Chapter 21
BELLA
I’m actually up before Reggie today.
For a second, I debate just making myself breakfast, but then decide to be the bigger person. So I whip up the grumpy beast some eggs and bacon too.
His heavy footsteps echo down the stairs, and I slap on a happy smile just for him.
“Here you are, future husband, dearest. Wife duties for the day—a good breakfast to fuel your busy schedule.”
I slide the plate across the kitchen island.
His eyes snap to mine, and for a split second, I swear I see sincerity there.
“You didn’t have to.”
Jesus fucking Christ. That right there flips my mood completely.
“Then throw it in the trash, asshole.”
I grab my own plate and storm off into the living room, cranking the TV to full volume so I don’t have to hear him breathe.
By the time I finish eating, I can feel his gaze burning from the doorway.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” I snap.
“Bella—”
“What? What do you want? Seriously? I’m trying here. I don’t even fucking know why. Because my god, I’ve never met a man who makes it this obvious he doesn’t like me.”
I drag a hand down my face. Maybe it’s just the rejection stinging.
Or maybe it’s the tiny, traitorous part of me that doesn’t believe he means to be this cruel.
Or maybe it’s guilt—for how good it felt to laugh with Rowan yesterday.
Reggie exhales, his voice low. “Can we talk later? Properly? I’ll bring back some dinner after work.”
His face softens, and for once, I almost believe him.
“I’ll cook,” I say quietly. “I’m starting to like your fancy kitchen.”
He nods.
“Have fun at work.”
I blow him a kiss, then flip the switch right back to indifference.