It'll Come Naturally novel Chapter 717

"Even if I don't mention Rachel, she's still between us. That's indisputable. Do you really feel nothing when she's around you? I don't believe it." Duke had withdrawn his arm from around Belinda. She turned on her side, causing the coat to slip.

"If that's what you think about me, then all my explanations would go in vain." Duke didn't want to get angry, but a sense of overwhelming frustration seized him. Everything he did was futile when it came to her.

"I knew it. You don't even intend to explain yourself. We aren't married out of love, so we don't have to be faithful to each other." Belinda rose to her feet. She shook the sand off her shirt and began walking dazedly, away from Duke. In her hurry she forgot to pick up the overcoat he had put on her.

"Belinda, are you in love with me?" The wind carried Duke's words to Belinda, as the scent of seaweed grew in the air. But Belinda was in no mood to enjoy the pleasant smell, because Duke's words had shocked her. They stood with their backs facing each other. Neither could see the sorrow on the other's face.

"Ha! You think that could ever happen?" Belinda smiled and said in a mocking tone. Duke's love was out of her reach. He probably had feelings for his ex-girlfriend. How could she admit to her love for him when his own wasn't certain? She was afraid of stepping on her own heart.

"If not, excellent! Don't fall in love with me. I can't give you the love you want." Belinda closed her eyes in bitterness. She had expected that answer, but she still felt a stabbing pain in her chest. She didn't mean what she had said, but apparently, Duke didn't love her anyway.

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm not a naive girl; I don't ask for things that aren't mine to have." A single tear slid down Belinda's face. She tried to get a glimpse of Duke from the corner of her eyes, but it was in vain. She bit her lip to suppress the impulse to cry, then she turned around and began walking briskly. It was too painful to remain on this beach any longer.

Duke swallowed angrily as Belinda walked away. At long last, he turned around to follow her. To his surprise, she wasn't heading to his car. Duke panicked, hastening his pace. As soon as she was within his reach, he took hold of her wrist.

"Belinda, where are you going? Are you crazy? Stop testing my patience, please!" Daisy had told Duke about Belinda's temper. But her capriciousness and ruthless words had hurt and enraged him so much that he left the advice far behind.

"Let go of me. After all, you think I'm a crazy woman who likes to make trouble for no reason!" Belinda shook his hand away violently. She resumed walking without turning back again. Her face was stained with tears.

"Look at yourself, Belinda! You're using Rachel as a pretext to express your dissatisfaction with me." Duke clenched his teeth to subdue his fury. Belinda was determined to leave, and he couldn't do anything but watch his stubborn wife leave.

"You can think whatever you want. If you think I'm mad enough to make a fuss over nothing, then my explanation would only appear deceiving to you, just like you said!" Belinda turned to cast Duke one last glance. Then she stepped forward and left without hesitation.

Duke stayed in place, having lost the will to keep up with Belinda. Anger took possession of him. He should walk away and pay no attention to her. No matter how awful she felt or the dangers she could walk into at this hour, he'd do well to turn a blind eye to her. But he couldn't! He wouldn't have felt this pain if Belinda meant nothing to him.

The beach looked like an ugly monster this late into the night. All Belinda could feel was her sadness. In spite of the dark and the unknown trail ahead, she kept walking with purpose. Compared to the abyss behind her, she was willing to be the prey of a wolf, tiger, leopard or any other dangerous animal. There was no way she'd retreat.