CHAPTER THREE

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 I think he might have despised me.

The sound of my phone ringing drew me back from my train of thought.

I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes when I caught the name on the screen. There is no way in hell Daniel would think I would just up and accept his call easily after all he had done.

The phone rang twice, and the third time, I decided to answer the call despite how angry I was at him.

“What do you want?” I asked, not waiting for him to speak first.

“Isa, I need you to come down to the station, please.” The desperate tone in Daniel’s voice made me frown.

I couldn’t understand what was wrong and what he was doing at the station at such a time. It was 3 am, for fucks sake.

“What’s going on?” I could feel my heart beating loudly in my rib cage.

Despite everything, Daniel was the only living family I had left. I couldn't just ignore him when he needed me. I couldn't even bear to see him in pain for long, no matter how pissed I was at him.

“Mr. Black got me arrested; he needs his money, Isa.” I could hear the helplessness in his voice, and it brought tears to my eyes.

My eyes were already sore and puffy due to the amount of time I spent crying last night when I arrived at the hotel situated on this beach, and now I just couldn’t stop myself.

No matter how much I wanted to act strong, I couldn't because I broke into tears.

“Isa, can you hear me? Please come as soon as possible.” He said, and the call ended.

I wasn’t sure if there was anything I could do to pay off the debt. I didn’t even know how much we owed Mr. Black.

Why on earth didn't he tell me before borrowing from them? I could have preferred a solution or at least thought of an alternative.

I knew all these were Adrian’s doings. Why was he doing this? To hurt me?

Daniel hadn’t done anything to him. If he wanted to take his anger out on anyone, then he should take it out on me. I am the one he is mad at, not Daniel, I thought to myself as I rushed back to the hotel to dress up and head to the station.

***

ADRIAN’S POV

“Is everything done?” I asked calmly, staring at the watch on my hand as I began the countdown for when Isa was going to arrive.

“Yes, I did as you've asked,” Carlos responded.

He kept on staring at me, and when I remained unaffected by his gaze, he sighed and looked away.

“Can you at least tell me what you are planning?” Carlos asked.

I knew he hated being kept in the dark, and that was what I was doing, which would make him frustrated.

“To be honest, I don’t know yet,” Adrian replied.

Last night I was shocked to have come across Bella. I wasn’t prepared when I came across her, but now I was, and yet I didn’t know what I would do if I see her.

The door suddenly sprang open, dragging our attention to check who came in, and there stood Bella. Fuming with rage, she charged towards me and stopped when she was in front of me.

“How could you? Why would you do that?” She questioned me as she clenched her fist, restraining herself from hitting me hard across the face.

As though she could. But I knew her very well; despite what happened years ago, I knew Bella could never intentionally hurt even a fly.

“What exactly are you talking about?” I feigned ignorance which infuriated her.

She threw a pleading look towards Carlos, who then backed away from us, not wanting to get further involved in our drama, and I smirked.

“You got my brother locked up, and then you put the house up for sale. You have no right to do that,” she said as her voice broke.

I burst into laughter, a cold laugh that I'm sure sliced through her chest because she began to cry. As always, I hated to see Bella cry.

I felt a pang of guilt in my chest watching her cry. But I just wanted her to feel it, even though it was half of what I felt since that incident years ago.

“I need my money, and if that’s the only way I can retrieve it, then I would,” I coldly stated, even though all I wanted to do was go hug and comfort her.

After what she did to me, I knew I wasn't supposed to feel any ounce of pity, but I couldn't help but do it. Not when I still stupidly felt something for her even after all these years.

She stared at me for a few minutes and then shut her eyes. When she opened them, determination was born, and she looked ready to change my mind.

“What can I do to change your mind?” She batted her lash at me and bit on her bottom lip nervously, waiting for my reply.

“What can you do huh?” I said and began to walk closer to her.

I didn't know what the fuck I was doing or why I was walking towards her, but I just followed my instincts.

She began to back away until her back touched the wall, and I then successfully closed up on her.

“Are you sure you have what it takes to do my bidding, little Vixen?" I whispered into her ears, and my lips brushed her ears, which made her shiver.

“I have always had what it takes, but I’m sure you don’t, Adrian.” She pushed me away and glared at me, making me let out small, hearty laughter.

After all these years, she still amused me. She was still fierce as always, though. Back then, she always tried to defend me from those who tried to bully me.

“Here is the deal. You work for me for the amount your brother owes. Simple,” I shrugged, and Isa swallowed nervously.

But then she did something I didn't expect.