I hate to say it because Emilie de Ravin seems like a lovely person, but I have never been terribly impressed with her emotional range. Of course I don’t know how she was directed, but it would have been interesting to see some real fear of Rumplestiltskin when she first went with him, perhaps some sadness at leaving her father. At the Dark Castle I could see R falling in love with her, but I think some people on this board could manage more longing looks in R’s direction. 😉 And when she left him at last, perhaps a tear or two.
So to me, that is what was missing from her exchange with Grumpy. The words were right, but there just did not seem to be any sense of loss or regret. If this was shortly after the “break-up,” as I assume it was, the emotions would still be very fresh and very raw. And I agree with you, there would probably be some impulse to go back and see him again, try to make him see what he is throwing away. There would be anger and hurt and confusion. Grumpy’s Belle seemed way too happy. And by the way, totally out of place drinking in the dwarf tavern! Maybe she just went there because she knew she wouldn’t get hit on, what with dwarves never falling in love!
Again, I don’t want to come across as mean or critical. Just one person’s opinion.