Chapter 21

One day, while Bella was working on a work document, her phone vibrated. Claire's name popped up. "Hey, Bella! There's a reunion tomorrow evening. Wanna go? Everyone's dying to see you."Bella massaged her temples. "No. I'm busy lately. I'm not in the mood.""Oh, stop selling your soul to work," Claire replied. She sounded like she was begging her to reconsider. "How long has it been since you've gone out to any event? It's just a gathering. Everyone keeps saying they haven't seen you in forever.""But I—""Okay, I think that settles it! I'm coming to pick you up tomorrow. Don't even think about getting away like a dirty coward!" she cut Bella short. "Fine." Bella relented. "I'll show up, but just for a while."-That evening, Bella chose an unassuming dress and put on a simple but elegant makeup. She entered the banquet room. Soft lighting illuminated a long table filled with food and wine. Some of her old schoolmates were chatting among themselves."Bella!" someone calle

Chapter 22

Claire offered to drive Bella home after the event. She shook her head and declined. "I've already hired someone to drive for me. They will be here soon."She bade Claire farewell and went to the parking lot alone. Her echoing footsteps made her feel just a little anxious.Then, suddenly, she heard a shrill sound of an engine. A car was charging toward her just as she turned to the source of the sound.She almost fell and got run over, but someone yanked her away from danger at the last minute. The momentum pulled her into that figure's embrace, who had a brush with the car as it brushed past them. He fell onto the floor and groaned. The sound attracted a crowd. "What happened?! Was that driver trying to kill her or what?!"Bella quickly ran to help the figure up, only to realize it was Damian. "It's you!"His face was pale. There was blood on his forehead. Nevertheless, he shielded her behind himself. "Don't worry. I'm here for you," he cooed lowly.The police arrived and dr

Chapter 23

The Valdezes and the Foxes worked together to gather evidence of the Stelters' wrongdoing before handing it to the cops. They then hired the best attorneys in the business to help speed up the case in court.Dakota and Daryl's crimes were laid bare. Abduction, attempted murder, property damage, and another case of attempted murder by a car—their crimes were irrefutable.Bella and Damian attended the hearing to testify. Their lawyers spared no quarters and crushed the Stelters. When it was over, Dakota blew up. Not even being the cops could make her shut up. "The only reason you're winning is because you're lucky to be born rich and near him! You are just lucky to be his childhood friend!"You don't even love him! And he doesn't even love you! He's only obsessed with you because he's been conditioned to it by his family and everything else!" she shrieked. "To him, you're just a responsibility he was saddled with since you were born!"She shot daggers at Damian. "Wake up, Damian! A

Chapter 24

Bella was about to leave the country. She had bought her plane tickets and packed her things.Before she left, her mother asked tentatively, "Are you sure you don't want to let him know? He's been with you for years, after all…"Bella paused a little while tidying her luggage. Rodrigue shot a glance and sighed. He waved, signaling to his wife to give up.While boarding, Bella looked at her phone and stared at Damian's name in her contact list. Finally, just when it was almost time, she called. Damian picked up quickly enough. He sounded tired and reserved, "Bella?"She gripped her phone hard but said nothing. A long silence later, Damian asked with visible worry, "What's up?"She said nothing. The silence went on longer until an announcement rang through the hall, "Boarding gate for Flight AB987, bound to London, has opened."Damian's breathing audibly quickened. He seemed to have deduced something. "You're at the airport? Where are you going?"Bella looked at the boarding g

All Chapters of After Love: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24