BELLATRIX... I was stunned, staring at my father, luckily I was over Neil... Or it would have stung so bad. "Did we have any other option except that?" Mom said, "the one who should actually care for the family abandoned us in the crucial time, and the other one sacrificed herself for the family... I truly regret not carrying Florence in my womb," she said distastefully. I truly wish that... At least it would have hurt less knowing she was preferred because of biological connection, which was clearly missing here. My gaze caught Florence, standing beside Neil. She was silent, but her face was bright and her lips twitching to a winning smirk... I give her that, she finally got her precious treasure, though I wasn't sure if her elation was for winning over me... Or getting engaged to Neil. It felt funny for some strange reason, and I gave a slow smile, "I'm glad..." The truth was I didn't know what else to say. It was quite obvious that they all were happy with Florence and wa
BELLATRIX... I was lost, my eyes widened with horror as I shook my head, my heart pounding violently under the blaming gazes of my parents. "Mom, Dad..." I muttered helplessly. "Shut up!" Mom scolded me, her face red with anger and disappointment, "Look what you've done! You spare us no face, Bellatrix! How could you stoop so low!?" My lips quivered. I wanted to deny all the blame and shout at the top of my lungs, but would it work at all? They seemed to believe what they believed. I pressed my lips together, tugging at the hem of my hospital gown under the comforter, hoping to vanish from this unfair world. My last shred of hope was torn today. I have no chance... More precisely, I never stood a chance in front of Florence. It seemed I cared for them far more than those who discarded me cared for me. Would it be different if I wasn't kidnapped fifteen years ago? It must be, after all, I am their biological daughter... If Grandpa and grandma were still alive, would they love me
BELLATRIX... She fainted all of a sudden? Was that even real... Or one of her tricks to blame me even more? Perhaps it was. Florence never let go of a chance to humiliate me and take attention over her. I laughed out in the empty room. She's such a good actor, someone please reward her with an Oscar! I waited for nearly ten minutes and realized no one's gonna leave her alone. Sigh... I got off the bed and changed my clothes before walking out of the hospital alone. The sun was shining brightly, and the weather was amazing, unlike my lonely heart that was gloomy 24/7. I hailed a cab and returned to the Villa. The atmosphere in the Villa wasn't positive either. Although I am the daughter of this family, anyone barely acknowledged my presence... I wasn't surprised as it wasn't new for me. I wondered if they would behave the same if Florence was here instead of me. That's silly, of course, they would have attended to her with smiling faces and respect. I paid no heed to them
BELLATRIX... My heart was racing as I glanced at the phone that laid on the rug__ the result of my rage, and continuously ringing with Neil's name flashing on the screen. Did he not understand my clearly stated words? Or... He was too conscious about Florence and carelessly ignored my denial. Either way, I'm the pig to be slaughtered again. His words resounded my head as fear enveloped me with one thought__ would they force me to be the donor? My heart shuddered__ No! This can not happen! Perhaps this was selfish of me, but why it has to be me every fucking time? They have money, they can search donor all around the country, yet they seemed to be obsessed with me! Slowly, I got off the bed and glanced at my phone, it stopped ringing. Thank the God, hopefully my words finally get into his head. I picked it up, tossing on the bed and headed toward the bathroom when my room door suddenly swing open, banging off the wall and bouncing it back and forth, revealing my terrified parents.
It took me a few moments to realise it was bright outside, I must have fallen asleep without realising. My stomach was aching from hunger and my head felt heavy. I stirred, only to groan, my body ached from the awkward position I had fallen asleep. Sigh... Taking help of the bed, I stood up, my legs were shaky. I turned around, catching glimpses of the tore paper on the floor as images of last night crawled within me. Bike rose in my throat as I shook my head, helplessly trying to jerk away those thoughts. I directly headed to the bathroom, locking the door behind. In front of the sink, I opened the tap, splashing water on my face, before I look up at myself in the mirror... My skin turned even more dull, eyes lost it's usual spark, dark circles settled under eye area... Over all, a broken woman with no values. It reminded me of my ten years out in the slum, life there was hard and full of struggles, but life here hurts even more. Was I wrong to return here? Was I wrong to think
VICTOR... "What?" I said icily, my cold gaze fixated on Luis, the news he bore raised a coil of anger within me. "Miss Valdez was kidnapped twenty minutes earlier and taken to the hospital." He paused for a brief second and frowned, "considering they had taken her to R.D hospital secretly, something seems off." Indeed it was, but that didn't concern me in front of the fact of her kidnapping... Once again. How did this girl manage to summon trouble upon her so soon? How much danger exactly is lurking around her? I tapped on the table frustratingly, why am I even bothered? I've far greater things to handle, but she seemed to consume my head the entire time! "Sir..." Luis's tone broke my thoughts, I looked up at him to find his blank gaze watching me with a touch of concern in them. "Inform the guards, we're getting her." I ordered firmly. Luis slowly nodded, he did not appear surprised, or he hid it too well, either way, it's annoying! ******* I walked out of my penthouse, and lo
VICTOR..."W-who?" anxiety swirling around him, as he stuttered. "You know who," I hissed. I've no time to play around. He flinched, trying to fight his nervousness before me, something he was failing at miserably, "I-I don't know w-what you're t-talking a-about!"Lie...A flare of anger rushed through me as I stepped forward, cornering him with my height, my cold eyes boring into him in deadly manner, "One last time, kid, where is she?""I-I d-don't...."My eyes blazed, and a restless growl left my lips as I grabbed the fool by his neck, "Where the f*ck is she?"He squeaked like the rat he is, his eyes widened and colors drained from his face, "I- S-she... B-Bella..."My pressure on his neck heightened as I pushed his boneless back against the wall, "Yes, Bella. Where is she?" I asked hoarsely, my blood was boiling now."Th-there..." He pointed at the door of the operation theatre, making me frown. My grip on his neck loosened as he lapsed aside, looking up at me with disdain, "Wh-
BELLATRIX... My eyes fly open with menacing laughters around me, heavy footsteps echoed in the room... The faces of jockers flashed before my eyes, their red eyes and vicious smiles resounding... They were dragging me by my leg, "Pl-please, don't kill me!" I screamed, my nails scratching the cold ground beneath me. Suddenly, I saw my parents; they were holding a girl's hand, she was smirking at me—Florence! "NO! Please don't leave me!" I struggled hard, yet I couldn't reach them. They were too far away from me. A pit of fire widened its mouth as they dragged me inside mercilessly... Suddenly, I felt myself being sucked away, and my eyes flew open. I bolted upright, hit by an abrupt brightness, the dark mist clearing before my eyes, making me realize I am in a room. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I scratched my temple. It was a nightmare... A nightmare I see every night that keeps growing with added things. "Are you alright?" A deep, seductive tone rang in my ears. My hea
ONE YEAR LATER.... BELLATRIX.... I stood in the bathroom, my body shivering, and drops of tears rolling down my cheeks... No, I'm not hurt; I'm emotional, and this feeling... It's beyond any joy and fear I could ever feel. I stared at the two pink lines on the pregnancy kit. Yes, I'm pregnant again. I sobbed loudly, and suddenly the door of the bathroom swung open, revealing my anxious husband, who was waiting outside. He rushed inside. "Wh-what is it?" He was worried and nervous too. I felt so weak and sat on the toilet seat, showing him the kit. One glance at it, and he froze. Slowly, he bent down beside me, watching the kit. He looked up at me, his eyes teary... "Is it a yes?" I nodded. "Y-es." I choked on my tears, smiling and crying at the same time. As soon as I confirmed my pregnancy to him, he dropped his head on my thigh and started crying. It was the same emotion for him. "We are... pregnant," he spoke between his tears, and I nodded. I hugged his head as we shed t
BELLATRIX.... I inhaled a deep breath before stepping inside the funeral home. I had avoided this topic after Victor informed me about her death two days ago. However, I came today for her funeral.Why? Well, I don't even know myself.I felt nothing for her anymore. The tie I had with her was brutally severed. Still, I wanted to see her, which was pretty surprising for me too.As usual, Victor accompanied me.Stepping inside, I walked toward her coffin. I saw her daughter, Florence, was there too, with police officers guarding her.The mother and daughter had both been sentenced to fourteen years of imprisonment.Seeing me, she tried hard to rush to me, but the officers did not let her. She glared at me hatefully. I knew that if she got a chance now, she would kill me. Well, unfortunate for her, I am not available for that.She was dragged away by the officers as I ignored her and looked at Rebecca's coffin. Her face was pale and slightly bluish. There was no charm on her face anymor
VICTOR.... Life wasn't the same after the truth was revealed. My always-smiling little bird isn't the same anymore... She smiles, but the pure charm she had is no longer in her.It's been a couple of months since all the miseries, cruel truths, and heartbreaks, and Bella was the one hurt the most during that time, which changed her a lot.After returning home and seeing her mother that day, she only asked me two things: 1. To give Lucia's mother a standard life.She did not want that lady to suffer because of what her daughter did. Her mother did not know about Lucia's crime, and when she learned, she cried and asked for forgiveness again and again. She did not ask to free her daughter, though. Perhaps she too realized the severity of her daughter's actions.And 2. Bella demanded to keep Florence and Rebecca separate and never let them know about each other. She wanted Rebecca to suffer, which I obliged gladly. After that day, she did not speak about them, nor about her biological m
BELLATRIX.... The revelation was hard, yet nothing is harder than losing a child. Perhaps because I have digested the shock of losing my child, I did not react harshly toward the unsaid truth.This taught me one truth, though. Now I know why my father used to be the one caring for me. Now I know why he wanted to see me on his deathbed and not Florence, because I was his biological daughter. I do not justify his actions, though; I never will..."Baby, we are here," Victor said to me, breaking my thoughts.I turned to him in a daze. "Huh?""We have reached here," he said again.I looked out of the car window. We are at the same investigation center. Our chauffeur opened the door, and we stepped out of the car."They are here?" I asked as my husband held my hand."Hmm. They have been brought for investigation..." He turned to me. "Are you sure you want to see them?" I squeezed his hand, locking our gazes. "Don't worry, I am fine... My mother taught me to face the hardest phases of life
BELLATRIX.... Is he joking? That's the first line that came into my head. I sharply looked at his face; there was no trace of humor there; instead, worry and fear lingered on his features.My heart twisted strangely... That means he did not lie.When I said nothing, he touched my face. "Baby, calm down. What I am about to tell you won't be easy."I swallowed hard. At this point, I am numb, but I want to know. "O-kay..." I replied breathlessly."Bella, Mrs. Valdez is not your biological mother. She did not give birth to you. But... Mr. Valdez is your biological father," he said, dropping another bomb over my head.My mouth agape, my gaze blankly watched him.He sighed, caressing my neck. "It does not end here, Bella. There are many more. Do you want me to continue? Or do you want to see for yourself?" He gestured at the file. I once glanced at it and gulped hard again. The idea of my life being imprinted in that file did not please me; in fact, it was scarier. I shook my head, "No, y
BELLATRIX.... "The person who wanted to kill you is your mother."As soon as those words left her tongue, I fell backward. The door of the room swung open at the same time as I heard hasty footsteps getting closer to me, and before I realized it, I was caught back in a pair of strong and familiar arms.I stared at her, dumbfounded. When she said that, I would never have imagined 'the person' she referred to; she did not lie. I would have never envisioned this, even in my nightmares!"What?" I asked, breathless."I did not lie," she muttered, hugging her knees. "She and her daughter threatened me that if I failed to kill you, they would hurt my mother... And now, I have failed," she sobbed.I don't know whether I should be happy about the fact that she told me or go into shock again; I have no fucking idea.I was in a daze when I was pulled back by my husband. He had already picked me up in his arms and started walking out, muttering, "I shouldn't have let you in here alone. Fuck!"Wa
BELLATRIX.... I look up at my husband, to whom I could not look since yesterday. How can I even look at him after breaking his dream like that? I have failed him, failed myself, and most importantly, I have failed as a mother.I could not protect my child. I trusted the wrong person, and now... my heart clenches at the reminder of that moment. Exactly right here, it happened.Victor stared at me; his beautiful green eyes held many emotions."Will you take me?" I ask again, hoping that he'll take me to her. Though I am not sure if she is alive or not.He raised his hand and touched my cheeks, slowly caressing them with his thumb. "Of course, whatever you wish."He took me out, and we sat in our car. Lucia was kept in an interrogation cell with high security. Of course, Victor used his power here, and none can blame him for that. She's the killer of our unborn baby. However, surprisingly, she is still alive but beaten very badly. She was arrested and sent to the interrogation room, wi
VICTOR.... "Open your mouth." Stella held a slice of apple in front of Bella's mouth. Slowly, without a word, she took the slice and chewed on it.I was watching her, standing on the other side of the hospital room. I was on a call, yet my focus was on my wife.Twenty-four hours had passed since she came out of that nightmare, still in a daze but much better than before. However, after she woke up and cried, she did not speak in the last twenty-four hours, as if she had lost her voice.Doctors said that it's due to the aftershock, but soon she would be fine. The main danger is gone; it's now upon her adaptability. We must be patient and give her enough time to adjust.Feeling frustrated, I turned around and left the room. It's hard to see her this way; I just can't.I walked out into the huge garden of the hospital, where the patients were walking, some maybe talking with their family members. I chose a quiet place and sat on a bench.I rubbed my face. I am not quite sure how to hand
BELLATRIX.... "Mommy." I heard a baby voice ringing in my ear. I looked around; where is she? I don't see anyone. "Mommy, don't you see me?" Her voice was soft. "No, where are you?" I shouted. "Mommy, please, come to me." She said again as I started running nowhere. "Where are you?" I screamed. Suddenly, I found myself on the stairs. In front of me was... "Lucia!" Her eyes were evil. She stepped toward me. "I'm sorry," she said, and then pushed me. "No!" My voice echoed in the hollow. My eyes flew open, and a heavy breath escaped me as I was greeted by a pure white ceiling. Wh-where am I? Am I stuck in nowhere? Am I dead? I was confused. I looked around. Everything around me was either white or off-white. There was a monitor beside the bed, beeping continuously, and a wire attached to the back of my hand. It took me a while to realize my surroundings. I am in the hospital. I look around again; I am alone in the room. How did I end up here? I tried to recall, and some vag