BELLA I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He owns my company? My heart skipped a beat. Don’t tell me… I stole another glance at his face. No, there was no mistaking it. He’s Vivian’s brother. Which meant… she’s technically my sister-in-law. Does she even know I’m married to her brother? The thought made my head spin. And why was he here? The morning replayed in my head. The way I had insulted him, his eyes darkening with anger, his jaw tightening like he was holding back harsh words. Now it made sense he wasn’t just some arrogant guy. He’s my boss. I gripped the file in my hands, praying he wouldn’t notice me. My palms were slick with sweat, and the heat creeping up my neck felt suffocating. Maybe I could just sneak out before he saw…. “Bella… Copp… Bella Adam.” His voice boomed across the room, freezing me in place. Copperfield. That name hit me like a punch to the gut. My legs felt like jelly, but somehow I forced myself to turn and face him. His eyes were sharp, cutting right
BELLA My heart raced as David stood before me, his eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and amusement. He leaned in, his voice low and smooth. "I want you to be my personal assistant." I shot up from my chair, my voice louder than I intended. "What?!" The office fell silent, all eyes darting toward us. My mouth hung open in disbelief. His assistant? The words swirled in my mind like a whirlwind. "You already have an assistant!" I stammered, taking a step back as he advanced toward me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why me?" He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "You started this, Bella, and I’m going to finish it. Just make sure you don’t fall in love with me." His words sent a chill down my spine. Fall in love? I blinked, trying to shake off the absurdity of it all. No way. Not with him. This was just a contract—a year at most. I would never allow myself to fall for someone like David Copperfield, no matter how captivating his voice or how close he hovered near me. T
BELLA Is he really trying to make it obvious that we're married? Or does he know about Michael? The thoughts tumbled through my mind as David Copperfield held my hand in the middle of a board meeting my hand. I glanced at Mrs. Williams, her knowing smile only deepening my unease.The second the meeting ended, I yanked my hand free and bolted for the door, the cool air outside hitting my face like a splash of water. David was turning everything upside down.I had barely caught my breath when a familiar voice sliced through the quiet. "So, you're with David Copperfield now?" Michael's sneer was unmistakable. He stood there, arms crossed, eyes narrowing.I raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?""Don’t act clueless, Bella," he snapped, stepping closer. “He's my fiancée’s brother. What’s your game? Trying to get back at me?”A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. I took a step toward him, eyes narrowing. How had I ever loved this man? Loved what a joke."Who do you think you are, Michael
BELLAI couldn’t shake the rumors I’d heard about David’s mom how she was controlling, always demanding things go her way. But what about his grandfather? I needed to ask Jasper. David would never answer me, and even if he did, his responses would be clipped.My thoughts drifted to Jasper, and just as I descended the stairs, there he was, waiting at the bottom. He greeted me with a tight hug, wrapping his arms around me as if we’d known each other for years.“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, his voice soft but eager.My heart skipped a beat. Waiting for me? We had only just met yesterday. I glanced over at David, whose expression was a mix of disbelief and something unreadable as he stood frozen beside his driver.“Are you going to greet me, or just stand there?” David asked, his tone dry but expectant.“Hi, Dad,” Jasper replied casually, already pulling me toward his room before David could respond.Inside, Jasper’s room was pristine, a blend of boyish charm and refined taste. He
BELLA A granddaughter? Who were they kidding? The idea of giving them a child, especially when their son was a complete jackass, made my skin crawl. I couldn’t even picture David touching me, let alone starting a family with him. As I glanced at him, David casually responded to his mother, "Yes, we will soon have a daughter."My heart skipped a beat. Was he serious? My thoughts spiraled—had he forgotten this was all a charade? As I struggled to process his words, Mr. Copperfield’s voice broke through the haze."And how is Vivian?" he asked, his tone light, though the question hung in the air like a weight. "Why isn’t she here with us?"David’s jaw tensed. "She’s fine," he said, his voice flat, not bothering to hide his disinterest in the topic."You’ve always been like a big brother to her," Mr. Copperfield continued, his eyes resting on David. "That’s why I trusted you to look after her. Her mother asks about her all the time."Her mother? I blinked, confused. Why hadn’t I heard abo
BELLA As soon as we arrived home, David silently lifted Jasper from my lap, carrying him to his room without a glance in my direction. Left alone in the stillness, I let my thoughts whirl.The Copperfield family… they’re absolutely insane.I was still lost in thought when David’s driver approached me. "We’ll be heading to Miss Thalassa’s home at 10 a.m. tomorrow," he informed me.I nodded absentmindedly. "Okay," I replied, though a flicker of uncertainty gnawed at me. I was his assistant now, wasn’t I? Shouldn’t I be at the office?Needing clarification, I made my way to his room and knocked softly."Come in," his voice called, steady yet detached.I stepped inside for the first time, taking in the stark contrast of his space book-lined shelves and workstations, all cold and impersonal. A place for everything, except warmth. I realized just how little I knew about David beyond his public persona as the ruthless billionaire.“Do you need me for anything tomorrow? I’ll be at your mothe
BELLA I couldn’t tear my eyes from Veronica, standing quietly beside Mrs. Thalassa, her posture almost robotic in its obedience. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me out of the trance. Glancing at the screen, I read the message: We’re having a workers' trip.“What?!” The word escaped far louder than I intended. Immediately, I cringed, realizing I wasn’t alone.Mrs. Thalassa arched a brow, her lips curling into an amused smile. “What’s the matter, angel?”Embarrassment washed over me. A trip wasn’t worth screaming about, no matter how exciting.“We’re having a workers' trip,” I repeated, trying to sound calmer.Her smile widened, and her tone was laced with playful curiosity. “A trip, hmm? Then we must prepare. Let’s make sure you have everything you need.”I blinked, surprised by her sudden interest in fashion. Mrs. Thalassa could outshine any designer, no doubt, but her attention to me was unsettling.The day turned into a whirlwind of shopping. By the time I returned home, exha
BELLAI stared at him, my heart heavy with disbelief. Why would he want to announce our marriage? I’d wanted it to stay a secret, to keep it hidden from everyone. It was better that way dating David, of all people, came with complications. This was exactly the kind of stunt he’d pull.“Fine, I’ll come with you,” I muttered, my voice laced with irritation. Without waiting for his response, I spun on my heel and headed to my room, slamming the door behind me. My hands were trembling as I tossed clothes into a bag, each movement rough and frustrated.In the car, I stared out the window, my mind racing, already planning how I’d slip away as soon as David left me at the camp. But suddenly, the car slowed, and I noticed David signaling the driver to stop. Confused, I glanced at him as the car came to a halt.“You can get out,” he said, his voice calm, too calm.My brows knitted together. “But… I’ll have to walk an hour to get there,” I protested, the disbelief thick in my voice.He just shr
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