"Yeah, a girl, my sister," Xander glanced at her as he spoke, "she is your Xen's mother." Arabella raised her eyebrows hiding her happiness. "Oh, I thought maybe it was your girlfriend." Xander chuckled taking the menu in his hands, "No, I don’t have a girlfriend or even a girl as a friend, to be honest, I don't have many friends."Just then, the waiter approached to take their order, "your order sir," Xander gave his order and looked at Arabella, "What would you like to have, Arabella?"She shrugged being okay with anything. "Anything is fine with me, I'm not picky, you can order it."He handed her the menu with a gentle smile wanting her to choose what she likes. "It’s not okay with me, I want you to pick something you’ll enjoy, no need to accept just some random thing chosen by me others, go through the menu and choose the one you wants, no rush."Arabella hesitated being unsure of what to order. "I’m not sure what’s good here, since it's my first time visiting this place. You kn
"Yes, dear, I can clearly see your future marriage and married life from the car you picked up," the fortune teller said, making Arabella smile faintly. "What does it say?" Arabella asked not with curiosity but just to hear."He'll be a true gentleman, a protector. A man who loves everything about you, someone who will always support you till the end no matter what happens, even if the whole world turns against you, he'll be there for you. To be precise for your better understanding, he will adore the floor you walk on, he will cherish you as if you're a miracle happened in his life."The lady explained with a bright smile on her face indicating the bright future Arabella is going to have ahead.For a moment, Arabella felt a spark of happiness hearing those words though she wanted to believe in miracles she knew she isn't blessed enough to have such a miracle in her life. She just handed over some money, but the lady refused to take the money from Arabella."I don’t take money from t
"What do you mean by that, Arabella?" Xander asked, looking into her eyes, though he was caught off guard by her words, still he didn't react in a way that could lead to suspicion, rather acted normal trying to get an answer from her.Arabella smiled softly looking back at him talking about her observation, "You looked so happy while listening to that lady about your future partner, so I wondered if you have someone you like, waiting to have her in your life."Xander chuckled being thankful for his acting skills which made him to act naturalistic without creating any suspicion in her, "to be honest her words truly made me happy, I was delighted to hear that I'll be going to have a good person in my life, hoping for a loving partner isn't a crime, right?" "Ofcourse, it isn't a crime to crave for a loving partner, because everyone wants a partner who loves them wholeheartedly," Arabella mentioned her opinion agreeing with Xander's words.Xander hummed with a gentle smile, however Arabe
Arabella isn't sure when she fell asleep after crying for so long, in the morning sun peeked through the curtains falling on Arabella making her wake up, waking up, she found herself fell asleep on the floor, "so I ended up sleeping on the floor last night?" She spoke to herself with a sigh and got up to begin her morning routine.Once everytime is done, Arabella walked out of the room as if nothing happened despite holding a heavy weight in her chest.She felt the traces of those tears clinging to her eyes, leaving her feeling like a shadow of herself. As she stepped into the living room, Abigail and Alexander, who woke up before Arabella, glanced up at her with innocent expressions, on their faces as if they're studying her face."Good morning!" Arabella forced a smile, trying to cover everything with a mask of smile, "Looks like you both woke up before me today, that's quite surprising!" Both children nodded enthusiastically while smiling back at her. Abigail, always the more obs
"It's not something as you're thinking," Xander tried his best to hide, until his mother spoke, "we are your family Xan, why are you hiding from us? Don't you trust us?" Before he could respond, he felt the tension in the room started thickening, and his grandmother leaned closer, reaching out to hold his hand, "my grandson who doesn't even like to spend with a woman, being happily with someone isn't a normal thing to us Xan, it's been years since we seen that smile on your face, can't we know about the person who brought back the smile on your face?" Xander swallowed hard, as his mind racing while he glanced at everyone, for a minute he couldn't understand his own heart. "What am I supposed to say now?" For the first time someone like him felt that a burden of truth is heavy in his heart, as he knew how his family's expectations were on him, "I want to speak out the truth, will they truly understand my feelings for Arabella? Or do they think of her just as a another chapter of my l
"Who is it?" Xander asked only to hear a family on the other side, "I'm at school and need your help, can you come for me?" It's Abigail's voice from the other end, his heart pounding with excitement hearing to his voice, "Abi, is everything okay?" Abigail cried, "I don't think so, please come to school," Xander couldn't help but to worry, as his tone filled with concern, "what's wrong dear? Well I'm coming, don't worry," he quickly stood up from the couch."I just, I need you here, please," she pleaded with a desperate tone making him to fear."I'll be right there, sweetie," he assured her, instantly grabbing his jacket and heading out, "mom, dad, and everyone, an important thing came up, I need to go," he was about to leave only to his mother look at him with curiousity, "who is it Xan? Why are you running in such a rush?" Xander chuckled looking at his mother, "my little girlfriend," he left without any further words, while Nova was stopped by Xander's sister, "how does his son l
"That's not what I mean sir," Principal clearly taken back by Xander's sudden rage as Xander is always patient and indifferent to things that happen around him, even now he can't be blamed as his anger is because someone bullied the person he loves.The principal however took a deep breath before saying, "it's actually what we meant to say is, removing him from the school isn't easy that's what I mean,"the principal hesitated a lot before saying, clearly struggling in between Xander and Brown family."So you’re defying me now?" Xander growled, as his patience is clearly getting melted. He could see the fear in the principal's eyes, and for a moment, but he isn't ready to give for the sake of Abigail as they messed with her."Xander, please," Nova stepped in gently, putting a hand on his arm. "Let's not make it a big deal." But Xander’s fury didn't decrease even for a minute as his heart was full of rage still as they dared to call her a thug and bastard not caring about her and her
"Abi, if you keep on doing this, I'll be first to leave and you'll be in the house with Zara, remember," Arabella looked at her daughter who is throwing a tantrum.Abigail threw the dress aside, "I'll wear it only if Alex wearing a matching dress with me," Alexander sighed at her words, "I don't like it, why should I wear a matching dress with her?" "Why can't you? I'm your sister," Abigail shouted at him to which Alexander shouted back, "so what?" Both the siblings are fighting making Arabella's head to ache.Controlling her frustration, Arabella sighed, "why can't one of you get adjusted? And you abi, day by day you're becoming too stubborn, what's wrong with you?" Abigail pointed at Alexander with teary eyes, "it's him who is stubborn not me, he never listens to me, he doesn't love me at all." "Wearing matching dress is a childish thing Mommy, I hate it," Alexander complained, while Arabella sitting on the bed held her head in frustration, "you both, neither you gets ready, nor I
"It's Ruby, Joseph's sister," I said, while clutching my mobile hard.Viola’s smile faltered, replaced by a furious look, "That witch, why is she trying to contact you? What does she want now?" "She tried to blackmail me yesterday," I explained, recounting the encounter of yesterday which I almost forgot until this message of that bitch popped up, "She threatened to bring out the things that happened back in the past, and the shameless method they used to get rid of their house, using those photos, she is trying to demand money from me, and wants me to get back with that bastard, the most funniest thing is, she said I should be grateful for her brother’s forgiveness." Viola crossed her arms with a scoff, "That woman is really audacious, how dare she to threaten you? I swear if you had taken me with you yesterday, I would've punched that bitch's face until she couldn't speak again, if she wasn’t already miserable, I’d make her life a living hell for daring to mess with you."Her fier
••ARABELLA POV•• "I know," I said softly, feeling the warmth of his hand on mine."So, you knew it," Xander repeated, with a low yet slightly frustrated voice, "yet you went alone?"I never saw him being angry with me, this is the first time, I've seen him like this, I don't know why, but I kind of feel nervous by this behaviour of his.Before I could respond, his mother stepped in, with a light tone, "Stop it, Xan, you're scaring her, can't you see that?" "Me? Scaring her?" Xander frowned, glancing between us."Yes, you only," She sighed, gently slapping on his shoulder, "you shouldn't speak in such a harsh tone even if you're worried about her, first apologise to her." I tried to intervene, "it's okay, mother," but she stopped me, "it's not okay sweetheart, you shouldn't allow anyone to bully you, even if it is your husband." "I'm sorry," Xander apologised, lowering his head, I mumbled, "it's okay." She looked at me with a softened expression, "forget about him, let’s get you t
••ARABELLA POV•• "That's it?" I asked with a sarcasm raising my eyebrows.I faced Ruby without any fear right now, I scanned her from top to bottom, full of pride, and confident, she must be thinking, she can summon me and demand something so outrageous as if I'm the same Arabella who used to be begging for their forgiveness and mercy. Ruby smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder, while taking a few steps towards me, "Yes, Bella, that’s it, you give us what we need, and we’ll pretend nothing happened, simple, isn’t it?" This woman, can't she even understand the differences in between the sarcasm and normal words, I never expected her to be a fool like this.I chuckled at her delusion, and the sound of my chuckling spread everywhere quickly because of deserted silence surrounding us, "You think you can blackmail me again? After everything you and your brother have done to me? After your brother stole the hardwork of mine and rose to CEO position, do you still expect me to be a
••NO POV••Arabella felt tears welling up in her eyes at his words, and for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe this man is truly in love with her, and wants her to be in real relationship with him, she was out of words and been silent for a minute.Her silence pierced Xander's heart, as he expected an approval from her."It’s okay," Xander said gently, with a faint smile, "I don’t want to force you." Arabella could see the bitterness in Xander's face, and Xander is also upset as her silence almost felt like a refusal to him."It’s not about force," Arabella held his hand, "I knew you and your feelings are sincere, it’s just... I can’t answer you right now, can you give me some time?" Xander felt happy hearing to her words, though she didn't accept his proposal, at least she didn't reject him, so with a smile he said, "As long as you don’t reject me, anything is fine." Arabella doesn't understand why he is so gentle and understanding towards her, though she
••ARABELLA POV•• "Are you crazy?" I sighed with a reddened face, as his shameless words are still echoing in my ears and I couldn't let it go.He just laughed, totally unbothered, as if he hadn't just teased me to the point of embarrassment. Sometimes I wondered if he remembered this was just a contract marriage or if he was trying to make it a real one.Well, I don't blame him either because from the past few days with him, I truly got to know the meaning of love and family warmth, thanks to him and his family, my kids are enjoying the love and affection of a family, still I'm not ready to increase my hopes because of my past.The car ride to the hotel was filled with extreme silence apart from the sound of soft music playing in the background. Xander spared glances at me occasionally, and I caught myself doing the same as him, wondering what was going through his mind. When we arrived at the hotel, a table had already been reserved for us. I can say that the dining hall is very
••ARABELLA POV••"Who loves whom?" I was stunned to see Xander standing behind us, he crossed his arms staring at us, with a raised eyebrow, "what's happening here?" I gulped hard and took the initiative to answer, "nothing, just randomly talking with Xen." "From where exactly did this guy come?" He pointed at Xenon, while Xenon rolled his eyes, "I came to meet my darling Bella, it's not your concern uncle." Xander clenched his fist, "this brat!" But Xenon hid behind me, I don't understand why this guy always messes with others, then comes to me for protection.However before Xander could say another word, Xenon prepared to run away, "Let’s talk later, Bella, take care," he said in a soft tone, and left from there leaving me and Xander alone.As he disappeared from that place, I turned to find Xander standing some distance away from me, still with his crossed arms, and an expression of faint concern on his face. "What exactly were you two doing here?” He asked once again with a c
"Yes, he is my so-called ex, with whom I broke up," Xenon said with a sad tone, as if he is almost ready to burst into tears, Arabella pulled him to nearby place and both of them sat together.She offered him water to drink, "relax no tension, and have some water." "I know very well about you, all this is out curiousity to know more, right?" Xenon asked while taking a sip of water.Arabella chuckled and looked embarrassed but curiosity is quite evident on her face to know more about Aaron and Xenon, "So, are you going to tell me everything now? I mean, what made you to punch him? And what you meant by he is the guy you broke up with? When did you both even date to break up now?" Xenon leaned back, running a hand into his hair, as he literally hated talking about that past of his, "It's a long story, Bella, I don't even know where to start." She gently placed her hand on his, with a smile. "Start from the beginning, we are not going anywhere until you tell me everything, moreover I
"Bella, my dear," Veronica gently smiled at Arabella, "I'll take care of the kids, you and Xan, can go for shopping." Xander sighed at his mother, "mom, why need of going out when we can get them to house?" Veronica couldn't understand how she gave birth to someone so foolish, slapping on his hand, Veronica whispered in his ear, "you idiot, it's something romantic, groom and bride choosing outfits, groom praising bride for her beauty, specially choosing the wedding gown for her, all these are romantic things, you fool!" "Romantic?" Xander questioned his mother, to which Veronica nodded her head eagerly, "yes romantic, so don't spoil my plan, just go with her, and act like a gentleman with romantic scenes, if not she'll run away from you." Xander shook his head with a determined smile, "I'll not let that happen, I'll make sure to impress her," Veronica have a proud pat on his shoulder, "my blessings are with you." Arabella who noticed their conversation exchange but couldn't under
"How long do I have to suffer like this? It's all because of that little bitch Arabella!" Joseph sat on one of the chairs, seething with resentment in a prison room with oppressive walls. His mind occupied with anger and desperation as he awaited for his sister’s arrival. When Ruby finally appeared, looking defeated and no signs of positivity only got his anger to be increased.Ruby sat down opposite him, slightly with a disappointed look on her face, "I tried my best brother, but I don't think I could do anything at this moment, all the ways has got seized." "What do you mean by that?" Joseph leaned forward with a frustrated look, "When am I getting out from this damn prison? Did you talk to the lawyer? Why did you come alone?" Ruby shook her head, with tears filled in her eyes, as she isn't sure how to say something like this to her brother, but she knew he should know about their situation, "We don’t have that much money, brother, our house and everything within in our house was