I need her.

The bustling surroundings came to a halt for Theodore as his gaze locked onto a woman across the room. Her back was to him, but he realized it was Isabella.

She was busy clicking on selfies, with exaggerated poses and forced smiles. He couldn't believe this was the woman he had been searching for so eagerly. Everything about her—the self-obsession, the superficial display—grated against his nerves. He always despised pretentious behavior, and she embodied everything he disliked.

However, he pushed down his annoyance, reminding himself that she was his savior no matter how she was. He owed her a gratitude. He would return her pendant, express his thanks, and leave. That's all.

Taking a calming breath, Theodore started towards her. But before he could take a few steps, he froze as he noticed a man walking over to her and pulling her into an embrace. In an instant, she threw her arms around the man's neck, tiptoed, and kissed him passionately.

The air seemed to suck out of Theodore's lungs. His stomach lurched, a nauseating sensation twisting within him. As he watched them kissing passionately, a sense of falling, of reality crashing down on him, took hold.

All these days, he had fantasized about proposing to Isabella and marrying her. He hadn't considered the possibility of another man in her life.

How foolish he had been!

Anger surged within him, but he was angrier at himself than anyone else. And the sharp pain in his heart… He couldn't understand this new ache, this unexpected pain. With a resolute turn, he stormed out of the hotel, vowing never to set eyes on Isabella again.

Inside the restaurant…

Bella had come to receive a call to a secluded corner of the restaurant. "Mamma, don't worry about the money," Bella reassured her mother's frantic voice. "I arranged everything."

For weeks, her mother had peppered Bella with questions about how she had arranged money for the liver transplant. Bella couldn't bear to reveal the truth – She wouldn't tell her that she had signed a contract with Theodore to be his wife for a year. This revelation would only worsen her mother's already fragile health.

Bella wouldn't want her condition to deteriorate before they found a suitable donor.

"I understand you say you arranged it, but how?" Bella's mother, Selena, pressed on. "Are you doing something you shouldn't do? Did you borrow money from someone else? Bella, we are already drowning in debt. The house is mortgaged, how can we ever repay more?"

"Mamma, please, calm down," Bella urged, anxious.

This conversation was a thorn in her side, and she had been skillfully dodging it. But Selena wouldn't let it rest until she received a believable answer.

"I didn't borrow money. Trust me. It's just… I spoke to my boss and requested an advance on a few months of salary." Since she couldn't tell her the truth, she could only lie. "And…my design drawings…I sold them."

It was not entirely a lie. Months ago, to cover the mounting hospital bills, she had sold her precious design work. She hadn't intended to reveal this sacrifice, but in that moment, dispelling her mother's doubts was paramount.

"You sold your design drawings!" Selena exclaimed, a tremor running through her voice. "Oh, darling... why would you do that?"

"Don't think about it," Bella comforted her. "Your health is all that matters right now. Relax, and focus on getting better. There's nothing to be anxious about. I am not doing anything that will put us in danger."

She believed she would part ways with Theodore after a year and live happily with her mother far away from here.

"I have to go, Mamma," she said, blinking back tears away. "I came to celebrate Bridget's birthday. They are waiting for me."

"Go on then, have a wonderful time," Selena chirped.

"I'll visit you tomorrow," Bella promised before ending the call.

With a deep breath, she rejoined her friends. Joe was already there, a mischievous glint in his eyes, with Bridget and a spread of delicious food laid out before them.

"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," Bella greeted him with a smile.

"About time," Joe smirked. "And thanks for keeping her company and enduring her tantrums all day."

"You both teamed up to give me a surprise." Bridget declared, feigning hurt with a playful pout. "You didn't give me a hint."

"I gave you enough hints," Bella countered. "Remember when I mentioned Joe might be planning something? And this fancy hotel? Do you think I will bring you to such a place to treat you to a meal?"

Bridget playfully scowled. "Fine, fine," she conceded with a slump. "You win. Happy?"

Both Bella and Joe burst out laughing.

"Our plan was successful," Joe declared, raising his wine glass. "And Bella's contribution is undeniable. It wouldn't be fun if it was exposed."

"Seeing that bright smile of yours is all the reward I need," Bella added, pulling Bridget into a side hug. "Happy birthday, bestie. May your smile always be as radiant as ever."

Bridget's feigned frown melted away as she wrapped her arms around Bella. "Thank you for this incredible surprise," she whispered.

The three of them sat down to enjoy the meal, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Bella had completely forgotten about the mysterious man who was supposed to meet her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Theodore sought refuge in the familiar dimness of his club once more, the sting of alcohol a desperate attempt to numb the relentless assault of images that replayed in his mind. The sight of Isabella, so carefree in another man's embrace, was a cruel echo that refused to fade.

It was a pain laced with anger, a rage that felt more like wounded pride than emotional turmoil.

The unsettling truth gnawed at him – he had unknowingly fostered feelings for a woman who had no room for him in her heart. Theodore, a man who had always gotten what he desired, couldn't grasp the fact that Isabella wouldn't be his.

Furious, he threw the glass down, shattering it into pieces.

The sound sent Skyler, who had been on his phone just outside the room, rushing in. He stopped short at the sight of shattered glass and a Theodore he barely recognized. A deep gloom had settled over his boss since returning from the hotel, and now, he looked utterly wrecked.

With a heavy sigh, Skyler approached him. "That's enough for tonight. Let's get you home." He reached out to help Theodore to his feet, but his hand recoiled instinctively from the heat radiating off his body.

Frowning, he pressed his palm against Theodore's forehead. "You're burning up," he said with growing concern.

Theodore, lost in his own maelstrom of emotions, barely registered Skyler's words. "Bella," he rasped, "I need her."