I thought that after last night's meeting, Bella would be satisfied and stop bothering me. But I was wrong.
That morning, while I was busy at work, my cell phone vibrated again. An unknown number again. I could already guess who.
**"I'll be waiting in the lobby of your office. We need to talk. "**
I let out a long breath. Why is this woman still not done with me?
I deliberately ignored her and refocused on my work. But after a few minutes, a receptionist walked into my room with a confused face.
"Ruby, there's a guest who insists on seeing you," she said hesitantly. "She says her name is Bella."
I sighed loudly. "Say I'm busy."
The receptionist nodded and returned to the lobby. I was hoping Bella would give up and leave, but she turned out to be more stubborn than I expected.
Thirty minutes later, when I went out for lunch, she was still standing in front of the office with a face full of anger.
"You think I'll leave just because you refuse to see me?" she said sharply.
I rolled my eyes. "Bella, I'm at work. I don't have time for this drama."
She approached, her expression growing colder. "I'll get straight to the point. Malik and I are getting married next week. So I need you to get away from him immediately."
I snorted. "I never approached Malik. In fact, I hope he never shows up in my life again."
Bella narrowed her eyes, as if judging whether I was telling the truth or not. Then she smiled wryly. "I don't believe it. Malik might still be expecting you. I see he still has your picture on his phone."
I was surprised, but quickly hid it with a sardonic laugh. "That's your problem, not mine. I'm done with Malik."
Bella raised her chin. "That's good then. Because if I ever see you approaching Malik again, I won't stay silent."
I looked at her sharply. "I'm not afraid of your threats, Bella. Now go away. I don't have time for this."
She leaned a little closer, then whispered softly, "Be careful, Ruby. I can do more than threaten."
After that, she turned around and left, leaving me with an uneasy feeling. I knew Bella was serious. And I had a bad feeling that this wasn't over yet.
Since my meeting with Bella, I tried to live my day as usual. I closed all the gaps that could make Malik or Bella come back into my life. But, life is never that easy.
Two days later, I had just finished work and was walking toward the parking lot when someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I was startled and almost screamed, but when I saw who was standing in front of me, anger instantly burned in my chest.
Malik.
"What are you doing?!" I tried to pull my arm away, but his grip was tight.
"We need to talk," she said quickly.
I glared. "I have no more business with you, Malik. Let go of me!"
"I know Bella saw you," she said, her gaze serious. "What did she say to you?"
I laughed sarcastically. "Why, afraid of me ruining your wedding?"
She groaned in frustration. "Ruby, please. I need you to trust me."
I looked at her with disgust. "Believe it? You're joking, right? After all the lies you made up? After you called me a 'loyal dog' in front of your friends?"
Malik looked devastated. He released his grip and wiped his face with both hands. "I... I didn't mean it like that."
I smiled bitterly. "Yes. Just like you didn't mean to say his name when you kissed me?"
He fell silent. Her jaw hardened. "Ruby, I know I was wrong. But I... I can't stop thinking about you."
I felt like throwing up. "You just feel like you're missing someone who's always been there for you. It's not me you want, Malik. You're just afraid of being alone."
He was silent for a long time, before finally saying, "I don't want to marry Bella."
My heart beat faster. But I quickly controlled myself.
"It's none of my business." I lifted my chin. "If you don't want to marry him, don't marry him. But don't drag me into this mess."
I turned around and walked away. But I could feel Malik's gaze burning into my back.
I know it's not over yet. And I hate that a small part of me still wonders-is he really sorry?
I thought that after my last conversation with Malik, I would be completely out of his life. But it turns out Bella had other plans.
That night, I had just gotten out of the convenience store near my mother's house when a luxury car pulled up right in front of me. The window on the driver's side lowered slowly, and Bella's face appeared from behind it. Her smile was still the same-sweet, but full of arrogance.
"Up," he said briefly.
I snorted. "Sorry, I have no business with you."
"I didn't ask, Ruby," he replied sharply. "Get on board now, or I'll make sure your life never settles down."
I grunted, but got into the car anyway. I wasn't afraid of her, but I also didn't want her to keep interfering with my life.
Bella drove her car, taking me to an expensive restaurant in the city center. We sat at a secluded table, away from the other diners.
She looked at me for a long time before finally saying, "I don't care what Malik tells you. I just want one thing-you to stay away from him."
I laughed sarcastically. "Are you serious? I've already left. You're still not satisfied?"
Bella crossed her arms over her chest. "I know Malik is still calling you."
I snorted. "Trust me, I'm not interested in him anymore."
She smiled faintly, but I could see the anger in her eyes. "Good. Because if you're still hoping, you'll only hurt yourself."
I looked at her sharply. "You scared, Bella?"
She lifted her chin. "I'm just making sure there are no distractions before my wedding."
I chuckled. "If you're sure Malik is yours, why are you still worried about me?"
Bella was silent for a moment, but then she grinned. "You know what, Ruby? You're too confident. You think Malik loves you? He just needs someone to occupy his time. And right now, he's already chosen who's better suited for him."
I clenched my fists under the table. I must not be provoked.
"I don't need a confession from you, Bella," I said coldly. "Enjoy your wedding. I'm done with all this."
I stood up, ready to go.
But before I could take a step, Bella leaned her body back and said softly, "Make sure you don't change your mind. Because if you dare try to go back to Malik... I won't stay silent."
I looked at her for a while, then smiled slightly. "I'm not afraid of you, Bella."
Then, I left, leaving Bella with an expression I couldn't guess.
