Free Web NovelChapter 70: Chapter 70 Choosing Bella
Derek’s POV
I crafted the deception smoothly, well aware that Chloe was human and Bella would never want her privy to the complexities of her wolf nature or recent endeavors.
After we delivered our instructions, Chloe set about coaxing the children back to their quarters.
Bella’s prolonged absence sent warning signals through my mind, but for the sake of the little ones, we painted pictures of an afternoon brimming with entertainment and adventures.
The moment they disappeared behind closed doors, the three of us made our exit from the suite.
"Alright, we need the complete story of what went down," Parker demanded as our footsteps echoed toward the elevator bank.
My stride faltered when Serena emerged from her suite, her arm cutting through the air in an urgent gesture to capture my attention.
"Handle her swiftly because we’re not sticking around," Hugo informed me with a cutting edge to his voice, making it crystal clear that any delay would result in my abandonment—a scenario I absolutely could not afford.
A heavy exhale escaped me as I redirected my path toward Serena.
She appeared as though she had weathered a devastating storm.
Her eyes bore the telltale signs of prolonged weeping—puffy and crimson-rimmed.
When I drew near, her face contorted with visible pain.
"You never once bothered to check on me," she accused, her voice thick with hurt.
Witnessing her distress triggered an uncomfortable realization that my behavior had been inexcusable.
Yet the complication lay in the fact that this forced union was finally beginning to fracture at its foundation. freewebnovёl.ƈom
I was starting to assert my resistance.
Some rebellious part of my nature insisted they believed they had claimed victory.
They had coerced me into this arrangement under the assumption that I possessed no alternatives in Bella’s absence.
So I had acquiesced temporarily, blind to how fundamentally wrong it was to surrender to their coercion and psychological manipulation.
"That’s because we encountered complications," I stated curtly, withholding the complete details.
The instant I pivoted, I caught sight of Hugo and Parker monitoring my every move.
"What kind of complications?" she pressed, her arms crossing defensively over her chest, signaling her unwillingness to release me until she extracted the information she sought.
"Bella discovered something promising, so she departed. Given our contractual obligations to her, we’re required to pursue her," I clarified.
Those words constituted my entire explanation, a precautionary measure in case Serena decided to relay intelligence to my father.
It would be catastrophic for anyone to learn that Bella was navigating dangerous territory alone and ignoring our attempts at communication.
Such knowledge could be weaponized against us, particularly by my father.
"So why must all of you participate? The agreement specifies that only one of you needs to go," she protested, her complaints already surfacing.
"Serena, you’re missing the point. For this particular mission, my presence alongside Bella is non-negotiable," I responded, my hands finding my waist as anxiety coursed through me, my gaze darting to confirm whether Parker and Hugo had abandoned me.
Relief flooded through me when I confirmed their continued presence, though I understood their patience had limits.
"And what exactly makes your participation so essential?"
Serena interrogated me, her arms maintaining their defensive position, her expression hardening with determination.
"Because I invested considerable effort in this. This lead," I gestured toward my companions, "I was the one who uncovered it. Now they’ll claim ownership and steal the recognition." I attempted to convince her with fabricated reasoning.
The reality was far different—I cared nothing for credit or recognition.
My terror centered on Bella venturing forth alone and encountering catastrophe.
"So what if they do? Aren’t these supposed to be your friends? Why wouldn’t you celebrate their success?" Serena, who typically encouraged me to outperform my companions, was suddenly advocating for friendship over competition.
"Serena, did you have something specific you needed to discuss?" I finally asked, unwilling to indulge her games when Bella’s safety hung in the balance.
"Yes, I’m experiencing health issues. I need you to escort me to the medical facility," Serena declared.
Her posture—hands planted firmly on her hips, head cocked at a challenging angle, eyes blazing with confrontation—made her intentions unmistakable. She was forcing me to choose between her and my mission. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
"What are you, Serena? Some kind of child?" I growled, watching her eyes roll skyward as her fists clenched in frustration.
"I’m being completely serious. I’m genuinely unwell. I require medical attention, and you’re going to provide transportation," she persisted, her finger jabbing against my chest.
The sharp point of her acrylic nail tapped rhythmically against my shirt fabric, emphasizing her demands.
"Derek, our departure window is closing. We’re moving out," Hugo announced, and I recognized his willingness to follow through on his threat.
I turned back to face Serena. Her foot drummed impatiently against the floor, one eyebrow arched in challenge.
"Here’s the situation, Serena—my obligations call me elsewhere. You appear perfectly healthy.
I’ll return and arrange your medical visit," I informed her.
My words were still forming when she received her answer.
Her foot struck the ground with force, her body spinning away as she stormed off with rapid, angry steps.
I watched my hands ball into fists, acknowledging my failure to prioritize her needs—she was, after all, my spouse.
But then memories surfaced of how this marriage had been thrust upon me.
And I also recalled that given a choice between these two women, I would embrace the role of unfaithful husband and select Bella. Without hesitation.
Every single time.
So I executed an about-face and hurried toward my waiting companions.
They exchanged knowing glances and smiled, probably recognizing that I had faced a crossroads and chosen Bella.
And upon my return home, an enraged wife would be waiting to unleash her fury.
"Let’s move," I directed, indicating the elevator.
Once enclosed within the metal chamber, both men fixed their attention on me while I assumed a defensive stance.
"She was investigating her wolf nature and the mystery of having dual mates," I revealed. "We visited the library, where the librarian promised to contact us with any discoveries."
I proceeded to detail everything else, including the mysteriously absent pages.
"Then what drove her to venture out solo?" Hugo inquired.
I met his gaze, and understanding dawned in his expression.
"It stemmed from your earlier accusation about us having a romantic rendezvous," I replied.
That explanation said everything necessary.
