Bella’s POV The suffocating silence somehow brought solace to my heart, the last thing I wanted was to hear a word from him. I appeared as cool as a cucumber but my insides were twisting with discomfort. I had my suspicions but experiencing that scene first hand was too cruel for me. “Aren’t you gonna say anything?”Klaus voice stole my moment of peace, even my silent sober had to be taken away by him! I didn’t reply mostly because I was too torn to speak, I feared that my voice would crack into tears if I dared open my mouth and I’ll be damned if I let myself sink into such humiliation. After all it wasn’t as if I caught my boyfriend cheating, we’re nothing to each other so I kept my lips sealed.“Your being silent is more unsettling than confrontation”. As he spoke he’d tilt his head from the road to my direction but my gaze stayed plastered on the windshield. He let out a sigh and added.“It’s really not what it looks like-”.I didn’t know when my cool demeanor cracked because
Bella’s POV The temperature in the car dropped a notch, Klaus expression turned serious as he kicked the engines and made a U-turn at the intersection. I’m guessing our destination was Mega Casino Lounge. This wasn’t owned by my family but they were one of our major competitors. The owners were notorious for building Casinos that housed criminals and black market trading. It’s safe to say we’re driving towards a danger zone. Regardless, when Klaus told me to stay put in the car I was livid, “I can handle myself” I retorted but he didn’t respond and just shut the doors, circling the car to get to me. “You promised not to get in my way. Keep it and do as I say” I wanted to challenge him but remained quiet and folded my hands in displeasure. He didn’t mind and walked right into the bubbling Casino. The colorful lights displayed symbols that read all sorts of betting wins, it had the ability to make even a saint gamble, I had to give it to them, their marketing strategy was impressiv
Bella’s POV My gaze moved to the big boss and I caught his lecherous stares on me, he didn’t bother to hide it as he licked his lips provocatively. My instincts were to watch Klaus reaction but I didn’t, there’s no point in letting hope cloud my heart so I took my seat beside Klaus and not a moment too soon the big boss spoke.“Now here’s a deal I’d like to make. Give her to me and I’d consider your request”I almost coughed at how direct he was, I’ve dealt with a lot of similar cases but he was too straightforward! My only bet was to be direct as well, no good would come from beating around the bush. The proposal wasn’t directed to me but I took the initiative before Klaus would ruin the motion. In the not so formal dining with men stationed all around the room I locked eyes with Mr. big boss and scoffed a mocking laugh. “As if you could handle me”“Hah! Feisty I like, the bid just went up. I wouldn’t just consider, I’d give you the information you require. Deal?”With that quest
Bella’s POV ‘Rule number one, never aim low. If you’re gonna take a risk then make sure it’s worth it!’ The echoing sound of my father’s voice resounded in my depths unknowingly creeping a smile on my cheeks. I remembered asking what’s rule number two but he’s answer shocked me. ‘There’s no rule number two. This isn’t a game of luck or intentions, it’s s a game of wit and agility. Never forget, there’s only one rule’. I didn’t realize how zoned out I was until I noticed his boys closing in on us,“Take her” His commanded baffled me, I haven’t even revealed my cards, yet he assumed I had lost. My gaze moved to Klaus and I caught his hands coiling around his gun. Things were gonna get messy!“Wait” I gestured with my right hand lifted and the room instantly fell still, every movement paused. The choked air was suffocating but I found a way to breathe as I spoke.“Why’re you in such a hurry?”Even if I tried I couldn’t stop the coy smile from forming my lips, seeing his confused
Arya’s POV From the depths of my being I felt a sway that shut my eyes open revealing my body clustered at the edge of the dark room. I couldn’t recall how many times I had drifted into sleep and back but all I knew was it was damn hard to stay awake. Funny thing is I wasn’t drugged or anything, I’m just feeling so freaking tired! My blurred vision was on par with my dizzy head. All I wanted to do was snuggle into a soft mattress while cuddling fluffy pillows but instead I got concrete for a bed and a rock hard wall as pillow. ‘Screw this!’ What the hell is wrong with me?! I’m I supposed to be thinking about sleeping in such dire moments? The hormones were really out to get me! No sooner had I given myself a piece of my mind did the smell of smoke waft through my nostrils. ‘How could I forget that I’m not alone!’ From my view only his head could be seen and that was because of the little square window above that casted the moonlight into the room. To be fair the entire room w
Arya’s POV If it was possible to eat back my words I would because the atmosphere became super gloomy within breaths. At this point I was certain my suspicions were right but his sudden change in demeanor made me fear for my life. But then he did something unexpected, he started laughing uncontrollably for a prolonged period. I never knew someone’s laugher could make me so uncomfortable! And it didn’t make matters better knowing that my brain kept reminding me that I’m in an enclosed space with a psychopath. I tired to make my presence invisible but who am I fooling? Finally, his laugher stopped and it didn’t take long for me to realize I took a breath of relief too soon, my whole being was paralyzed at his actions, he took a three hundred and sixty degree spin in emotions. I’ve never watched a grown ass man sob with so much intensity. Was my question that big of a deal? Maybe I shouldn’t I’ve asked. ‘Curses!’ When did I gain compassion for my captor? If anything I should be the
Bella’s POV I was a light sleeper so when I felt a hand on me I immediately shut open my eyes. In that moment I wished I didn’t. I wasn’t prepared to stare into Klaus deep eyes. It’s so unfair! How’s it that I see him in my dreams too? “Uhm mm” My clearing throat sound seem to do the trick and retreat his advances. “You were sleeping so soundly, sorry I woke you” he said and took positions behind the wheels. The car continued motion and I couldn’t help but wonder if we were driving to the ends of the earth. We’ve been at it for hours and we haven’t arrived yet. Just what on earth is that written address? I couldn’t hold it anymore and asked “where exactly are we headed?” He shot me a glance before refocusing on the free road. Of course the road was empty. The clouds were at their darkest. I’ve never been out this late or should I say early? It’ll be dawn soon from the look of things. “I was wondering when your reservation would run out. We’ve been at it for hours now you sud
Hello” Nicklaus voice called out over the phone followed by a deep breath of satisfaction from Juliet. “How’re you doing this fine morning? Hope you had a goodnights rest? Well...what was left of it”“Cut the crap!”Over Nick’s harsh tone Juliet sang humorless laugher. “My bad, how could you sleep well when your bed warmer is somewhere lost with another man? I was too impulsive, forgive me”Her mocking voice seem to do the trick.“Enough! Say what you wanna say and get lost”“In that case, my night was fine, thanks for asking. I’ll text you the address now. You’ve got just thirty minutes to get there with my ransom of course, otherwise...”“...I’ll leave you to imagine the worst-”Nicklaus finger clicked the red button and ended the call. Her yammering usually had no effect on him but this time it was different. He was really losing it by the second. No doubt Juliet belongs in the psych ward, she’s like a mad dog that bites deep, not letting go until it’s got a good chomp! Wit
Arya’s hands moved to clasp her lips, what she held was both shocking and surprising. Her gaze couldn’t help darting at Nicklaus’s peaceful face. Ever since the incident, she was inclined to bring up Aiden but she couldn’t muster the courage and avoided the topics like the plague. She’d often help him dress his wound while he slept on the drugs and when he was awake she was gone, leaving the maids to prepare and deliver the meals.This was about the time when she usually dressed his wound but something else stole her attention. In her hands were photos of her and Aiden, they were taken when she lived with Aiden, it appeared to be dated back to that day at the hospital. The pictures were only taken from one location. ‘The balcony’It must’ve been taken by a drone or something of that kind, her thoughts were in shambles, he knew about Aiden since?But why didn’t he do anything? Nothing made sense to her anymore. Hours passed after this discovery and Arya stayed seated in his r
Arya's POVTechnically everyone here presence was closer to him than his supposed family. I can’t help but think I misjudged him when he said he had no family.Now I know he meant it, no one deserves to grow up in such conditions. With my fingers crossed I perched my ears to listen to the doctor’s announcement.“The surgery was a success. He didn't faint from excessive loss of blood but instead, exhaustion. He’ll be moved shortly, you'll be able to see him then but it'll take a while before he wakes up. His insomnia prevents him from sleeping so we induced him with something strong…”Nicklaus has insomnia? I never knew that, he always slept when we were together. “…Whoever is by his side when he wakes up should call the attention of a doctor. We can only verify his stability when he regains consciousness”.With that, the doctor left and I forgot how to move my feet, when I did remember, the first person I met was Klaus. “Nicklaus has insomnia?”I was staring at him for an answ
“Please…I beg you, I can’t do anything else but this, I’ll find a way to repay you, I promise… Just please spare Aiden”What sounded like a hysterical laugh ended with a scorn from Jane.“Does that mean you’re choosing to pay with your life?… Don’t you get it? There’s no point begging. Juliet had to die because I knew she was in on it, even though she lied and pretended to be a saint, even when she made me take months of gun training, and even when she placed me instead of the real Jane to be Aiden's nanny. She claimed she did all that for my revenge but I knew, I've always known I'd kill her for what she did! So, you see… everyone involved dies, only then would it be fair!”Melissa seemed to have recovered from the shock and shouted.“Let me die instead, please!”“No!” Arya screamed with uncontrollable pain. “I would never let that happen! This has nothing to do with you-”“Shut your mouth, how can a mother be alive when her daughter dies? I’d hang myself if that should happen, I’
“Nicklaus…drop your gun”Arya’s voice cracked but it was audible enough. Her eyes on the other hand were no longer sharp and full of life. It looked like a drawing with no emotions.Just desperation clouded her mind, she was at that point where selling her soul to the devil didn’t sound like a bad idea. Anything would do to get through this nightmare, “Please, just listen to me!” She screamed out in pain, her breathing was haggard and slowly Nicklaus lowered his hands and tossed his gun aside.“Very good, I knew you’d be useful in taming this beast. Now, hand over the ledger”All eyes rested on Nicklaus right now, amongst those eyes were Arya’s shocked gaze. Was she referring to the same ledger that got Luke killed? A shudder ran through her spine, she knew it was very important to Nicklaus, what if he doesn’t give it up and Aiden ends up paying with his life? After all, she hid him from Nicklaus all this while.What if he resents her for it and as retribution he lets Aiden,
As expected the night was torture for Arya, she didn't dare lie down, afraid of what she'd see in her dreams tonight. Luke had sent a driver to retrieve Arya’s car so she held her phone while staring at the stars from the balcony. The chair she sat on still had Aiden’s scent and she couldn’t stop crying. How can what felt like heaven a few hours ago suddenly become hell?Such is the pain of longing, It casts a vague appearance in the memories and leaves behind fragments of pieces that end up becoming history. With time they start to feel warm in the heart, no longer the cold of the void space left behind but even the warmth is just the heart’s coping mechanism, nothing can truly replace the missing piece.Above all, it’s the guilt that eats deep into the heart that does the most damage, maybe if things were different seeing a brighter light would be possible sooner than later but that’s never the case.And that’s definitely not the case here!Arya clenched her chest tighter,
The tension in the room immediately tightened, Lucious’s focus was now on Arya. Juliet’s words seemed to do the trick and he began his questioning.“Is this true?…”Of course, his question was met with no reply, of all the times Arya would be in the right state of mind to answer that, right now was definitely not the freaking time!“Are you going to keep avoiding me even if I’m right here? I saw the news and wanted to check in with you but you never answered the phone. So it really was you, Arya”His tone had a tinge of sadness lurking underneath its solemn feel but Arya heard none of this, in fact, she hadn’t spared Lucious a glance the entire time, her gaze remained fixed on Juliet.“I’ve brought the documents, hand over Aiden or there will be serious consequences!” The shakiness of her voice came from her boiling anger, she was so mad it felt like she would explode in rage but Juliet kept adding fuel to fire!“I didn’t know you had hearing impairments… Come tomorrow at noon to
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”“POW! POW!”Fire works graced the sky of the Smith’s residence, the atmosphere was bright and bubbly as were the hearts of everyone present witnessing the glorious scenes of colorful Fireworks bursting open in the sky.“Look Aiden, do you like it?”Arya voiced to the cheerful little man who was swinging his hands with great excitement. Luke and Melissa stood together while Arya stood some distance away with Aiden in her arms and all other members of the household including Jane went back inside to prepare the elaborate meal and Aiden’s necessary arrangements. It was twelve midnight, marking the dawn of a new day, and in this case a new year! So of course Aiden won’t be joining the fun. Jane took him to his cot while Arya, Melissa and Luke had a splendid time at the dining. A completely joyous family was all she ever asked for, it seemed impossible from the start and even the only one she had was taken away but life wasn’t so cruel afterward. It found a way t
Without a word Klaus grabbed Bella’s hand and led her outside. She couldn’t help but think, wasn’t she the one who came to drag him out? How did she end up being dragged instead?He released her hands in front of his car and ruffled his wet hair against the cold air. “Aren’t you cold? Why did you get soaked?”She asked out of sheer concern but deep down she wasn’t complaining about the view he was feeding her lustful mind. It wasn’t bad enough his shirt stuck to him like tissue but a few buttons were undone to reveal his protruding chest. No straight woman could remain a nun when faced with this temptation yet she tried to peel her eyes off and focus it on his face but his face wasn’t any better!The base of his hair was turning black and because it was wet it appeared darker with the blonde tips that dripped off stray water droplets. “I’m fine, I needed to wash off the tipsiness”.“A-alright…” she stammered and it finally dawned on her, just how flushed she was at the though
Bella’s POVChristmas Eve was going smoothly with Amiee. I cooked while she… well, she played games as usual, now that she got the new video game set from Klaus she even neglected eating! Not if I can help it though, she certainly wouldn’t starve on my watch. There were medications to be taken so not skipping meals was as important as breathing.“Amiee! Food is served!”“Coming!”That’s the third time this evening, I matched over and held her favorite stuffed animal.“Come eat or I’ll feed Ms Pears some food”“You can’t do that, you ruin her fur!”At last, something finally got her attention off the screen. It’s cliche that a teenager is still hung up by a stuffed toy but who am I to judge? As long as Ms Pears can get the Job done, she’s welcomed to stay.“The choice is yours, choose wisely”“Fine! Leave Ms Pears out of this”She stood up and abandoned her gaming machine. This made me wonder, just how important was Ms Pears to her.Would I be ranked lower than a stuffed animal