ADRIAN’S POV “Your foster dad is dead,” Ivan said, making me freeze. I was shocked to my very core. How did my dad die? I wasn't aware he was sick. So how the fuck was he dead? My heart ached after hearing this. My heart ached for Susana, my foster mom. I knew how much she loved my foster dad. I mean, what was there not to love about him? I loved him too. He was an honest, kind, and loving man, very understanding. “Mom, was he ill?” I asked her to be sure my suspicions weren't right. “I’m sorry, Adrian; he didn't want you to know. He said it would make you worried, and he didn't want that. Besides, I didn't know it was something that would lead to death,” she said amidst sobs. I squinted my eyes and sighed, fighting back the urge to shed tears. I was a man, and I was going to act as one. “On your dad’s dying breath, he said the company should be passed to Ivan. That he didn't want you to carry the burden of heading such a big company,” Ivan’s dad said all of a sudden, m
ISABELLA’S POV “This is the last time I am ever doing you a favor, Daniel!” I yelled angrily at him over the phone. Who on earth makes a deal when they know they are going to lose? Well, look no further; it was my goddamn brother! Here I was in the middle of the night, shivering to the bones, trying to help my brother complete his deal for us not to lose everything we had worked so hard from scratch. I walked into the restaurant, and when I stepped in, my anger immediately diminished. The smell of food wafted through my nose, and the music was playing at a moderate level, which made me feel relaxed. “A reservation for Mr. Black,” I said to the waiter who walked towards me. She scrunched her nose as she gave me a not-so-discreet once over. But I didn’t let that bother me since that wasn’t what brought me here. “Mr. Black?” The waiter questioned, like I had mentioned the wrong name. “That’s what I said.” I could feel the anger pulsating through my veins, but I managed to
ISABELLA'S POV“You hurt me, Isa, and I don't I will ever forgive nor forget what you did on that fateful day,” Adrain said and zoomed off.“No wait, please. Give me a chance to explain. It's not what you think,” I called out to him as though he could hear me but he was long gone.All these years, I was feeling guilty about what happened on that day. I wished I could turn back the hands of time.I got into my car, feeling drained all of a sudden. But I still pushed myself to drive back home.I arrived home feeling like a ghost of myself. Disbelief was clearly written on my face.I couldn't believe Adrian could pull off such a stunt. I assumed he would perhaps speak to me but seeing his reaction and how angry he was, I knew there was more to what happened tonight and I needed to speak with Daniel.“So, how did it go?” Daniel walked towards me. Speaking of the devil.Of all the people on earth he could mess with, he chose the one person I never wished to cross paths with again because o
ISABELLA’S POV The touch of air on my skin made me roll to the other end of the bed, but the feel of grains and shells made me snap out of my slumber. I glanced around, and with a sigh, I clenched my head as the memories of last night washed down on me. I still couldn't believe that Daniel would do that to me. I walked out of the hotel and took a stroll on the beach. I needed to return home. Ever since I left Daniel yesterday, I haven't seen him. He had tried to call me several times, but I didn't pick up his calls. I was still pissed at him. Perhaps it was time for Daniel and I to have a conversation. I didn’t know what we could do, but at least if we joined heads together, we could come up with something. All my life, I have always lived by the principles I set for myself. Well, except for that day with Adrian, which I so much regret. “Could I just talk to Adrian?” I mumbled as I kicked the sand in search of my shoes. No, I couldn't. Adrian had ignored me last night, and
ISABELLA’S POV I walked to the table where Carlos and Adrian sat and carried the first glass cup my hand touched and drank the content, but I hissed when I felt the burning sensation in my throat as I gulped the content. Gosh, it was vodka. Who serves Vodka at a restaurant? I could have sworn I saw Adrain suppress his laughter. But Carlos, on the other hand, was chuckling. “I won’t work for you, Adrian. Not after what I did to you. I know you will make my life a living hell for me if I do,” I said and walked out of the restaurant without looking back. I boarded a taxi and returned home. I thought that if I was well rested, then I could think of something. I wondered what would become of Daniel if I couldn’t bail him out. When I had gone to see him in the station, I could tell he regretted his actions. This was all too much for me; I couldn’t think properly, and I wasn’t sure what the right thing was anymore. Reaching our house, I saw a man who looked like a bodyguard s
ISABELLA’S POV“I’m ready to take the deal. I will work for you,” I said when Adrian was done with his call and had a strained look on his face.I looked at him with a poker face even though all I wanted to do was hide in shame now that I had accepted the deal for Daniel’s sake and our property.Look what Daniel had reduced me to. Again I had to pay the price for his irresponsible and gambling lifestyle.“You have to act as my fake girlfriend, if possible Fiancée, just until I am made the CEO of my foster parent’s company,” He said with an unreadable expression on his face.“What? That was what you meant when you said I said work for you?” I asked with my face scrunched up in shock.Did I hear him well or was I imagining? Why did he suggest that to me all of a sudden and of all people why me? I thought he detested me.“Yeah. Look, do you want me to forgive you for what you did to me back at high or not,” He asked and for the time I saw a chance to get forgiven by him.Maybe my conscie
ADRIAN’S POV“This house is now the property of Mr Jax Bentfort who owns a casino. The owner of this house owes him money and puts this house up as collateral. He was unable to pay till he died so the house now belongs to Mr Jax Bentfort,” One of the muscular men dressed in Black said.I was shocked and so was Bella. Why did Daniel behave like that, hearing this meant that Carlos wasn't the only one Daniel put up this house as collateral for.But most importantly the name I heard was one I couldn't forget. Jax Bentfort.He and his friends were the ones who beat me up on the day I asked Bella to be my girlfriend back in high school.Which landed me in the hospital for months because they broke my ribs and legs.I used to think Bella did that purposely but it was recently I found out from her that they threatened to kill me if she accepted to be my girlfriend.And also that she ran away that day when they started beating me up so she could call the police.I used to think she abandoned
ISABELLA’S POV“Ta-da!!!!” Adrian’s foster mother exclaimed with all smiles gesturing to a slender girl standing with them, the moment Adrian opened the door and we went in.Adrian looked at them with creased brows and so did I, because what was going on here?His parents and the girl frowned when they saw me with Adrian.“Who is she, Son?” His foster father asked, making Adrian hold my hand.“She’s my Fiancée,” He said with a confident look and smile.“Fiancée?” His foster mom and Dad exclaimed, including the slender girl who scoffed afterward.“I’m out of here,” The slender girl said in annoyance, and even though Adrian’s foster mom tried to stop her, she gently shoved the hand of Adrian’s mom away and then left.“What was that about?” Adrian asked his parents.Just then three persons walked into the house much to Adrian’s surprise. An elderly man and woman and a younger man.“I am hosting a family meal today. Let’s all proceed to the table shall we?” Adrian’s Dad gestured to their