Chapter 21

Elena’s POV I froze the moment I stepped into the jet. Mark. What the hell? He was standing near the cockpit, arms crossed, his face already dark with anger. My heart dropped. Yes, I knew he was Bella’s husband but I never imagined he would be part of this so-called vacation. Bella had promised me a surprise. Was this it? Our eyes met, and the air instantly turned sharp. He didn’t say anything to me. Instead, he turned to Bella and pulled her a few steps aside, his voice low but furious. “What the hell is she doing here? I thought this was a private trip.” Bella folded her arms. “Elena is my friend,” she shot back. “And I need her with me.” “You need her?” he scoffed. “For what exactly?” “So you don’t have to pretend to enjoy shopping and a luxury spa,” Bella snapped. “You hate all that. Elena doesn’t. That’s why I brought her.” I stood there, pretending not to hear, even though every word hit me square in the chest. Mark glanced at me again, his jaw tight, his eyes cold. For a second,