gala, as though proclaiming to all that she is his bride.
Perplexed and for the first time daring to question, Bella inquires, "Why do you insist on bringing me?"
"It's your marital duty," Edward retorts icily, his countenance unyielding, extinguishing every ember of hope within Bella's heart.
Their connection is devoid of affection, saturated solely with the weight of obligation.
"Understood," Bella responds, swallowing her bitterness as she ascends the staircase.
Once attired, they exit the residence in tandem.
Within the gilded hall of the gala,
Bella assumes her role with grace, standing quietly as Edward engages in the dance of commerce with his peers.
Suddenly, a mellifluous voice slices through the air: "Edward, it's been an eternity."
Bella senses Edward's rigid posture; lifting her gaze, she observes the tension lining his jaw.
A siren in a blazing red gown approaches, her allure undeniable.
She enfolds Edward in an embrace: "I've yearned for you."
The atmosphere solidifies.
Bella's smile stiffens into a brittle veneer.
Just as she summons the courage to interject, Edward disentangles himself and, with a firm grip, leads the woman away at a brisk pace!
Frozen in place, Bella watches his departure, her knuckles whitening around her champagne flute.
Curiosity and pity mingle in the glances cast her way; her smile strains before she makes a hasty retreat.
Following in pursuit,
Bella discovers Edward solitary in the parking lot, her steps faltering before she advances: "Edward..."
Her call trembles with unspoken queries and disquiet.
Edward pivots, taking the initiative for once: "She's just a madwoman. Don't pay her mind."
Bella stares, processing, then consents: "All right."
She ventures, observing the lingering irritation in his features: "Shall we return to the gala?"
Edward pauses, his decision clear: "No. Go home; I have matters to attend to."
With that, he slips into his car and speeds off.
Bella lingers, her gaze fixed on the vanishing red tail lights.
The image of Edward whisking away that woman replays in her mind.
It marks her inaugural encounter with such fervent emotion from him, ignited by another.
Anxiety grips her as Bella connects the dots.
Eventually, she collects herself to depart, only to find her path blocked instantly!
The "madwoman" Edward referred to stands before her: "You must be Edward's wife?"
Bella offers no reply.
Unfazed, the woman proceeds: "I'm Lena, the flame from Edward's past."
Bella silently concurred with Edward's earlier assessment.
To approach another's wife claiming to be the ex-lover? What else could such a person be but mad?
Bella wished to avoid further interaction, sidestepping Lena to leave, only to be obstructed again.
She furrowed her brow slightly: "Miss Li, is there more you wish to say?"
"Aren't you curious about my history with Edward?" Lena inquired.
"That's all in the past," Bella replied.
"And you're not at all curious why Edward married you?" Lena pressed on.
Bella's foot, poised to step forward, hesitated.
Seeing this, Lena approached leisurely: "I know you married Edward for money. Name your price, and I'll pay you to divorce him."
Her eyes burned with sincerity, her words utterly serious.
Bella looked at her, finding it laughable: "Keep your money, Miss Li, for medical treatment."
With that, Bella moved on, ignoring Lena's livid expression.
Behind her, Lena's voice, tinged with resentment, echoed: "If his family hadn't opposed our marriage, if I hadn't left, do you think he would have chosen you?"
"Bella, everything you have is stolen, it belongs to me!"
Lena's shrill voice pierced Bella's ears, prompting her to quicken her escape.
It wasn't disbelief that fueled her haste, but rather the certainty of truth, making the situation all the more absurd.
Lena's frenzied demeanor mirrored exactly what Bella had written about Edward in her diary.
Both were mad—
Returning home by taxi late into the night,
Bella was surprised to find Edward seated on the living room sofa: "Weren't you occupied with something?"
"Assigned it to my assistant. Why are you only returning now?"
After a moment's hesitation, Bella decided on honesty: "Miss Li stopped me."
Edward frowned slightly: "There's no need to engage with people like her; simply avoid them if you encounter them."
Bella fell silent for a beat before continuing: "Miss Li told me a lot. She said she was your first love, that you were once set to marry, but your family..."
"Enough."
Edward interrupted her with a stern tone: "Don't listen to her words."
"So, what she said is true?" Bella persisted.
Edward offered only silence.
Understanding dawned on Bella.
She gazed at Edward's handsome visage and suddenly found herself equally ridiculous.
She had fallen head over heels for Edward at first sight and had since been unable to extricate herself from the pit, never considering the effort to climb out.
Their marriage four years ago had been based on merely two meetings.
The first was during a job interview at his company, where Edward rejected her application.
The second was in his office, when he asked her to marry him.
Now, four years later,
She hadn't won Edward's love but had amassed an unfathomable fortune.
The prolonged silence in the living room had congealed the atmosphere.
Edward, observing Bella's reticence, showed signs of displeasure: "What are you thinking?"
Bella looked up at him, pondering deeply before voicing her question: "Your family also disapproved of you marrying me, yet you did. Why?"
Given Edward's nature, if he intended to marry, who could stop him?
Once again, he fell silent, eventually responding: "You needed money, and I needed a wife."
This answer was expected, yet it cut deeper given the circumstances.
Bella stared at Edward's cold, determined expression, her gaze inadvertently falling upon their wedding photo.
Under the warm yellow light, the bouquet with its single red-painted flower stood out strikingly.
Bella murmured, "Now that Lena has returned, will you be with her?"