Bella was so angry that she felt her head was going to explode. She couldn't believe what just happened, she turned to Clara to confront her but, she found herself eating her words. She won't dare to do anything to upset Clara anymore, what if she asks her to leave and get out of the house?She possibly can't do that, she needs to be in this house to be able to get Fred to be hers completely. And what happened now is a clear indication that something is off in her relationship with Fred. This is crazy, she can't believe Fred worked out on her with Zara.Bella stormed off upstairs to her room with so much anger. She has never been humiliated this way before, she can see the maids staring at her. She felt so embarrassed and she glared at them, why won't they just mind their business? This is not the end of this, she will find a way to get back to Clara. She's so upset that there's nothing she can do to stop Fred from leaving with Zara like that. Clara laughed mockingly as Bella made her
Zara and Fred finished with their shopping and Zara headed to the car. She didn't bother waiting for Fred, no matter how much she tried to hide her anger. She just can't, she can't even remember picking anything in the store. Fred did all the shopping while she just sat there like the figurehead that she is.Fred got into the car and didn't bother saying anything to her as they drove off. He can see she's still very upset, he knows he didn't handle that well. But she got on his nerves, that was the reason why he snapped like that."I will be heading over to the company, I will have another car pick me up. The driver will take you home and also don't forget to show Mom all that we got and you shopped for." Fred said and Zara nodded for the sake of the driver that was present in the car. She can't have the driver notice something is going on with both of them."Alright," Zara managed to say to him and he smiled, at least she said something to him, that shows a lot."You can drop me off
"We are here sir," The driver announced to Fred but, he didn't seem to be in the mood to speak to him."Hmmm, alright," Fred said and got out of the car, he then headed to his office using his private elevator. That way, he won't have to speak to anyone. Fred arrived at his office and sat on his chair feeling a little bit frustrated. He really can't believe he's feeling this way, he can't take away the image of Zara in the car especially after he yelled at her. It makes him feel a certain kind of way.He picked up his phone, he should call her. But what in the world is he going to say to her? He possibly can't apologize to her right?" Or maybe he should, after all, that's exactly what he has been trying to do since yesterday. But she keeps telling him off, and he's not just cut out for all that. It's super annoying. He thought to himself, Fred picked up his phone and tossed it back on the table."I have no idea why she's being so difficult, I will talk to her as soon as I get home." H
Clara heard the door knocking and gestured for one of the maids to get the door. She has been here with Zara since this evening, there were out in the garden drinking tea and having a discussion.Clara opted for wine but, for some reasons. Zara refused, Clara took it that she doesn't like consuming alcohol. But Zara is only trying to protect her child, then they came in here after. Its been such a long day for the both of them."I must say, all of those dress are actually beautiful. You have good taste for things, don't you worry. You and I will be going shopping next." Clara said and Zara was shocked."Another one!" Zara exclaimed."Yes another one," Clara replied her wondering why she seems to be so surprised."Is anything the problem Zara? Don't you like shopping?" Clara asked her and she shook her head."No of course not, that's not it at all. Infact, I'm really grateful that you take good care of me. I'm just saying because I have a lot of clothes. I'm yet to even wear them, and
"What!" Bella stuttered, there's no way what this old witch just said now is the truth. No that can't be, Fred won't dare to humiliate her in this manner. She snatched the letter from Clara and read it carefully.She's probably just lying just to make Clara feel good. Bella saw exactly what Clara said and her heart broke into pieces. She didn't read the letter the other time, she was too excited thinking the flowers were meant for her.Bella feels like dying right now, she wishes the ground would just open and swallow her. Clara snatched the letter from her hands and giggled. Bella could hear a hint of mockery and honestly, she felt like crying. She could not even bring her face to look at the both of them right now. They must be laughing at her, even the delivery guy looked at Bella in such a weird way."Are you done fooling yourself now? The letter should be given to the right owner and of course the flowers as well. Hand them over now," Clara said and Bella closed her eyes in frust
"Clara!" Zara gasped, she couldn't believe Clara was giving this to her. She looked up at her, and tears fell from her eyes. She has never felt this loved in all her life, especially after her mother died.Her stepmother, father, and every other person treated her like trash. But here is Clara, her mother-in-law is treating her like a queen. Even though her husband doesn't care about her much, his mother has proven otherwise."Don't cry my darling, you are going to ruin your makeup," Clara said and Zara cried even more. She can't believe this is happening to her."This is really beautiful jewelry," Zara said as she caressed the necklace in the box."That was my engagement gift from Fred's father. It's the most valuable thing and most important thing to me. It's so dear to me, and I want you to have it." Clara said and Zara shook her head."No! No!! No!!! I can't have this, this is too much. It's yours, please I can't take this." Zara said and shook her head, there's no way she's takin
Fred was stunned the minute he saw his wife, he couldn't believe this was Zara right in front of him. She looked absolutely beautiful and stunning, Fred heaved a deep sigh of relief the moment he came face to face with her. He didn't even realize he was holding his breath all this while."Good evening," Zara greeted and Fred nodded his head. He was so dumbfounded that he could not say anything."Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to stare so much. It's just that you are really beautiful and I can't get enough of you." Fred said and Zara smiled. She tried to bring out one of the chairs so she could take her seat. She was already tired of standing, seeing she was rushing to get the chair. Fred went to her side and pulled out the chair for her."Well, I guess you didn't think of me to be beautiful when you cheated on me with your best friend Bella," Zara said she promised she would not talk about their issues unless he mentioned it first. But she just couldn't help herself."Hmm! About that," Fred
"My mom?" Fred asked and Zara nodded."Yes, your mom and it's beautiful right?" Zara asked and Fred nodded his head."Yes it's lovely, it suits you." He said and smiled down at her, Fred couldn't tell what it was but there was something wrong with him. Why in the world is he feeling this way? He asked himself, he's just feeling so warm and he can't explain it. It must be because of the guilt he's trying to fight, it can't be anything other than that, right?"She said your dad gave it to her, it was her engagement gift. She thought I should have it, I refused but she wouldn't let me. Then she said it was my wedding gift from her, I didn't have any choice but to accept it then." Zara said and he nodded."You did the right thing, I'm sure my dad won't mind at all," Fred said and Zara felt emotional, it's really good that they all felt the same way about handing the necklace over to her.Soon Fred and Zara arrived at the cinema and alighted from the car. They both made their way to the ti
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