Chapter 22

Nicola Taylor

The bell rang incessantly as I hurried downstairs to answer it. Being alone in the massive house for the first time without Bella or Cole felt strange. They had gone to the doctor for a check-up, and I had decided to stay back, thinking Bella needed some alone time with her father.

I wondered who it might be as I opened the door, and my eyes widened in surprise.

This can’t be good.

"Hello," I said, offering an awkward smile as Harvey stood in front of me.

Is this a joke? Did Cole call him here on purpose? Why would he do that?

"Hello, where's Cole? I heard he got married and didn’t even bother inviting me. I'm one of his closest friends, so I was kind of offended. I came to give him a piece of my mind," he said jokingly, extending his hand to greet me. "You must be his wife. Congratulations on your wedding."

Okay, this is insane. I haven’t changed so much that no one from high school recognizes me.

"Yes, I am his wife. Cole took Bella for a routine check-up. He’ll be bac