Regarding Bella's mysterious hubby who may or may not return? He is an asshole.
He has to be. Because if he is not. If he is a sort of victim well that would put us Bella pursuers in an impossible position, or i should say in a position that is pure guilt tripping. Imagine if Tybalt would be an absolutely blast of a cool kid. A nice, smooth, funny, loving caring individual who really would want the best for Jill and all. How would that feel. It would suck.
One way or the other, the competition has to be easily dislikable. Otherwise its a very uncomfortable, awkard situation. Not something you necessarily want your players to endure extensively. It kills the fun. Japanese level of drama about absolute hopelesness with an unavoidable bad ending. It would suck.
So in my mind, Bella's side of competition whom we believe to be her mysterious James.. simply must be someone who we can easily condemn and with good reasons. He cannot be a hero. If he is.. he has to die or be dead already.