Chapter 63

63 Clashing Realities Bella was overwhelmed with frustration, unable to comprehend why Alex, whom she had tirelessly pursued, remained captivated by Emma. She couldn’t fathom why Emma effortlessly achieved what Bella longed for. Bella didn’t see herself as less deserving than Emma, yet Alex’s attention seemed invariably fixed on Emma.

“If you regret your past with her, why not win her back?” Bella challenged Alex, aiming to provoke a reaction. “She was so intent on marrying you; I’m sure she’d welcome you back.”

Alex’s expression hardened. “Are you trying to upset me? If so, I suggest you stop. It’s pointless.”

Alex recognized the manipulative intent behind Bella’s words. His pride was hurt, recalling the manipulative tactics Emma employed to marry him. He had always felt marriage should be a voluntary union, not a scheme. This sense of entrapment was partly why he remained distant during their marriage.

Post–divorce, Alex began to see things differently. He realized he had never truly understood Emma’s.

experiences during their marriage nor appreciated her inner qualities. His previous obliviousness now seemed glaringly obvious.

Emma realized her attempt to divert Alex’s attention had backfired. She had wanted to distance him from Emma, but Alex was now disinterested in both Emma and Bella.

“Are you leaving already? Maxwell’s here, and I thought you’d want to talk to him,” Bella said, her voice tinged with desperation. Alex, feeling repulsed by her urgency, had once tolerated Bella, but he now understood her true intentions.

“I know your efforts to connect with Maxwell. If you want to stay, be honest and don’t anger me further,”

Alex warned her, leaving without awaiting her response.

Alex wanted to confront Emma about why she had never shown her true self during their marriage. He believed things could have been different if she had been more genuine.

Still, Alex hadn’t acknowledged any fault in his actions, assuming it was Emma who failed to express her true feelings. He thought their marriage might have fared differently if she had been more open.

Descending to the lower floor, Alex arrived just as Emma finished dancing. Juliet was thrilled with the plush toys Emma had won. Emma, now wearing her jacket, exuded a commanding presence, contrasting with her earlier approachability.

Emma was indifferent to the onlookers‘ thoughts; she projected an air of authority deliberately.

As Alex approached Emma, he commented on her different appearance. “I saw you dancing. You’re not at all like the person I knew.”

Emma acknowledged his observation. “What are you trying to say?”

Alex began to speak, but Emma interrupted, “You misunderstand. Our relationship has always been unique. Even if I had shown you this side of me, it wouldn’t have changed our dynamic. Our 64