4

As I walked out of the ward, I expected to hear his voice, to listen to him call me back, to hold my wrist and stop me, to ask me what bullshit I was doing.

But he didn't.

He let me walk out of that room without looking back.

Once I was out of the ward, a sarcastic smile spread across my lips as the tears continued to pour down my cheeks, "what were you expecting?" I almost laughed at myself.

I wasn't Stella, so why would he pull at me like I mattered?

*

I flinched at the loud thunder rumbling as soon as I stepped outside the hospital room.

The rain pouring right after was soaking me to the bone.

The nurses had pleaded with me to stay, citing my condition, but I couldn’t. Not with Stella just down the hall, basking in Leo’s attention. Not with Leo’s indifference cutting me deeper than any physical pain.

I signed the discharge papers, ignoring the doctor’s concerned look, and stepped into the storm. Looking like a lunatic in a hospital gown and barefoot in the rain.

None of the taxis were working but I needed to get out of here as soon as I could.

I booked the nearest ride and made it to the Rathore Family mansion.

When I finally reached home, wrapping my arms around myself, my heart aching almost physically, I was shocked to see Carla, Leo’s mother, standing at the door with a sour expression, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“You have some nerve coming back here,” she sneered, her eyes narrowing.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. “I came to get my things. That’s all.”

“You mean the things Leo bought for you?” Carla sneered, her voice thick with venom. “You’re lucky we even let you stay this long after what you did to Stella. You’re a disgrace, Bella. Poisoning Stella? I don’t know how Leo ever put up with you.”

Her words felt like daggers, but I stood my ground, refusing to show weakness. “I bought most of my things myself, Carla. I’ll take what’s mine and leave.”

Carla’s eyes narrowed, the coldness in them cutting through me. She took a step closer, her body tense with rage. “You mean those trash? Of course, you must you take them away, I don’t want them pollute this house”

Before I could react, she threw all my clothes, accessories, and my jewelry outside the door. They were scattered like they were nothing but scraps, and now, clunging wetly to the muddy ground.

“Take your trash away,” Before I could respond, she shoved me toward the door. I stumbled but caught myself.

I attempted to turn the knob but their security team was already waiting behind me to clutch my arms and drag me away if I resisted and I knew that was the instructions she'd given to them.

I almost burst out laughing. If only my parents hadn't died in that crash those years ago, I'd have had someone to run to but even my grandmother who'd spent her entire life raising me was gone. And Carla knew it.

I raised my hands at the security men, "it's fine, I'll leave on my own,” I said before dragging my feet away from the place I'd called home.

I didn’t know where to go.

My world had unraveled in a matter of hours.

Then my phone buzzed. Ryan.

“Bella, my princess!” his voice practically sang through the phone. “How’s my favorite jewelry genius? Did the big wedding sparkle with your designs? Even though I’m not there, you must know my heart is with you all the way…”

“It’s…”

“Boss, your father wants to see you,” the assistant’s voice came through the receiver，tinged with a sense of urgency and helplessness.

“Tell him, I’m busy,” Ryan sounds irritably. Ever since he declared that he would never have an heir with any woman, his father had banished him abroad to manage a tiny, insignificant branch of the company. Their relationship stayed in an icy abyss.

His flamboyant and enthusiastic tone continued, “It’s what? You must look stunning today! Tell me, what’s the wedding dress like? Did Leo cry? I bet he did. Well, he’s not really my type — you know I’ve always had a thing for the rugged ones. But Leo is indeed a rare handsome guy. And...” His questions tumbled out one after another like a barrage of bullets.

I could no longer hold back my tears and choked up.

“Are you okay, Bella? What happened?”

I wiped rain from my face. “Ryan, it was a disaster. Except I’m the bride. And now… not anymore.”

I told him everything—the hospital, the miscarriage, Leo’s coldness, and Carla’s cruelty.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he said, his voice filled with anger and genuine sympathy. “That man and his family don’t deserve you. You’re a diamond, and they’re… well, costume jewelry at best.”

I laughed softly despite myself.

“Listen,” Ryan said, his tone brightening. “I’ll come for you. Wait me! Oh God, I can’t leave here…Bella, coming here, Okay?”

I hesitated. “Another country?”

“Yes! Far away from Leo and his awful family. You’ll shine. I know someone who needs a top jewelry designer in another city. You’d love it there, artsy, chic, full of fabulous people like me. What do you think? Say yes, Bella. Please, for me?”

I smiled through the tears, his words making things feel a little brighter. “Okay,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “I’ll do it.”

“That’s my girl!” he cheered. “Pack your bags, I’ll handle the rest. We’ll turn this around. The best is yet to come.”

“I’ll get a divorce lawyer to send the papers to Leo,” I muttered, nodding to myself.