Bella’s POV
As Derek's words pierced through my thoughts, I felt a surge of fear wash over me. "So I need you to tell me exactly who the person is, and don't lie to me," he demanded, interrupting my train of thought.
My voice quivered as I tried to respond, "I... I have no idea who you are talking about."
He maintained a steady gaze, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Your dad," he said firmly, sending a chill down my spine.
I stumbled over my words, desperately trying to clarify, "My dad? What happened to my dad? It couldn't have been him."
Derek's expression remained grave as he replied, "Your dad will pay for what he did to me three years ago." Relief washed over me as he didn't implicate my father directly, but the weight of the situation was still heavy upon me.
Trying to defend m
