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 I caught a glimpse of David heading down the hallway, his figure casting a long shadow under the dim lights. My voice cracked as I called out, “David.” He stopped, his eyes searching my face as he hurried back to me. His hands found my face, fingers warm against my skin. “What happened? Are you alright?”A hard knot formed in my throat as I shook my head. “It’s… it’s my dad. He’s in the emergency room.” A single tear slid down, quickly joined by another. The words barely came out, my voice breaking under the weight.Without another word, David wrapped his arm around me, his grip steady. “We’re going,” he said, firm and resolute. He led me outside, instructing his driver, who pulled up to the curb within seconds. The ride to Hope Valley was a blur, the city lights streaking past, but David’s hand never left mine. The warmth of his fingers anchored me, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.At the hospital, I rushed down the hallway, the sterile scent of disinfectant and the
BELLA"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely steady as she stared at me from her seat, an unnerving calmness in her eyes.She tilted her head, her lips twisting into a playful smirk. "Chill out, baby. Why so tense? I’m not here to bite you." Her gaze slid down to my trembling hands. "At least, not yet."A shiver crawled down my spine, and I took a small step back, watching her closely.She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Relax. I just came to talk. Nothing more...for now.""Whatever game you’re playing, leave me out of it." My voice sounded braver than I felt. "I don’t have any issues with you."Her laugh was cold, sharp, cutting through the room. "Oh, Bella, you had an issue with me the moment you decided to marry my man."My jaw clenched. "I never married your man. You chose his brother over him and walked away.""Well, well." She leaned forward, eyes glinting with something dark and dangerous. "Seems someone’s been doing their homework on me and David. So, tell me,
DAVIDThe thought of Lizzy getting anywhere near Bella or her father made my jaw tighten. My hands balled into fists as I paced the hospital corridor, glancing at the door to Bella's father's room.Lizzy knew. How she found out, I wasn’t sure, but I knew her games better than anyone. We had played them together once. My lips curled into a humorless smirk. You think you can outplay me, Lizzy? Try me.Pulling out my phone, I punched in the number for my head of security.“I need ten bodyguards here. Now,” I ordered, my voice as cold as the polished floor beneath my feet.“Yes, sir,” came the immediate reply before I ended the call, my grip on the phone still tight.BELLAThe soft click of keys stirred me awake. Squinting against the morning light, I turned to see David sitting beside me, his face illuminated by the glow of his laptop screen.“Good morning,” I murmured, my voice still heavy with sleep.His head lifted, and a slow smile spread across his face. God, that smile. It was the
BELLAMy fingers trembled as I picked up my phone. Enough was enough. I couldn't let Lizzy keep playing games with my life. She might think she was untouchable, but she was about to learn otherwise.The phone barely rang before her cold, clipped voice came through."Well, well. I didn’t think you had the nerve to call.""Why wouldn’t I?" My voice cracked with anger. "You’ve been pushing and pushing, and I’ve had it!"A low, chilling laugh came through the line. "That was your first mistake, Bella. You shouldn’t have called."I gritted my teeth. "What do you want from me?"She didn’t hesitate. "Simple. Divorce David. Get out of his life."My breath caught, but I refused to let her hear the doubt creeping into my mind. Did David even love me as much as I loved him? I shoved the thought aside and forced a sharp edge into my voice."Are you joking? You had your chance with him and threw it away. He’s mine now.""Yours?" Her voice was pure venom. "You really don’t know who you’re dealing w
DAVID The red code flashed on my phone screen. My stomach dropped. Without a second thought, I bolted out of the boardroom, ignoring the questioning stares from the executives around the table. My pulse raced as I gripped the phone, the hallway blurring around me. Bella.By the time I reached the parking lot, I couldn’t wait for the driver. Snatching the keys from his hand, I barked, “Stay here,” and climbed into the car. My tires screeched as I tore out of the lot, each second dragging as I sped toward Hope Valley Hospital.The sight of my bodyguards lounging near the entrance made my blood boil. They straightened the moment I arrived, but I was already on them, grabbing one by the collar.“You let someone into the room?” I hissed, my voice dangerously low.His mouth opened, but no sound came out. My slap echoed across the lot, his head snapping sideways.“I gave strict orders no one goes in!”The others stiffened, their faces pale, eyes downcast. None of them dared to speak.“Where
DAVID I was mid-conversation with my assistant when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, and my stomach twisted. Lizzy. Of all people.Reluctantly, I swiped to answer. "What do you want?"A laugh crackled through the line. "Well, well, D.D. You actually picked up.""Didn’t think you had the nerve to call," I shot back, my voice cold."Oh, come on, D.D. She’s been pushing my buttons. I just want to show her who’s in charge." Her tone was light, but I could hear the venom lurking beneath.I clenched the phone tighter. "Listen, Lizzy. Don’t mess with my wife. Don’t even think about it.""Your wife?" She snorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You don’t seriously mean to call her that, do you?""This is your final warning." My words came out sharp, clipped.Her laughter rang out, dark and unsettling. "D.D., you’re mine. Always have been, always will be. And I’ll make sure she’s gone for good." The line went dead, but her sinister laugh lingered in my ears.I exhaled slowly, shovi
BELLA I blinked against the harsh white light overhead. The sterile scent of disinfectant burned my nose. Where was I? My gaze darted around the room, landing on a figure by the window. David. His posture was rigid, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Even from here, I could feel the storm brewing inside him.The memory slammed into me like a wave. Lizzy. My father. The syringe. My chest tightened as I tried to push myself upright, but a sharp, pulling ache kept me pinned to the bed.“David,” I whispered, my voice barely audible beneath the hiss of the oxygen mask.His head snapped around. In a heartbeat, he was by my side, his hand brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Bella,” he said, his voice low and rough, “don’t try to move. Are you okay?”I nodded weakly, too overwhelmed to do more.My thoughts raced. Where was my father? Was he safe? What about Julie? How many days had I been here? I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Frustration clawed at me.David’s hand envelop
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