Bella was more confused than ever about Ethan's behavior. Rude, stone-hearted Officer Ethan Gray… could he really be romantic? And yet, Officer Ethan like Officer Becky, didn't he? Bella thought. So why was all this happening now? Had her father pressured him again? Or maybe it was his parents?
Harry's voice cut through her thoughts. "Bella, why aren't you eating?"
"I'm not hungry," she replied softly.
After dinner, Bella sat alone in the residential area's outdoor sitting space. The evening was quiet until laughter reached her ears.
"How long are you going to wait? And how much longer will Ethan make you wait?" Officer Emma teased.
Becky smiled faintly. "Ethan's busy, and I don't want to disturb him. After this training batch, he'll be free, and we'll be on duty in the SID department again. That's when I'll talk to him."
Officer Emma laughed. "Yeah, that's true. And where will he find another life partner who cares for him as much as you do?"
The two of them walked away, chatting and laughing. Bella, sitting in the dimly lit corner, stayed hidden. The low light and her careful positioning kept her unseen, and she quietly let herself remain unnoticed, listening from the shadows.
The next day, during the afternoon break, Bella found herself standing outside Ethan's office. She knocked softly. From inside came a weary voice, "Come in."
Bella stepped into the office. Ethan was seated in his chair, head leaning back, eyes closed, exhaustion etched deeply across his face. When he opened his eyes and saw Bella standing there, a faint smile played on his lips. Bella felt herself mesmerized by it, caught off guard, but quickly gathered herself and said, "I need to talk to you."
Ethan gestured toward the chair. "Sit," he said.
"I'm fine standing," Bella replied.
Ethan's smile widened, gentle and teasing. "I won't bite, Bella. Just sit. Let's talk comfortably—whatever you need to say."
"No, I'm fine," she insisted, still standing.
Ethan rose from his seat. Alarmed, Bella quickly added, "No, please, stay seated."
He let out a light laugh, then sat back down. "Alright then," he said. "Go ahead. Tell me what's on your mind."
Bella placed a hand on the office doorknob, hesitation evident in her movements. "Th…this training session…when it ends…" She took a deep breath, then hurriedly continued, "I don't want you to take on any stress or pressure. I'll handle everything at home. After this training session…we'll file for divorce."
Ethan froze, his expression shifting from shock to anger. He rose from his chair just as Bella, panicked, flung the office door open and ran out.
Ethan's voice followed her, low and trembling, "Divorce…"