Chapter 60: Photographed
Bella frowned. If her memory served correctly, Annabel was Rupert's fiancée. Meanwhile, Heather harbored a strong dislike for Annabel, stemming from an incident at Brock's birthday party where Heather falsely accused Annabel of stealing her diamond ring, hoping to embarrass her and drive her away from Rupert. Annabel, however, quickly resolved the situation. Heather, taking this personally, held a grudge. She repeatedly confided in friends about formulating a plan to separate Annabel and Rupert.
Bella believed that revealing Annabel's secret relationship with Rory would thrill Heather. But why was Annabel with Rory? Their body language was extremely intimate. Did a secret relationship exist between them? How could Rory, a superstar, fall for Annabel? Bella suspected Annabel had used her beauty to seduce him.
Seeing Rory's clear adoration for Annabel, Bella grew jealous. She took a photo and sent it to Heather. Heather, shopping with friends, saw the blurry photo and could barely recognize anyone. Confused, she ignored the message.
After receiving no response, Bella sent another message: "Heather, have you seen the photo? Annabel is with Rory."
This time, Heather saw the photo. Though blurry, Annabel was clearly identifiable. Was Annabel cheating on Rupert? Excited, Heather immediately called Bella.
"Is it true? Annabel is with Rory?"
"Of course. I saw them together," Bella replied, her lips pursed in a jealous glare at Rory. She didn't understand his affection for Annabel. "Where are they now?" Heather asked, deciding to investigate in person.
If Rupert discovered his fiancée's infidelity, Annabel would be in serious trouble. A proud man like Rupert wouldn't tolerate betrayal. Annabel would likely be dismissed, perhaps facing worse consequences. The thought thrilled Heather.
She urged Bella, "Your photos were too blurry. Take more immediately. Stay there and watch them. I'll be right there."
"Okay!" Bella readily agreed, taking more photos. However, Annabel and Rory were seated too far away in a corner of the cafe; Bella only captured their side profiles. She needed to enter the cafe for better shots.
But a waiter stopped her. "I'm sorry, miss. A guest has booked the entire cafe."
"I'll give you money," Bella offered, displaying a wad of cash.
"I'm sorry," the waiter politely refused.
Inside the cafe, Annabel pulled away from Rory. "Rory, we're not right for each other. Focus on your work."
Rory persisted, "Why? Is it because of Rupert?"
Annabel was about to explain when Rory said, "Annabel, there's something you don't know. Rupert is deeply in love with another woman."
"Candy?" Annabel guessed, taking a deep breath.
Rory was stunned. Annabel nodded. "Since you know her, you know she's the only one in Rupert's heart. He doesn't truly love you. You'll never be happy with him."
Remembering Rupert's drunken confession about Candy, Annabel felt a pang of pain. She started to speak, but a commotion outside interrupted them.
Annabel asked, "What's going on?"
"I'll check," Rory said, heading towards the door, only to be met by flashing lights—paparazzi.
Bella, still trying to persuade the waiter, saw Rory approaching. Her heart quickened.
"What's wrong?" Rory asked quietly.
"This lady insisted on entering, sir," the waiter explained.
Rory gave Bella a cold look. "What's up?"
Bella felt a jolt of electricity. He was even more handsome in person. After a moment, she stammered, "Rory, I'm a huge fan. Can I have your autograph?"
Her nervousness was evident. Rory's gaze sharpened on her phone.
"Were you taking pictures?"
Her hand trembled. "I…"
"Give it to me," he demanded harshly.
Bella hesitated, then reluctantly unlocked her phone. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
Rory, visibly angry, deleted all the photos of himself and Annabel before returning the phone.