(Finding New Happiness) Chapter 2: Disillusion
Back then, Bella had just returned to the country. Bryce brought her home, explaining that she was the daughter of his father’s army buddy. With her parents gone, she was all alone and had no choice but to come live with us. Eventually, she became the adopted daughter of the Miller family. She was Six years younger than both Bryce and me, yet she was always around us, calling him Bryce at every turn.
That was when things shifted. Bryce and I went from being childhood sweethearts everyone adored to being labeled as “frenemies.” Every time we met, it was guaranteed we’d end up in a houting match. Our parents would always tease us, saying, “Look at these two, fighting like cats and dogs, but give it a minute, and they’ll be thick as thieves again.” And they were right. After every argument, within half an hour, we’d be back to normal. But no one knew the truth behind it all–it was my repeated compromises that kept the peace.
From then on, whenever I went out with Bryce, Bella tagged along. She had her own seat in his car, her own water bottle, and even her own ringtone. He wore ties and cuff links she picked out. As things progressed, I found myself unable to hang up on my own phone calls if Bella was calling; once, Bryce’s phone died, Bella called me, but I ignored it out of annoyance. Little did I know, that day she jumped into the outdoor swimming pool, and the temperature outside was plummeting to below ten degrees. When we finally arrived, Bella was still stubbornly refusing to go to the hospital. In the end, it was Bryce who forcibly carried her there. And me? I ended up being the one labeled as the executioner behind this “incident.” I needed to apologize and beg for forgiveness, groveling, all to no avail. Six months ago, my wedding with Bryce was finally arranged with the help of our families. That very night, Bella confessed her feelings to him. After being rejected, she chose to take her own life. When her obsession turned into a sickness, I, who had done nothing wrong, became the perpetrator. He took Bella to soak in hot springs, to the beach to untangle her heart, to the temple for peace of mind. But fearing I would object and cling to him, he resolutely blocked me, shutting off all communication, leaving me in the dark. He was convinced I wouldn’t leave him. So, every time, I was the one sacrificed first. But he was mistaken. No one can wait indefinitely for someone to turn back.
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