BENTLEY'S POV"I know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "But in her pain, she needed someone to blame, someone to lash out at. And I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the woman's accusations hanging heavy between us."I'm sorry you had to go through that," Enzo said softly, his voice a soothing balm to my wounded soul."Thank you," I replied, a tear slipping down my cheek. "It was one of the darkest moments of my life, but it also taught me the power of empathy and forgiveness."Enzo reached out, his hand finding mine in a gesture of solidarity. "You're stronger than you know, Bentley. And you have a heart of gold."As I recounted the chaotic scene to Enzo, a mischievous glint danced in my eyes as I embellished the tale with a touch of humor."So there I was, dodging punches left and right like a prizefighter in the ring," I said, mimicking the exaggerated bobbing and weaving of a boxer. "But let me tell you
BENTLEY'S POVAs the laughter subsided and a moment of clarity washed over me, a nagging thought crept into my mind like a whisper of unease. Something didn't quite add up. Enzo's presence here, away from his duties as my best friend Accalia's bodyguard, felt too coincidental to be mere chance."Enzo," I began, my voice laced with concern, "is everything okay with Accalia and her husband?"Enzo's demeanor shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features before he regained his composure. But his avoidance of my gaze spoke volumes, a telltale sign that all was not as it seemed."Of course, Bentley," he replied, his voice steady but lacking the usual conviction. "Everything is fine. Accalia and her husband are doing well."I studied his face intently, searching for any hint of deception. But Enzo was a master of his craft, his expression a mask of professionalism and stoicism."Are you sure?" I pressed, unable to shake the feeling of doubt gnawing at the edges of my m
BENTLEY'S POVEnzo's words hung heavy in the air, a suffocating blanket of despair that threatened to crush me beneath its weight."We lost communication with them," he explained, his voice barely above a whisper. "They were on their way to Seychelles, but...somewhere over the ocean, we lost them."The words hit me like a physical blow, knocking the breath from my lungs and leaving me reeling with disbelief. Accalia and her husband, lost at sea—how could such a tragedy be possible?Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision as the full weight of the news settled over me like a suffocating fog. "No," I whispered, the word barely a breath as it escaped my lips. "It can't be true."Enzo reached out, his hand hovering uncertainly over mine, as if unsure of how to offer comfort in the face of such devastation. "I'm so sorry, Bentley," he said, his voice thick with sorrow. "We're doing everything we can to find them, but...it's been hours, and there's been no sign of them."I shook my head
BENTLEY'S POV"I can't... I can't believe this," I murmured, tears streaming down my cheeks unchecked. "They were supposed to be on vacation, enjoying their time together. How could this happen?"Enzo's grip on my hand tightened, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't know, Bentley. I don't know."Tears blurred my vision as grief engulfed me, consuming every fiber of my being. Enzo's comforting presence was the only anchor keeping me tethered to reality amidst the storm of emotions raging inside me.But just as I felt the first tendrils of despair begin to loosen their grip, a sudden commotion shattered the fragile peace of the café. I looked up through tear-streaked eyes to see a woman—Max's mom, Clarissa—storming into the café with an air of righteous indignation.Before I could even process what was happening, she was standing before me, her expression twisted with anger and contempt. Without a word, she reached out and snatched my untouched latte from the table, her m
BENTLEY'S POVTears welled up in my eyes, a tidal wave of emotions crashing over me with relentless force. "Why do you hate Accalia so much?" I cried, the anguish in my voice echoing through the café. "She's done nothing but try to be a good daughter to you."Clarissa's face contorted with rage, her hand raised as if to strike me. But before she could make contact, her hand was suddenly held back by an unseen force.I turned, my heart pounding in my chest, to see a shadowy figure looming behind Clarissa, his presence both comforting and intimidating in equal measure. Who was this mysterious savior, and what did he want?The tension in the air was palpable as Clarissa struggled against the unseen restraint, her eyes blazing with fury. "Let go of me!" she spat, her voice a venomous hiss.“Luca!???”As Enzo's voice rang out in surprise, I turned to see the figure step forward, revealing himself to be none other than Luca—another one of Accalia's bodyguards. My heart skipped a beat at the
BENTLEY'S POVI felt a surge of anger rise up within me, but before I could retort, Clarissa was already spewing forth a barrage of hurtful remarks, each one more cutting than the last. "You're nothing but a cheap, desperate woman," she sneered, her words laced with venom. "And to think I once considered you worthy of my son's affection. How laughable."Enzo shot me a sympathetic glance, his eyes mirroring the mix of frustration and amusement that churned within me. "Don't listen to her, Bentley," he said, his voice a soothing balm amidst the storm of insults. "She's not worth your time."But Clarissa was already making her exit, her laughter echoing in the wake of her departure like a haunting melody. "Enjoy your life of mediocrity, Bentley," she called over her shoulder, her tone filled with scorn. "I'm sure it suits you perfectly."I seethed with rage as Clarissa disappeared from view, leaving me behind with a cold, indifferent bodyguard and an amused, mischievous Enzo."Well, that
BENTLEY'S POVI suppressed a giggle at Enzo's antics, watching with amusement as Luca's expression darkened with irritation. "Very funny, Enzo," he retorted, his sarcasm dripping like honey. "I think I'll pass on the whole fatherhood thing, thanks."Enzo chuckled, undeterred by Luca's icy demeanor. "Oh, come on, Luca, where's your sense of adventure?" he teased, nudging him playfully. "Besides, I hear parenthood does wonders for your sleep schedule."I joined in with a laugh, the tension of the earlier confrontation dissipating in the face of Enzo's infectious humor. Despite Luca's best efforts to maintain his stoic facade, even he couldn't resist the lure of camaraderie and laughter.Enzo grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Great! Let's celebrate Bentley's impending motherhood with a round of drinks," he exclaimed, his tone playful.I rolled my eyes at Enzo's antics, but couldn't suppress a smile at his infectious enthusiasm. "Yeah, because nothing says celebration like morn
BENTLEY'S POV"Well, you see, we met again the second time," I began, my voice dripping with faux sincerity, "it all started one fateful night at the bar."Luca nodded, playing along with practiced ease. "I stumbled in after a long day of guarding Accalia and her husband, seeking refuge from the chaos of the world," he added, his voice tinged with melodrama."And there I was," I continued, gesturing dramatically, "behind the bar, mixing drinks and stealing hearts with my irresistible charm."Enzo leaned in, hanging on our every word. "And then what happened?" he prompted, his eyes wide with anticipation."Sparks flew," Luca declared, his tone solemn. "We locked eyes across the crowded room, and in that moment, we knew—we were destined to be together."I nodded emphatically, adding, "It was like something out of a romance novel. We danced, we laughed, we fell in love under the twinkling lights of the bar."Enzo's eyes widened in disbelief, but he was clearly enraptured by our tale of w