Chapter 15 Chapter Fifteen

My words had barely left my mouth when Bella's trembling voice reverberated in the space. "Mark!' Her voice quivered with raw emotion and her eyes glinted with unshed tears as she gazed at him, "Stay," she whispered. "My friends are all waiting for you. If you leave, they'll mock me endlessly."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her dramatics.

It was her fault if her friends mocked her. Ever since she returned from her elopement, she had made me look like the villain before her friends and anyone who cared to listen. She would always tell them that she and Mark were the real deal and I, who had always envied her, had taken the opportunity to force myself on Mark when she went abroad for her medical treatment. The bitterness of her accusations still lingered till this day. I had felt betrayed when I had heard it. When I had thought I was saving her name, painting me bad was all I got in return.

I rolled my eyes some more when I saw Mark's expression softened. Even in my grasp, I felt