167: Confronting Cold Realities

Bella's gaze was fraught with sorrow as she faced Alex, her voice quivering with emotion. "Did you ever actually care about us, about this child who is supposedly yours?" Alex's response was as chilling as the air that surrounded them. "This child was never meant to be. Erasing this mistake is all we can do now. Your deceit over the years is unforgivable, but I've been lenient enough not to pursue it." Tears cascaded down Bella's cheeks, the realization dawning upon her that Alex's heart had never truly been with her, not even for a moment. "All these years, my feelings for you were genuine, even if they began with a lie. Doesn't that count for anything to you?" Her voice was a mix of despair and pleading, seeking a sliver of compassion in Alex's icy demeanor. But Alex remained unmoved, his gaze void of warmth. "Your feelings, your so-called love, mean nothing if built on deceit. I've wasted enough time on illusions." The air grew heavy with unspoken words and unres