VICTOR.... "We're here," I say, turning to Bella. Her gaze is fixed on the entrance of the Valdez Villa, blank and lost. Mathew opens the doors for us, and we step outside. She is trying her best to act calm, yet she is failing to maintain it. Slowly, I hold her hand, intertwining our fingers. She shudders at my touch and closes her eyes, her breaths moving unsteadily. "It's okay, Bellatrix. I'm right beside you," I murmur in her ear, which seems to relax her a bit before she exhales a deep breath and opens her eyes again. She looks up at me and slowly nods her head. We walk down the narrow road leading to the entrance; the villa seems to be in a festive mood, the main gate wide open with no trace of life there. As we approach the gate, hushed voices drift out from the villa. "They're happy," she mumbles, a flicker of woe in her tone, to which I have no reply. Her pain is unbearable and far exceeds mine. And she was right; not only her parents, but the entire villa was delighted
BELLATRIX.... "Bellatrix," Dad sighs. "Why don't we sit and talk it out?" He seems tired and hurt. It shatters my heart; all I want is to rush and hug him, hiding in his chest, just like I used to do in childhood. Dad always drops his work for me and picks me up in his arms. Those days are always so special to me. When Mom scolded me, I cried to him, and he coaxed me. Where is that father of mine? I really miss him a lot. "Yes, your father is right! L-let's talk!" Mom says; she sounds too desperate. Sigh... They'll haunt me if I fall weak now, and the man who keeps taking my side no matter what I choose— it would be an insult to him. I cannot do that. Perhaps breaking off our relationship wouldn't at least ruin my joyful memories with them. "There's nothing to talk about; my decision is final," I say calmly. "If you don't sign this contract, I'll reopen the case, and Florence will go to prison and face the consequences she deserves. It's very simple, Mom: either Florence or me,
VICTOR.... She screams, she cries, she struggles; she's trying to hide from some monsters tormenting her. "Pl-lease don't kill me!" I want to hide, but I don’t let her go and hold her tightly. "Bellatrix! It's me!" I said, trying to break through her nightmare. She struggles harder, but suddenly she freezes. She trembles, and slowly her eyes flutter open. Tears smear her beautiful face; she is a mess—her hair is disheveled, her eyes red and puffy, full of unknown fear. "Victor." Her voice is barely a whisper. "I-is it really y-ou?" she asks, as if she is trying to make sure of my presence. I am crouching in front of her; I cup her cheeks. "It's really me, little bird," I say gently. She stares at me, still frightened but not struggling anymore. Suddenly, a loud thunder shudders her again, and she leaps into my arms, screaming again, "Pl-lease please d-don't leave me! Don't let them take me away!" She cries out, clutching me. I hold her tight in my arms. "Shush, I'm here. No one
BELLATRIX.... I swallow hard, my gaze dropping down to his physique, mouth agape. I didn't realize he was hiding that masterpiece under his white shirt! Shirtless, he looks so different from usual; his muscles are lean and toned like supermodels, and his eight-pack abs are half covered in tattoos. At that moment, his image is no less than that of a rough gangster! "Like the view?" I gasp at his playful voice. Immediately pursing my lips tight, I look away, blinking before gulping hard. "I... uh—G-good morning," I stutter slightly. "Good morning," he replies gently. "Did you sleep well?" he asks, that playfulness replaced with concern. "Y-eah, I did," I mutter before looking up at him again. I bite my lips at his sexiness, feeling slightly dizzy. Suddenly, a realization crosses my mind. "Umm, wh-at are y-ou doing here?" Oh God, what was I even asking? Didn't I invite him to sleep with me last night? Well, I did not ask him to move around, though... naked. His brow raised, a fain
BELLATRIX.... The entire office was in a festive mood, and the trip to Mount Valkyro Villa was a dream for all, a place barely reached by ordinary people. Spending two free days there seemed to open the gates of heaven for them. However, the crazy speculation among employees heightened the curiosity about the president. Soon, the question of whether the president would join them on the trip became a topic of debate. By the day, people were divided into two groups: one saying he would join, which was mostly women, and the other saying he wouldn't. Even among them, some were discussing whether his wife would accompany him or not! The employees created a forum for a $100 bet; whoever wins, the losing team will give the winning team members $100 each. I, on the other hand, was also thinking about Victor, but my thoughts were running a little wild, recalling images from this morning. Well, he was so... delicious to look at! How was it my fault? "Bella?" A voice interrupted my thoughts
BELLATRIX.... I blink. "Well... okay." I agree, of course. And hearing Assistant Luis, why do I feel that this isn't a coincidence anymore? A few gasps and murmurs ring in my ears, which I ignore gracefully. Those smirking faces from a while earlier turn gloomy. After it was decided, we all got our key cards, and Luis and Mathew escorted me to my room. Suddenly, they didn't turn to the rooms and walked straight into the private quarters. I clearly remembered this area because Dad had booked our rooms here! "Isn't this the private area?" I ask, feeling a little nervous. "Yes, ma'am," Luis replied. "The president has arranged a room for you in the private quarters." What? I gasp inwardly. "President Dubov did not want you to stay in an ordinary quarter," he added. Ordinary quarter? I feel dizzy. "Any room in Mount Valkyro is expensive; though the rooms given to other employees are far less than ordinary quarters, still... Isn't it going to make others suspicious if they find out
BELLATRIX.... The resort manager's words amplify excitement within the crowd. I take a glance at Victor and catch his eyes on me; immediately, I look away, my cheeks heating up. After lunch, all of us enjoyed the scenic beauty of the resort, capturing memories of a lifetime in such an outstanding place. I helped Logan take some photos while a part of me searched for Victor. However, he wasn’t anywhere to be seen, except for Mathew. He was here as the co-assistant, so his presence bothered no one. Soon, everyone decided to play different games. Although I'm not good with playfulness, Logan requested that I join. Honestly, after coming here, I realized how alone I was. If it weren't for Logan, I don't know with whom I would talk. I was chosen for a partner game, and unfortunately, Logan wasn't my partner, but a girl named Amber; she's from the Personal Relationships Department. At first, I was a little hesitant, but soon we bonded. Amber turns out to be an easygoing and playful cha
BELLATRIX.... "What are you doing?" I yank his hands away from me, glaring at him coldly. "Stay away from me!" I hiss at him. "Bella..." His lips quiver, and his eyes are full of disbelief and... What's that, disappointment? What the hell is he disappointed about? "Look, Neil, I'm letting this go for now, but do not try this stunt with me a second time." My voice is so harsh that I am even surprised. "Do not forget that I am a married woman now, and the man I married is your brother by relation." There is a strange flash in his eyes that I am not familiar with. Slowly, he frowns. "Brother? Who stole my bride? Yeah, of course." He scoffs. "Victor is nothing but trash, Bella. He is using you only for your family status. He is a pathetic orphan who has no power to save you at all." I raise my brow. "Seems you don't know yet, Mr. Ryder. I've cut all ties with my so-called family since the moment they chose Florence, and for your information, Victor has helped me throughout it. So, st