Leaving the Wrong Love Behind Forever novel Chapter 4

Bella's birthday party was an extravagant affair—glamorous gowns, dazzling jewels, and endless toasts.

As soon as Alison arrived, Bella came running toward her, affectionately linking arms with her.

"Alison! I thought you wouldn't come!" Bella beamed. "I like you so much! Did you know that your dance, The Only Green, is used as a teaching example at our academy? My biggest dream is to become a brilliant dancer like you!"

She paused deliberately, stealing a glance at Maxwell before lowering her head slightly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.

"And… to find a boyfriend as wonderful as Maxwell."

Alison subtly withdrew her hand and replied meaningfully, "I can't say if you'll achieve your first wish, but your second one—you definitely will."

At those words, Maxwell's gaze, which had been fixed on Bella, suddenly snapped back to Alison.

"Alison, what do you mean by that?"

Alison's smile was faint, her expression unreadable. "You have so many good friends, don't you? All of them must be just as excellent as you. Why not introduce one to Bella? That way, she'll get her wish."

Bella bit her lip briefly before flashing a sweet smile. "Oh, that sounds great! Thank you in advance, Maxwell!"

The moment she finished speaking, Maxwell's face darkened, his jaw tightening.

"You're still young. No dating." His voice was laced with irritation.

Alison caught the jealousy in his eyes but chose not to expose it.

After that, Maxwell's attention was entirely on Bella.

When Bella picked up a glass of wine, about to take a sip, Maxwell immediately pressed her hand down.

"No drinking. You know your alcohol tolerance."

When she leaned slightly closer to another man during casual conversation, Maxwell pulled her into his arms without hesitation.

"Do you even know what he's thinking? Don't lean on him. Stay at least three feet away from other men."

Bella pouted in protest, exaggerating her displeasure.

"You don't let me drink, you don't let me talk to people—fine! I'll just sit here and eat ice cream. That's allowed, right?"

Saying this, she tugged on Maxwell's sleeve, swaying it coquettishly.

"Please?"

"No." His tone remained firm, but his eyes softened. "Did you forget your cycle is coming up soon?"

At his words, Bella's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Maxwell, you—you even remember my cycle?"

Maxwell smirked and playfully pinched her cheek.

"When you care about someone, you remember these things naturally."

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Alison let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh and swirled the wine in her glass absentmindedly.

Her presence was striking, like a poised and untouchable rose, drawing the attention of many.

Whispers filled the air.

"Who is she? She's stunning."

"She's absolutely unforgettable. That figure, that waist, that cold yet mesmerizing face—pure goddess. Looks like she came alone. You going for it? If not, I am."

Before long, a few men could no longer hold back and began approaching her, eager to get her contact information.

Noticing the sudden attention on Alison, one of Maxwell's friends nudged him teasingly.

"Maxwell, look over there. Aren't you going to do something? If you don't stop this, your girl's going to get taken away!"

Maxwell glanced briefly in Alison's direction before turning back to Bella, an indifferent smile on his lips.

"She won't."

Then, before everyone's stunned eyes, he grabbed Bella's hand and led her away without a second thought.

The atmosphere buzzed with whispers.

The attention and gossip were growing suffocating, and Alison had no interest in facing it.

Calming her emotions, she decided to step out for some air.

But the moment she walked out—

She saw Maxwell pressing Bella against the wall, his voice low and commanding.

"From now on, if anyone asks for your number, you refuse. Got it?"

Bella's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Why, Maxwell?"

His gaze darkened. "Because I don't like it."

She tilted her head, teasing. "Why don't you like it?"

Their eyes locked, the tension between them thick with an unspoken understanding.

After a long pause, Maxwell leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, his breath uneven.

"Just don't do it. If you ever agree to someone else, I can't promise what I'll do."

Bella giggled softly. "Got it! But admit it—you're jealous, aren't you?"

Maxwell didn't respond.

Instead, he pulled out the pink diamond necklace—‘Heart of True Love'—and clasped it around her neck.

Then, as if surrendering, he wrapped his arms around her in a deep embrace.

"Fine. I'm your jealous fool."