Chapter Thirty TwoEliana's Pov The rays of sun pierced through my eye lids and into my brain causing a sharp pain to return to my eye, all resulting in a mild concussion.Damn is this how hangovers feel? I always forget. God, I'm never drinking again.A groan escaped my lips as I got up suddenly, the pounding in my head increasing tenfold. I opened my eyes and almost got blinded by the light coming from my verandah. What an eyesore. Literally. I stretched my arms and legs, feeling the soreness from last night's dancing. Memories of the party flooded my mind, the laughter, the music, the drinks, and then...nothing.Wait, what happened last night?I stumbled towards the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, memories of the night started to come back to me.Oh, right. I got drunk and made a fool of myself in front of everyone. I took my brush, placing some paste on it and starting at my reflection in the mirror.The hangover w
Eliana's Pov Through out the car ride, there was silence. Noah didn't try to strike up a conversation and neither did I. Not much was on my mind, but the silence was strangely comforting. Also watching Noah was comforting. The clenching of his jaw, the bulging of his veins in his hand on the steering wheel. It was hypnotic.He wore his shades so I was blocked from seeing his eyes. He had not a smile on his face nor a frown. Just his usual stoic expression. I tried to imagine how he would have been without the riches and without the popularity and also without the weight on his shoulders.Would he have been able to breath better?My broken phone beeped and both our attentions went to it. I couldn't really remember how it got broken. It was barely usable with ink covering most parts of the screen. It was getting old anyway.Noah turned the next U turn abruptly, going back the way we came."Wait where are we going?" I asked.He didn't reply, just kept his eyes on the road. Annoyance f
Chapter Thirty-FourNoah's povI watched her strut towards the booth, her hips swaying with each step she took, enchanting we mere mortals with her ethereal body that shone no matter what she wore.It has been no easy task to keep my eyes off her, especially the span of skin exposed after her crop top. Her cargo pants hung a bit low on her beautifully carved waist designed by God himself, or it was the devil who carved it, a waist like that was made for destruction.My destruction. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't get it out of my head. Both her waist and her.The sound of her laughter played on repeat in my mind, its similarity to a broken music player stuck on the same melody glaring.Her sweet strawberry scent, better than any cigarette or tobacco I've had the luxury of taking and more soothing than any hard drug. If I could extract her scent and turn it into a brand of cigarette, I would. Of course I won't sell it. It was mine.I planned on only being married to her for a y
Chapter Thirty-FiveNoah's Pov Eliana threw the dart on the board, trying to aim for the center or even a close part blindfolded, while I stood and watched her fail continuously for ten minutes now.She didn't want to accept the ugly reality of her defeat, and she didn't want to admit she lost to me. We each picked a booth to play, and so far I've won three while she has won two. Now she doesn't want to give up because she has to prove she's better than me at everything, apart being an asshole.Now she knows no one is better than me in everything. "Come on, Eliana. Give up. You'd win the next game. " I said, sipping on a cup of pineapple juice.She removed her blindfold and glared at me, her eyes full of fire."No way, Noah. I'm not giving up just yet. I know I can do this." She picked up another dart and got back into position, her blindfold back on and her focus solely on the board, well, as much as you can focus blindfolded.The line waiting for her seemed to get angrier after
Eliana's Pov The funfair felt like ages ago when in reality it was just few days ago. After we had lunch, we played more games, giving the rewards to the kids that didn't have any. The fundraiser was a success. Apart from the kids having more fun than they have in a long time, a lot of money was gotten from games and snacks. The profit went to the orphanage as promised and the matrons were so happy.Noah put a lot of smiles on everyone's faces that day, including mine. I didn't expect him to be so caring to strangers especially little kids. Also didn't expect him to care when I told him about my panda growing up. I exempt the exact opposite, for him not to care and to just belittle me, but he didn't. He actually won it for me. Remembering that day always made me feel so giddy. I felt for once I was seen, heard and understood. I was happy, happier than ever.After that day, he was busier than ever, only coming home after eleven in the midnight. He always came back stressed and tire
Chapter Thirty-SevenNoah's Pov I woke up around one am, my head feeling heavy but a lot better than I was yesterday. I rubbed my eyes and let out a quiet yawn, not wanting to wake up the beauty beside me. I drew her closer to my chest and involuntarily a smile appeared on my lips. She was fast asleep, her eyes firm shot and her lips slightly parted, making way for her soft snores. I've been fighting this, but what if I stopped fighting? Is this how it would be like? Waking up to the most beautiful sight every morning and sleeping after the last sight I see is her beautiful face. Looking at her, I felt the urge not only to take her but to protect her and make her happy. To see those empty eyes shine like they did once in a while. To hear the beautiful sound of her laughter soothe my soul like a waterfall.I brushed a strand of her hair out of her face and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling her stir slightly in her sleep. She snuggled closer to me, and I wrap
Chapter thirty eightEliana’s POVAn engagement party in the Adler’s house meant a big party, something close to being called a modern ball. There was an exclusive guest list, a list of acceptable colours of dresses and mode of dressing, a gown for ladies and suit for men, and Lucy, Noah’s mother, made sure the preparations went according to plan. There I was, enjoying a lovely brunch with noah when I received her call about there being an emergency at the house. We ran there like we were on fire just to be roped into dress picking and who is who flashcards.Half of the people I was forced to know their names had so much money it could buy me and then a small island. That's how rich they were.The designer taking my measurements right now was one of the most expensive designers in the city, and I felt so out of place as she pinned fabric on my body and gave suggestions on the cut and style, which her assistant drew on her sketchpad hurriedly immediately I agreed to it. It was overwhe
Chapter Thirty-NineNoah's Pov The past few days have been, well, shit. The preparations for the engagement party coupled with Eliana's mum's accident and our fight, if you could call it that. I think she was just saying the things that might have kept her awake at night. How I was the cause of everything that went wrong in her life after she met me that night.It hurt, to say the least, that she could blame me for things I did with her in mind. Her stupid father plotted with her mother to sell her out, not me. But I was the one getting blamed for it.If I could go back in time and change anything, I wouldn't. We haven't spent long being whatever we were, but I loved those days with her, I just feel it was just a game to her. To put me down to my lowest then hurt me. This is why you didn't want to have anything to do with her in the first place.My subconscious was right. Feelings were a weakness I couldn't afford. And now I've learnt my lesson.I hurried past her room, not wanting
Chapter 26AlexNoah didn't take it well. As expected. He even broke my nose and jaw because of it.I understood. Not only did I break his trust by fucking his sister who I swore to protect, I didn't tell him when it started. Thankfully, Eliana was there to calm him down or else I wouldn't have had a face anymore.Things were stiff between us the first few days, then he accepted it. Said he couldn't have trusted anyone else to be with his sister if not me.Things were perfect between Bella and I. Linda reached out to Bella, and made her not only an ambassador but the manager of a new division that was opening here in the city.Bella was excited. She flopped the first meeting, but Linda said basically what Laura of Pearls said. Bella was self dependent, and that's what truly mattered. I on the other hand never felt happier. She was all that mattered to me and being with her has made everyday of my life better than the last. We had crazy sex, every orgasm better than the last.I loved h
Bella's Pov Alex smiled at me, his thumb cleaning off the lone tear that escaped my eye. "I said I love you, Bella."Say something! My brain screamed at me and I recovered from the shock. "Why?" I asked, whispering, afraid that the moment might end if I was too loud.He chuckled softly, "Why? You are perfect. Compassionate and beautiful. You light up a room with your presence. A perfect example of beauty and brains. I could go and on, but those wouldn't still explain why I have fallen in love with you.""But I'm impulsive and inconsiderate. We haven't known eachother for long…""You aren't impulsive and inconsiderate. You are passionate and driven. The things you see as faults, aren't faults at all. And we haven't known each other for long, but it feels like I've known you forever.""But, but…" I stammered but he placed a finger on my lips, shutting me up. "But nothing, Bella. If you don't feel this way, it's okay. I just want you to know that, my heart's yours, even if you don't wa
Chapter 24BellaNoah was shocked when I asked him to replace my guard. He wanted to know what happened, but I wasn't giving him any explanation. I didn't want to think about anything. I immersed myself into my work, creating more content for the brands I worked with and spent the other days drinking. I didn't want to leave my home. I didn't want to stumble on Alex.That night felt like a bad dream. I hated myself for believing Antonia. Even Fiona didn't want me there.I should have maintained my pride. I should have walked away when the drinks poured on me. I should have never made that deal. Maybe, just maybe…I brushed that thought away, taking a gulp of my wine. I didn't want to feel anymore. I didn't want to regret anything anymore.Maybe I should have listened to Alex. Maybe I shouldn't have said those words. Maybe I shouldn't have let my lack of judgement and frustration coupled with jealousy get into my head.I hated Antonia. And seeing her wrapped around him with her lips on
Chapter 23Alex's POV"You know I can see through you, right?" I said with a smile as Antonia spoke about how hard it was to be related to a legend.She gasped, placing a hand on her chest, "What do you mean Alex?"I chuckled, playing with my dinner knife, "I know you have a plan to ruin things for Bella."Her eyes widened and she laughed, hard. "I knew there was a reason I liked you."I chuckled, "I see through snakes like you. Now, it would be wise if you stop whatever you are planning. "Bella came, her eyes emotionless as she saw Antonia giggle. She was going to take it the wrong way. But did she even care? Did she care enough to lose sweat over whatever I do? She was so driven by her career, I loved that about her. But she was willing to ruin what we had for something that was obviously a trap. She didn't care if after this, I would keep my distance far away from her.It didn't matter to her, all that mattered was this opportunity to meet her idol and become an ambassador for th
Chapter 22Bella.The trip back home was the worst. Alex and I still didn't talk to each other. That continued even after we got home. We barely spoke when I wanted to go out, and I only went out once. The week was the worst as I planned on how I would style my dress for the wedding at the end of the week.I tried to distract myself by meeting up with Eliana after my brother rudely asked for me to help her get ready for their date. He looked suspiciously happy, and I was happy for him.She wasn't in a good stare because of what went on with Oliver, but by the time we partnered up to make her gorgeous, she forgot all about the incident and focused only on her date with Noah.Something was up with that relationship, one minute they look like they want to kill each other, then the next they look like they can't wait to be in the room together. Eliana always blushes when we talk about sex. One would think she was a virgin but knowing my brother, that was next to impossible. Unless the un
Chapter 21Bella's Pov The dinner party started twenty minutes before we got there. Alex and I got to the hotel two hours before the time for the party to start, and that wasn't nearly enough time for me to get dressed.Alex was ready ages ago and actually offered to help inform me that I wasn't going to take much time,but I explained to him that I had to be fashionably late or I wouldn't be taken seriously. He decided to just leave the room since he was feeling restless. I wore a sparkly deep blue mermaid sequins dress with a high slit. It was off the shoulder, my cleavage evident but not spilling. I made my hair into waves and swept it to a side, then wore my jewellery which consisted of dangling earrings, rings and a little bracelet. Wore my silver heels and after doing my soft yet fierce make up, I was ready to go.I walked in front of the large mirror, a smile on my face as I checked myself out. I twirled in the mirror. The door opened and Alex stepped in, clad in his muscle
Chapter 20Bella's Pov I walked into the room with my robe on. Alex was already under the covers, turned away from my side of the bed. I let out a silent sigh as I wore my night wear and crawled under the covers.Looking at his back, I couldn't judge if he was asleep or not. I tapped on his shoulder, "Alex?" No reply. I tapped him again and I felt him grab my arm."Wha…" I didn't have time to process what was happening as he pulled me into his arms."Alex, you could have told me you wanted to cuddle." I giggled, laying in his chest.He scoffed, "I don't want to cuddle. I just want to steal your warmth.""Deceive yourself all you want, but I know you are obsessed with me." I tapped his nose and he rolled his eyes."Whatever makes you sleep, butterfly." He muttered into my ear and we fell into a deep silence.A lot was going through my mind. What are we doing ? Why did he feel offended when I said what I said about him?Was I wrong? Was it just my fear talking? What if I was getting
Chapter 19 Bella’s Pov It was seven o'clock, and I was dressed and adorned for our first shoot. Alex sat beside me in our car as we trailed behind Pearl's crew closely to the venue. I felt a lot more confident, like the real Bella people saw. Beautiful, fierce, unbreakable. All thanks to the one man I never knew could make me feel so beautiful, so seen. I blushed as I remembered events that happened earlier today in the dressing room while I was getting ready, his head between my legs as he handed his daily meal. He ate pussy better and more passionately than anyone I’ve ever met. And while I wobbled out of the dressing room to show the crew my look, he whispered assumingly dirty words to me like, “I so want to fuck you with that dress bunched around your waist.” Somehow, he managed to make that statement sweet by adding how beautiful I looked after saying that. And I felt beautiful, not just because he said so. He showed it, he made me love every one of my insecurities by mentio
Chapter 18BellaWe met the pearls crew in Dubai. They were all so nice and friendly. I couldn’t meet Laura personally but I met her assistant, who led us to the hotel where they already booked a room for us. It was a majestic five-star hotel to my taste, crawling with rich Arab men and beautiful women.Even Alex was impressed about this fact after criticizing the kind of plane ticket they bought for us, hence why we had to go on his private jet instead.The room was just how we wished it could be. It was a suite adorned with luxurious furnishings and breathtaking views of the city skyline.We settled in the suite after a brief arrangement to meet early tomorrow morning for our shoot. We had the whole day to rest.Alex was already in the suite when I walked in with a towel on his waist and water dripping down his chest.“Hey,” he greeted, taking my attention off his chest and to the teasing smirk on his face as he caught me checking him out. “I could pose for a picture if you like,” h