"Stop it!" This loud voice got everyone's attention and everyone turned towards the entrance, the entire hall became silent, as tension filled in the air thickly.Arabella also glanced back, "What's happening here?" She mumbled within herself curiously.Everyone's concentration is on the group of people at the entrance, one can say people are both surprised and stunned by the appearance of the police officers and tax department agents who entered the venue seemed like storm clouds on quite a sunny day."Mr. Thompson, tax officer, what must've brought him to a place like this?" Leonardo spoke to himself, but Arabella heard it clearly, "tax department?" Leonardo nodded with a smile, "I know him very well, he is a good friend of my father, and also an efficient and sincere officer, do you want me to introduce him to you? I'm quite close to him, I can introduce you to him," he looked excited to impress Arabella, while Xenon sneered at Leonardo's enthusiasm, "for your kind information, sh
"I never thought Brown's family is this stingy, how can you bully an innocent girl to that extent? Don't you know, she is the daughter of the Bellchester family, how dare you treat her as a maid?" Minerva rolled her eyes talking about Brown's family, "moreover how can you live shamelessly with a girl's dowry even after divorcing her?" Britney also joined the fun, "I'm so stunned to know that, you didn't even pay alimony to our Arabella, yet you claimed, she demanded a lot of money after separation from your son, so did you lie about it?" Olivia sighed with a frown, "I never thought this Brown family would mistreat my granddaughter though your son rose to the CEO because of our investment in your company, I'll take back everything at once for what you've done to my granddaughter!" The crowd also started whispering among themselves after hearing to Arabella's words along with Minerva and Britney, most importantly when Olivia supported Arabella, people can't help but to become against
"I dare because it’s my job to defend Arabella, since I'm her personal lawyer, and if you're to go ahead with even one single word against her, you've to be ready to face it in the court," Aaron threatened her with a steady voice.Rosaline looked at Olivia, "I told you not to let her in, you did, look at her ruining everything, are you happy now mother? Thanks to her your own granddaughter is suffering now." "Rosaline speak with your senses," Minerva said, "Arabella didn't do anything, it's him who embezzled company's funds, and they took him into custody, you've to be happy that your daughter's life was saved before it got ruined more."Olivia nodded, "I agree with Minerva, I always opposed the marriage in between Natalie and that Joseph, see what happened today! At least now try to learn your mistake." "Bella, you bitch how the hell you're manipulating everyone?" Natalie bursts out into anger at Arabella, as everyone is supporting Arabella rather than understanding her.Xenon glar
"I'm still waiting for an answer from you both," Arabella narrowed her eyes demanding an answer, both Xander and Abigail just exchanged their glances but none of them spoke.Arabella couldn't help but to glare at them with full of anger, because none of them are responding and simply turning deaf ears to her question and screaming which made her extremely angry."Why aren’t you both speaking?" She asked in a furious tone this time making sure her voice is firm and furious.Before Xander or Alexander could reply, Abigail looked scared and jumped into Xander's arms to save herself.He instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him, making sure that she wasn't hurt or not while jumping on to him.There was a protectiveness in his embrace, he never knew something like this, as he never showed this caring side of him to anyone, most especially since he hates kids, he never allowed anyone closer but the first kid who impressed him or got closer to him is Abigail.This f
"How could I know Abi? I was with you the entire time, aren't I?" Alexander smiled at her, Abigail sighed slightly, "you're not this excited when we chose those three people as suitors for Mommy, but why are you so excited about having him as mommy's husband and as our daddy?" Alexander stared at the starry ceiling, "I was waiting for you to ask about this eagerly, because I want to tell you about what I noticed," Abigail nodded, "fine tell me." "It's not like I don't like three of them, but actually it's only Mr. Zayn who is in love with our Mommy, and it's just a crush, not love, I can't see the love in his eyes, but today I saw it in Mr. Xander's eyes," Alexander explained, "they all are supporting Mommy, but none of them are daring enough to say they're pursuing Mommy, despite Mommy being insulted, but Mr. Xander is different, he didn't care about his status or reputation, all he wanted is the world to know is our Mommy is his woman and none can mess with her, isn't this what we
"It's true, I can't see anyone's face, even if it is mine or my own mother's, I recognise people only by hearing to their voice, so unless I heard their voice, I can't recognise that person," revealing this was the hardest part for him, but he did it.Arabella was still stunned by his words, but connecting all the dots and Xander's behaviour, she can't help but to notice something wrong with him.Xander's voice is shaking as he is speaking about one of the painful moments of his life, "After an accident, I was in coma for almost six months, when I woke up, I don't know what's wrong with me but I couldn't see anyone’s faces anymore, it's almost like their faces are blurred to me, it almost traumatized me to look at people, but you... you’re the only person I can see clearly." Arabella was truly surprised by hearing to his condition, she could see him sweating hard while shaking, gently sitting beside her, she helped him to wipe off the sweat on his forehead, "So, that’s why you’re alw
"Of course we can," he rubbed her hands which are cold, "looks like your hands got cold, how about we go to the fireplace and sit together to talk?" Both Abigail and Alexander nodded, he lifted Abigail's in his arms, and held Alexander's hand, looked at Nova, "ask the kitchen staff to send two cups of hot chocolate for them." "Okay," Nova smiled at the children and left from there, Xander took them to fire place room and got them to sit closer to it and brought blankets to cover them.He sat in the middle pulling the blankets over them, "do you feel warm now?" Abigail and Alexander nodded, he held their hands to see if they were warm or not, feeling the warmth, he understood they're no longer cold.For the first time, Xander felt he was acting like a responsible father, which he never even dreamt about back then, and he realised it's all instincts none will teach personally about this stuff.The fire crackled warmly in the hearth, casting a golden glow entire the room giving them en
"The perfect hot bath," Arabella slipped out of the bathroom in a bathrobe tied around her body, "even the bathroom is majestic, especially that bathtub, to live a rich life, one should be born with luck." She frowned, "still why many of them don't appreciate how rich they're living!" As she opened the wardrobe, she was surprised by the different types of night suits being there, being curious she opened all the wardrobes to find different types of elegant dresses, fashionable outfits, many jewellery sets and even a couple of footwears."Oh my goodness! What are all these?" Arabella pulled a drawer to find many daily wear accessories, and another one is full of make up and skin care products, "even if I use skincare, my skin never cares, so I don't use any of these, but what's with all this stuff? Whose room is it? Did he give someone else's room for a night stay over?" Arabella closed all the doors with a small disappointed sigh, "it must be the truth, if not why these many things
"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