Chapter 790:
“Ding!”
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out, making my way out of the lobby. As I descended the stairs, I heard someone call me from behind.
“Miss Stepanek, wait a moment!”
It was Connor’s voice. I quickly wiped my tears and turned to face him under the moonlight.
Connor approached, his face clouded with concern.
“Miss Stepanek, it’s very late. Where are you going alone?”
I understood why he was worried about me.
“Connor, I won’t do anything rash. I haven’t forgotten that I’m the mother of two children. They need me. I’m going back,” I replied, trying to steady myself.
“But it’s so late,” he said, his tone conflicted.
I interrupted him gently.
“There’s a train back to A City tonight. I’ll make it.”
“I’ll take you to the train station,” Connor insisted, making up his mind immediately.
“There’s no need for that. You need to send them back after dinner,” I said, glancing up at the glowing revolving restaurant in the night sky.
Connor looked at me silently, his eyes filled with concern, but he didn’t argue further.
Then, I said, “Connor, don’t tell him I’ve been to New York. Let me keep some of my dignity in front of him.”
“Alright,” Connor nodded in understanding.
I forced a smile, turned around, and disappeared into the night.
As I sat on the train, gazing out the window at the darkness, I felt utterly confused.
The laughter of our family of four seemed to still echo in my ears, the image of Herbert playing with Lucas and Lucky vivid in my mind. What I once believed to be a happy family now felt like an illusion. But even if it was just an illusion, I wasn’t ready to confront the truth.
I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of myself. I had never been someone who could tolerate something like this. Yet today, I didn’t have the courage to face him. The train lights dimmed, and the other passengers began to settle in for rest. But I couldn’t sleep; my head throbbed with pain.
The next morning, I finally disembarked the train.
Bella’s POV:
From that moment on, I did my best to avoid spending time alone with Herbert.
When he was in New York, I stayed home to be with the children. When he came back, I kept myself busy. Sometimes, I would find excuses, telling him I had work, and then spend the night at Joey’s house.
When I couldn’t avoid him, I could feel that Herbert and I were no longer the same. I couldn’t find the connection we once had.
The truth was, only I knew how cowardly I had become. I knew that he had gone to a couple’s restaurant with another woman, but I didn’t have the courage to confront him or leave.
I still loved him, but I couldn’t ignore how deeply hurt I felt.
I couldn’t let go of him, but I couldn’t fully leave either. I needed time.
I needed time to make a decision.
