I Still Need Her

Alex's POV

I sat behind the wheel barely focusing on the road before me. My mind was a mess. What I saw back there scared me to my bones. I felt like there was an exchange somewhere because the Bella back there, with all the determination and audacity, was definitely not the one I married. 

"You should have just calmed your fucking nerves down man!" I cursed under my breath, banging the steering for emphasis. I had messed it up again as always. I should have been gentle with her in my words and approach, but I let my emotions get in the way. Now did that solve the problem? I've only scared her the more, straightening her resolve to divorce me.

I drifted my eyes lazily to the side of the road as a sigh escaped my lips. I needed to do something, anything to keep Bella from leaving. Because if she did it was going to be a disaster for us. 

Mother had always cursed Bella's artwork as unrealistic and worthless fantasized images. But the truth is, she has surreptitiously made billions from them weekly. Her fashion hub bloomed with greater recognition and fame after my marriage to Bella, because of them. She had extended it into a full-fledged gallery and made it a brand in her name, clearly taking the glory for Bella's sweat. Only the family was aware of this. And over the years our name reigned high and supreme. But now, she wanted them back. If Bella cut ties with us, the truth will be revealed to the world. Mother and even the entire family could be to be charged for pure impersonation! 

I raked through my hair vigorously as if trying to shake off a solution that was tangled between the strands of hair. How am I even going to break the news to Mother?

I pulled up in the parking lot of an exotic spa. It was Friday, and of course, Mother and Sophia would be here for their weekly pedicure and manicure routine. 

I headed for the VIP room where they were always attended to. 

"....and yes that sluggish little brat of the Grey's family would know her place. Once I arrive at the ball with the latest edition she had searched for her entire life, she will know that the Hayes are not of their class!" I overheard Sophia titter meters away as I approached the VIP. 

"The Grey's think-" Mother made to say but paused on sighting me.

"Oh! Look who we have here!" She exclaimed. She was seated, wearing a white robe with a glass of champagne in hand as her toes were meticulously messaged. Sophia who was seated at the other end, flashed me a smile. 

"The most handsome man there is! Look at all the freshness of the Hayes you exude" She praised, playing along with dreamy eyes I would have mistaken for something else if she were not my sister. 

They always did this no matter how many times I've been to this place and I'm not sure they were ever tired of it cos every damn thing they said was true. I was perfect. I'm a Hayes after all. 

But today the energy was different. I simply paced around the room with my hands tucked into my pocket, not giving the affirmation or attention they needed. Their expression softened.

"What's wrong son?" Mother asked, with a concern etched face.

They both stared curiously at me, waiting for answers. Sophia's brows knitted together when an idea struck her, and she jerked her head backward. "Wait. Don't tell me you....you lost the billion-dollar contract with the L&B group!?" She asked wide-eyed as she retracted her legs from the grip of the attendant who was servicing her. 

"It's not that" I mumbled. I stopped pacing and held the bridge of my nose with closed eyes. How am I going to say this?

"Whoosh!" Sophia exhaled with her hands resting relievedly on her chest. "Well, big brother..." She stood to her feet and grabbed her glass of champagne. "If that's not the problem, then there is no problem at all. We can talk about whatever later. I'll be back mum" She said, perking mother as she exited the room. 

"Okay you're getting me nervous now, son. What is wrong? Talk to your mother". She queried. Seeing the attendants littered all over the place made it all the more difficult to say a word cos you never know the gossip mongers among them.

Mother sensed my hesitation and, with her eyes, urged them all out. "Can you talk now?"

"Bella wants a divorce!" The words jumped out. 

Her eyes flickered with unbelieve. "Really?" She scoffed. "Don't tell me that's why you're so worked up".

My face folded in confusion. I didn't see this coming.

"Why wouldn't I be mum? It's my wife we are talking about here".

"That is not a problem. Listen, it's about time you let her go. She was never the right one for this family". She stated. "And besides Linda is back now". She added. I felt a burden in my heart weighing me down like I was going to drop from its weight any minute. 

I always gave excuses for my mother's actions towards Bella, feigning it was mere corrections. But I knew better. She never held even the thinnest of affections for Bella.

No matter how mother felt, I still wanted Bella in my life. She had become a part of me these past years, and her leaving would create a huge vacuum in my life. And the truth is, Linda would never fit in. Not as a wife, nor in playing the role Bella was playing for the family. 

Lost in my thoughts, mother's voice pierced through, sharp and venomous, "But come to think of it, that little tit-wit has grown wings, I see. Who told her she is the one to make such decisions for us?"

I dropped my shoulders, my frustration mounting. Mother was certainly not getting the point. This wasn't the time to apportion blame. I still need Bella. We need her. "Look, mum-"

"Your father's memorial is tomorrow, and I'm sure she won't miss it because she respected the old man. Don't sign the divorce papers yet." She ordered with an icy tone. Her eyes narrowed, "I want to see if she has the guts to look me in the face and talk about divorcing my son. She is not going to have the luxury of dumping us. We are the ones to do so and I will make sure she comes crawling and begging to be accepted again!"