Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty

Because she didn't know if Max was plotting something or simply wanted to celebrate for successfully implementing that project. Max chose a very luxurious and glamorous restaurant, making Bella feel a bit uneasy as she walked in with her husband.

It wasn't because the place was too expensive, but there was something off in the atmosphere between the two of them.

"Max, you seem very happy tonight. How far along is the project?" Bella took a sip of her wine, appearing cheerful as she inquired about Max's project.

Since Max became the director, he had successfully completed many projects, so this wasn't the first time. What surprised her was that instead of meeting with partners and celebrating with his friends, Max chose to celebrate with her.

"Don't act so surprised. Even if it's not to celebrate the successful deployment of the project, I would still take you out for dinner. We are a couple; there's nothing strange about dining out together." Max said casually.

Initially, Bella felt strange, but after he spoke, she felt even more tense. Over the past three years, on their anniversaries and special days, Max had never remembered or gifted her anything valuable, let alone going to such an extravagant restaurant for a romantic dinner.

It wasn't the first time Max took her to such a fancy place, but it was usually when he met with a partner or, more recently, when he met Levi. Max brought her along because she was a decoration attached to him, making him more attractive.

Men seem to appear less ugly to the extent that, just by being with a beautiful and charming woman, the man's value increases significantly. People who don't know might think that the man is very wealthy.

"After the project is completed, let's go on a trip. It's been a while since we went somewhere." Max smiled, wanting to change the atmosphere and avoid discussing work during this romantic dinner.

Bella was a bit surprised, but she still appeared happy. "That would be great. Since our wedding anniversary has passed, it would be nice to make up for it on some special occasion. But..."

"Is there a problem?" Max asked.

Bella looked a bit sad, casting a pitiful look at him. "But what if you get busy with work again? We missed our wedding anniversary because you were busy."

Max laughed. It turned out she noticed that. Indeed, at that time, he used work as an excuse to refuse the trip with her. However, in reality, he didn't want to spend time with her. Max didn't think he was heartless; he just used to believe that Bella always looked plain and inferior, and he felt embarrassed to be seen with her. Anyway, now that Max is the director of a company, anyone accompanying him, be it a man or a woman, must be suitable for his position.

Bella has changed now; she is not only beautiful but also very charming. Just by wearing a simple floral dress, she exudes an elegant charm. Since stepping into this restaurant, many eyes have been on her, and Max couldn't help but feel proud. Now he can show off and introduce to everyone that Bella is his wife.

Max took Bella's hand, looking at her with affectionate and tender eyes. "Bella, as long as you want, I will put work aside and spend time with you. We've been married for three years, and apart from a short honeymoon right after the wedding, we haven't traveled far. In recent months, you've also been working, and the time we spend together is very limited."

Indeed, three years after the wedding, right after the ceremony, Bella and Max went on a short honeymoon. Initially planning for a three-week getaway, they only lasted three days before Max claimed he had work and had to return. At that time, Bella didn't know that her husband was lying, so she agreed and blamed herself for being selfish and not understanding him.

But later, Bella realized that Max's work wasn't as busy as she pretended. He was just trying to show off to her. Their honeymoon was interrupted, possibly by Pearl, who wouldn't want Bella and Max to have their own space.

Bella looked at Max's hand holding hers, images of Max with Pearl flashed in her mind as she deliberately reminded herself of the man's nature in front of her.

She gently pulled her hand back, not clearly showing her disgust toward her husband. "I know you always care about me and my feelings. After the completion of that project, we can celebrate and go on a trip."

"Have you made plans for our future trip? Where do you want to go?"

“I'm the one who should ask that question, where do you want to go? As long as you want, I'll go with you." Max gently shook the wine glass, lovingly and gently looking at the wife in front of him.

The atmosphere became even more harmonious, the melodious melody in the restaurant made Bella's unpleasant mood a little less. But it didn't completely improve her mood, Bella kept reminding herself to smile and act like she was really looking forward to the trip she promised with Max.

However, Bella couldn't help but wonder why Max suddenly wanted to travel with her. Wasn't he always avoiding this topic before?

"I'm curious, why do you suddenly want to go on a trip, honey?"

Max chuckled softly, "I think it's time for us to rekindle our love. We are a couple, and while work keeps us busy, you are more important to me than anything else."

Listening to Max's confessions, Bella was quite surprised, as she hadn't expected Max to want to rekindle their relationship. It seems that Max has also realized the distance between him and her recently. Bella thought to herself, when did she do something unusual that caught Max's attention? However, having experienced the bitter betrayal before, she couldn't easily place trust in the wrong place again.

The dinner proceeded in a warm and romantic atmosphere, accompanied by sweet words full of love and affection that Max showered upon Bella. She could sense the love in her husband's eyes. Fake love!

But instead of exposing the truth, Bella continued to play along to please Max. She loved him and had been by his side for many years, understanding most of Max's personality. He liked people who agreed and obeyed him, and as long as Bella acknowledged and accepted what he said was right, he would be happy to talk more.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to take a photo of our romantic dinner to preserve the memory. Max, look here." Bella cheerfully raised the camera in front of Max, instructing him to smile. Max obediently followed her request. The two had beautiful and romantic photos from this wonderful date.

On the way back, Max kept talking about his achievements at work. Bella pretended to be attentive, intentionally posting the captured photos on social media, making them visible only to Pearl. As Bella predicted, as soon as they entered the house, Max, who was about to embrace her, was interrupted by a phone call.

"Who calls at this hour?" Max grumbled, annoyed. At this moment, he just wanted to spend time with his wife and didn't want to be disturbed.

However, upon seeing the familiar number, Max pursed his lips and told Bella, "Wait for me a moment." He finished the sentence and went outside to answer the phone.

Every time the phone rang, Max would go somewhere else to answer it, seemingly not wanting Bella to discover anything. Bella smirked, knowing exactly who was calling Max. Pearl must have seen the photos taken today, so she couldn't tolerate Max being close to Bella.

And once again, Bella was right. Max came back into the house with an unhappy expression but still tried to smile at his wife. "Bella, I'm sorry. But it seems like some documents are having problems and need me to check again.”

Understanding and sympathetic towards her husband, Bella gently caressed his face and said, "It's okay, I understand. You're so talented, and of course, important matters need your attention. We have plenty of time for ourselves; you should attend to your work immediately."

Standing before the beautiful and alluring woman, hearing sweet and understanding words from Bella, Max's heart immediately stirred strongly. He could feel and hear his heartbeat, but when he regained composure, Bella had turned away, preparing to go to the bedroom.

"Bella..." Max didn't want to leave even for a moment.

Bella turned back and asked,"What's up? Go quickly, work comes first, honey." She kept urging him to go quickly, to go quickly to Pearl.

Just as Max hesitated whether to stay with his wife tonight or leave the house for "work," the phone rang again. In the end, Max still chooses to leave the house because of "work", the house suddenly becomes quiet and quiet, making Bella unable to help but feel ironic in her heart.

"Pearl... you really know how to pull others in," Bella whispered softly. She was satisfied with Pearl's way of pulling Max away. To avoid being close to the man who betrayed her, she intentionally posted the dinner photos and set the privacy to allow only Pearl to see. Partly to tease her 'best friend' and partly because she didn't want to be close to the man who had betrayed her.

With Max not at home, Bella's mood is quite good. She happily immerses herself in warm water and enjoys this relaxing moment. After finishing her bath, she wants to go to bed immediately, so she only puts on a nightgown.

But it seems that something doesn't want Bella to have peace and quiet. Just as she turns off the light and prepares to go to sleep, she hears the doorbell, making Bella so angry that she punches the pillow hard.

"What is this! Who foolishly rings the doorbell at my house at this time of night? So annoying, I just want to have a good night's sleep!" Bella grumbles, but she still puts on a robe and goes downstairs to see who has come.

She doesn't think that the person standing at the door is Max because this is also his house, and no one would ring the doorbell of their own main door.