Chapter 5

• In the dining room, Clara patiently attended to Bella, who was enjoying her dinner. Without missing a beat, the woman served and ensured that every need of Bella was met.
• "After this, you should have fruit pudding, Miss. Then, take your vitamins and medication, and get ready for rest."
• Bella nodded. She couldn't argue, even if she wanted to. Despite a lifelong aversion to pudding, she had to comply with the orders while staying at Julia's house and learn to try the healthy snack.
• "Has Mr. Edward not had dinner yet? I haven't seen him since earlier," Bella asked curiously. Usually, when it was time for dinner, she always crossed paths with the man. But tonight, Bella didn't see him at all.
• "It seems Mr. Edward is working late. Perhaps he is having dinner outside as well."
• Bella nodded. After all, she had no right to interfere with his activities. After finishing Clara's pudding, Bella hurried to her room to rest.
• "Here are your vitamins and medication, Miss."
• Clara then handed a glass of water and several pills and tablets Bella needed to consume. She waited, ensuring earnestly that Bella took everything without missing a single one.
• "Finally, I've taken all my medication."
• Clara smiled at the expression Bella showed. Her facial expression was like that of someone relieved and happy as if she had just completed a mission.
• "You seem very happy."
• Bella smiled, too, nodding.
• "Yes, the medications I've been taking lately make me uncomfortable. It's quite different from before."
• Clara blinked. She was slightly surprised to hear Bella's confession.
• "Sorry if I'm intrusive. Are there medications that make you uncomfortable?"
• Bella nodded again. Eating various medications and vitamins in large quantities made her uncomfortable. But what could Bella do? It was a necessity she couldn't refuse.
• "Yes, Clara. Fertility drugs are the ones in the largest form. Those always make me uncomfortable."
• Clara furrowed her brow, hearing what Bella had revealed. She took this statement seriously, especially since she was entirely responsible for anything that happened to Bella. That's why Clara had to ensure her employer was in good condition.
• "Uncomfortable, how? Is there any part of your body that feels pain?"
• "Not pain," Bella countered, then explained, "It's just that every time I finish taking those drugs, I feel my breasts tighten. I'm uncomfortable with this."
• "Perhaps it's a side effect of the medication, Miss."
• Bella agreed with a nod. She thought the same way because she experienced this symptom every time she finished consuming the medication.
• "Yes, I also agree with you."
• "In that case, let's see tomorrow. If you still feel uncomfortable after not taking that medication anymore, tell me. I'll inform Mr. Edward to take you to the doctor."
• Bella nodded. Then Clara helped her to lie down. Even before sleeping, her assistant helped to massage both of her feet.
• "You don't need to massage me like this, Clara."
• Even though it was part of her duties, and Clara received a salary for what she did, Bella still felt uneasy about Clara's service being so thorough, especially since her assistant was much older than her.
• "No need to be shy, Miss. You should enjoy all the services and the best facilities Mr. and Mrs. Darkwood provide you."
• Bella smiled wryly. She didn't know if she should be grateful or ashamed of the achievements she felt at the moment.
• "I'm sure you must think that I'm a money-hungry woman. Willing to rent out her womb to wealthy people for a lot of money."
• Clara chuckled. After finishing the massage, she helped pull the blanket to cover Bella's entire body.
• "You're exaggerating. I never thought that way. Besides, I'm sure you have your reasons for doing all this. And most importantly, I have no right to judge your decision."
• "Thank you for your understanding, Clara."
• Clara nodded and then got up. Helping to dim the lights, she prepared to leave the room.
• "Good night, Miss Bella. Have a restful sleep."
• ***
• "Sir, it's already 8 PM. Don't you intend to go home soon?" Lucas Morgan spoke up as both an assistant and a trusted person to Edward. Since morning, even since his boss arrived at Proxima Enterprise, Lucas noticed that Edward seemed preoccupied as if he had a lot on his mind.
• However, Lucas knew that the office workload was manageable, and there were no looming deadlines in the past few days. So, what was bothering his boss?
• "Let me take over his work. You can go home now."
• Edward sighed softly. Closing his laptop, he nodded in agreement.
• "Please finish the Axon report as soon as possible. Once it's released, don't forget to send a copy to my email immediately."
• Edward decided to leave the room immediately. Before leaving, he was seen taking out his phone and calling someone first. Instead of heading home, Edward directed his car to stop at the Balcony, a famous bar in downtown London.
• "It's unusual for you to invite me to meet like this."
• Just arriving and entering the bar, Edward was already greeted by Samuel. It was the man he had called and invited to meet.
• "I need a drinking companion tonight."
• Samuel laughed.
• "Why not invite others?"
• "Who do you mean?" Edward inquired. "Shawn and Matthew are not in London. Your brother Raphael is probably busy dating Elea. Kairos? I would go crazy if I invited him for a drink. The two of us won't be going home, that's for sure."
• This time, Samuel burst into laughter at Edward's seemingly desperate narrative.
• "But I'm a doctor. I can't drink too much."
• "That's exactly why I chose you. At least, if I get heavily drunk, you can safely take me home."
• "You're so unlucky!" Samuel cursed, greeted by laughter from Edward.
• "Actually, what's the problem with inviting me for a drink on a non-holiday?"
• Edward smiled. He leaned his shoulder against the chair to relax a bit.
• "I don't know, Sam. I'm also confused about what I'm thinking right now."
• "I guess you're probably thinking about the failed IVF process from yesterday, right? I've told you, you don't need to worry. I'm sure Bella can conceive your child. Her uterus is in excellent condition and has no problems at all."
• Edward laughed instead. Samuel wasn't joking or delivering a humorous line.
• "Did you know, from the beginning, I wanted Julia to carry our child? Not borrow someone else's womb."
• Samuel smiled, responding to Edward's statement casually.
• "All normal couples want that too. I even wondered about the decision you two made. Although Julia is concerned about her body changing, medical technology is very advanced nowadays. Two weeks after giving birth, Julia's body could return to normal. If she wants, she could even be a virgin again. What can't be done in this day and age? Everything can be achieved if you have a lot of money."
• This time, Edward smiled wryly. He was puzzled by the decision Julia had made. Initially, Edward disagreed right away. But, tired of arguing over the same issues, he had to give in.
• "Sometimes, I think I'm too foolish and naive to comply with Julia's requests."
• Samuel laughed. He admitted that his friend was indeed foolish when it came to women.
• "If you were to share your woes with Kairos, I guarantee he would mercilessly mock you. From the beginning, Kairos was the most against you marrying Julia."
• Edward nodded. He didn't deny this. He remembered how Kairos had tried hard to persuade him not to marry Julia for various reasons. However, he ignored it once his friend showed him.
• "Kairos felt that Julia wasn't sincere towards me. But, because of love, I insisted on marrying her. And now, Kairos's words were correct.
• "In that case, just enjoy your decision. Why bother complaining?"
• Edward sighed. He punched Samuel's arm and then invited the man to drink. He didn't know how many glasses of alcohol he finished that night. One thing for sure: because his awareness was slightly diminished, Samuel, who ended up being troubled, had to take Edward home reluctantly.
• Arriving at his residence, with a slightly unsteady walk, Edward entered the house. Unfortunately, Edward lost his balance on the second floor and almost reached his room. His body collapsed, and he fell to the floor.
• At the same time, Bella, who had just taken a drink in the dining room, saw Edward's figure on the floor. She quickly approached, mustering the courage to help.
• "Mr. Edward!"
• Bella struggled to assist. Exerting all her strength, she tried to lift the semi-conscious Edward to stand. It was a bit difficult initially, as Edward's body was much larger than hers.
• With persistent effort, Bella managed to get Edward up. Slowly, she supported the man to enter the room and guided him to the bed.
• "Oh my, this man must be heavily intoxicated."
• The sharp scent of alcohol made Bella conclude immediately. After helping Edward lie on the bed, she kindly helped remove his shoes. Believing there was nothing else to worry about, Bella intended to leave.
• However, Edward unexpectedly grabbed Bella's wrist as she was about to turn around. Turning, Bella quickly asked, fearing that Edward might need something.
• "Mr. Edward... I apologize for intruding into your room. Do you need something?"
• Edward still needs to respond. Instead of answering, he pulled Bella until she fell directly onto his body.
• "Mr... Mr. Edward, what do you want to do?"
• Edward didn't loosen his embrace at all. With half-closed eyes, he whispered right into Bella's ear.
• "Are you not interested in having sex with me?"