BELLAMy heart pounded as the door creaked open, and David stepped inside. He moved with the same casual arrogance, his dark eyes scanning the room like he owned it and me. I swallowed hard, willing my expression to remain neutral. Did he know? Could he sense that I’d regained my memories?“Why are you here?” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease bubbling beneath the surface. I crossed my arms over my chest, a flimsy shield against his probing gaze.He tilted his head slightly, smirking. “Just checking on my woman.”My stomach twisted. Did he mean that? Or was this just another act in his carefully controlled game? The memory of his betrayal seared through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I was no longer the naive woman he thought I was, but he couldn’t know that.He stepped closer and handed me a small bag. “What’s that?” I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion.“Open it.”I hesitated before pulling apart the delicate wrapping. A gasp escaped me as I lifted the gown fr
BELLAThe words tumbled out of his mouth like an announcement he’d been rehearsing. “The doctor called me. We have a donor for your father.”I froze. The weight of the sentence hit me square in the chest, but I couldn’t let him see my reaction. I quickly forced my expression into a mask of confusion, feigning innocence.David’s gaze bore into mine as if he were trying to read my thoughts. “Yes, your father,” he added, his voice quieter but no less firm. “I know you lost your memories and don’t remember anything, but the operation is scheduled for tomorrow.”My heart raced, the implications swirling in my mind. I needed to be there, but I couldn’t let him suspect a thing. “Can I come with you?” I asked, my tone measured, my hands clasped tightly together to keep from trembling.David tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Why?”I swallowed hard, feeling his gaze pierce through me. “I want to see him,” I replied quickly. “Even if I don’t remember him, he’s still my father,
Adam Bella"What do you mean?" I asked, staring at Michael my boyfriend, or at least, the man I thought he was as he blocked me from entering his apartment.His eyes held no remorse, no flicker of the love we had shared for six long years. The man I thought I knew stood before me now, cold and distant.It was as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience, a piece of trash he could toss aside without a second thought."I'm sorry, Bella, but we can't be together anymore. We can just be friends. I'm focused on building my career, and I need a woman of my class. We're no longer in the same caliber.I know you helped me through school, but I can't end up with you. I'm a manager now, aiming for something higher. I can support you with some money."His words cut deeper with each sentence. My chest tightened, my breath quickened. I blinked rapidly, trying to process what he had just said when a woman's voice cut through the fog in my mind.I turned, and there she was Vivan, my colleague. She
ADAM BELLA I blinked, sure I hadn’t heard him right. "What?"His gaze remained locked on mine, unwavering. "You heard me. Marry me.""Are you insane?" I stepped back, but he held my hand firm, his eyes glinting with something dangerous something determined."No. And I don’t repeat myself twice."The audacity of the man nearly rendered me speechless. Who did he think he was? I crossed my arms, doing my best to mask the disbelief coursing through me. "Well, I’m not interested."I turned, intending to leave this bizarre encounter behind, when his next words stopped me cold."I’ll pay you ten million dollars."I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Slowly, I turned back to face him. His expression was dead serious, not a hint of humor in those ice-cold eyes. "What did you say?""Ten million. To marry me for a year."I stared at him, every nerve in my body screaming that this couldn’t be real. It had to be a joke. But there was no trace of laughter on his face. Only deadly seriousness."I’m no
Adam Bella"Wait… you mean David Copperfield?" I whispered, as if saying it louder would somehow make this even crazier. "The CEO of the Copperfield Group?"Cynthia smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes, like she was in on a secret the rest of the world didn’t know. "Yes, him."The floor seemed to drop out from under me. David Copperfield. The man who could make or break industries with a phone call. The one who built an empire from nothing. I suddenly felt very, very small.My mind raced. I’d heard the stories, the rumors. David was legendary not just for his wealth but for his ruthlessness. And now I was about to marry him?Everything became a blur. I remembered Elowen gossiping about him, how women threw themselves at him, how his childhood love, Jordan, had been his one true heartbreak. But why me? Why now? What was the point of this entire charade?The air grew thick as realization set in. My heart pounded in my chest as I gripped the edge of a nearby table for support. This isn’t
Adam BellaHis words hung in the air, a gauntlet thrown down as he stepped back, hands casually tucked into his pockets. He looked unfazed, as if he already knew my response. I had expected him to plead, to show some sign of vulnerability. But no, he stood there, unfazed, while the entire room held its breath, waiting for me to break.I clenched my jaw, nails digging into my palm, fighting the urge to scream. Every pair of eyes was on me, their anticipation pressing down like a weight. I had no choice. The pressure was suffocating.“Yes.”The officiant’s voice boomed across the room. “You may kiss your bride.”Wait. Bride? Whose bride?My breath caught, and my chest tightened as realization struck. I turned just in time to see him stepping toward me, a sly grin tugging at his lips. Each step was slow and deliberate, as if he reveled in my discomfort.When he reached up to lift my veil, his fingers brushed my skin, sending a shockwave through me. For a fleeting moment, our eyes locked,
ADAM BELLA "I asked him about her, but he didn’t answer," I confessed, the weight of uncertainty settling on my chest.Elowen pursed her lips. "And that doesn’t worry you? Something doesn’t add up here, Bella. This whole thing feels off.""I know," I admitted quietly, sinking into the chair. "But we need the money. We can finally afford the treatment for my Dad."Her expression softened, and she reached out, patting my shoulder. "You did what you had to do. But... don’t let your guard down. Something tells me Copperfield isn’t done with his surprises."I gave her a small, uncertain smile. "Don’t worry. I’ve got this."She grinned, shaking her head. "Let’s not think too much about it right now. You’re married, babe. That’s worth celebrating."As she grabbed a bottle of wine from the kitchen, my phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. David Copperfield married to a mystery woman no photos of her.I clicked on the headline, my stomach twist
ADAM BELLA"Dad," the little boy called again as David carried him, gently ruffling his hair."She’s a friend," David replied nonchalantly.Wait, did he just call me a friend? I could feel the frustration building inside me. First, I find out he has a son, and now, in front of everyone, I’m just his friend? We’re married, for crying out loud! Couldn’t he at least keep up appearances? I smiled to myself, hatching a small plan for revenge."Hi, my name is Jasper Copperfield," a small voice interrupted my thoughts, accompanied by a gentle tug on my sleeve.I looked down and saw the most adorable boy, with large gray eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of someone far beyond his five years."Hello, my name is Adam Bella. I’m your dad’s... friend," I replied, throwing a glance at David, irritation bubbling up again. "How old are you?" I added, rubbing his soft hair."You know, your dad’s a little crazy," I whispered conspiratorially.Jasper giggled, edging closer to me. I bent down to meet
BELLAThe words tumbled out of his mouth like an announcement he’d been rehearsing. “The doctor called me. We have a donor for your father.”I froze. The weight of the sentence hit me square in the chest, but I couldn’t let him see my reaction. I quickly forced my expression into a mask of confusion, feigning innocence.David’s gaze bore into mine as if he were trying to read my thoughts. “Yes, your father,” he added, his voice quieter but no less firm. “I know you lost your memories and don’t remember anything, but the operation is scheduled for tomorrow.”My heart raced, the implications swirling in my mind. I needed to be there, but I couldn’t let him suspect a thing. “Can I come with you?” I asked, my tone measured, my hands clasped tightly together to keep from trembling.David tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Why?”I swallowed hard, feeling his gaze pierce through me. “I want to see him,” I replied quickly. “Even if I don’t remember him, he’s still my father,
BELLAMy heart pounded as the door creaked open, and David stepped inside. He moved with the same casual arrogance, his dark eyes scanning the room like he owned it and me. I swallowed hard, willing my expression to remain neutral. Did he know? Could he sense that I’d regained my memories?“Why are you here?” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease bubbling beneath the surface. I crossed my arms over my chest, a flimsy shield against his probing gaze.He tilted his head slightly, smirking. “Just checking on my woman.”My stomach twisted. Did he mean that? Or was this just another act in his carefully controlled game? The memory of his betrayal seared through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I was no longer the naive woman he thought I was, but he couldn’t know that.He stepped closer and handed me a small bag. “What’s that?” I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion.“Open it.”I hesitated before pulling apart the delicate wrapping. A gasp escaped me as I lifted the gown fr
BELLAI had to pretend. I had to play dumb like the clueless fool David believed I was. Every fiber of my being screamed for justice, for confrontation, but I couldn’t let him know. Not yet. My child didn’t deserve to grow up in the chaos of this twisted contract marriage. And now, Lizzy claimed she was carrying David’s child too? My stomach churned at the thought. How could I have fallen for him, even for a moment?Standing from the bedroom floor, my legs trembled, but my resolve hardened. The first step was retrieving my phone. David wasn’t home; I’d made sure of that before even entertaining the idea. I moved cautiously down the hall, each step deliberate, my ears straining for any sound. Julie had said the phone was in his desk drawer.I hesitated at the door to his room, my hand hovering over the handle. What if he came back early? What if one of the staff saw me? But I didn’t have time for doubts. I opened the door and slipped inside, shutting it softly behind me.His room smell
BELLAThe diary sits heavy in my hands, its leather cover worn and familiar in a way that stirs something deep inside me. My fingers hesitate on the edge of the first page, trembling slightly. The truth everything I’ve lost, everything I need to know is in these pages.I exhale shakily and open it, the faint scent of ink and old paper curling into the air. My eyes catch on the first entry, the handwriting mine but distant, like a ghost of someone I used to be.Dear Diary,It’s a real shock. You won’t believe this Michael is about to get married. After everything we’ve been through, he’s marrying Vivian, my colleague. My colleague! She even claims to be the younger sister of David Copperfield. I feel like such a fool. All these years, I thought he loved me. I thought we had something real. But no, I was just someone to pass the time with.The words stab into my chest. Michael? Who is Michael? And Vivian? The names feel familiar, like whispers in the back of my mind, but I can’t place t
BELLAJulie’s words echoed in my mind like a sinister whisper. I don’t want to die. Her voice had trembled, her wide eyes darting toward the door as though David might burst in at any moment.I gripped her hand, my own trembling slightly. “No one’s going to hurt you,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt.She shook her head, biting her lip. “You don’t understand, ma’am. If Mr. David finds out I told you…” Her words trailed off as tears pooled in her eyes.I leaned closer, lowering my voice as though the walls had ears. “How would he find out? It’s just us in this room. I swear, Julie, your secret is safe with me.”Her lips curved into a shaky smile, but there was no relief in her expression. “Boss always finds out. He has… his ways. But if you really want answers, maybe you should talk to Elowen. You used to tell her everything.”“Elowen?” The name felt foreign on my tongue, like it belonged to someone else’s life. “I don’t even know who that is. How do I reach her?”“You have a phone,
BELLAI woke up to the soft sensation of a kiss pressed to my forehead. My eyes fluttered open, barely, and then quickly shut again. What the hell? That kiss, so tender, was not something I expected. It was then that I remembered David’s room. I had spent the night here. The realization hit me, and my stomach twisted. I lay still, feeling his breath against my skin, his hand still resting near my ear.Why is he touching me like this? My thoughts scattered as his voice broke through the haze."Are you going to pretend you're still sleeping, or should I force you to have another round of sex this morning?" His voice was low, filled with amusement.The words slammed into me like a bucket of cold water. I shot up in bed, panic rising in my chest. No. I won’t let him touch me again. Never."I’m up," I said, my voice rough, betraying the rush of emotions swirling inside me. My hands quickly wrapped the blanket around me, clutching it tightly, as I saw him staring at my chest, his eyes unbli
BELLAThe chill of David’s voice froze the air around us. "What is he doing here?" His tone was sharp, commanding, sending shivers down my spine. He stepped forward, shoving the man away from me with a force that made him stumble."David…" I began, but the fire in his eyes silenced me."Stay away from my wife," he barked at the man. The sheer venom in his words made the stranger take a step back, his confidence visibly shaken."I-I just met him here," I stammered, my voice barely audible. "He claims to be my boyfriend." But why was I explaining myself to him? Shouldn’t he be the one answering for his actions?David turned to me, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "Get in the car," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Before I could process what was happening, his hand wrapped around my wrist, and he pulled me toward his car. His grip was firm but not painful, his touch burning through my skin. He didn’t even glance at me as he drove, the tension in the car suffocating.
DAVID“How could this happen?” Grandpa’s voice thundered through the study, the vibrations seeming to shake the very walls. His face was red, veins bulging at his temple as he paced like a lion in a cage. “You’re supposed to be smart, David. How did you let this happen?”I couldn’t meet his eyes. The weight of my mistake hung over me like a storm cloud. “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.“Sorry?” He stopped pacing and stared me down, his piercing gaze making me feel like I was shrinking. “Sorry doesn’t fix this. You’ve dragged our name into the mud. Fix it! Clean up this mess before it destroys the family name,” he snapped, his voice cold and commanding.“I will,” I said, bowing slightly, more out of habit than respect, before leaving the room.The heavy oak door clicked shut behind me, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My shoulders sagged, the weight of his expectations pressing down on me. As I moved down the dimly lit hallway, the
DAVIDThe grand hall seemed colder than usual, the air thick with tension. My family was gathered, their expressions a mixture of confusion and dread as Lizzy stood there, a smug smile playing on her lips. How did she know about the family dinner? She had no business being here. Her confidence irritated me as much as the sinking feeling in my stomach. Janet caught my eye from across the room, her raised brows and smirk silently taunting me. *I told you so,* her expression seemed to say. My chest tightened. Lizzy was trouble trouble I thought I’d left behind weeks ago. I glanced at her again, but she met my gaze with an unsettling boldness. She was toying with me, and I hated that she felt she could. “Why are you here?” my mother’s voice broke the silence. It wasn’t just a question; it was a challenge. Her tone was razor-sharp, and she wasn’t hiding her disdain. Lizzy smiled sweetly, her head tilting slightly. “Oh, Mom, aren’t you happy to see me?” Her saccharine tone was lac