HE LOVES ME IN SECRET, HE GAVE ME THE WORLD

Bella stood outside Jason's mansion, her heart pounding so hard she could hear its echo in her ears. The night was cool, the breeze gentle as it played with her hair, but the unease inside her felt like a storm. The stars blinked down from above, distant and cold, as if warning her to turn around. But she didn't. She couldn't.

Jason had told her not to visit - that he was busy, that work had him tied up. He'd said he needed space tonight, just for a little while. But something deep inside Bella wouldn't let her rest. His words hadn't felt right. His voice on the phone had lacked warmth, his laughter too forced. She'd tried to ignore the gnawing dread that had followed her all day, but it had only grown stronger as night fell.

And now here she was - standing at his door, clutching her handbag, determined to prove herself wrong. Determined to find nothing.

Her fingers trembled as she turned the handle. The door wasn't even locked.

She stepped inside, the familiar scent of Jason's cologne mixed with the faint aroma of fresh flowers from the vase in the hallway. The house was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the marble floor. It should have felt like home - but tonight, it felt like a stranger's place.

Bella's heels clicked softly as she entered, her legs unsteady beneath her. She set her bag down on the couch, took a deep breath, and walked into the kitchen. The hum of the refrigerator filled the silence. She grabbed a bottle of water, the cold glass sweating in her palm, and took a long sip, hoping the chill would calm her nerves. But it didn't.

The house was too quiet. No sound of Jason's music playing softly in the background. No television. No footsteps. Just silence.

Maybe he's asleep, she thought, forcing herself to cling to the hope. Maybe I'm being paranoid.

She walked slowly toward the stairs, each step heavier than the last. Her fingers trailed the banister, steadying herself as her heart raced faster. The second floor felt even more still, the kind of stillness that made your skin crawl.

She reached Jason's bedroom door. Paused. Listened.

There - soft whispers. A low, feminine laugh.

Bella's stomach dropped. Her breath caught in her throat.

"No," she whispered to herself. "No, it can't be."

Her hand shook as she pushed open the door.

The scene before her made her blood run cold.

Jason lay in bed, his bare chest rising and falling, his arm draped possessively around a woman whose face Bella recognized instantly - Elizabeth. Elizabeth, her so-called friend. Elizabeth, the one who always hovered a little too close to Jason, whose smiles were always just a little too sweet.

Their bodies glistened with sweat. The sheets tangled around their legs. The unmistakable evidence of betrayal filled the room like poison.

Bella froze. The world tilted. The air seemed to leave her lungs.

"Jason... Jason?" Her voice cracked, a fragile plea.

Jason's eyes flew open, shock flashing across his face. Elizabeth gasped, but then, almost immediately, a cruel smirk played on her lips.

Jason's surprise turned to irritation, as if she were the one who had done something wrong.

"What are you doing here, Bella?" he snapped, his voice cold, as if she were an intruder.

Bella took a shaky step forward, tears already stinging her eyes.

"What did you just say?" she whispered. "What am I doing here?"

Her lips quivered. The room spun. She clapped her hands slowly, bitterly.

"Wow. Just... wow. Is this why you said you weren't around tonight? Is this what you were hiding?"

Her voice broke as the tears spilled down her cheeks. "I could never have imagined this, Jason. Never."

Each word felt like it tore a piece of her heart apart.

Elizabeth shifted closer to Jason, as if marking her territory. And then, deliberately, she leaned in and kissed him - slow, taunting, her eyes never leaving Bella's.

"Now that you've seen for yourself," Elizabeth said, her voice dripping with malice, "what's next? Because Jason is mine. He was never really yours."

Bella stared, stunned, as Elizabeth kissed him again, running her fingers through his hair, acting as though Bella were invisible.

Jason said nothing at first. He just sat there, letting it happen.

"Bella, just leave," he finally muttered, his tone dismissive, uncaring.

Bella shook her head, her body trembling. "No! Not until you tell me why. Why would you do this to me? After everything we've shared, after everything I've done for you - why?"

Jason's face darkened. Without warning, he flung off the sheets and stormed toward her. Before she could react, he shoved her hard.

Bella stumbled backward, falling to the floor with a painful thud. The cold marble bit into her skin, but the ache in her chest was far worse.

"Get out of my house!" Jason roared, his voice thundering through the room.

Bella gasped, struggling for breath between sobs. The man she had loved with all her heart now glared at her like she was nothing.

"Jason..." she whimpered, her voice barely audible.

"Out!" he barked, his eyes wild with fury. "Or I swear, I'll make you regret it."

Elizabeth laughed, leaning back against the pillows, savoring Bella's humiliation.

"Pathetic," she spat, rolling her eyes.

Bella wiped at her tears with shaking hands. She rose slowly, refusing to let them see her fall apart any more than she already had.

"Fine," she said, her voice quiet but steady. "I'll leave. But remember this, Jason. You started this. And I promise you - I won't be the one to lose."

She turned to go, but Elizabeth couldn't resist one last jab.

"Don't forget to shut the door on your way out. Bitch."

Jason smirked. "It's better this way."

Bella froze at the door. Slowly, she turned back. She took one last long look at Jason - the man who had shattered her trust, crushed her heart. She stepped closer, leaned in, and kissed his cheek. A farewell. A promise. A curse.

"You'll regret this," she whispered.

And then she left.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Jason climbed back into bed without a second thought.

"Come here, baby," Elizabeth purred, stretching out her arms.

He pulled her close, burying his face in her neck.

Outside, Bella stood on the front steps, staring up at the night sky, tears falling silently. But inside, something hardened. This wasn't the end.

It was only the beginning.

The apartment was quiet, too quiet, except for the soft hum of the ceiling fan and Bella's quiet sobs. She sat curled up on the edge of the couch, hugging her knees to her chest, her heart aching with every breath she took. The image of Jason in bed with Elizabeth played in her mind over and over, tormenting her, haunting her.

How could he? How could the man she loved with all her heart do something so cruel? How could he push her away like she was nothing?

Her tears soaked the sleeves of her blouse, but the pain refused to lessen. Her chest felt tight, her eyes burned, and every part of her felt shattered beyond repair.

The sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the apartment, followed by the soft creak as it swung open. Sonia stepped inside, humming softly to herself, her arms filled with colorful shopping bags. She looked radiant, her face lit up with a satisfied smile - until her gaze fell on Bella.

"Bella?" Sonia's voice softened with concern as she took in the sight of her friend - broken, tear-stained, and trembling. She set the bags down on the bed and rushed over, kneeling beside Bella. "What's wrong? What happened? Why are you crying like this?"

Bella could barely lift her head, but when she did, her red, swollen eyes met Sonia's. Her voice quivered. "Jason... Jason's cheating on me."

Sonia froze. "What?" The word left her lips in disbelief.

"I saw him," Bella choked out. "I went to his house to surprise him because he told me not to come. I felt something was wrong. When I got there... I found him in bed. With Elizabeth. They didn't even care. He told me to leave. He pushed me to the floor, Sonia. He pushed me like I was nothing."

Sonia's expression darkened, fury flashing in her eyes. "That bastard," she hissed. "I can't believe him. After everything you've done for him, after how much you've loved him..."

"I told him I'll never come back," Bella whispered, wiping at her tears. "I told him this is the end."

Sonia pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "Good for you, Bella. You didn't deserve that. I've been telling you all along that Jason wasn't the man you thought he was. But I know you had to see it for yourself. I'm so sorry you had to go through this."

Bella sobbed quietly into Sonia's shoulder. "I loved him so much. I really thought he was the one, Sonia. How do I stop loving him? How do I forget everything we shared?"

Sonia pulled back gently, brushing the hair from Bella's face. "It's going to hurt for a while. I won't lie. But you will move on. And one day, you'll wonder why you ever cried over a man like him. Men like Jason - they only care about themselves. That's why I don't give my heart away anymore."

Bella looked at her through tear-filled eyes. "Then what do you do?"

Sonia gave a small, mischievous smile. "I take what I can - the gifts, the dinners, the fun - and I don't let them get close enough to hurt me. That's the only way to protect your heart."

Bella sighed, shaking her head. "But how do you even meet these men?"

Sonia's grin widened. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. Online dating. There are apps where you can meet men from all over. Rich, successful, generous. Men who'll spoil you. You don't have to settle for heartbreak, Bella."

Bella hesitated, uncertainty clouding her face. "Are you sure I'll find a good match there?"

Sonia shrugged. "Maybe. By the grace of God. But you won't know unless you try."

Bella wiped at her face, the thought of meeting someone new both terrifying and oddly hopeful. "Okay... maybe I'll try downloading it later. I just need time."

"That's all I'm asking for," Sonia said, getting up and grabbing one of her bags. "But let me show you something that might change your mind."

She sat beside Bella and held up the sleek black bag. "Look at what Eric got for me."

"Eric?" Bella asked, confused.

"Yes!" Sonia said, her face lighting up again. "I met him on that dating app I told you about. Eric is amazing. Not filthy rich, but rich enough to spoil me."

Bella tilted her head. "Is he single?"

Sonia smirked. "I don't think so. But that's none of my business. I'm not after his heart - just his generosity. And trust me, he doesn't disappoint."

Bella blinked in surprise. "Wow... okay, let me see what he got you."

Sonia eagerly opened the bag and began pulling out the items. Bella watched as three elegant gowns emerged - one a deep emerald green that shimmered under the light, another a soft champagne gold that looked like it belonged at a gala, and the last a bold, fiery red that seemed made for turning heads. The fabric felt silky and expensive even from where Bella sat.

Next came two pairs of heels - one sleek black pair, the other a classic nude that would go with anything. Finally, Sonia opened a small velvet box to reveal delicate gold jewelry: a slim bracelet, a pair of sparkling stud earrings, and a simple necklace with a tiny diamond pendant.

Bella gasped softly. "Sonia, these are so beautiful."

"I know, right?" Sonia said, holding up the red gown against herself and twirling playfully. "And guess what?"

"What?" Bella asked, despite herself, a tiny smile forming at the corners of her lips.

"Eric said he's taking me to Zara's shopping mall on Tuesday. Anything I want, his treat."

Bella shook her head in amazement. "Sonia, you're so lucky."

Sonia laughed, flopping back on the couch. "That's why I'm telling you, girl. Stop wasting your time crying over Jason. There's a whole world out there. You deserve better. Download the app, see what's out there. Just try."

Bella looked at the gowns, the jewelry, the bright excitement in Sonia's eyes. Maybe Sonia was right. Maybe, somewhere out there, was something better than the pain she felt now.

"Okay," Bella said softly. "I'll try. Just... not tonight. But soon."

"That's all I ask." Sonia squeezed her hand. "We're in this together. No more tears for Jason. It's time for you to start living for you."

And for the first time that night, Bella felt a flicker of hope - fragile, but real.

Bella stared at the glowing screen of her phone, her thumb hovering uncertainly over the download button. The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the quiet of her small apartment, but all she could hear was Sonia's voice echoing in her mind.

"Just try it, Bella. Who knows? Maybe your soulmate is just a swipe away."

Bella sighed, the weight of loneliness pressing down on her chest. Nights like this always seemed the hardest-the apartment felt too empty, too silent. Jason's betrayal still lingered like a bruise on her heart, and although she told herself she was fine, the ache of wanting someone genuine hadn't gone away.

Reluctantly, she tapped the button. The app began to download, the loading circle spinning as if mocking her hesitation. Within moments, it was ready. She opened it, blinking at the bright welcome screen that promised "Real connections. Real love."

We'll see about that, she thought wryly.

She began filling in her details:

Name: Bella.

Age: 26.

Location: Florida.

When it came to writing a bio, she hesitated again. What could she possibly say that wouldn't attract the wrong attention? After a moment, she typed: "I love to cook, enjoy sunsets, and I'm looking for something real-not games."

She glanced at herself in the mirror across the room. The woman who stared back at her had been through so much. Her dark curls framed her face, soft but wild at the edges. Her brown eyes, though weary, still held a flicker of hope-a tiny ember refusing to be snuffed out by disappointment.

Bella lifted her phone, angling it just right, and took three quick selfies. The first with a soft smile, the second with a playful tilt of her head, and the third more serious, thoughtful. She studied each one, trying to see herself through the eyes of a stranger, and uploaded them to her profile.

Here goes nothing, she thought as she tapped "Submit."

The minutes ticked by slowly. She lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if this had been a mistake.

Then-ping!

A message.

She picked up the phone. Andrew - New York.

Curiosity won out over caution. She opened the chat.

Andrew: Hi baby, you look so sweet.

Bella blinked at the message, lips twitching into a polite, if guarded, smile.

Bella: Thank you.

Andrew: You're welcome. Can you send some of your naughty pictures? If you do, I'll reward you. I promise you, baby.

Her smile faded instantly. Disgust washed over her, mingling with disappointment. Really? That's the first thing he says?

She shook her head, muttering aloud, "That's not what I want."

Still, her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Out of sheer annoyance, she typed:

Bella: Ok, I will.

The reply came fast.

Andrew: So sweet of you. I'm waiting, baby.

Without another thought, she hit the block button. The chat disappeared into the void, leaving Andrew waiting for pictures that would never come.

Bella exhaled sharply, as if trying to blow away the sour taste of that exchange. She set her phone down but it vibrated again almost immediately-three more notifications.

Dave - Mexico.

Ajit - India.

Mark - California.

She hesitated, then opened Dave's message first.

His profile photo showed an older man with gray hair and kind, crinkled eyes. His age, displayed boldly at the top, said sixty-eight. Not at all what she'd envisioned when she signed up, but she didn't want to be rude.

Dave: Hi princess.

Bella rubbed the back of her neck, trying to decide how to respond.

Bella: Good day, sir.

Dave: You are just exactly like an angel. I'm from Mexico. And you?

Bella: Florida.

Dave: Wow. Can I be your lover? I mean... can you marry me?

A laugh burst out of her before she could stop it-half amusement, half disbelief. A marriage proposal already?

Bella: No, I can't, sir. Sorry.

She didn't wait for more. With a sigh, she blocked him too.

Next, Ajit.

His profile picture was of a blurry landscape. No face, no smile-just trees and a cloudy sky.

Ajit: Hi baby.

Bella: Hi, good day.

Ajit: How are you doing? I hope you are good.

Bella: Yeah. Where are you chatting from?

Ajit: India. You are actually so beautiful. Can we do a sex video call to satisfy each other?

Bella groaned, rubbing her temples. The audacity.

Bella: Okay.

As soon as the call notification popped up, she ended it and blocked him too, not even waiting for the connection to go through.

What is wrong with these people? she wondered, frustration gnawing at her.

Finally, she opened Mark's message. She steeled herself, hoping-please, just be normal.

Mark: Hi.

Bella: Hello.

Mark: Good day.

Bella: Good day.

Mark: What's up with you?

Bella: Good, and you?

Mark: What do you have for me?

Her brow furrowed. What did he mean by that?

Bella: Like...?

Before she could finish her thought, the chat vanished. Mark had blocked her.

She stared at the screen, dumbfounded. What do I have for him?

Bella sat on the edge of her bed, heart heavy. Each exchange left her feeling more disillusioned. She felt as though she'd been standing at the edge of a cliff, hoping to see the sunrise, only to watch storm clouds gather instead.

"This is not what I wanted," she whispered to herself.

Her thumb hovered over the uninstall button. She was ready to delete the app, delete the hope that had pushed her to try.

But then-ding.

Another notification.

Raymond - London.

Something made her pause. One last chance, she thought. If this one is the same, I'm done.

She opened it.

Raymond: Hi, good afternoon.

Bella: Good afternoon.

Raymond: How are you doing?

Bella: I'm good, and you?

Raymond: Great.

She glanced at his profile picture. A black man, probably in his late twenties, with warm eyes and a genuine smile. There was a softness to his expression that eased some of the tension in her chest.

Bella: Please, where are you chatting from?

Raymond: London. And you?

Bella: Florida.

Raymond: Nice meeting you.

Bella: You are welcome.

Raymond: What do you do for a living?

Bella: I'm a chef. And you?

Raymond: A waiter. I work in a restaurant here in London.

Bella: Ok.

Raymond: Can we be friends?

Bella: Sure, we can.

A real smile tugged at her lips.

Raymond: Ok, thank you. You look so beautiful.

Bella: Thank you so much. And you look cute.

Raymond: Thank you. Do you live alone?

Bella: No, I live with my best friend.

Raymond: Ok. Over here, I live with my mom. We're from a middle-class family.

Bella: Ok. I hope she's good.

Raymond: Yeah, she is. How are your parents?

Bella: They're good.

Raymond: Ok. Have you eaten?

Bella: Yes. And you?

Raymond: Yes. Please, let's chat later. There's a customer here-I have to answer him. Chat to you later. Have a nice day.

Bella: And you too.

She set the phone down, heart racing. The room felt brighter somehow, the sinking sun casting a warm glow across her bed. For the first time in weeks, a flicker of hope stirred inside her.

She picked up the phone again, fingers trembling slightly, and tried to call Sonia, eager to share the moment. No answer.

So Bella lay back, phone resting on her chest, a soft smile on her face. Maybe-just maybe-love wasn't a crime after all.

And for tonight, that was enough.