As Julius stumbled towards Bella's room, his steps unsteady from the effects of the alcohol, the two-night staff at his mansion approached him cautiously. They had been warned by Damian about their boss's inebriated state. "Step aside!" Julius slurred, waving them off as he pushed past. The staff stayed close, ready to assist if he stumbled, but Julius managed to maintain his balance. Reaching Bella's door, Julius paused, his hand hovering over the handle. With a sudden decision, he pushed the door open and entered without knocking. It was late, but he needed to see her. Inside, Bella lay on her side, her breathing steady. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow over her peaceful form. Julius approached her bed quietly, his movements slow and deliberate. Gently, he sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to touch her shoulder. "Bella," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. Bella stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She was surprised to see Julius beside her, h
Bella's eyes lingered on Jullius' firmly clinched fists, the tendons straining against his skin and the veins standing out in startling contrast. She could feel the tempest of emotions boiling within him, as well as his efforts to keep them under control."You don't have to tell me if it's too much," Bella whispered, her voice a gentle reassurance."I'm not angry, Jullius. I understand," she continued, her tone soft and understanding, conveying a depth of empathy that surprised Jullius. It was a side of Bella he had never seen before, and it gave him a newfound sense of comfort and strength.Jullius squeezed Bella's hand tightly, seeking solace in her presence. "I've tried to bury this deep inside. I don't want to remember.""Then don't," Bella suggested, her voice a soothing melody.But Jullius shook his head, determination flickering in his eyes. "I want you to know."Although Bella hadn't revealed that she already knew from Damian, she remained silent, giving Jullius the space to s
Jullius tried to open his eyes. His whole body felt incredibly sore. Jullius still couldn't remember what had happened. He was still in denial. But, the bad memories couldn't be erased, whether he liked it or not. The memories came flooding back to him, creating furrows on his forehead, fear clearly visible on his face.“No, father!” he murmured, still with his eyes closed, as if he were dreaming.“No, Mother!” His head moved from side to side quickly, a sign of his distress.“BROTHER! NO! DON'T LEAVE ME!”His eyes shot open wide, and Jullius immediately sat up. His hand jerked, causing the infusion needle stuck in his wrist to come out forcefully. It was so rough that blood began to flow from the needle mark, staining the thin sheet covering his body and seeping into the mattress beneath him.However, Jullius didn't feel the pain. He didn't care. The nightmare was what truly terrified him. His breathing was rapid, his pupils dilated in tandem with the growing fear inside him. His for
Ace Maverick completely ignored the insults from what he considered lowly people. He could still hear their words, though.“Tch.” That was his only response.He glanced at the watch on his wrist. “Damn it. I've wasted too much time here. All because of that disrespectful kid!” He blamed Jullius for running away.Jullius was the only survivor of an accident he caused. He was drunk at the time, not to mention he was receiving a service from his mistress in the car. His focus was completely lost, causing chaos and sending the car carrying Jullius and his family tumbling into a ravine.He could have run away and not taken responsibility. But unfortunately, there were CCTV cameras on every street corner recording everything. He had also gotten out of the car, along with his mistress.He was the owner of the largest company dominating European trade. His company's name was on the rise, currently at its peak. If this bad news were to reach the public, his company's reputation would be tarnis
Julius thought he would be happy after being adopted by Ace Maverick. At first, he was treated quite politely. There was no excessive treatment, but he was also not treated roughly.Julius was served well. He was also respected by the workers there. And Julius also began to bond with his little sibling. His affection for the sibling began to grow. He treated his siblings like his own.His presence healed the pain of losing his older sibling. Although only his younger sibling could heal it. Because the others couldn't. Ace Maverick himself couldn't replace his father figure. The man was so cold, he didn't care at all. The title of a child given was just a title.It has been a year since then. Julius, who was ten years old at the time, saw something he shouldn't have seen.At that time, it was midnight. Julius couldn't sleep, he often suffered from insomnia. His sleep schedule had never been the same since his family passed away. Little Julius was very curious about something he had nev
"I know my husband has the disorder," his foster mother sighed, her eyes clouded with resignation. "That's why I wasn't angry when he hired commercial sex workers to fulfill his demonic desires."From the expression on her face and the look in her eyes, it seemed to indicate that she was actually saddened by the fact. But she tried to remain strong.Ace stepped closer to Jullius. Jullius reflexively recoiled. For some reason, he was very afraid. He never expected the Maverick family to be mentally ill. Only his adoptive younger brother wasn't crazy.Ace took out a cigarette, lit it, and placed it on Jullius's lips. Jullius tried to refuse, but Ace gave him a fierce look. "Smoke it!" he commanded.The aura of dominance emanated strongly from his adoptive father. Not wanting to be argued with, Jullius reluctantly obeyed. He coughed violently after inhaling the cigarette.“COUGH! COUGH!”Jullius had never smoked before, so he choked on the smoke. It was really uncomfortable.“COUGH! COUG
"Following Jullius's command, Bella woke Jullius up early in the morning. It was only six o'clock, but Bella had already woken him up. Her slender fingers caressed his cheek gently. From this close distance, Bella could see Julius's face in more detail.'His eyelashes are even thicker and more curly than mine,' she whispered softly. Bella could only smile. Because last night, Bella felt closer and more comfortable with Jullius. Likewise, for him, it seemed that the giant wall that had previously blocked them had completely collapsed."Jullius," she called. Her voice was so soft, and with just one call, Jullius woke up. He furrowed his brow, grumbling softly. His head really felt dizzy."This must be because you drank too much alcohol. Wait a minute." Bella pushed away Jullius's hand, which was still faithfully resting on her hip."Where to?" Jullius asked. His eyes closed again. It seemed that Jullius was still sleepy."I'm going to make you a hangover," Bella said.But Jullius reject
“Let's go shopping. Buy whatever you want. Don't worry about the price. Don't act like a poor person,” Julius said. They were now in the car. Unlike usual, Julius, who was always the one being driven, was now the one driving.His offer felt like a gesture, perhaps even a date, prompting a mix of emotions within her.Looking at Julius, Bella couldn't help but feel a bit strange. “I'm not your sugar baby,” she stated firmly.Julius snorted, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Oh, really?” he countered, his gaze challenging her.Bella hesitated, unsure how to respond. Her heart raced, fearing Julius's reaction. She didn't want him to think she was flustered, even though she was.Julius bit his lip, holding back the beautiful curve from forming on his face.“I'm serious. You can buy anything you want,” Julius said. But there was no response.There was a long silence between them until Julius spoke again. “Bella,” he called. This time, his tone was very serious. So Bella immediately looked a
Iris still had her back to them, deep in thought. “The sky is so beau—“Her words were cut off when she saw Julius pointing the gun at her.THUMP!It felt as if her heart stopped beating at that moment. Her face went pale, her hands trembled. Silence hung in the air until Julius spoke."Where is my wife?" he asked, his gaze piercing, his eyebrows furrowed sharply, giving Iris a deathly glare.“W-what did you say?” Her voice trembled, both hands clenched at her sides.‘What is this?! D-do they already know?! B-but since when?! D-damn it!’ But Iris refused to admit it. She insisted she was Bella.“You fucking bitch. Where are you hiding my wife?! Say it now, or I’ll fucking shoot you!” Julius wasn't joking about what he said.“Darling, what are you talking about? I’m your wife,” Iris replied, trying to stay calm amidst the chaos.BANG!Iris peed herself involuntarily at the sound of the gunshot. She could even feel the sting on her cheek. She touched her cheek and saw blood.Thud!Her le
"Take her phone!" he ordered the female criminal he had hired. Bella's phone was taken, while Tomy sent a message to Iris that it was now her turn. Soon after, he saw Iris walking towards the car. She got inside."Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Change into Bella's clothes and get back to class before her two bodyguards realize she's missing!" Tomy ordered.Iris nodded. She took off all of Bella's outer clothes and put them on. Meanwhile, she dressed Bella in her own clothes.Tomy handed over Bella's phone. "Jullius has placed a GPS in it so that Bella can always be tracked. That's why you need to get back to the class she was attending quickly! Don't let them get suspicious! Act as naturally as possible. Understand?!""Yes! Understood." Iris got out of the car and followed her father's orders. Meanwhile, Tomy stared at the still-unconscious Bella."Oh, Bella. Don't blame me for having to do this to you. You, all of you, asked for this," he smirked menacingly.***"Damn it! We should go back! Mi
“This is the plan. Iris, I remind you once again. You must not mess up,” said Tomy. On the laptop, there were so many videos. All of them were about Arabella. Every activity of hers that was recorded.“You have to act like this b*tch,” Tomy continued.Iris played one of the videos. It was so disgusting, she felt like vomiting just looking at this person. But she endured.“Study all her expressions. When she's sad, happy, disappointed. Her voice. You have to learn everything. We will not start our plan until you master it,” he said.Iris looked at her father with a sharp and serious gaze. “I understand, Father,” she answered. Tomy nodded in response.“Good. Because it will be such a waste of time. Your physical appearance is already 95% like Bella’s. Even the scars from her surgeries.” Tomy, of course, got detailed information about Bella's body from his trusted people.Iris nodded. “Give me some more time. I will master it,” Iris said, full of determination.***"Jullius had been look
He walked closer to Bella, putting the dark red box back into his pants pocket. Click. Bella's body turned, her smile appearing when her lover came into view. "Love," she called, walking closer to him and hugging him tightly. "I missed you so much," Bella expressed. The couple had become more romantic since they reconciled at the hospital. Julius was silent, not saying anything, which made Bella a bit puzzled, but she didn't want to overthink it. "What's wrong? Your face looks a bit pale. Are you having a relapse?" Bella asked, her forehead creased, lips slightly pursed, and eyes narrowing. "I told you it's better if you stay home. Don't go anywhere. See? Your illness must be acting up again," she scolded Julius. Julius knew Bella probably still wanted to scold him, but to stop her from continuing, even though he loved every bit of her chatter, he suddenly knelt on one knee, took out the maroon box, and opened it in front of Bella. On top of the box was a small light illuminating
Julius blinked hard, trying with all his might. He could feel the soft yet firm grip on his hand. He knew it was Bella’s hand.“Love, I’m here.” Her voice was like a melodious tune. His heart beat faster as he heard Bella call him "love," and it was recorded on the monitor.Everyone immediately saw Julius’s heartbeat quicken.“Is my boyfriend okay, doctor?” Bella asked again. The worry never left her. She repeatedly glanced at the doctor and then at the monitor.The doctor checked Julius’s condition. The doctor nodded. “Mr. Maverick's condition has improved. This is a good sign because he has regained consciousness,” he said.“But his heartbeat—“ Bella didn’t finish her sentence because something surprised her.“Love? Did you just call me love?” His voice was barely audible, almost like a whisper! But Bella heard it very clearly.Bella stared wide-eyed. “J-Julius? Did you just speak?” Bella asked, confirming. Julius’s eyes were still closed. His face looked blank, but then Bella saw t
Damian and Bella waited anxiously for hours outside the operating room. Damian appeared calmer, while Bella looked very weak. Her face was so pale, and she had been biting her lower lip until it was bleeding. Their fingers intertwined.Click. They both immediately turned their gaze to the open door. The doctor and nurse came out.Bella and Damian quickly stood up and approached the doctor. "How is he, doctor? How is my boyfriend?" Bella asked hurriedly, interrogating the doctor.The doctor looked exhausted, evident from the beads of sweat on his face.Bella is becoming more worried, especially since the doctor's face didn't look happy. Her heart was pounding irregularly.'Has the surgery failed?' That's all that was going through Bella's mind now."The surgery went smoothly," the doctor finally said.Bella and Damian breathed a sigh of relief."Thank goodness," they both said simultaneously."But--"They immediately tensed up again. Their hair stood on end. Bella clenched her fists t
Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz...The ringing of his cell phone, which was right next to his head leaning on the table, woke Jullius up. Jullius blinked his eyes."Fuck." He cursed, his head was pounding! It felt like it was about to explode! His fingers massaged the bridge of his nose to ease the damn headache."What?!" he picked up the call without looking at who was calling."Master, where are you? It's almost 3 in the morning, and you haven't come home yet."Damian was worried. He already knew that today was the day Jullius planned to pick up Bella again. But until dawn, his master hadn't returned. Damian was worried something had happened to them.Jullius stood up, taking his jacket that was hanging on the chair. Without answering, he unilaterally turned off his phone and got back into his car. Several times he hit people and objects because his driving was staggering.Jullius tried to stay conscious. His face leaned on the steering wheel, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. He was h
"JULLIUS! STOP, I SAID!" Bella screamed, but Jullius ignored her. Bella knew his demeanor; Jullius wouldn’t stop until his opponent passed out or even dead! And Bella would not let that happen!Bella desperately grabbed Jullius’s shirt, which was untucked, with all her strength. And yes! She succeeded! But Bella had to stumble first, almost falling if Jullius hadn’t noticed and caught her.Thud!Jullius pulled Bella’s body until she was drawn into his embrace.“Aaaa!” Bella tightly shut her eyes. Her forehead creased, and her hands clenched in front of her chest.‘This scent.’It was the scent of Jullius's cologne, and she smelled it very clearly. Her eyes flew open, realizing something, and she pushed his body away.Her eyebrows nearly met, her teeth clenched with her mouth tightly closed. There was no gentleness in her gaze."Don't you ever dare touch me again," Bella said with emphasis. Hatred was clearly depicted in her eyes.Jullius's heart sank at those words. The flat expressio
"I've told you that what that woman does is no longer my concern," said Julius, his grip on Damian's collar tightening as he pulled him closer, allowing Damian to see the veins popping on his forehead."But you love her, sir." Damian was serious, stating that he didn't care if he had to defy Julius to make Julius and Bella reunite.Julius's jaw clenched, unable to contain his emotions any longer as he struck Damian forcefully.THUD! THUD! THUD!Damian did not fight back, letting his master unleash all his emotions on him, even the sadness Damian could see in Julius's eyes.Not just once or twice, Julius hit Damian repeatedly until Damian's lip tore and blood flowed.Julius's breathing was rapid. "You're talking shit. I don't care anymore about her," he said, in denial.Damian snorted, rising while wiping the blood from the corner of his lip. "So, have you now turned into a coward?" Damian looked challenging in his gaze.Julius's narrowed eyes, this was the first time he had seen Damia