The Contract

Chapter 144-The Concede

BELLA'S P.O.V

I let out a second sigh once I got out to the road, it's been long since I've been out. It helped forget the chaos and all the... inevitable things I still have to face when I'm back home.

But at least this morning didn't start with me waking up, laying in bed and staring at the ceiling for an hour before getting ready, this was different, I was out and I didn't feel suffocated.

I arrived at the restaurant I was supposed to be having lunch with Pearl, stepping out of the car, I took in the place, the restaurant. It reminded me of mine—or what used to be mine.

I walked in, taking in the intimate ambiance, it brought a smile to my lips. Pearl waved me over and I smiled and walked to the table where she sat, she got up immediately and embraced me.

I held on a little longer, I've missed her. We finally pulled out and she stared, I could see the concern in her eyes. "Hey" I said and she pulled out a smile. "It's been a while...seat seat" she gestured and I took the seat right opposite her.

We sat down and I placed my bag beside while she pulled her seat closer and leaned on the table. "It's been while, what's it been though?" I asked.

"Almost a month" she answered, that's right it was a new month. "So, how have you been?" She asked.

"Well, I was in Italy 2 weeks ago" she began. "Ooh, with Travis I presume" I crooned and a little smile made way to her lips.

"So, what was that? Honeymoon 21?" I teased. "Bella! It was just a little trip. I barely spent a week there and immediately got back to work" she articulated and I nodded.

I was happy for her, she was a lot brighter than she usually is when I brought up that topic. "How's work?" I asked. "It's been a lot, we've began planning Bethany's wedding even"

"Oh"

"Yeah, it's gonna be at the end of this month"

"Wow, I'm really happy for her, I hope I get an invite" I said and she laughed. "Of course. And oh! Have you heard of the gala Mom's planning?" She asked and my face squinched in confusion.

"A gala?"

"Yeah, the Ivory Circle Gala. Didn't she tell you about it?" She inquired and I paused, looking away. "No, Mom hasn't visited in...a while"

Her gaze slowly settled on mine. "What?"

"After the incident with Derrick, she's refused to interfere or...talk to me or even come over like she normally does" I explained and her brows knitted.

"Why won't she..." She trailed off, not completing the statement, I let out a sigh, tucking my hair behind my ear. "I think she's still mad about the whole incident"

I hit Derrick and I didn't really intend to, I was just mad and since then...things has been different.

"Do you think she's still mad?" I asked, looking up at her and she was staring back. "No no..." She shook her head, glancing down. "... it's all my fault" I heard her mutter under her breath.

"What are you..."

"Bella" she reached for my hands on the table. "I'm really sorry...for everything"

"Pearl, what are you talking about —"

"It's all my fault, I interfered, she was right. I shouldn't have...I shouldn't have insisted, I shouldn't have been persistent, I should —" I grabbed hold of her, stopping her rambling.

"What are you talking about?" I asked again and she stared, her lips curving downwards. "Mom is mad at you, Derrick is too and it's all because of me"

"What? No!"