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 FortyEliana's Pov The engagement party was in three days. My mother wasn't still strong enough to wake up. I have been operating on coffee for the past three days, and someone could still act like the world is centered around him?I felt bad for the things I said. I regret them, but just for the best, I had to say them. I just couldn't pretend I was happy with him while my mother was in between life and death. I just couldn't pretend. He went behind my back to hurt my mother. It was his fault she was in this condition. I wish I could ignore it, but every time I looked at him, that's all I could see.Tiana placed a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to calm me down but my anger was already at its tipping point."What is going on here?" I gritted out. Oliver pointed at Noah. "This asshole punched me for no reason." Noah's eyes were filled with rage. He stormed to where Oliver was crouched, pulling his collar and was about to deliver another blow but I got between them."Noah
Chapter Forty-oneEliana's Pov We refused to do a funeral for Sherry. There was no use mourning someone who wanted me dead. Although it wasn't my decision, it was Tiana's. She was so filled with rage, the only time she actually calmed down was when I assured her I was fine.I was not fine, but I couldn't bear to see them worry about me.We left the hospital immediately they pronounced her dead.Oliver had to go to work, so it was just Tiana and Noah and I. I looked at him, seated on the couch, while Tiana sat with me, stroking my hair. He had not said a word since he found me screaming after the shock of my mother passing away wore out, and he rushed to my side, successfully calming me down.It would have been better if he had just gone back to the way he was before. I felt guilty for everything, but there was no space to apologise. I guess this is how we were going to be now.Stupid can't begin to describe how I felt. I let my emotions and my need to cloud my sense of judgement. Noah
Chapter Forty-twoEliana's Pov The cat finally left, not after I cleared my throat frequently. My throat now hurts, but at least she's gone. Noah's expression returned to what he had when we first got into this hall. Broody, uninterested, handsome. We had the first dance of the night and it felt empty,forced. But hopefully the guests didn't notice.The feel of his hand on my waist reminded me of how much he had over me, how much I wanted to fix things. I called his name softly. He didn't seem like he heard, but the hand on my waist turned rigid. "Yes?" He answered without looking at me.I already felt discouraged. It was stupid of me to make him feel worthless then come back to beg him. It was just stupid."Noah…" I called again, this time a bit louder. He turned his face towards mine, his eyes blazing like balls of blue fire. He was angry at me and I knew that.I looked away, feeling overwhelmed under his stare. "Eliana is there something I can help you with?" He asked, his words
Chapter Forty threeEliana's Pov Noah led her to a table at the edge of the hall and they chatted animatedly. Well she did, Noah just paid utmost attention to everything she was saying. She is stunning. They obviously fit each other. Unlike me with my fleshy body, she had defined curves, all in moderate sizes. She was the type of woman that turned heads wherever she went, just like she did this night.It was time for the second dance of the night and Bella and Anna already had dancing partners. Tiana was across the hallway dancing with some next in line CEO.Mia and Val were dancing too, beautifully so. I didn't even notice them come in.I was moping, trying to act like I couldn't see Noah lead Lillian to the dance floor. In my chest I felt a dull pain. It was familiar, but It doesn't happen frequently. It felt like jealousy. I was jealous of Lillian, and I just knew she existed few minutes ago. I was jealous of the way they swayed together, the way he looked at her like she was t
Chapter Forty FourEliana's Pov Lillian and Noah went to sleep at three am. Lillian slept in the guest room, I knew that because I heard only one pair of footsteps go in the direction of Noah's room and the sound of door slamming down the hall.I made sure not to sleep before they did, the sounds of their laughter echoing from the living room.Noah seemed genuinely happy. I have not heard him laugh like that in ages. I focused on my sketch, adding more strokes to show the curve of the dress. I was focused on this because Noah promised to help me with my business, but now that he and I weren't cool anymore, I didn't think so.I sighed, placing my head on my pillow. I could sleep now that I knew they were at either part of the house but for some reason I couldn't stop tossing and turning on my bed.Tiana went home with the CEO. It wasn't my place to say anything. She was an adult so it was none of my business. But my mind kept swirling. Did Noah mean it when he said he wished to have
Chapter Forty fiveEliana's PovThe breakfast incident marked the official beginning of a war that I already lost.I got a call from Mia a minute ago, asking if we were all up for dinner at her place. It was her way of keeping tabs on Lillian, and I was more than happy to comply. I walked downstairs, wanting to stretch my legs and spy on Noah and Lillian. They were at the indoor bar, Noah on the chair and Lillian on the desk, sitting opposite of him wearing a sheer top with no bra, her nipples straining through the thin material of the top.She was telling him something about work and he sat, listening attentively.I walked to the bar, their attention turning to me. Noah's face because expressionless and Lillian smiled like a chesire cat."Lillian," I started, taking a sip of Noah's drink. The liquid burnt a path down my throat and I had to restrain from letting the effect show as I looked Lillian in the eye."So how is the hotel hunt going?" I asked, not wasting my time in going st
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