BELLA My heart hammered as I cradled Jasper on my lap, his little head already drooping with exhaustion. Had I really seen her? That smirk… the chill it sent through me still lingered. Lizzy. Here. I glanced out the window, as if I’d spot her lurking in the shadows. I just needed to get home, to feel safe, to call Elowen and unravel this dread coiling inside me. She’s the only one I can talk to. As soon as we stepped inside, I saw David. Normally, his presence threw me off, made me feel… watched, almost. But now? My focus was on Jasper. Without a word, I let him go as he dashed to David, throwing his arms around his father’s legs. I barely glanced their way as I slipped upstairs, my hands shaking as I grabbed my phone and dialed Elowen’s number. "Babe, what’s up?" Her voice was a balm of familiarity, though her tone held a tinge of worry. "I’ve been trying to reach you! Your number wasn’t going through. I was about to storm your house, but, you know… your husband.” “Elowen, i
DAVIDI wasn’t going to let Lizzy or my brother ruin this. They’d already destroyed enough. As my phone vibrated with Grandpa’s message, inviting me to dinner, I felt a surge of unease. Had he discovered that Eden was back? This dinner might be my only chance to find out.Eden. His name alone sent a chill down my spine. He didn’t need to hurt me physically; he knew exactly how to twist the knife in my weaknesses. If he learned about Bella about what she was starting to mean to me I had no doubt he’d use it against me. I clenched my jaw. No, I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t afford to be careless.With a sigh, I dialed Bella’s number. She picked up on the second ring, her voice sharp and guarded.“Hello?”“We’re having a family dinner tonight,” I said, keeping my tone brisk. “Be ready. We’re leaving in three hours.”She paused, and when she spoke again, her voice was laced with tension. “Okay, I will.”It stung, hearing the coldness in her words, but I knew I deserved it. I’d push
BELLAI could feel the fear in Mrs. Thalassa's eyes, her discomfort palpable as Eden’s presence hung in the air like a storm cloud. His sudden return had everyone on edge, and as I tried to steady myself, my thoughts kept circling back to one question: Was Eden really David's brother? Was he truly her son? My heart raced as Grandpa’s voice cut through the silence.“What are you doing here?” Grandpa's voice thundered through the room, his displeasure evident.Eden smirked, unfazed by the harsh greeting. “Is this how you welcome your grandson, after all this time?” He looked over at Mrs. Thalassa. “Besides, this is my home now, right, Mom?”“Have a seat, son,” Mrs. Thalassa said, her tone soothing, trying to defuse the tension.Eden’s gaze turned to me then, lingering for a moment before he spoke again. “So, we have a new wife here. You look beautiful,” he said, his voice smooth, but there was something sharp in the way he said it, like a hidden jab.“Thank you,” I replied, my eyes brie
DAVIDWho does she think she is, coming back now, after all she’s done? And with my brother, of all people.I was lying on my side, replaying every betrayal, when another message from her buzzed on my phone. "Dd, can we let go of the past? I still love you."I laughed, a cold sound in the quiet of my room. Bella was everything she wasn’t genuine, beautiful, with her own spark. This woman thought she could just waltz back into my life? Not a chance.Exhausted, I let my head hit the pillow and closed my eyes. I must have drifted off because the next thing I knew, my phone was ringing.“Sir, your attention is needed in the office urgently,” my assistant’s voice said, tense and out of breath.What could be so important that it was worth interrupting my hard-earned sleep? I could tell from his tone that something was off, so I pulled myself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and drove to the office.When I arrived, I found him pacing outside my door, his expression uneasy.“What’s wrong?”
BELLAThe air outside was thick, and my legs felt like lead as I forced myself to keep moving. Somewhere behind me, David’s assistant was calling my name, his voice drowned out by the weight pressing down on my chest. I kept walking, hoping that if I went far enough, I’d leave behind the image of them David and Lizzy, locked in that kiss.Somehow, I ended up at the park. The sound of children’s laughter cut through the evening, bright and carefree. I watched them race across the playground, tumbling over each other and shrieking with joy. My heart clenched. I wanted that freedom, that innocence the kind that didn’t have to worry about betrayal. I sank onto a bench, staring at the sky as it darkened. The evening chill crept in, wrapping around me, and I hugged myself tightly. What was I even thinking? I’d barely known David a few months, yet somewhere in my foolish heart, I thought he might actually care. But there was no mistaking what I’d seen. He loved her always had, probably alwa
BELLAA soft knock pulled me out of sleep, and I blinked in the darkness. Elowen was beside me, whispering urgently, “Bella, get up.”I groaned, burying my head in the pillow. “What, Elowen? Why are you disturbing my beauty sleep?”She rolled her eyes. “Trust me, it’s not me. Just look out the window.”I dragged myself up, yawning, and peered outside. A row of sleek black cars lined the street below, headlights beaming like spotlights. My heart dropped. David. I glanced at Elowen, my eyes wide.“How does he know I’m here?”She shrugged, arms crossed. “You tell me.”I was still trying to process when the pounding started on the front door, each bang rattling the walls.She shot me an exasperated look. “If your crazy husband breaks my door, you’re paying for it.”“Don’t tell him I’m here!” I hissed, darting to the wardrobe, heart thumping. I barely had time to close the door when I heard David’s voice, low and furious, fill the room.“Where is she?”“She’s not here,” Elowen said, her to
DAVIDBella held the invitation in her hand, her eyes flickering with a hint of excitement as she scanned over it again. She hadn't looked this animated in days, and I could practically see the decision cementing itself in her mind."I'm going," she announced, her tone carrying a determination that made my jaw clench.I forced a nod. "Fine," I replied, though irritation prickled at the edges of my voice. I couldn’t keep the frustration from simmering just below the surface, even if I knew there was no stopping her.Without another word, Bella turned and made her way to her room. "I have work to do," she called over her shoulder, her pace quickening like she needed distance before I could respond further.The door clicked shut behind her, and I turned to my assistant, who’d been standing nearby, taking notes."Where’s the reunion?" I asked, keeping my tone casual, though I couldn’t hide the hint of urgency in my question."I’ll find out, sir," he replied with a nod, flipping through hi
BELLAI knew what he was capable of as he walked toward me, his eyes dark with intent. My heart raced as he came closer, standing right in front of me. I met his gaze, pleading silently, but he ignored my look, his expression unreadable.“Babe, hope nobody’s stressing you,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. The room grew tense as his words echoed, drawing all eyes to us. I swallowed hard, wishing he wouldn’t make a scene. David was bossy, sure, but showing it off here, in front of everyone it wasn’t what I wanted.I felt my pulse quicken, wondering if he was about to do something unpredictable.He reached out, took my hand firmly, and with a commanding glance around, he announced, “I’m sorry, guys, but I need my woman with me right now.” His tone was final, almost daring anyone to object. A few people looked away, unsure, while others exchanged shocked glances. Only Elowen, my friend, beamed at me from across the room, her eyes sparkling with approval.Then Sharon sneered, he
BELLA The room felt suffocating, the weight of unspoken questions pressing against my chest. I stepped out into the garden, the cool evening air offering little relief from the storm inside me. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the garden in a warm glow, but my thoughts were far from calm. From a distance, Jasper’s laughter rippled through the air, light and carefree. He crouched beside a patch of marigolds, meticulously arranging his toy trucks in neat rows. His small hands moved with focus, his head tilted in concentration—a gesture so achingly familiar, it stole my breath. I leaned against the gazebo, folding my arms as I studied him. Every feature mirrored my own: the same thick, wavy hair and almond-shaped eyes that seemed to hold the world within them. It was like looking into a reflection of my childhood. My chest tightened. Could it really be true? Could he be my son? I swallowed the thought before it could take root. No assumptions, not yet. Pulling my phon
DAVIDBella’s hand slipped into mine, her fingers warm, steady, like a silent anchor in the storm of my thoughts. I could feel her watching me, the way her breath held just a little tighter, as if she were waiting for me to reveal something important, something heavy. Her gaze was soft, patient, but her eyes those eyes were filled with questions. I had to tell her now, before the silence swallowed us whole.“I need to tell you something,” I began, my voice rough, like I hadn’t used it in years. I pulled in a shaky breath, trying to steady my nerves. “You know I’m Jasper’s biological father, right?”She didn’t flinch, didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she just looked at me, her brow furrowed slightly as if processing my words. Her lips parted, and I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. “Yes, I know,” she said quietly, her voice betraying none of the surprise I felt. “Nobody knows except... well, except you. You’ve kept that part of your life a secret.”I swallowed, nodding,
DAVID “Who could that be?” I muttered, lowering Bella gently onto the bed. She curled into the sheets, her hair spilling over the pillow, her flushed face glowing with post-kiss warmth. My gut tightened, unease bubbling as I strode to the door.When I swung it open, Mrs. Williams stood there, her perfectly sculpted smile greeting me like a storm waiting to erupt. Her gaze flicked downward for a split second, and a mischievous glint lit her eyes. I didn’t have to look down to know what she’d seen.“Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said, her voice layered with mock innocence.Heat crept up my neck as I grabbed Bella’s pillow and shifted it in front of me. Her laugh was light but deliberate, like a dagger teasing its target.“Come in,” I said, stepping aside and silently cursing the timing.Bella appeared from the bed, her eyes widening in surprise as she rushed forward.“Mom!” she said, her tone a mix of joy and confusion.Mrs. Williams enveloped her in an embrace, smoothing do
DAVIDThe shrill wail of police sirens cut through the dawn, jolting me from my restless sleep. Groaning, I pushed the heavy duvet aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. A knock sounded at the door just as I raked a hand through my disheveled hair.“Come in,” I said, voice hoarse from sleep.The door creaked open, revealing one of the maids. She stood in the doorway, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.“Sir, the police are here. And, um… there are reporters outside too,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.Reporters? My brows furrowed as I processed her words. I remembered calling the police last night to pick up Western and Peter, but reporters weren’t part of the plan. Unless…“Alright, I’ll be down in a minute,” I told her. She bowed and slipped out quietly.Reaching for my phone on the nightstand, I dialed the chief of police. He picked up on the first ring.“We’re at the gate,” he said briskly, his voice almost drowned out by the background chatter.“How d
DAVID“You see,” Peter said, his grin widening, his voice dripping with venom, “sometimes the monsters aren’t hiding under your bed. They’re sitting at the dinner table.”Elowen’s face froze, her breath catching in her throat. She looked at Peter, then at her father, who had shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Western’s usual air of defiance was nowhere to be seen; his gaze was fixed on the cold cement floor, his shoulders slumped like a man carrying the weight of his sins.Peter’s voice turned colder, sharper. “Where do I even begin? Should I start from before you were born, Elowen? Do you even know who your father really is? He kidnapped your biological mother. She never left his side never had the chance to because he made sure of it until the day she died.”Elowen stepped back as if Peter’s words were blows, her trembling hand pressed against her mouth. “What are you talking about?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.Peter smirked, his eyes glinting with satisfaction as he g
DAVIDThe sound of gravel crunching beneath the car tires faded as I stepped out into the cool night air. My guards hauled Western out of the vehicle, his body slumped but still exuding defiance. Shadows danced across his bruised face under the pale glow of the outdoor lights. Without a word, they dragged him toward the basement door, the sharp clink of their boots echoing against the stone walls.I turned to the maids waiting by the entrance. “Take Mrs. Williams to a guest room,” I instructed, my voice calm but firm.Before they could move, her soft voice interrupted. “Can I see Sofia before I sleep?”Her words tugged at something deep within me. Sofia. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to hearing Bella called that, even if it was her given name. I managed a smile, masking my unease.“I’ll bring her to your room,” I promised gently.She gave a small nod, her face weary yet hopeful, and followed the maids inside.Beside me, Janet shifted her weight impatiently. Her silence didn’t fool m
DAVID“If that’s the case, wait by the car. I’ll join you shortly,” I said, waving Janet and Elowen toward the door. Their hesitant footsteps faded down the hallway as I leaned back in my chair and exhaled deeply.Picking up my phone, I dialed John, my head of security.“I need you in my office. Now,” I said, my voice sharp.“Yes, sir,” came his immediate reply.Minutes later, a brisk knock echoed through the room.“Come in,” I called, standing as the door opened to reveal John. He stepped inside and gave a small bow, his expression calm but alert.“I need fifteen of our best men,” I said, walking toward him. “Make sure they’re trained to handle weapons. Bring the finest gear we’ve got bulletproof vests, high-grade firearms, everything. And prepare four bulletproof cars. We’re moving out soon.”John nodded, his posture rigid. “Anything else, sir?”“Yes,” I said, my tone grim. “This mission isn’t a negotiation. If anyone gets in our way, take them down.”“Understood,” he said, and with
DAVIDThe moment I slid into the driver’s seat, frustration bubbled over. My fists slammed into the steering wheel, and I let out a guttural scream that echoed in the enclosed space. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t the plan. Everything was crumbling, and Bella God, what would I tell Bella?The car door creaked as Janet leaned forward from the back seat, her touch soft but questioning.“What happened? Where is Mrs. Williams?” Her voice trembled with urgency.I clenched the wheel tighter, the leather groaning under my grip. The memory of the scene played over in my mind like a haunting reel. If only I had forced Mrs. Williams into the car earlier made her stay with Janet this wouldn’t have happened.“Western took her,” I finally spat out, each word like venom on my tongue.“What?” Her voice cracked, her face paling as her eyes searched mine for answers. “How is that even possible?”“There’s no time for explanations,” I said, my voice sharper than intended. “I need a solution
DAVIDThe room was eerily silent, the kind of silence that pressed against your chest. Bella sat curled on the couch, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. Mrs. Williams stood by the window, her arms crossed as she gazed out into the evening light, her expression unreadable. I leaned back in my armchair, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. My patience was running thin, but I wasn’t about to show it.The sound of soft footsteps approached the door, and then one of my maids appeared. She bowed slightly before speaking.“Sir, there is a lady here. She claims to be ma’am’s friend,” she said, her voice measured but tinged with curiosity.A smirk tugged at my lips. So, Elowen finally decided to show up.“What’s her name?” I asked, sitting forward, my gaze sharp.“She said her name is Elowen. Should I let her in?”“Bring her in,” I commanded.The maid disappeared, and moments later, she returned with Elowen in tow. Her face, a canvas of shock and confusion, made it clear she hadn