Chapter 3

My old sports car coughed and sputtered in the driveway before it gave up the ghost.

A puff of white smoke billowed from under the hood, drawing curious glances from people walking by.

I tried to fire it up again, but all it gave me were a few feeble clicks.

After a decade, it looked like my ride finally needed some repair work.

I hailed an Uber and headed for "Atelier Valeriano" to check out their latest designs.

Stepping out of the Uber, there was Bruce, leaning on a shiny Aston Martin, his shades catching the glare of the afternoon sun.

He watched me get out, a smirk playing on his lips as he removed his sunglasses.

"Looks like the Edward empire's seen better days," he said, sauntering over, "Can't even keep a decent car running?"

"It's just a breakdown," I replied, keeping my cool.

"A breakdown?" He laughed lightly.

"Eleanor, no need to put on airs. I've done my homework, Edward Mechanics' stock has tanked, and all those factories your dad owned are cutting jobs."

He reached for my arm, but I sidestepped him.

"Bruce, are you keeping tabs on me?"

"Keeping tabs?" His grin widened, "Eleanor, it's the other way around. You knew I'd be here today, so here you are."

He gestured toward the designer boutique behind him. "Isn't this your all-time favorite shop? I asked Bella to come today to pick out some honeymoon outfits for you. I had no idea you'd show up too."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Stop being stubborn," he said, his voice hardening.

He ordered, "Come on, let's head to the club. My friends are all eager to see you, and you owe Bella an apology in front of them."

"Eleanor!"

A sugary voice floated from the store's entrance.

Bella emerged in a pink ensemble, her arms laden with shopping bags.

Tears welled in her eyes as she gave us a look that could melt hearts.

"I heard from Mark that you were back," she said, her voice trembling. "I know you despise me."

Bruce was by her side in an instant, comforting her with a gentle pat on the back.

"Don't be upset, Bella. You've done nothing wrong."

"No, Bruce," Bella said, shaking her head as tears streamed down her face. "Eleanor has every reason to despise me. I've taken her place for the past five years."

She turned to me, her gaze earnest. "Eleanor, now that you're really back, I'm ready to step aside and let you have Bruce. I'll go away if it means you two can be happy."

"See how selfless she is?" Bruce said, his eyes softening as he looked at Bella.

Then, his anger flared up at me. "How can you be so heartless? She's willing to sacrifice everything for you, and you can't even muster a thank you?"

At the same time, a group of Bruce's friends closed in.

They were all from the Laurent family, looking down their noses at us.

I recognized a few of them; they were capos from the Laurent family I met before.

Their eyes darted between Bella and me, relishing the drama unfolding before them.

"Is this the Eleanor everyone's been talking about?" One of the blond guys eyed me with a mix of curiosity and disappointment. "Bruce, are you really ready to ditch Bella for her?"

"She's pretty plain-looking." Another guy chimed in with a shrug, "Bella's a way better match for you. Younger, cuter, and she's got her act together."

"And let's not forget, Bella's head over heels for you." The third guy piped up, "Not like some people who vanish for five years and then show up out of the blue to stir up drama."

"Ms. Edward, you might want to think twice about who you're messing with. Crossing the Laurent family in this town? Not the smartest move." One of them even had the nerve to throw a threat my way.

Then, out of nowhere, Bella started to slide off the ring she was wearing, the one with the Laurent family crest.

"Bruce's mom gave this to me," she said, her voice catching, "She told me I was like the daughter she never had. However, now that Eleanor's back, I guess it's only right to give it back."

"No way." Bruce was quick to grab her hand, stopping her. "That ring looks good on you. You've earned it. I'll get Eleanor another ring, something just as nice."

I just stood there, taking in the whole soap opera, feeling like I was trapped in a scene with no exit.

I let out a sigh that felt like it reached the sky.

Right then, my phone buzzed with a FaceTime call.

I took a quick look at who it was and answered.

Two little boys popped up on the screen, their cheeks all flushed and their eyes glued to me.

"Mommy!" they yelled together, their voices all sweet and squeaky, "We've been missing you!"