Leaving the Wrong Love Behind Forever novel Chapter 7

Alison responded casually, "Just someone asking for directions."

Maxwell still felt something was off. His brows furrowed, and just as he was about to press further, Bella White interrupted with a bright smile.

"Alison, Maxwell bought me a yacht! We're throwing a party on it today. Why don't you come with us?"

A yacht?

Alison instinctively glanced at Maxwell. As expected, a trace of guilt flashed across his face.

"You guys have fun. I'll pass."

Her lips curled into a faint smile, and just as she turned to leave, Bella clung onto her arm.

"Alison, come on! You've been staying home all the time. Come with us, have some fun!"

She wouldn't take no for an answer and practically dragged Alison into the car.

The ocean breeze brushed against Alison's face as they boarded the yacht, carrying the scent of salt and waves.

As soon as Bella appeared, the guests—clearly hand-picked for her—flocked to her side.

"Bella, Maxwell really spoils you! Buying such a luxurious yacht just like that, and even naming it after you? I'm so jealous!"

"Yeah, we've never heard of Maxwell treating anyone this well before. You must be special!"

"Be honest, Maxwell—do you like Bella? You two would make the perfect couple!"

As the conversation took a dangerous turn, Maxwell's expression darkened.

"Stop talking nonsense. I have a girlfriend."

His response was firm, immediate.

He quickly grabbed Alison's hand, as if trying to reassure her.

"Alison, don't listen to them. They're just joking."

Bella's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly forced a laugh.

"Yeah, what are you all talking about? Maxwell and my brother are best friends. He only looks after me because of him."

The atmosphere grew momentarily awkward before the guests scrambled to smooth things over.

Then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, they started playing games.

Alison had no interest in participating, but Bella once again pulled her in.

Unfortunately, Alison lost in the very first round.

Her punishment was to draw a card and complete the challenge written on it.

She flipped it over.

"Reveal a secret."

She remained silent for a moment before saying slowly, "In five days, something big will happen."

Her words instantly piqued everyone's curiosity.

"What's going to happen?" someone asked eagerly.

"That's a second question," she replied smoothly, her expression unreadable.

Under the weight of the guests' inquisitive gazes, Alison gave nothing away.

Maxwell, however, looked visibly uneasy.

He kept glancing at her, hesitation evident in his eyes, as if debating whether to ask.

Finally, he took her hand and asked in a low voice, "Alison… do you know something?"

She met his gaze, feigning confusion.

"Know what?"

He slowly released her hand, studying her expression closely.

Instead, she smirked slightly, stepped behind Maxwell—

And shoved him forward.

Unprepared, he lost his balance and fell straight toward Bella, his lips brushing against hers.

Bella instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, her face flushed as she deepened the kiss.

Three seconds passed before Maxwell snapped back to his senses.

He abruptly pushed Bella away, his eyes wide with disbelief as he turned to Alison.

"Alison!"

She simply smiled.

"They're right. It's just a game. A bet is a bet."

Without waiting for his response, she added, "You guys keep playing. I'm going to get some air."

Then, without looking back, she walked out onto the deck, letting the sea breeze wash over her.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed before a voice spoke behind her.

"Alison… you already knew about Maxwell and me getting ‘married' in five days, didn't you?"

Her body stiffened slightly, but she didn't turn around.

Maybe it was her indifference that frustrated Bella, because she suddenly stepped closer, voice laced with arrogance.

"You must have noticed by now how much Maxwell likes me."

"I can't outdance you, but when it comes to seducing men—" Bella smirked.

"You don't stand a chance."

"If I were you, I'd have given up already. Losing to a twenty-something-year-old girl… isn't that embarrassing?"