Chapter 89: Chapter 89 Fabulous girls’ day (3)
Bella and Scarlett were both giggling as they stepped into a tiny beachside shop, dripping wet from their spontaneous boat ride. Bella’s red dress clung awkwardly to her legs, and Scarlett’s dress was nearly see-through.
"I look like a wet mop," Bella whispered, cheeks burning.
"And I look like a sexy drowned rat," Scarlett added proudly, flipping her soaked hair. "Let’s get changed before someone offers us coins."
They both changed into fresh, casual outfits they found at the shop—Bella in a soft peach top and white shorts, Scarlett in a sporty tee and denim skirt. Once dry, they headed to a cozy little lunch café tucked near the shore, sunlight spilling through the windows as the ocean breeze brushed their skin.
As they waited for their food, Scarlett leaned forward with a grin that could only mean trouble.
"So, Bella," she said, wiggling her brows. "Wanna meet the others? You know... BlackKnight, ZeroVoid, F4angs, K4ne404..."
Bella blinked, sipping her lemonade with both hands. "U-Um... I’m not sure?"
Scarlett rolled her eyes fondly. "They’re cute. If you ignore their ugly faces."
Bella giggled. "That sounds like a contradiction."
"No no, hear me out." Scarlett leaned in like she was about to share a dark secret. "BlackKnight has the voice of a god, the attitude of a criminal, and the face of a... very punchable hamster."
"Hamster??" Bella choked on her drink.
"Yup. ZeroVoid is slightly better, except he wears sunglasses indoors and thinks it’s cool. F4angs? Constantly chewing gum. Looks like a rebellious high schooler. Kane404 has a cute smile but don’t get me started on his nose."
Bella laughed so hard she covered her mouth. "You’re so mean!"
"I’m honest," Scarlett said proudly, then softened her voice. "But they’re dying to meet you. You’re like a legend to them, Bella."
Bella stirred her drink with the straw, eyes lowered as the sunlight from the café window hit her soft lashes. "I... I think I’d like to meet them," she said softly, almost shy. "If they’re like you in real life... I want more people like that in my life."
Scarlett smiled, pleased. "Good. They’ll be so hyped to meet you."
Then her smile dropped as her thoughts shifted. "Yeah... and about your husband and that bit—" she caught herself, "that mean girl. What are you going to do about them?"
Bella raised her finger like a teacher. "You can’t curse."
Scarlett groaned and leaned back in her chair. "Fine. But seriously, you’re just going to let it go? After what they did?"
"I-I don’t know," Bella mumbled, her fingers tightening slightly around the cup. "I didn’t want to do anything, really. I just want peace..."
Scarlett tilted her head. "So what do you think about your husband? Like, really."
Bella looked up with those big brown eyes, filled with emotion. "I’m not sure," she said honestly. "Sometimes... he’s kind. But other times, it’s like I’m invisible. Like I’m just someone staying in his house." She lowered her gaze, voice getting quieter. "I’m confused."
Scarlett watched her for a second, lips pursing. "I once read somewhere," she said slowly, "if you don’t understand a man... look at his friends."
Bella blinked. "What?"
"Seriously," Scarlett nodded. "You can tell a lot about a man by who he surrounds himself with. His friends are his reflection."
Bella looked thoughtful, her soft features lost in her own mind for a moment. Scarlett reached over and gently patted her head. "Don’t overthink it right now, Bells. First, you heal. Then you decide. You’ve already got one army on your side and I have a taser."
Bella giggled. "You really brought a taser?"
Scarlett grinned. "Honey, I came prepared for war."
Isabella had spent the entire day laughing, exploring, and just being her natural self with Scarlett. For the first time in what felt like forever, she hadn’t thought about Alexa, Leonardo, or anyone judging her. She got to be just Bella—playful, sweet, a little clumsy, and a lot curious.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky and the golden glow warmed their faces, Scarlett pulled her into a tight hug. "I had so much fun with you today, Bella. See you tomorrow, okay?"
"I will ask if you can stay with me for two more days," Bella mumbled into her shoulder, her arms wrapping tightly around Scarlett’s waist. She didn’t want to let go so soon.
Scarlett pulled back with a soft grin. "Haha, do ask! But for now, I’m heading back to my hotel, yeah?"
Bella nodded, but her eyes showed that hint of sadness—the kind that came when good things felt too short. Scarlett ruffled her hair before waving and walking away, her silhouette slowly disappearing down the road.
Bella stood there for a few moments, letting the wind tangle softly through her hair. Then she smiled to herself and turned back toward the villa.
Her footsteps were light, and there was a slight bounce in her walk. Her mood was cheerful—bright enough to melt away any leftover gloom from yesterday. She hummed softly under her breath, hugging her bag close to her chest.
Today was good.
Or... maybe not.
As Isabella stepped inside the villa, the warmth from her smile faded just a little. Her cheerful energy faltered when her eyes landed on the living room.
Alexa was seated comfortably on the couch, her legs crossed, a smug expression on her face as she tossed her perfectly styled hair over one shoulder. She was laughing—loudly and sweetly—like everything in the world was perfectly fine. Her freshly manicured nails gleamed as she admired them, and she didn’t even glance Isabella’s way.
Alan was sitting across from her, arms folded and face unreadable, but he wasn’t laughing. He gave a polite nod here and there, barely reacting as Alexa kept up her animated chatter.
Isabella’s fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. The air suddenly felt heavy, like walking into a room where everyone just finished whispering about you. She didn’t know why, but her heart sank a little.
She looked down at her feet for a second, then quietly walked toward the hallway, hoping no one noticed her mood shift.
But as she turned away, Alexa’s voice floated through the air again.
"...and some people just think a day at the beach can wash away everything. Cute, right?"
Though the words weren’t directly said to her, the tone was sharp—too sharp to be innocent.
Isabella didn’t reply.
She just kept walking...