Semua Bab Sold Myself to My Husband’s Rival: Bab 21 - Bab 30

"Do you still love him, Bella?"Julius. I parted my lips, wanting to deny it, wanting to tell him that I had moved on, that I had left that part of my life behind. But the words wouldn’t come.I didn’t still love Julius. At least, I didn’t think I did. But what was this hesitation? Why couldn’t I just say it?Jesse pulled away slightly, just enough to look into my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but the slight furrow in his brows told me enough. He was hurt."You won’t answer me?" His voice was quieter now, but there was an edge to it.I turned my gaze back to the water, avoiding his eyes. "It’s not that simple, Jesse."He let out a bitter laugh, stepping back entirely. The loss of his warmth sent a cold chill down my spine."It is that simple, Bella." "Either you love him or you don’t. Either you’re mine or you’re not."His words sent my heart into a frenzy. Mine. He really wanted me to be his."Jesse—""Forget it." He cut me off, shaking his head. "I shouldn’t have asked."I r

Meanwhile, at Elena’s HouseThe television blared, headlines flashing across the screen. Online forums and news stations were exploding with discussions, all centered around one shocking revelation—Jacob and Edward had been exposed for financial fraud, deception, and years of manipulation.Elena clutched the remote with trembling hands, her eyes darting between her sons. “What am I seeing on the news? Edward, Jacob… it’s not true, right?” Her voice wavered, a mix of disbelief and desperation.Jacob shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her piercing gaze.Edward, however, was quick to react, his expression twisted with rage. “It must be Bella! She must have falsified that information in retaliation!” He slammed his fist against the table in the living room, the impact echoing through the room.John, Elena’s husband, simply stood there, silent yet firm. His jaw tightened as he exhaled deeply. He had seen this coming.“I warned you,” he finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with disappointme

Jacob scheduled a live interview at the same time his mother, Elena, was already on air, painting herself as the victim.She spoke tearfully about how Bella was tormenting them, and netizens sympathized, flooding the comments with messages of support and even making donations to her out of pity.Meanwhile, on another news channel, Jacob went live. With a steady voice, he exposed the damning recording—his mother’s own words proving she had never cared for Bella.The revelation hit like a thunderclap. The country erupted.Those who had left cruel comments about Bella scrambled to delete them."Tak, tak—who would’ve thought such an innocent-looking woman could falsely smear her own daughter like this?""I always knew something was off. If her sons were scammers, what good could come from that family?""She pretended to be kind, but she wouldn’t even spare money for her sick child. Is Bella even her real daughter?"Back at Elena’s live interview, the news company suddenly received breakin

I arrived at the restaurant earlier than planned, my fingers tapping against the table as I waited.Mum wants to apologize? The thought was almost laughable. After everything, she suddenly grew a conscience? Still, a small part of me—a foolish, desperate part—wanted to believe it.But I wasn’t naive. Not anymore.To put an end to this once and for all—and to make sure no one could ever call me unfilial again—I discreetly set up a live broadcast. If she was sincere, then this would clear her name. But if she tried anything… well, she could kiss her reputation goodbye.One way or another, this would be the last time I let her play her games.I sighed, swirling my drink, when the sound of heels clicking against the floor caught my attention.Elena.She approached with a hesitant smile, her eyes glistening as if she had been crying. A performance, no doubt.“Bella, my love,” she said, reaching for my hand. I didn’t move. “You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”I arched

I said my piece and went back to the car. Jesse didn’t ask any questions as we drove home, the hum of the engine filling the silence between us. I leaned against the window, watching the city lights blur past, my heart feeling lighter than it had in years.Meanwhile, back at the police station, tension filled the air.John sighed, shaking his head. “I hope you’re happy now, Elena. You’ve lost your only daughter.”Elena scoffed, rolling her eyes. “It’s not like she was really pregnant. She’s so dramatic.”Jacob, who had been silent until now, stiffened at her words.Elena turned to him, her gaze sharp. “Jacob, what was with that interview you did? Bella forced you to do it, right?”Jacob didn’t answer. He just stared at her for a long moment before turning on his heel and walking away.Elena frowned. “What’s wrong with your brother?” she muttered.Edward, who had been watching everything, finally spoke. “Mum… do you really not care at all that Bella has cut all ties with us?”Elena hu