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I nod my head, but she continues. “I know how much I hurt you, Jake, and I really appreciate the fact that you still take care of meand my daughter.”
I hum distractedly, my attention already taken by a document. Samantha must have dropped it on my desk this morning. I hear sniffing and look up. Stephanie is wiping her eyes.
“I fucked up when I left you, Jake. I know that now, but then I was so scared and I felt like I was betraying Pedro.” The tears are pouring in torrent now.
Quickly reaching for some tissues, I give her some to wipe her tears. “What’s done is done, Stephanie. At least we aren’t enemies.”
“But we can’t be lovers,” she says, and I narrow my eyes at her words. She laughs dryly. “I hope she makes you happier than I ever did.” She gets up and I follow suit. “I bumped into Harry and squeezed out an invitation from him. Don’t be mad at him. I had wanted to spend more time here so I can fight for you, but I can see now that there is nothing to fight for.”
She looks so heartbroken and I feel moved because that was my exact look a few years ago. I come around my table and give her a hug and let her sob into my shirt while patting her back comfortingly. When she finally calms down I pull away to look at her.
I am surprised when I am met with a kiss instead. I hear my door open just as she tries to deepen the kiss. Pulling away from her, I turn to see Bella staring at both of us in shock. The look slowly morphs into hurt and she storms out of my office.
CHAPTER19
BELLA
Iam angry with Jake. How insensitive can he be? He didn’t even pick up on my obvious hint. Maybe he picked up on it, but pretended not to notice.
I know driving me to work can be interpreted in different ways, but I had just wanted my boyfriend beside me today. The designing team is working efficiently so I leave them to it. I have a boyfriend to apologize to.
I head to his office and greet Samantha on the way there. She gives me a wide-eyed look and I raise my brow in question. Ignoring her weirdreaction,I open Jake’s door and walk in, and my breath is suddenly stolen from me because of the scene in front.
Jake pulls away from Stephanie’s embrace and looks at me. I see red immediately. I storm out of the office.
“Bella! Bella, wait,” I hear him call me and quickly wipe at the errant tear that won’t stop coming.
“I can explain,” he starts and I roll my eyes.
“There is nothing to explain. I know you wouldn’t do that to me.”
He sighs in relief. “Then why are you crying?” He tries to wipe my tears but I pull away.
“You want to know what is really painful? The fact thatI can’t fight for you because no one knows we are dating. You would rather hide me than let anyone know about us.”I walk away before he can reply.
I busy myself, helping set up so I can have something to do. It’s either thator Igo back and squeeze the light out of Stephanie.I am so mad right now, but I am madder at Jake.
The guestsstartto arriveby three p.m.and I quickly head for the public bathroom to change. My dress was sent a few days ago. Without much time on my hands, I quickly change and opt for minimal makeup andpack my hair into a bun. I need to think practical so I can easily move around throughout the wedding.
After that, I go to check on the bride. As expected, she is berating an already irritated makeup artist. “Bella, thank God you are here. I need help with my makeup.” Withholding a sigh, I walk in. After dismissing the makeup artist, I set to work on her face. Then I help her get into her dress.
“Nervous?” I ask and she shakes her head.
“Why would I be? It’s not like I’m marrying a complete stranger. It’s just the nerves getting to me.” She talks more to herself than me.
I grip her hand. “You can talk to me Cecilia. There is no one here.” She suddenly tightens her hold on my own hand.
“I’m scared, Bella. This is forever. What if we aren’t ready or he realizes he doesn’t love me as much and we have a divorce that scars our children for life whom we have to shuttle between ourselves? Next thing I know, I have this rebellious daughter who blames me for all her problems.”
“Okay, let’s take a breath.” I guide her to the bed and sit her down. “Wow, you’ve thought so far ahead.
She looks at her hand. “I am the product of a messy divorce, Bella. My parents won’t even look at each other. I don’t want that for Harry and I.”
“And you won’t. You and Harry have such a beautiful loveit’s the envy of all who look upon it,” I tell her and she smiles a little. “Besides, if he rejects you, he would have more than just you to deal with. The entire resort employees for one thing will gang up against him because we have seen how beautiful your guys’ love is.”
She sniffles beside me. “Thank you,Bella.”
“If you would excuse me, I have to make sure your wedding goes as planned.” I leave her and hurry out of the room.
