Chapter Two: Suggestion

(Song: How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis)

BELLE

"He said he loved me," I said in between sobs, holding Samantha tightly. "Why will he do this to me?" I wiped my eyes with the last wrap of tissue on my nightstand.

"Don't cry, baby." Samantha rubbed my back lightly.

"I can't make it stop, Sam." I felt like I had a disease with no cure. I could not believe that Brandon would do such a heartless thing to me. The love we shared, the promises we made to each other, the number of kids we'd have - all of that were just part of my imagination now. My heart hurt like hell.

"Please, It's been two days already. You have barely eaten anything, you haven't even left your room." She passed new tissue wraps to me.

Samantha was right. Two days had passed since my failed wedding with Brandon, and I was still in shock. I felt that I should be better by now, but no, the pain grew worse. I have been hoping he would call or text, to tell me something came up, that he was sorry and he still loves me. But no, none of that came.

Samantha has been with me, in my room since that day, always trying to cheer me up and bring me something to eat.

"Look at me," she slowly brought my face to hers. "You're hurting yourself, and I don't like it. I made you breakfast," With one hand, she brought the tray to the bed. "And, you're going to eat."

I shook my head, showing refusal. My appetite was totally messed up.

"You have to eat or you'll get sick. Just a bite, please." She brought a slice of bread to my lips.

As she was still trying to convince me to eat, Dillon stepped in. With the way he was dressed, I was certain he was going to work.

"How long are you going to stay this way, Belle?" He stood by the door for a moment. "Do you remember what I said to you the first time you told me you were in a relationship with Brandon King?" He knew fully well that I would not be giving him a reply.

Of course I remembered. Dillon never approved of my relationship with Brandon. He made it clear to me from day one.

"I'm pretty sure you do," he continued, coming to sit on my bed. "You're here crying your eyes out while that bastard is most likely to be in his house chilling or worse, in another woman's arms."

That stung a bit.

"Dillon!" Samantha scolded. "That's not something nice to say to your sister, especially at this moment."

"That's the truth, Samantha. She needs to know that fact."

I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't let your broken heart get a better part of you, Belle." Standing up from the bed, "I would be going to work now. Our late parents left a legacy for us to continue. Get yourself together, Cooper Holdings needs us." After that, he left.

"Belle..." Samantha tried to say something with regards to what Dillon said.

I didn't know if what Dillon said gave me sudden appetite, but I needed to eat. "Sam, please feed me, I'm hungry." I was going to think about what Dillon said later.

As the days turned into weeks, I realized that Dillon was right after all. I was better off without Brandon King. I could not believe I put my life on hold because of him. As a matter of fact, I won't let myself fall for another man the way I did for Brandon.

Part of my moving on scheme was to delete every trace of Brandon from all my devices. As for the engagement ring and other stuff he got for me while we were still dating, I sold them and gave the proceeds to charity.

'I'm so over you, Brandon King.'

A month later, Samantha came to visit.

"Hey girl." She dropped her bag on my nightstand.

"Hey Sam," I turned my chair to face her. "I've missed you." I smiled, opening my arms for a hug.

"I've missed you too, baby. How are you, really?" She brought my face to hers, looking at me with concern.

I let out a deep breath. "I've been good. Just working."

At least, thinking about Brandon didn't hurt that much anymore.

"Ahh, I'm glad. That means you have gone out, right?"

"No, I've been in my room all this while. Dillon always make it possible for me to join work conferences and meetings online." I was just done with one some minutes ago before she came in.

"Alright, that's progress," Samantha commended. "So, Belle, there's something important I would really like to tell you."

"What is it, Sam?"

Samantha gave me a long look. "Promise me you would say yes and I would spill."

"Seriously?" I said with a weak laugh.

She nodded.

"Alright, I promise." I made a cross sign on my chest.

"Okay, there's this reality dating show coming up in a month's time. The name is Love Isle. It's been around for a while now." She sat down on my bed.

I nodded in response, not expecting what she was going to say next.

"I've been thinking and I have the perfect idea," her eyes lit up as she took my hands in hers, "You should audition for it."

My eyes widened in horror. "That's not possible." I drew my hands away.

"It is very possible, Belle," Taking my hands again, "You would be perfect for it. You're charming, smart and gorgeous. You're also CEO to Cooper Holdings..."

"Co CEO," I corrected. "Dillon is head as well."

"As I was saying, that gives you a better chance of getting selected. Plus, you will meet new people. From research, this year, the show would be happening in Fiji for sixty days. I heard the prize money is up to half a million dollars."

"Samantha, I'm not auditioning for any show." I said with a final tone.

"Come on, Belle. You have nothing to lose," she assured. "This is just like going on a vacation to Fiji for two months. I bet you would have some fun," she tried to convince me. "And you might find a new man." She murmured.

"That is never happening. Brandon is my last." I replied to her last statement. I don't think I would give love a second chance in a very long time.

"Give this a second thought, baby." She picked up her bag, ready to leave.

Samantha was right. I actually did not have anything to lose. Maybe, this was the push I needed to get my life back on track.

'Go for it, Belle. You won't regret it.' A voice in my head said to me.

"Samantha, wait." I stopped her before her hand got to the doorknob.

"Did I forget something?" She asked, turning back.

"I will do it."

She squealed with excitement. "Yes! I know you would agree."

"Only on one condition."

"Anything for you, baby."

"You are coming with me."

She drew me into her arms. "That won't be a problem."

"How do we get started?"