••ARABELLA POV••"Oops, my bad!"Hearing that voice of my daughter, I quickly pushed him away and looked up to see Abigail standing at the car door, closing her eyes with those little hands of her's, she must have seen it, arghhh, this man always leaves me in an awkward situation. I stepped out of the car, feeling a rush of heat in my cheeks, and tried to compose myself not to make myself embarrassed like a clown, but Nova noticed immediately."Your face is so red, is everything okay?" He asked, with a teasing smirk."Yeah, everything is okay," I stammered, trying to sound normal while settling my messy hair, Xander climbed out of the car, looking completely unfazed, as if nothing had happened at all.How can this man act like this? After all he has been an actor for years, it's me who is a fool here!"You said everything is okay, right?" Nova glanced at me and shifted his attention to Xander with a mischievous smile. "It might be good if you wipe the lipstick stains off your lips bef
••NO POV••"Stop acting like a kid and let’s go," Arabella sighed pulling him to walk rather than flirting with her as everyone already went inside it's she and him are the only one who are still outside, but he held her hand firmly with a cheeky smile."Didn’t you see my dad and mom? This is how a couple should walk together." She nodded slowly with a gentle hum agreeing with him.Arabella had seen couples holding hands like this before, and always dreamt of holding like hands like this one day with her man, but she had never experienced it before. Her ex-husband isn't even interested to spare a glance at her, let alone walk by her side. The only time he had stood beside her was at their wedding, and even then, only for a few minutes.After that, Arabella has slowly given up on her dreams and wishes regarding the life she always wanted with her man."Back then it's just a mere wish but here, this man is holding my hand tightly as if I might run away from him," she thought, comparing
••NO POV••"Yes, Grandma, I'm willing to marry him and want to spend the rest of my life with him," Arabella said, with a steady yet soft voice.The words seemed to light up the entire room, Xander's smile widened than before, and a warm happiness filled the room as the families exchanged glances of approval and joy."Thanks for accepting me my love," Xander whispered in Arabella's ear, to which Arabella said in return, "after all we are in this together, how can I leave in middle? I'm not that coldhearted." Xander smiled while gently holding her hand.Olivia looked over at Silvia with satisfaction. "Now that Bella has agreed, we have no other objections to making your grandson as my granddaughter's husband, madam Rodriguez," she announced warmly, letting go of all the past worries from her heart."I'm glad to hear that madam Bellchester," Silvia smiled being happy that finally his grandson was going to get the woman he loved as his life partner.But just then, a sharp voice passed t
"I don’t care," Xander said firmly, with tender eyes glancing at Arabella, "She’s the woman I’ve always loved, she is the only one for me."Natalie laughed at his choice, "you'll regret it, you'll regret choosing her," Xander held Arabella's hand with a warm smile, "I already have a regret, and that regret is not meeting my woman earlier, if only I had met her sooner, I would have married her long before that other fool, who didn’t even know how to treat a woman properly, now that I got a chance to make her my woman, I'll do everything to love and cherish her, Arabella and these children are mine." George’s face broke into a proud smile, looking at his son bravely showing love towards Arabella, "Well done, my boy," he said, being a proud father, "You’ve finally grown up and learnt well about treating your woman, so proud of you." Dylan chuckled, standing closer to Xander, "Yeah, my baby brother has truly grown up, dad, I don't think you've to worry about him anymore," he shifted his
"A welcome for you, my love!" Xander said, standing proudly by her side, holding her hand with love. Arabella stared into his eyes, "a welcome?" He leaned closer, his voice full of warmth and excitement, "A grand welcome just for you, after all you're the youngest daughter-in-law of this house, do you like it?" Arabella blinked in surprise, glancing around at all the happy faces surrounding her. Her previous marriage had been filled with insults and humiliation, her ex-mother-in-law or her ex-husband's sister, never cared about her presence just like her ex-husband, to them she is nothing but a maid whom they look down on with disdain but here, things were so different it almost felt like a dream. Sophie stepped forward first, with a bright and warm smile on her face, "We are so glad that you’re here, Arabella! Welcome to Rodriguez mansion," she said, hugging her with open arms.Just then, a group of three elegant women and two handsome men joined them. One of the men stepped forw
"This can't be happening," a loud scream from Natalie after hearing from the maid that her grandmother agreed for Arabella's marriage with Xander.Natalie’s anger fueled dangerously, the maid informed, "Old madam said, you and your parents are not allowed for the wedding my lady.""You bitch!" Natalie slapped her, "are you looking down on me now?" The maid lowered her head with teary eyes, "no young lady, I would never look down on you." Natalie shouted at her, "just get lost from here," just as Natalie ordered, the maid rushed out of the room.The idea of Arabella taking a place in the Rodriguez family was like poison running through her veins. She had spent so many years believing that Arabella was nothing, someone to look down on, and yet, here she was marrying Xander Rodriguez, becoming the daughter-in-law of one of the most powerful families in the country. It felt like her world was crumbling, as Arabella who is supposed to be inferior is getting a princess treatment despite b
"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
"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
"A pregnancy test kit?" Viola repeated in disbelief.Arabella nodded silently, her lips pressed together in nervousness.Without hesitation, Viola stood and left the room, a few minutes later, she returned, holding the pregnancy kit Arabella had asked for.Arabella’s hands trembled as she took the pregnancy kit test from Viola.The room felt suffocating as she walked into the bathroom, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation. After taking the test, she sat on the bathroom floor, staring at the result, her hands still shaking in anxiousness. When she finally stood up and stepped out of the bathroom, her face was pale, while there was a turmoil of mixed emotions brewing up inside her, a wave of happiness, sadness, and disbelief.Viola had been pacing the room in nervous anticipation. The moment Arabella stepped out, Viola rushed over. "What happened? What’s the result?"Arabella didn’t say a word, she simply showed the positive in test result.Viola’s eyes widened and the
Veronica reached out, taking Arabella’s hand in hers. "Because he was scared, Bella. Scared that the truth would push you away just like how it is today, he thought keeping it from you was the only way to protect the love you both have for each other, though it wasn't the right choice, but it was made out of love, not malice."Arabella pulled her hand away, with teary eyes, "Love?" She scoffed. "How can I believe that it is love when everything he has done feels nothing but a lie?" "Bella," Veronica said gently, glancing at Arabella with a warm smile, "at this moment I can clearly tell how you feel, but all I want you to know is, Xander has never stopped loving you. These past six years, not a single day has gone by where he didn’t think about you, to him you means everything, you and kids are his world, so don't take any rash decisions Bella, after many years I seen him happy only when he is with you, I hope you'll consider your decision once again.' Arabella turned away, hiding th
The night was sleepless for both Xander and Arabella, both of their minds consumed by the memories they shared together.Arabella sat on the bed, staring at the wedding ring she had left on the bedside table, she held it gently in her hands, the cool metal feeling heavier with every thought.She remembered the day she first met Xander, how he made her heart stop beating with his charm and quiet intensity.The nights they spent together, his whispered promises, and the warmth of his arms, but now, those memories felt like a nightmare, reminding all his betrayals."Did he truly loved me as he claimed? If so he would've told the truth, but he didn't, so it was never love," Arabella thought, her heart aching as tears filled in her eyes.She clutched her pillow tightly, trying to suppress her sobs. "Why does it hurt so much though I knew he is nothing but a cheat who made me a fool?" She whispered into the darkness.On the other side, Xander sat in his study, with a drink in his head, and
"If I ever loved anyone in my life, it'll be only her," Xander said with his voice breaking slightly, "but I'm fighting to respect her decision, if staying with me only brings her pain, then maybe… maybe letting her go is the only way to give her peace." Nova frowned at Xander, "don't think such kind of crap, Xan, this isn’t about respecting her decision, it’s about you running away because you’re scared of facing her anger, and her disappointment, if you truly love her, you’ll fight harder than this."Xander looked down, with trembling hands, "Do you think I don’t want to fight? Do you think I haven’t heard the words she said, do you think I haven't witnessed every tear she shed? She hates me, Nova, she looks at me like I’m a monster, like I’m the one who destroyed her life, and maybe she’s right. Maybe I don’t deserve her forgiveness for what I did, after all I'm the one who collapsed her dreams and life." Xenon let out a frustrated groan, leaning forward. “Listen to me, uncle, yo
"Xan, just don't give up, I don't think it's too late," Nova said while Xenon agreed with him, "Nova is right uncle, Bella will understand for sure if you try to explain, so don't take any rash decisions." But Xander looked the same with disappointment and sadness, Nova and Xenon took Xander home, as he is already drunk totally.Xander isn't even sure when he fell asleep on the way.In the morning, Xander woke up with a heavy hangover in his own house as he was brought to his place instead of his parents house by Nova and Xenon.Since they doesn't want to worry Xander's parents, they hid the situation going on in between Xander and Arabella a secret."Here take it," Nova offered strong coffee to Xander to get rid of heavy hangover.As he was about to take a sip of coffee, Zara entered the living room with a usual serious demeanor, but her hesitating face is quite visible as walked in with a file in her hands.Xenon glanced at her curiously, "what are you doing here Zara? What's that
"Bella?" Viola opened the door after hearing to the calling bell and was surprised to see Arabella at her door in a time like this, "what are you doing here?" Arabella spoke with a voice not even barely audible, "can I stay here tonight?" "Of course you can, come inside first," Viola said inviting Arabella inside and gestured her to sit on the couch.Tears filled eyes, pale face, and heavy breathing, uneven gasps of Arabella made Viola to understand something is wrong with Arabella.Immediately going into the kitchen, viola returned with a cup of hot coffee, and sat beside Arabella hoping it would bring some comfort, "Bella, drink something warm, you'll feel better." Arabella shook her head, to which Viola sighed, "You’re going to make yourself sick like this." Arabella let out a bitter laugh that quickly turned into heavy crying, "Does it even matter, Vio? I’ve already lost everything, my life… it’s a joke already, isn’t it?" Viola frowned being confused by Arabella's words, ge
Xander stood frozen, Arabella’s words echoing in his ears, the weight of her accusations sinking deeper than his thoughts.The vibrant setup he had affectionately prepared now felt like a mockery of his intentions. He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself, but his emotions threatened to spill over, still he doesn't want to speak anything harsh which might hurt Arabella's heart."What do you mean by that, my love?" Xander managed to ask almost like a pleading painfully.Arabella turned sharply to face him, with an eyes full of anger, "Stop it! Stop calling me like that," she shouted using her trembling voice, "please stop faking it! I'm already tired of all these." Xander flinched hearing to her loud voice and teary eyes, "Bella, I don’t understand anything dear, what exactly are you trying to say? What do you mean by I’m faking it?" Arabella’s laugh was bitter and sarcastic despite seeing the desperation in his eyes, "Your love," she spat with a cold tone, "aren’t you faking
Xander woke up earlier than usual, as he is so excited about the surprise. The conversation with George last night had been revolving in his mind throughout the night, and he was determined to do whatever it takes to make things right with Arabella. "She deserved more than just a few simple words, she needed to feel loved and appreciated. I couldn't even give a grand wedding to her, at least this grand gesture of mine should remind her of the love I've towards her." After a few phone calls and careful planning, Xander arranged everything for the surprise. It wasn’t just a simple outing; it was a day meant to bring them closer and show Arabella that he is extremely serious about them and their relationship.He spent entire the morning setting everything according to his plan, arranging a private area in the theme park, filled with her favorite things. A beautiful romantic setup arranged at a secluded spot, with flowers, candles, and her favorite food. Once when everything is done
"Did you call me, love?" Xander asked as he stepped out of the shower wiping his wet hair. Arabella shook her head, avoiding his gaze, "nothing." Noticing her turning of face away, Xander felt it's out of shy and approached her to hug, but Arabella stepped back abruptly leaving Xander confused."I’ll sleep with the kids tonight," she said with a low and steady voice.Xander frowned, and he is extremely about sudden change in Arabella's behaviour. "What happened? Are you okay?" "Nothing," she replied coldly, and her voice sounded distant expressing her interest in getting away from him.He took a step closer, trying to study her expression. "Are you on your periods? Is something bothering you, love?" She avoided his concerned eyes and repeated the same thing, "as I said it’s nothing," and left the room without any further word.Xander stood frozen in confusion, watching her leaving, her sudden change in behavior puzzled him as he couldn't understand whether it's really nothing o