Ch 28

Mark and Bella arrived at the secluded cabin nestled deep in the Poconos just as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and lavender. The fresh scent of pine filled the crisp evening air, and the sound of a nearby stream added to the tranquil ambiance. Mark parked the truck and carried Bella over the threshold, his deep laugh rumbling as she playfully protested.

"It's tradition darling," he teased, setting her down gently in the cozy rustic living room.

Bella wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up into his eyes. "This place is perfect. Just us and the quiet."

"Exactly what we need before life pulls us back into chaos," Mark replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He kissed her softly, savoring that he would have his wife to himself for a few days.

The first few days went by way too quick. They explored the nearby trails, shared meals by candlelight, and spent hours giving into the passion between them all over the house. But as much as Bella tried to lose herself in the bliss of their honeymoon, a nagging thought lingered in the back of her mind. Something about Hunter's recent behavior didn't sit right with her. She'd seen the guilt in his eyes before the wedding and felt something different in the way he hugged her after the show. When she saw him with Chyna, they weren't talking like usual and Hunter was being cold towards Chyna. Bella knew him well enough to know he wasn't himself. He was hiding something, and whatever it was, Bella feared it would shatter their lives.

Sensing her unease, Mark took her hand as they sat on the porch swing, watching the sun set behind the mountains. "You're thinking about Hunter again, aren't you?"

Bella sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I can't help it. He's my brother, and I know when he's keeping something from me. It's also bothering me that he didn't bring Chyna to our wedding and he blows off every question I ask about their relationship. I thought he had no more secrets but he does. You heard Vince is manipulating him with something. I'm scared it's something that…" She trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Mark tightened his arm around her, trying to take away her worries. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this anymore, Bella."

His words were reassuring, but Bella could sense his own apprehension. Mark was rarely one to voice his fears, but the tension in his jaw and the way he'd been quieter than usual told her he felt it too. Still, neither of them wanted to tarnish their time here with worries about the unknown.

That evening, as the stars blanketed the sky, Mark led Bella to the hot tub on the cabin's back deck. Steam rose into the night air as they sank into the warm water. Bella leaned back against Mark's chest, letting the soothing jets ease her tension.

"Now, this is how you unwind," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Bella smiled, closing her eyes. "You're right. This feels amazing."

"Darling, just relax and enjoy," he whispered against her ear, giving her goosebumps.

"I think I can do that," she smiled resting against him.

They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the forest and the hot tub jets were the only sounds. Mark's fingers traced gentle patterns on her arms, and Bella felt like she was heaven getting lost in his touch.

"Thank you for this and for everything you've done over the last few years," she said softly. "You have made me feel like I'm safe and loved by you no matter what. You love me for me. You are my everything."

Mark turned her to face him, his green eyes serious. "You belong with me, Bella. Always. I love everything about you."

She leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss under the starlit sky. For that moment, the world beyond their secluded haven didn't exist. It was just them as they gave into the moment making love in the hot tub.

As they returned inside, Bella couldn't shake the feeling that their time in this peaceful sanctuary was the calm before a storm. Mark broke her thoughts again, sweeping her up in his arms carrying her into their bedroom. They made love till they were both exhausted. Mark drifted off to sleep wrapping his arms tightly around Bella. As exhausted as Bella was, she couldn't fall asleep right away as the nagging feeling that Hunter was able to shatter her world snuck back into her thoughts. She closed her eyes trying to push the thoughts away and just concentrate on being with Mark at that moment.

Meanwhile, back in Connecticut, Chyna stood in the middle of her bedroom, packing up the rest of her belongings. The tension in the room was palpable as she folded a shirt and placed it into a suitcase. Hunter had barely said a word since they arrived a few hours ago to finish packing. She finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Hunter, what's going on with you lately? You've been so quiet. You still haven't explained why you didn't want me to go to Bella's wedding with you. I'm trying to give you space but I can't handle the silence anymore. We used to have so much fun. If something's wrong, you can tell me. Have I've done something to upset you? You don't have to keep shutting me out."

Hunter froze, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. Panic flickered across his face before he masked it with anger. "There's nothing to talk about, Chyna. Please just drop it for now."

Chyna took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "No, I won't drop it. We've been together too long for you to just shut me out like this. If something's wrong, we should deal with it together. That's what partners do. They don't live in silence going through the motions. I can't live like this with you much longer."

Her words seemed to push Hunter over the edge. He snapped, his voice rising. "Why do you have to keep asking questions? Why can't you stop adding to my stress? I'm trying my best here," he paused, seeing her jump back in shock. "You know what, I can't deal with your bullshit anymore. I have too much going on. I need to just concentrate on my family and me right now. So don't bother packing. We're over. Done. You're right we can't keep living like this anymore. I need to be on my own and you need to move on. We can still work together, but our relationship is over. I can't be with you anymore."

Chyna stared at him, stunned, as the weight of his words sank in. Before she could respond, Hunter stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He practically ran to his car, his hands trembling as he fumbled with the keys. He sped away his heart racing rapidly as he fought the tears feeling like a monster for what he had just done.

"I had to do it. It's better for her to not be with me. She deserves much better than me. I love her enough to let her go and find her own happiness. All I'm going to do is keep causing her more misery especially once Vince starts the new storyline he wants," he whispered, trying to reason with himself for just breaking Chyna's heart. "I'm a heartless monster," he spat, pulling over burying his face in his hands. "How in the hell did I get myself in this mess. I can't win. I either hurt Chyna or I hurt Bella either way someone I love is going to end up hurting because of my past mistakes. I can't let Vince tell Bella what I've done. She won't understand she will never forgive me," he cried out hitting the steering wheel in frustration. "Pull it together, I can handle this. As long as I keep doing what Vince wants everything will be good," he swallowed hard. He took out his phone calling Vince.

As soon as Vince answered, Hunter's voice was sharp and bitter. "It's done. My relationship with Chyna is over. You should be happy now." Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call and threw the phone onto the passenger seat. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white, as he drove off into the night, leaving behind the shattered pieces of his heart and his relationship.