Chapter 22
<Chapter>Chapter 22: Heartache </Chapter>
Gianna nodded without hesitation, "Shouldn't I? After all, I've offended the person you like. It wouldn't be surprising if you lashed out to get even."
A flicker of anger flashed in Felix's eyes. "Is that what you think of me?"
Her silence left Felix feeling a surge of anger and a sense of powerlessness.
It seemed she had never truly trusted him.
As the tension between them reached its peak, the Redstone family housekeeper approached, "Miss, the matriarch asks that you come and explain this matter yourself."
Gianna remained detached, "What's there to explain? What you see is what happened."
The housekeeper's expression soured, her voice laced with dissatisfaction. "Miss, the old lady is deeply upset about this. She's had to resort to her emergency pills. If you don't go and explain yourself soon, she'll only become more agitated."
Before Gianna could even react, her wrist was firmly grasped. Before she knew it, Felix had already pulled her several steps forward.
Gianna scowled at Felix, her tone icy as she demanded, "Felix, what do you think you're doing? Let go of me!"
Bella hurried over, positioning herself between them, her eyes filled with concern, "Felix, what's gotten into you? Yes, my sister made a mistake, but trying to explain now will only make things worse. Maybe it's best if she just leaves for now."
Gianna cast Bella a frosty glare, not for a moment believing that today's events were unrelated to her. Perhaps Bella desired her departure to tarnish her reputation further.
"Bella, cut the good girl act. If I find out you had anything to do with what happened today, you won't get away with it!" Gianna snapped.
Bella's eyes flickered, hurt evident across her face as she turned to face her sister, "I've only ever wanted what's best for you. I didn't make you go to the bar and choose those male models. Even if you're angry that your actions were exposed, you shouldn't take it out on me!"
Just then, Lauren joined Bella's side, her gaze towards Gianna filled with disgust, "To think you'd debase yourself with such lowlifes. Now you have the audacity to accuse Bella falsely? How did I ever give birth to such a curse?"
Bella quickly took hold of Lauren, pretending to brush it off, "Mom, it's okay, I can handle a little misunderstanding. It's sister's reputation that's really at stake."
"Her reputation is her own doing—it has nothing to do with you!"
Observing Lauren and Bella's united front, Gianna would have applauded their performance if her hand wasn't still firmly held by Felix.
Ignoring Bella completely, Felix led Gianna straight to center stage.
Everyone watched in surprise, curious about his intentions.
Gianna gave Felix a disgusted look, "It seems you really adore Bella. As if broadcasting the surveillance footage on the big screen wasn't enough, you had to drag me up here to humiliate me all over again!"
Bella also believed Felix wanted to distance himself from Gianna's embarrassment publicly. But Felix's next words left her stunned.
"Just now, Kimberly wanted an explanation, but my wife can give that— I'm just afraid your Redstone family can't handle it!"
The moment the words were out, the room erupted into a frenzy.
"Did I hear that right?! I thought Felix and Bella were the couple here! How is Gianna suddenly his wife?!"
"I had thought Gianna was the other woman, but it turns out Bella's the real homewrecker, entangled with her brother-in-law even though she knew Gianna and Felix were married—she's just a green tea b*tch!"
"Isn't it more surprising that Felix could casually announce their marriage after witnessing Gianna feeding fruit to a male model?!"
...
Bella's face went pale, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. She hadn't anticipated Felix openly acknowledging his marriage to Gianna.
‘He doesn't even like Gianna, does he?!
Why?!’
Lauren noticed the heartbreak on Bella's face and felt a surge of sympathy. She swiftly supported Bella, steadying her shaking body.
"Belle, don't be so upset. Felix is probably just trying to spare the Redstone family from further embarrassment by saying this in front of everyone."
Bella grasped onto this thought like a lifeline and nodded unconsciously, "Yeah, it must be that... Felix couldn't possibly like a sister... We're the real couple!"
Henry and Kimberly shared a glance, their eyes wide with shock.
They had long thought Felix and Gianna's relationship was troubled. With Bella's return, they were certain the marriage was doomed, so they freely mocked and schemed against Gianna. But if Felix truly cared for Gianna, they would have to rethink their approach!
Henry swiftly turned to Felix and spoke, "Felix, no offense was meant. We just thought there might be some misunderstanding, so we wanted Gianna to clear things up with the guests to prevent any wrong impressions!"
Felix, with a glacial tone, said deliberately, "Misunderstanding what?! I was at the bar that day. She was upset with me and purposefully chose a male model to provoke me. Do we really need to explain our marital spats to you?
Whoever's so invested in our private affairs, why don't you install cameras in our home and watch us 24/7?!"
His cold gaze scanned the crowd; anyone who met his eyes quickly looked away, unwilling to challenge his stare.
Now, who would dare to speak further? Just a hint of Felix's displeasure could ruin their families in minutes. They'd be foolish to hold onto this incident.
In private, the high society ladies and corporate moguls often played far dirtier games; it was just that their scandals hadn't been brought to light...yet.
The banquet hall fell into silence; every guest seemed to hold their breath, wary of attracting Felix's notice.
After her initial shock subsided, Gianna pulled her hand from Felix's grasp and strode towards the exit.
Felix frowned and swiftly followed her.
Bella, biting her lip, followed them out.
She stopped Felix at the door, her eyes filled with tears. "Felix, have you fallen for my sister?" she asked.
Felix's eyes briefly showed annoyance. "Belle, what happens between Gianna and me is none of your business," he replied coldly.
"How can you say that?!" Bella was close to crying, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"It's always been us. She wormed her way in while you were vulnerable after the accident. Haven't you kept your marriage a secret for three years just for me?"
Felix stayed quiet for a while, then talked to Bella with a distant look on his face, "At first, I did wait for you, but as time passed, I let go of that notion. Belle, you will find someone better."
"You're the best one for me, Felix, and I know you still care for me! That’s why I’m not giving up!"
Felix's brow furrowed. "You’re young. There’s no need to waste your time—"
"This isn’t wasting time," Bella cut him off . "I can't love anyone but you."
Observing Bella's determination, Felix became more distant and left without saying anything else.
When Felix returned to the villa, he saw Gianna sitting calmly on the living room sofa, anger evident in his eyes. "Why didn’t you wait for me to come back together?" he snapped.
Gianna didn’t answer; instead, she said, "Let’s talk, Felix."
He took a seat across from her, his eyes filled with coldness. "What about?"
