DAVID“We’ll be using your babe as bait,” Janet said, her voice cool and calculated as she swirled the wine in her glass.I stared at her, disbelief twisting in my gut. “Bella? Why her?” My voice came out sharper than I intended, the protective edge undeniable.Janet leaned back in her chair, the sun casting a golden hue across her face as she raised a brow. “Don’t play dumb, David. Lizzy doesn’t just want you—she wants revenge for her family. Bella is her target because she sees her as a threat. And she’s getting information from inside your house.”My jaw tightened. That couldn’t be true. “Impossible,” I said, shaking my head. “Everyone in that mansion was thoroughly vetted.”“Really?” Janet’s laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. She set her glass down, the light catching the deep red liquid as it sloshed against the rim. “You’ve gotten soft, brother. You used to see everything, know everything. But ever since you fell for Bella, you’ve let your guard down. And Lizzy? She’s taken f
DAVID The faint rustle of leaves couldn’t drown out the storm raging in my head. My wife my Bella had been manipulated right under my nose. That gardener, a snake in the grass, had slithered into my home, whispering lies, feeding her doubts, and I hadn't even noticed.“Why did you act like that to him?” Bella’s soft voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. Her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line as she waited for my answer.I forced a chuckle, masking the burning anger under my skin. “Nothing. Let’s just say he’s a bit too friendly with my woman.”Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in their depths, but she sighed and turned away. “You’re impossible.” Without another word, she strode toward the house, leaving me alone in the garden.I followed her upstairs, my footsteps quiet on the polished floors. She stood by the window, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, a hand resting protectively on her rounded belly.“How are my babies doing?” I asked softly, step
LIZZYThe phone felt cold against my ear as I waited for him to pick up. Finally, Michael’s voice, sharp and impatient, came through.“I’m busy. What do you want?”A slow smile crept across my lips. “Busy? You’ll want to hear this.”There was silence, the kind that told me I had his attention.“What is it?” he asked.I paced my room, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “David Copperfield is throwing a party. At his mansion.”“How do you even know that?” His voice was laced with suspicion.I twirled a strand of my hair around my finger, enjoying the power of the moment. “I have my ways. And I have a plan one that benefits us both. All I need is for you to do one thing.” I paused, savoring the anticipation. “You’ll sleep with Bella.”“What?” His voice shot through the line like a bullet. “That’s insane. How….”“Relax,” I interrupted, rolling my eyes. “During the party, we’ll slip her a drink. Something... special. It’ll make her lose control, and then, well, you’ll finally hav
BELLA The cool sterility of the hospital air hit me the moment we stepped inside, the faint smell of disinfectant clinging to my nose. David’s fingers brushed mine as we walked, snapping me out of my thoughts. He held out a picture, his expression unreadable.“This is your father,” he said, watching my face as if gauging my reaction.I took the photo with trembling fingers, schooling my features into neutrality. If he had any inkling that my memories were back, he didn’t show it. I studied the image of the man who’d raised me, my chest tightening. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions slip not now.David’s voice broke through the silence. “I thought it would help to remind you of who he is.”I nodded faintly, playing along. His words were sharp reminders of the betrayal still fresh in my mind. Lizzy’s face flashed before me, and the weight of David’s actions pressed against my chest. If only I knew why he had been with her that night, maybe I could forgive him. Maybe.A group of docto
BELLAThe wind howled through the cracks in the window frame, rattling it just enough to unnerve me. I shivered, pulling my shawl tighter around my shoulders as I moved to latch it securely. Dark clouds swirled outside, the promise of rain thick in the air.A sharp gust caught the edge of the curtains, sending them billowing into the room like ghostly arms. I slammed the window shut, leaning against it for a moment to steady my racing heart. I hated storms always had. Even as a child, the rumble of thunder had sent me scrambling under the covers. But now wasn’t the time to let fear creep in.I turned back toward my bed, eager to lose myself in sleep, when the door flew open. The handle banged against the wall, and my heart leapt into my throat. David strode in, his presence commanding as usual, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar like he’d just come from a meeting or trouble.“What are you doing here?” I snapped, instinctively tugging the covers up to my chin.He smirked, as though my
DAVIDI was still chatting with Janet when the faint click of heels on the marble floor made me turn. There she was Bella. Her gold gown caught the light like it was spun from stardust, clinging to her curves in a way that made my breath catch. Her hair cascaded down her back, the soft waves framing her delicate face, but it was her eyes those vibrant, unguarded eyes that drew me in, even after everything."Am I missing something?" she asked, her voice soft but teasing, as if she knew the effect she had on everyone in the room.Janet answered before I could. "No, you’re not. You look stunning, Bella. Absolutely stunning."A shy smile tugged at Bella’s lips. "Thank you," she replied, and for a fleeting moment, I saw the woman I’d fallen for before everything turned to chaos."May I?" I asked, offering her my arm, my tone light but my heart thundering. When she placed her hand in mine, the warmth of her touch steadied me, even as her closeness set my nerves on fire.As we stepped into t
DAVIDI heard Bella’s voice, desperate and raw, echoing through the silence of the hallway. “Help me! Somebody, help me!” Her cry sliced through the air, twisting my insides. My heart pounded as I spotted Lizzy ahead, her body tense with fear as she tried to flee.“Seize her!” I roared, my voice unwavering as two of my guards rushed after her.I stormed down the hallway, the weight of the situation crashing over me with every step. When I broke down the door, the scene before me froze me in place. My Bella, half-naked, trembling, her skin bruised from struggling, her eyes wide with terror. And there was Michael his hands on her, his vile intentions clear.The anger surged through me, burning hotter than anything I had ever felt. "How dare you?" I shouted, my voice thick with fury. I lunged forward and struck him, my fist connecting with his jaw. He staggered, falling to the floor in a heap.I grabbed him by the collar, my knuckles white with the force of my grip. "How dare you touch m
DAVIDThe sun pierced through the thin curtains, its brightness pulling me from restless sleep. My head throbbed slightly as the events of last night replayed in my mind. I glanced down at Bella, still nestled against me, her soft, even breaths brushing my chest. Her face, peaceful and serene, held none of the fear that had twisted it hours earlier.The sight stirred something raw in me a deep, protective ache I couldn’t shake. Gently, I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, my fingers lingering against her skin. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake.Reluctantly, I slipped out from under her and reached for my clothes, scattered haphazardly across the floor. My shirt smelled faintly of sweat and the chaos of last night. I buttoned it quickly, then turned back to her. She looked so small and fragile, wrapped in the thin blanket, her lips slightly parted.Carefully, I gathered her into my arms, the blanket cocooning her against the morning chill. She murmured something unintelligible
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