Finally it was time for the event, rich families all over the country are attending the party as Clara has invited them. Everyone know Clara for throwing the best society parties and events and no one will want to miss the party for anything at all."You can open your eyes now Mrs Clara, the person incharge of her make up said and Zara opened her eyes and she was stunned at what she saw in the mirror. She never thought she can be this beautiful, everything seems so perfect this evening. She and Clara picked up their gowns from the fashion house yesterday and she loved the gown because it came out just the way she wanted it to."This is really good, thank you for putting in a lot of effort. Now I have to go get dressed, I'm sure Fred must be waiting for me or something." She said and the make up artist nodded her head, she remembered Mr Fred also asking her to be quick with the make up. But they just can't help but take their time, the make up has to be flawless if not Mrs Clara will b
All three of them made way down from the stairs to seat at the reserved area in the hall, as Zara and Fred walked past the guest hand in hand, they all could not help but talk. "They look so good together, I have never seen a couple look this good." One of the ladies said causing a buzz amongst others and they all began to gossip within themselves. "She's so lucky, she came from nowhere and married the most eligible bachelor in the country. The only man that all our daughters and ladies have dreamt of marrying, I will be lying if I say that I do like her." Another person said and that caused more arguments between the ladies."Well I don't know about you but, one thing I know is that I envy her. I can't even believe I'm saying this but I really wish that I can be her right now. I want to be married to the most eligible bachelor as well, instead of you all to stand here and hate on her. I will rather we get close to her, and see if she has any brothers or Mr Fred himself has any cous
Bella made her way outside the hall and was really angry, she can't believe the nonsense that just happened in there, and Fred chose that bitch over her. This is so not over, she's going to teach her a really big lesson tonight."Urghhhh!! I'm going to kill that girl Zara, I will make her wish she was never even born. Who does she think she is to treat me like that? Who would dare not add my name to the reserved seat? So what now? I'm supposed to seat with every other person as if I'm a nobody?" She said pacing back and forth."I'm his best friend and one day we are going to get married, that should count for a lot of things. What the hell is wrong with everyone? Why can't they see that? It must be that Clara of a person, she's the cause of all this. I blame it on the fools who didn't do the job I sent them well, they should have really killed her off but instead they allowed her live. Good thing I killed them both off, and that's the same thing I'm going to do to Clara if she continu
"What in the world is going on with you Bella?" Fred frowned as he stopped dancing with Zara. Seeing that Bella smiled, that is exactly what she wants to happen, she was going to wait till the end of the dance to execute her plans. But she can't seems to wait any longer, the fact that both of them are there dancing like they are so in love pisses her the hell off and she can't stand it anymore.Clara however was boiling with anger, she can't believe this cheap girl has the right to interrupt not just the first dance but the entire party. God help her she doesn't lay her hands on her, if not she's going to skin her alive and make her regret that she was ever born."What are you doing Bella? Leave that place right now, what in the world is wrong with this girl, and what stunt is she pulling now? Oh goodness this is really driving me crazy now, we are in the middle of a dance for pete sake." Fred said and tried to communicate with her using his eyes but she doesn't seems to be ready to s
She could not contain her joy the moment she saw the look on her face. Bella knew this is the perfect plan and so far, things are going according to the way she has planned it all and she really can't get enough of this moment.Clara scoffed refusing to believe the things Bella is saying, she knows how desperate she is to have her son to herself. She knows Bella doesn't care about the fact that her son is married and will do anything to keep him to herself. "You must be really delusional to think that I'm going to believe the nonsense you are saying about my daughter in law and you better watch your tongue. I can sue you and make you pay for slander and defamation of character." Clara said standing up her to her, she walked up to Zara and held her. She's not going to allow this good for nothing girl bully her and take her place in this family.Bella upon hearing what Clara said frowned and panicked a little bit. She can't believe that after all she said, she's still going to support
"Stop this nonsense right now Bella, you are making Zara nervous. None of the nonsense you just posted here now are true, you are only fooling yourself now." Clara said still drumming support for her, she refuses to believe any of the things she's seeing now. She knows for a fact that she will never do something like that cheat on her son? They are in love with each other for pete sake, what is this witch saying now."This is really pissing me off, why won't anyone just take me serious? I'm telling the truth here and yet I'm not being appreciated. This is all shades of wrong, why can't you connect the dots together? She's even putting on a really long gown, so what does that tell you uhhnn my dear best friend? She can't even defend herself or say anything to counter all that I have said now." She said and everyone began seeing some sense in what Bella is saying."You know what? I think Miss Bella is actually right, look at the at CEO wife. This is not the normal type of gown that ev
"Fred what are you saying? Didn't you hear what I just said to you now? She's pregnant with someone else's children, how can you refer to her as your love? She did something so unthinkable, so you should be throwing her out of this place and not holding her hands like that. What is wrong with you?" She moved closer to them and tried to pull them apart but Fred moved too quickly. "Bella stop being so pathetic and get a grip, why would I chase my wife away from our house just because she's pregnant. Who in their right senses will even do that?" He asked.Bella was more than stunned to hear him say that. She made way to him and held him by the hand shaking him profusely. There must be something wrong with him, that's the only reason why he will spew such nonsense from his mouth."Hey you! What have you done to my friend? What have you done to him? I'm sure you have ears and you can hear me. If you don't want me to get you arrested right now for paternity fraud, then you better start tal
"Well the thing is we were going to tell you about it on your birthday, that was why we hid it from you for so long. We even stopped the doctor from telling you, we collected the reports and the ultrasound as well. It was supposed to be your birthday gift but of course, that has been ruined for us." Fred said and Clara could not help but feel happy with what she just said."Oh my darling, this is the most beautiful news I have ever heard in my entire life. There's nothing as beautiful as this, and I'm so happy that I can't even breathe well. I'm going to be a grandmother very soon," she said and they all clapped their hands, Fred took Zara by the hand and squeezed her hand. Zara had to smile and play along, so people won't get to suspect anything."No! This is wrong, Fred is only trying to cover up for her. He's not the one responsible for those babies, I'm not going to allow this happen. How come you are four months pregnant when you have only been married for three months?" Bella as
Fred was laughing when his phone rang, but the moment he answered, his face turned serious."Fred, this is Detective James. I've got some news. We have Hailey, her mother, and Bella. They're all in custody."Fred's eyes grew wide with shock. "What? How in the world did you guys find them?"The detective chuckled. "Let's just say we had some good leads. They're in the process of being booked now."A wave of relief washed over Fred. "Thank God. Thank you, Detective.""We're not done yet, Fred. We still need to question them and get to the bottom of this. But for now, you can rest easy knowing they're off the streets."Fred nodded, even though the detective couldn't see him. "I appreciate it. Please keep me updated."As he hung up, Fred turned to Zara and Clara. "It's all over. Hailey, her mother, and Bella are behind bars."Tears brimmed over in Zara's eyes. "Oh, thank God. Our kids are safe."Clara smiled, her face carved with relief. "This is the best news we could have asked for."Fr
The booms of the police sirens in the warehouse were getting closer now. Clara was holding her daughter-in-law Zara's hand very tightly to soothe her."Help is here, Zara, just hang in there." These words repeated for a while produced from the lips of Clara, firm but quaking with emotion.Zara's eyes fluttered closed, her face going white and sweaty. Clara missed one heartbeat, not even daring to go to the worst place in her mind.But then Zara's eyes flickered open again, and she fixed them onto Clara. "Clara. Lo siento. I didn't mean to put you in danger."Clara was crying now, blubbering, the tears cascading down her face. "Don't say that, Zara. You're going to be fine. You're going to pull through."The medics burst past Clara, utterly focused on Zara. Clara stood, staring, while they dropped down to her level and pinned the wound on Zara's neck, then pulled her up onto the gurney.She gripped Zara's hand tightly in her own, behind her back in the ambulance, praying that with ever
"I have to go in there, Clara, for I have to find out what's happening to my girl. The silence—it just kills me."Clara's face set in a stubborn cast. "No, Zara, I cannot let you in there on your own; it's dangerous."Zara was indecisive. Her mind knew Clara was right, yet on the other hand, she simply could not do this. "Clara, please, I gotta do this. I'll be okay."Clara just shook her head. "But I'm not going to let you go in there alone. What if Bella is dangerous? What if she unmans you?"Zara let out a melodramatic sigh at that one, knowing against all her credibilities that Clara wouldn't."Okay. But you have got to promise me one thing. You have to stay way back and let me handle it. I don't want you under attack because of me."Clara's expression had softened, but her voice did not relent. "I'll stay behind, but just because you promise me one thing- you're going to be careful, and if things get out of hand, you get out of there, period."Zara nodded. Clara, she knew was o
Reaching the bottom step and hearing the 'click' of the sound of the hardwood floor beneath her boots, she entered the living room, where Clara was already seated sipping at a cup of coffee."Hey girl, you look fabulous," she told Zara, placing her cup on the table.Another added booster of her confidence made her smile. "Thanks, Clara, I am feeling rather good today."Clara nodded solemnly. "Yes, we need to find a way to talk about Bella. I was just trying to clear my thoughts and jot down in writing some thoughts on how we would start in dealing with the whole issue."Zara nodded as she got seated on a small stone beside Clara. "I am all ears. Let's hear it all."There she was, deep in conversation, when through the door in came Fred-torn, untidy in his appearance. "Hey guys, sorry to interrupt, but I was thinking of something since you're going out, would you like me to make some lunch for when you get back?"So, forthwith, a smile flitted from Zara, quite touched at Fred's caring
"Me neither. It's like she just snapped or something."Clara held her eyes, concern etched on her face. "Do you think Fred's plan for helping her is a good idea?"Zara hesitated, having known otherwise what to respond to. A part of her wanted to believe that Bella could be salvaged, that she wasn't beyond redemption. Another part of her was just plain terrified, scared of what Bella might do next."I don't know, Clara," Zara said finally. "I want to believe that Bella can change, that she's not beyond help. But at the same time, I'm scared. I don't know what she's capable of."Clara nodded with understanding. "I think so too. But do we not have to try, Zara? For Fred's sake, if nothing else."Zara nodded, her emotions oozing with an air of resolution. "You are right. We have to try."Just then, Fred came downstairs. His eyes were tired, but there was a determined look in them. "Guys, I've been thinking. I know how we can reach Bella."Zara and Clara gave each other a hopeful look. "Wh
As Fred was lost in the thought that it might be possible for Bella to change, Zara grew tense in his hand. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked softly and gently full of concern.Fred was unsure of what to say to Zara about his plan; he just felt undecided. But something in her soft voice just made everything all right. "I have been thinking," he began, his voice barely above the whisper. "I probably could help Bella. I probably could get her the help she needs."Zara's face contorted in incredulity. "Fred, we have talked about this. Bella's beyond help. Toxic, she will bring you down with her."Fred nodded, realizing Zara's concern was founded. But he couldn't help that feeling inside him, telling him he needed at least to try. "I know, but what if I can reach her? What if I could help change her?"Zara heaved a deep sigh and searched his face for an answer. "You really would risk everything, wouldn't you, for her?"Fred nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. "I have to t
Fred trudged up the walkway, his feet heavy with the weight of his conversation with the detective. He had been hoping to find some way to help Bella, but now he wasn't so sure. As he reached the front door, it swung open and Zara stood before him, a look of concern etched on her face."Hey," she said standing aside to let him in. "How did it go?"Fred sighed, rubbing his temples. He didn't know how to summarize the complicated emotions swirling inside him.A seemingly sympathetic frown was creasing Zara's face. "That bad, huh?"Fred nodded, and he felt an immense weight being lifted, just being near Zara made things better.Zara softly closed the door as he entered inside, then leaned back against it, crossing her arms. "So, did you get to speak to her?" she asked softly.Fred's eyes dropped, his mind flashing back to the conversation with Bella. He hadn't expected her to be so. unrepentant. So uncaring."Yeah," he said at last, voice barely above a whisper. "She was vile like always
Fred asked the detective, "Is there a way to protect her? I don't want anything to happen to her."Detective Mathew's eyes became wide with shock. "Protect her? Mr. Fred, she's the one who has been causing harm to others. Why would you want to protect her?"Fred's expression turned grave. "She's like a sister to me," he said. "I am responsible for her, and I don't want anything to happen to her."The surprise on the detective's face slowly gave way to comprehension. "I see," he said. "Well, Mr. Fred, I can offer her protection while she's in custody, but once she's released. I'm not sure what we can do."Fred nodded, his eyes full of concern. "I understand. Just do what you can, please."The detective nodded. He looked so contemplative. "I'll see what we can do, Mr. Fred. But I have to ask, are you sure you want to do this? She's caused a lot of harm to people you care about."Fred's jaw clamped down tightly, his eyes flashing with determination. "Positive," he said. "She's like a sis
Fred's eyes never left Bella's face and a mixture of shock and sadness was written all over his face. "Everyone, please leave us alone for a minute," he said in a whispered tone.The detective had looked indecisive but nodded, gesturing to his officers to leave the room. "We'll be right outside, Mr. Fred," he said.As the door shut behind them, Fred turned back to Bella. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice trembling. "How can you say that?"Bella laughed coldly and mirthlessly. "You don't get it, do you?" she spat. "You never have. You've always been so blind, so oblivious to everything around you."He took a step closer, his hands extending toward her. "Bella, please. just tell me what's wrong. What have I done to hurt you so?"Bella's eyes suddenly flashed with anger, and she rose to her feet, her body etched with tension. "You want to know what you have done?" she repeated. "You want to know the worst thing you've ever done to me?"Fred nodded, his heart beating in his chest in