Belle's POVThe hallway leading to the Director’s office felt longer than usual. Each step echoed ominously, reminding me that what I was about to do was not just difficult, but irreversible. My heart pounded in my chest as I reached the door with the gold-plated name sign, Dr. Perri (Snr). I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders before knocking twice and then pushing the door open.As I stepped inside the office, Dr. Perri, my father, was seated at his large mahogany desk, his head buried in a stack of papers. The sun streaming through the windows highlighted the silver strands in his hair, the years of stress etched into the lines of his face. “Good morning, sir,” I said in a surprisingly calm tone.He looked up, surprised by my presence. His brows knitted in confusion as he recognized me. “Belle,” he started, his tone softening, but I didn’t let him continue.“I’m here to turn in my resignation letter,” I said, cutting him off with a firm voice. I placed the sealed envelope on
Belle’s PovNot able to hold it in any longer, the tears spilled over my made up face. As I cried, I heard footsteps approaching, and I looked up to see my father standing in front of me. His face was filled with concern, but also with a frustration that he didn’t bother to hide.“Belle,” he said softly, sitting down beside me. “I didn’t mean to bring up the past. I just wanted you to see and understand what’s at stake here. Everything the Scott family did for you—they did it because they wanted you to be their daughter-in-law. They didn’t have to, but they did it because they care about you.”I couldn’t look at him. The tears kept falling, and I wiped them away angrily, hating how weak and pathetic I felt. But his words cut deep, and I couldn’t ignore them.“Despite everything, despite your PTSD, your struggles, Dave has stood by your side,” my father continued, his voice gentle but firm. “He has been there for you through it all, and now you want to act like an ungrateful person and
Belle’s POVI noticed my father's lips begin to move in defense again and since I did not have the strength to reply anymore, I turned away. I paused just before reaching the door of my father’s office, something inside me compelling me to turn back. The words were on the tip of my tongue, and I couldn’t walk away without saying them. My father had already returned to his seat behind his desk. was bowed, his eyes fixed on his desk as if he couldn’t bear to look at me anymore.“Dad,” I called out, my voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil inside me. He looked up, his eyes weary and lined with concern. “You should have let them revoke my license.”I saw the shock register on his face, but I didn’t stop.“Deep down, I know it wasn’t my fault,” I continued, my voice growing firmer with each word. “They called it malpractice, but it wasn’t. I’ve performed that surgery dozens of times, and none of those patients died. I ran every test, checked every box. I did everything right. But
Dave’s POV“Fuck!" I cursed as I watched Belle walk away from me. She was beautiful and sexy. The dress she wore did a great job in highlighting her curves. She was indeed beautiful, but had chosen to rather be a dull fiancee. I clenched my fists in anger and stormed into the Director's office. “What did she want?" I asked Dr. Perri, immediately I entered. His face was downcast, but I did not have the time to play therapist and immediately asked him again. “What did Belle want? “Dr. Scott. I assure you it's nothing to concern you…”"Dr. Perri, don't make me ask you what the hell she said!” I yelled.“She wanted to submit her resignation letter," He blurted out. “What?" I yelled in surprise. Why was Belle biting more than she could chew? “Make sure word doesn't get out about this. Not even to my parents,” I instructed."I have…" Belle's father began to say, but I had already turned and began to walk away. I headed back into the elevator. I needed some time to thinkEvery step I
Belle's POV The sun had begun its slow retreat, when my phone lit up with Kamille’s name flashing across the screen. I smiled to myself, already feeling lighter just at the thought of hearing her voice.“Hey, Kam,” I answered, leaning back on my bed.“Belle!” Kamille’s voice was as warm as ever. “I just saw your message, sorry for the late reply! It's been a crazy day with the kids. How are you doing?”I smiled gently. "I'm alright Kam. Just wanted to visit the kids, it's been a while,”“Yes definitely Belle. Maybe you should join us for dinner. The kids have been asking for you and Amanda nonstop.”A smile tugged at my lips, and I chuckled. “We must really be their godmother with a teeny weeny bit of fairy magic if they’re missing us that much.”Kamille laughed. “More than a little fairy magic! I bet you guys are their favorite persons in the world right now.”We both giggled for a moment before I heard Kamille adding someone else to the call. A second later, Amanda’s voice came thr
Zane's POVAs soon as I got off the phone with Zeke, I felt Fletcher's eyes on me. I didn’t need to look up to know he had that smug expression on his face, the one he always wore when he thought he had the upper hand. “Seems like I’ve won over your drunk brain again,” Fletcher said, a teasing lilt in his voice. “No alcohol, right?”I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “I know, it’s just because of Kamille’s pregnancy,” I replied, trying to brush off his smugness. “Besides, I bet I’m not the only one here who wouldn’t mind something stronger.”Fletcher grinned, that mischievous glint in his eyes as he motioned to the bar. “Well, then, take a bottle and walk away.” He walked away after his mischievous suggestion too.I heaved a sigh. Zeke had called us earlier this morning to prepare a surprise party for Kamille. He had planned out everything to happen before dinner. “Would her friends be here?" Fletcher asked, taking the words right out of my mouth.“They should. I would ask
Belle's POV The evening had turned out to be something far more beautiful than I could have imagined. I hadn’t known about the surprise Zeke had planned for Kamille.It felt like their wedding was happening again. I couldn't help my eyes from getting wet. Earlier, Mr Rogers had come into the kitchen with housekeepers holding drinks, I thought nothing of it at first.“Excuse me Mrs. Reid, I believe the chefs are dying to help out here," He said with a polite smile. His dark hair was now being attacked by inconsiderate strains of gray hair.“Oh Rogers, I just need to get this cake out of the oven, then I will be lost," Kamille had replied with a pout.“You would not want the poor chefs to lose their jobs now would you?" He pressed just as the timer on the oven chimed. “Of course not," Kamille grinned and turned to bring out her pan.Amanda laughed at her gimmick. “Pregnancy cravings," She mouthed to Mr. Rogers and we laughed. “Mummy, aunt Belle and aunt Amanda, come see the beautif
Zane's POV Seeing Belle now, sitting just across the table, her eyes avoiding mine at every turn, made the drinks I had picked up earlier seem pointless. I had been so convinced I’d need something strong to get through this evening, but now, they felt like a weight I didn’t want to carry.Amanda, ever the lively one, caught my quiet demeanor and decided to poke fun at it. “So, Zane,” she started with a teasing smirk, “are you really as obedient as you look, or are you just pretending for tonight?”Fletcher, never one to miss an opportunity, chuckled beside me. “As if,” he said, nudging me with his elbow. “Depends on what you mean. I tend to be very obedient except when it comes to somewhere more quiet and intimate," I replied, glancing over at Belle briefly.She sure was still immersed in her glass of juice.“He's a male whore!" Amanda exclaimed and we all laughed. Thankfully the kids were engrossed with a game and their chattering a few feets away. “That would be Fletcher before