"Why do you think this isn't acceptable?" Aaron questioned her back, "a movie star, the friend of yours, Mr. Xander Rodriguez, he has numerous fans, and many women have crush on him, they call him nation's husband, is it acceptable?" Arabella couldn't understand from where to where this situation is leading to, "that and this are different, why involve him in this?" Aaron smiled at her, "I'm not involving him, I'm involving the reality, we all have freedom to like anyone we wants." Zayn agreed with Aaron's words passing a soft smile, "he is right, in the past we never said anything. But now that we have the chance to express our feelings, why backing down unnecessarily? We take this as a friendly competition to see who is best among us, we don't have any issues in this matter." From the doorway, Abigail’s small voice came through making the scene more interesting, "It’s not in your hands, Mommy, they're serious about you." "You brat!" Arabella yelled out of anger, but Abigail was
"What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say that I don't know anything?" Arabella asked with a trembling voice, as tears dripped down to cheeks from her eyes, as she listened to Viola's words.Viola shook her head gently explaining what exactly she meant by. "You know many things, but not them or the content in their hearts, neither you know it nor you're trying to understand it." Arabella’s eyes widened in disbelief because of the way Viola trying to blame her. "They’re my children! How can you say I don’t know about their hearts? Do you even know what you're trying to imply Vio? I raised them till now, how can you say that I'm unaware of them or their heart?" Viola stepped closer, crossing her arms, "Oh, if so, why don’t you tell me why they chose those three people for you? Don’t say it’s just a prank, it bolis my blood, get straight to the reason what made them to do that!" Arabella became silent for a minute, struggling to talk about the reason. To say it is childishness
"What kind of question is that Zara?" Arabella sighed at Zara's words, while Zara just chuckled in return looking at the frown on Arabella's face, "a normal question only, what did you think?" Arabella turned to her, with a hardened face. "How can you even think I still love that bastard? The day I found out about his betrayal, I regretted the love and loyalty I've shown for years. I erased him from my life that same day as if he never existed. So, how can you even think that I've feelings for such a bastard?" Zara knew it already but right now Arabella's anger confirmed that there's not even a single chance for that man to be a part of Arabella's life once again, with a gentle smile, she held Arabella's hand, "That's exactly what I'm saying to you Bella. You don’t love him anymore, and I know moving on is hard, but if you don’t let go, not only will he think you can't move on from him, but he'll also believe he still can come into your life, currently all your family members fearin
"No, no, not at all," Arabella didn't even take a minute to respond, as her heart already broke into many pieces seeing them feeling guilty and blaming themselves though they aren't related or involved in anything or any of the decisions taken by her.Arabella gently cupped their faces as she glanced at them trying to make them understand that everything they're thinking is just as their assumptions, "You both are the reason I’m still alive. You were never the cause of me avoiding relationships, it's my personal choice I chosen for myself, so please don't blame yourselves, I can't see it, you both means world to me, but you never stopped me from wanting something, infact you became the reason for what I'm today, I'm so happy and satisfied with you both." Tears filled up in Abigail’s eyes as she and Alexander hugged their mother tightly holding back their crying, "Then please be happy like everyone else, Mommy," Abigail whispered genuinely wanting Arabella to start afresh coming out f
"Did I say anything? No, it's just nothing," Xenon chuckled, knowing finally he got a chance to tease Arabella, "I don't think, there's a need for me to say anything, since you'll find your answers when you reach there, take care, and please take care of our guest." He hung up, leaving Arabella anxious. No matter how many times she tried calling him later, he didn’t answer and finally, he turned his mobile off, Arabella frowned with extreme irritation at that moment, "Xen, don’t you dare call me in the middle of the night for any kind of help again. Next time, I swear I’ll kick you right through the phone, idiot!"Reaching the company, Arabella was greeted by the staff, as all of them were surprised to see Arabella at a time like this, and she turned to one of them with a curious look on her face, "Who is this VIP client that wants to meet me? By chance do you know about her?" "She is waiting for you in sir Xenon's cabin, madam. Please follow me," the one Arabella questioned gave a
"Yes, Xander's fiancee," Veronica said with a smile, but before she could continue, there was a ruckus and loud voice coming from behind grabbing Arabella and Veronica's attention."Let me check it," Arabella said and turned around to leave only to hear something furious."Bella, you bitch! How dare you avoid my calls?" Then only Arabella realised it's none other than Rosaline who is the cause of commotion.Arabella sighed inwardly looking at the scene in front of her, "Can't they give me a break even for one day? Why am I always the one dealing with their ridiculous behavior? If not the mother then daughter, what's wrong with this family?" She glanced at the staff member beside Rosaline, "Who let her in? Don't you know we have strict rules about allowing unauthorized people into this part of the company? Are you new to your job or what? How many times are we supposed to tell you about this?" She couldn't understand how they allowed Rosaline in and not only that, they allowed her to
"If you don't want to face further consequences, retrieve your hand back, Mrs. Bellchester," Veronica’s reddened eyes are quite evident when she warned Rosaline startling her.Everyone in the room got became stunned too and started paying attention to Veronica immediately while Rosaline took a step back in fear retrieving her hand back, her confidence started melting unsure of how to react to this sudden interference of Veronica.Arabella immediately became concerned, as she glanced at Veronica taking a stand for her, "it’s okay, I'll handle this," Arabella doesn't want to involve anyone in the argument of Rosaline as she knew what kind of a foul person Rosaline is.Veronica shook her head sternly bring protective of Arabella, "No dear, she forgotten what is meant by manners and how to keep manners in check at a place like this, so let me remind her on behalf of you," evryone can see the frustration on Veronica's face though they couldn't understand what made her angry to this level,
"Well, what I meant to say," Veronica stammered, caught off guard by her own words as Arabella is quick to catch everything, "actually you're a good friend of Xenon. I've heard you looked after him like family over the past six years, so you're practically like family to us, that's why I said after all we are a family." Arabella smiled warmly at her words, "Thank you for considering me as a family, but to be honest, he's the one who took care of me all the time, whenever I needed help, it was Xenon who stood for me. He is a great friend, and I'm really grateful to him. I haven't done anything for him, though he is the reason why I'm here, that's why I don't think I can claim those praises." Veronica can say that she is clearly impressed by Arabella and her nature, "You're so kind, sweet, and humble just as he said." She paused for a moment, knowing Arabella might misunderstand the person she is talking about, so immediately with a sly smile, she said, "it's Xenon, he told us about y
"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