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Her mother was excited and for Bella, it was impossible not to be reminiscent of an ember of hope. Maybe her mother was indeed right; this could be the turn of events she had always wished for.

But once she walked into the living room and spotted him, the tautness around his lips made her realize that this was not going to be as she had anticipated.

There was no beating around the bush for Fred. “Bella,” he said, this time in a serious voice that left no room for argument, “I’m sorry to say this but I expect you to keep your distance from Zara.”

Bella blinked, uncomprehending. “But you don’t even love her,” she said, a hint of hysteria creeping into her whisper.

Fred closed his eyes in frustration. “I don’t love her, but that does not give you the right to treat her like scum, Bella. Regardless, she’s still my wife in the eyes of the law.”

Bella rolled her eyes. “Not for long,” she said defiantly meeting his stare, a smirk playing on her mouth.

Fred turned, casting a hard glance