To Love is To Let Go

Bella didn't respond. She simply gathered the shattered pendant and placed it gently into her bag.

After a long silence, she turned to Seth and gave him a smile—thin, distant, and tinged with sorrow. "No need, Uncle."

She said it lightly, almost casually, and then walked off in a hurry, leaving Seth standing there, frozen.

Uncle…

She hadn't called him that since confessing her feelings. No matter how many times he insisted on the title, she had refused to say it. But now, she'd said it herself. Voluntarily.

Seth stood rooted to the floor, unmoving. Dazed.

It wasn't until Faye tugged on his arm that he blinked back into focus.

"Seth? What's wrong?"

He quickly composed himself, his voice smoothing into one of calm reassurance. "Nothing. Don't think too much about what just happened. Bella's not a bad person, just a little spoiled after all these years. That's on me."

Faye froze for a moment, surprised he was defending Bella. She managed a sweet nod, but her eyes flickered with something darker—something jealous and sharp.

Seeking comfort, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against him as she said softly, "Seth, once the surgery's done… let's get married, okay? I can't wait to start our life together."

A trace of warmth appeared in Seth's gaze. He tapped her nose with his finger. "Alright. Whatever you want."

"Really?" she beamed. "Then I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world."

...

For days, Bella buried herself in paperwork for the Caledon Volunteer Program. Morning to night, she ran between offices and lecture halls, doing what needed to be done.

Though they still lived under the same roof, she hadn't seen Seth even once.

One evening, she carried a large box of old letters—those densely written love letters she'd once poured her heart into—and headed toward the fireplace.

One by one, the pages curled and blackened in the flames.

By the time she reached the last letter, Seth's voice snapped behind her. "What are you doing?"

Bella didn't reply. He stepped closer, catching sight of the letter still burning, not yet turned to ash.

His face darkened. He grabbed her wrist, holding it in an unyielding grip.

His voice was low and hoarse, heavy with accusation. "Bella, what the hell is this? Another stunt to get my attention? Is this supposed to mean something?"

She lowered her head and pulled her hand free.

"You're overthinking it."

But to him, it only confirmed his suspicion.

He stepped back, his voice sharp and flat. "Ten days from now, I'm marrying Faye. You're welcome to attend."

Her face drained of color. Still, she forced a brittle smile.

"Congratulations."

In ten days, she'd be gone to Caledon, beginning a life entirely separate from his. She didn't say it. There was no point.

She turned to leave, but just as she reached the door, he called out again.

"Faye said a wedding only happens once in a lifetime. She doesn't trust anyone else to handle it."

Bella paused, uncertain what he meant.

"So?" she asked quietly.

"So," he said, "I want you to plan the wedding. I raised you. You should know better than anyone what I'd want."