Destiny of the Substitute Bride
31. The Presence of the Past.

Viola took a day off right after Jessica left Zernedien. Bella's confidant girl wants to do more research on what Jessica has done with Martha.

Since Harold's departure, the two seem to be planning and hiding something. What's more, Viola still vividly remembered the conversation that had taken place between the two of them.

As a result of her two-day search, Viola found a clue that led to one of the empty old houses in the old city area. But unfortunately, the empty house is now flat on the ground.

Not wanting to go without supplies, Viola approached one of the neighboring houses to ask the identity of the owner of the house.

"Ahh, that house used to belong to the Thompson family. After the death of Chief Thompson, the only daughter in the family brought her to move out of town. From then on their house became empty and uninhabited."

Viola nodded when he heard the explanation of one of the neighbors he had met.

"Do you know where they're going, or have you ever seen them visit this house?" ask Viola.

The woman shook her head. "To be honest, residents in this region are indeed lacking in implementing socialization. We spent more and more production time working outside, and just came home at night. It's rare for us to be able to cross each other like a neighbor in general."

Viola was silent for a moment. "so apparently. Ahh, may I know what the name of the only child in the family is?"

"Jessica. Jessica Thompson's."

A smile knots imprinted on Viola's pretty face. Could it be that the talk of the past time was related to the mother of the woman?

...**********...

Bella is unable to cover her happy hue today, as Noah suddenly volunteered to accompany the girl on a shopping trip after work.

Although the gossip that developed between them was so detrimental to Bella's good name, but still could not replace the happiness of the girl.

Noah hasn't changed, he's just a little more human than before.

"Thank you, sister," said Bella after Noah finished putting all the groceries in the car.

Noah only nodded at a glance. The man got into the car, followed by Bella.

"We had dinner first," said Noah, when their car was on the main road.

"No need, sister, we just go home, I'll cook saj—" The words that slid from Bella's mouth stalled, when she realized that Noah was still reluctant to eat his homemade food. As a result, the girl nodded in agreement with the husband's invitation.

...**********...

At about half-nine in the evening, the two arrived at the apartment.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, the couple frowned, when they found a woman standing right in front of their apartment door.

Bella slowly walked closer towards him. "Sorry, Miss, who are you waiting for?" the girl was friendly.

Getting such a reprimand, the woman then turned to look at Bella. "Noah." Answer's flat.

Bella flinched in shock, as did Noah standing behind her.

The memory of the pain that the woman gave a few months ago again hit Noah's soul. Anger was clearly visible on his face at this moment.

While Bella can only look at the figure of Mary who stands right in front of her.

She did not recognize Maria at all, because she cut her hair short. Bella took a step back. The happiness he had just felt now evaporated out of nowhere.

"Sorry, I seem to be interfering with your togetherness. I know your apartment from Martha," said Maria awkwardly.

Bella was silent and refused to respond to Maria's words.

"What business are you here for?" asked Noah coldly. His eyes occasionally glanced at the look of Bella's face which now looks cloudy.

"Anu, I want to talk to you, Noah. Can I?" ask the woman.

Bella who felt self-aware, immediately gave both of them a place. "I go in first" said the girl.

"Just here!" noah's word to Bella. The man then turned his eyes to Maria. "Just talk, my wife and I will hear it."

Hearing Noah's words, Maria silently clenched her hands. "I just want to talk to you alone, please!" the door is shameless.

Bella's chest feels hot. The girl was jealous.

"Please!" bella shouted coldly, while opening the apartment door. After the door opened, she asked for the three bags of groceries the husband had brought, without looking at her face. The girl was avoiding Noah's gaze.

However, instead of handing over the three bags to Bella, Noah entered the apartment and placed them properly on the pantry table. The man came out again.

Whatever had possessed Noah's head, in front of Maria, the man suddenly grabbed Bella's waist and clenched his lips.

"Wait for me" he said softly.

Bella was no less surprised, but she did not show it in front of Maria. The girl just nodded.

As soon as she went inside, Bella immediately closed the door and leaned in there.

The girl should not feel happy, because she knew, Noah deliberately did this to give affirmation to Maria about their relationship that had run aground, and it made Bella's heart a little sliced.