"Of course, it's Natalie, the so-called white lotus bitch," Xenon's voice came from the entrance, as Arabella looked up towards him, she was surprised to see his appearance out of nowhere, "Xen, what are you doing here?" Xenon smiled glancing at her from top to bottom, "I heard you were attending a wedding, going to a wedding all alone isn’t fair, dearie. Let’s enjoy the delicacies together." Rebecca and her team grinned, hearing his playful tone.Arabella sighed at his words, "Xen, really?" He glanced at Rebecca and her team, "Thanks for your hard work in getting her ready, I was tired of seeing her look like a homeless girl despite taking a high amount of salary, people used to think, I'm not even paying her salary and exploiting her, at least now, she looks like a proper lady." "Excuse me? Homeless girl?" Arabella glared at him, but Xenon just laughed. Rebecca turned to Arabella and said with a bright smile playing on his face, "It was a pleasure working with you, Ms. Arabella
"I invited her, do you have a problem with that?" Olivia's voice made Rosaline to step back immediately, everyone's concentration became more intense, Rosaline who couldn't hold back anymore sighed, "Mother, how could you allow a disgrace like her to be here? What do you want others to think about us or our Bellchester family?" Minerva let out a soft chuckle while speaking, "A disgrace, you say? Oh, dear, what kind of joke is it?" She turned to the crowd introducing Arabella indirectly to everyone, "Our Arabella, the youngest in the family is the COO of Starlight Jewels, she is a true pride of the family. Hardly a disgrace."At that minute, the whispers around them grew louder once again."COO of Starlight Jewels? Now, it's truly exciting," one of the women gasped hard. "Who knew the so-called adopted daughter would be the real star, one day?" chimed in another, sending a dagger-sharp glare in Rosaline’s direction, "no wonder, Rosaline's daughter is always jealous of Arabella, like
"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
"Are you crazy? What do you mean by kidnapping me?" Arebella frowned at Xander's words, "get me down, can't you see, everyone is looking at us?"Arabella is literally out of words, and everyone around her, watching with cheering and happiness."I know it my love," Xander teased, with a playful tone yet full of affection. "Let them watch, they should know how much I treasure my wife."Everyone erupted into laughter and cheers. "Woahhh, bravo, Mr. Xander!" Viola called out, clapping her hands. "That’s the energy we want from our brother-in-law!"Arabella buried her face in Xander’s chest, embarrassed yet amused by his boldness. "You’re impossible," she muttered, though her lips curled into a smile.Xander glanced down at her, with softened eyes only for her. "Impossible or not, I’m yours, forever my love."The sincerity in his words brought tears to her eyes. "Why are you so perfect?" She whispered with a trembling voice."I’m not perfect," he replied, being extremely tender with his wo
"Shall we get married now?" Xander asked her with a calm and husky voice.Arabella blinked her eyes, and before she knew it, a tear slipped down her cheek. Xander noticed her tears immediately, and his thumb gently wiped her tears, as his lips curled into a teasing smile, lightening the moment."Don’t tell me now you’re not interested in marrying me?" he said, with a soft yet playful tone, "are you planning to dump me my love?" Arabella chuckled through her tears, feeling a warm rush of emotions. Just then, the children, Abigail and Alexander, jumped in, with their voices innocent and full of love."Mommy, our daddy is so good, don’t dump him, he loves you so much," they both said, anyone can see the purest and genuineness in their voice.Arabella smiled, her heart blooming with love for her little ones, but then Viola also joined the scene, adding her own playful tone."He is the perfect brother-in-law, I accept only him as my brother-in-law, so don't think of dumping him," Viola d
••NO POV••George, her father-in-law extended his hand with a gentle smile, "Are you ready, dear?" His gentleness, eased her nervousness, Arabella nodded, while a soft response, "Yes" escaped her lips. George took her hand in his, sounded warm and fatherly. "You look beautiful my dear, truly radiant, today, you’re not just becoming my daughter-in-law; you’re becoming my daughter, and if Xander ever dares to bully you, come to me, I'll make sure he regrets it." Her eyes filled with tears at his words, and she smiled, with a voice barely above a whisper, "Thank you, father." George gently squeezed her hand. "Come, let me take you to your husband."Arabella nodded, from behind Viola signalled, everything will be fine and they'll take care of it, Arabella couldn't help but to listen to them.As they walked, Arabella couldn’t help but compare this moment to her past. In her previous marriage, she had walked down the aisle alone, feeling like an orphan in a world that had no place f
"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