Chapter 40

Bella's POV

I took a deep breath and forced a smile, my mind racing to find a way out of this difficult situation. "I do, Dad," I replied, feigning a sense of gratitude. "I just…" I hissed a little. "I have a sudden cramp in my stomach. It's been bothering me all day…"

Michael's concerned gaze shifted from my face to the glass in his hand, and then back to me. "Bella," he called, taking the glass from my hand and onto the table. "Maybe you shouldn't drink it if you're not feeling well," he suggested.

My father's smile remained fixed, but there was a glint of annoyance in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed. "Nonsense, Bella. It's just a small gesture of reconciliation. You should drink it. Or are you still angry because of my outburst?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew I couldn't risk taking a sip of that drink.

"No Dad, I'm not angry…" I said the truth because deep down, I was disgusted. "I don't want to spoil the moment with my cramps. Maybe later, after I've seen th