Bella was so startled that she dropped the bag containing the stuff she was carrying. She didn't realize the things inside the bag were already on the floor until she noticed that Zara's eyes were scanning the floor."What the hell are you looking at? Always poke nosing into things that aren't your damn business. You better watch it around me." Bella said and quickly packed everything into her bag before storming out of the kitchen looking like some thief. She didn't want to do this but she was provoked, she had even forgotten that she needed to be nice to Zara before the event tonight.Zara stood there puzzled and confused at the same time. What just happened? She wondered if she was so sure she saw a syringe and an injection on the floor right now. And Bella looked so nervous like she had just gone to do something really bad and she couldn't help but feel goosebumps all around her. She's so sure of what she saw just now."Is Bella sick?" Zara asked herself, well there's only one per
Bella however cannot contain the hatred she's feeling at the moment. She alighted from her and no one was even looking at her side. Unlike before, they would have rallied around her and asked for a picture. Even though that was because she usually attended those events with Fred.Now that he's with her, she won't be given any attention or importance and that is killing her. But not for long, very soon. Zara will be out of their lives for good."Good evening ladies!" Zara can hear some of the women from the upper-class society exchanging greetings with one another. She had no idea how to fit in, in the past her sister was always the one attending events like this. While she will just be home to look after the house. But now that she's here, she feels blessed."Come here Zara, I should introduce you to everyone," Clara said and dragged Zara along with her. Not giving any room for opposition, Zara didn't have any choice so she followed after her mother-in-law."Oh Clara, who is the beaut
The event started on a good note, the host gave a welcome speech and everyone applauded him. As soon as they were done listening to the speech, everyone was invited to the dance floor to dance."Shall we?" Fred asked Zara and she nodded her head excitedly. She has never danced in the public eye before in front of so many people. As if that's not enough, she's going to be dancing with a man, she felt like going into the ground but at the same time. She feels excited about the whole thing. Fred took her by her hand and led her to the dance floor where they both held each other's hand."Isn't that Mr Fred?" One of the women present at the party asked her friend and they all began to gossip."Oh yes he's the one, I wonder who that woman is." The other person said with a frown."I have no idea myself but they do seem to me like they are a couple." The other woman said."There's no way that's true, I've always wanted my daughter to be the one to be with Mr Fred. Besides if truly he's marrie
Bella made her way to the stand at the end of the hall where all the food and drinks were arranged. She could see the staff buzzing around and butting heads together, she stood there pretending to admire what they were doing. She was just there looking for someone she could easily fool so she could carry out her plans."Good evening, I'm loving the work you are doing here. You guys are the reason why all of this is possible, kudos to all of you." Bella said and some of them were so happy hearing a rich lady compliment them in such a sweet way."Thanks so much, ma'am, we are so honored to have someone like you compliment us like this. Not everyone appreciates our efforts like you just did." One of the staff said and Bella smiled sheepishly."Uhmm can I have a tray, I would like to help you. You know I've always wanted to be a flight attendant but you know how the life of a rich woman can be. You have to listen to your parents and be what they want you to be." Bella said pretending to b
"No I'm sorry but I can't take that," Zara said and Bella frowned inwardly even though she still smiled. She doesn't want to be aggressive so they won't suspect her but at the same time, she wants to shove the whole thing down her throat."And why is that?" Fred asked but before Zara could say anything. Clara interrupted."Well, she doesn't need to have a reason not to be interested in taking anything associated with her. She doesn't want to have the drink and that's that. You can pass the drink around for other people to drink from." Clara said and Bella groaned inwardly.Why the hell is this old witch bent on making her life miserable? She's so going to teach her a lesson for intruding into something none of her business. She really can't wait to be the wife of Fred so she can kick this old witch out of the house. She's nothing but a pain in the ass, Zara needs to take the wine, if not all of her plans will be ruined this night."Mom, can't you see Bella is trying to make amends for
"As much as I would like to do that, you know I can't. Hugging you is not going to solve the problem here, we need to get you to the hospital so the doctor can have a look at you." Fred said and Bella shook his head."I know that but, I don't want to take you away from the event. Bella and Clara are here, and they will be mad and upset if you leave the party just like that." Bella said trying to sound reasonable and considerate."No, I'm sure they will understand you. This is about your health." Fred said insisting but, Bella was not having it. She just needs to keep Fred here a little bit longer so her plans can be perfected and ready for execution. She's waiting for a call, only then will she allow Fred to leave her sight."No I'm sure this is what I want, I just need to stay away from the noise a little bit. Besides I have a painkiller at home, I'm sure I will be fine as soon as I make my way home. Trust me, it's not that serious." Bella said and Fred didn't have any choice but to
Zara tried to hold on but there's no way that she can do that. She has tried her best to keep her eyes open and head straight but each time she tries to stand up, she keeps falling. She doesn't even understand why she's even feeling dizzy all of a sudden. Zara then remembered she had taken the wine, probably taken the wine. It must have contained too much alcohol but, she only took a glass.Could it be that her pregnancy is the reason why her body is reacting to the alcohol like this? She wondered but, now that she thinks about it. Bella was the one that served her the drink, what if? Zara thought and she quickly had a flashback to the scene in the kitchen. Bella had a drug in her bag, she saw it and thought she was sick. What if the drug was for her? What the hell is that girl planning now?Zara however was beginning to feel some itching all over her body. She can see that something is going on with her body, she thought about her babies and then she began to cry. Zara gathered up th
"Can you at least fill me in on what's going on right now?" Clara asked but Fred was already out the door and he didn't seem like he was interested in doing that. She hoped that Zara was doing okay because she was the first person he asked for. Good to see that he cares about his wife.Bella however was already done with the call and putting all of her plans in order. She made her way back to the car, in about ten minutes. The best thing that has ever happened to her will begin and she's all here for it. "Fred, I think I feel better now. We can now head back to the hall, I don't want to take you away for too long from your wife. I don't want her to begin thinking about things that aren't true." Bella said and opened the car door but, to her surprise. There is no one in there, Bella became confused. She's so sure there was someone here before she left, Fred was sitting right here."Fred!" She called out again but, what she got back was silence. "Where in the world is he? He didn't le
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