Leo slammed the door shut behind him pinning me to the wall both his hands by the sides of my head.“What is this?” he demanded, his voice low and intense, his face only inches from mine. “What are you playing at?”I tilted my chin up, meeting his gaze without a hint of fear. “And what is this?" I frowned, staring at him in irritation.His eyes searched mine, still in shock. “Why?” His voice cracked just slightly. “Why are you doing this?”I pushed against his chest, slipping out from under his arm. “If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”He grabbed my wrist, his grip tightening just enough to stop me but not hurt. “Bella.” His tone softened for a brief second. I yanked my hand away, my eyes cold. “I think I made myself clear, if you have anything to say, speak with my team."Without waiting for a response, I walked to the door.But just as I stepped into the hallway, Stella was there, her face twisted in rage. She stormed toward me, her heels clicking sharply against
Bella's POV I may be the bride at this wedding, but I’m definitely not the center of attention. Stella stood out, wearing a stunning white gown. White. Everyone knew the first rule of attending a wedding was to not wear white but Stella didn't care. I stared at her as she walked into the wedding, her head glancing left and right, I knew who she was looking for, my soon-to-be husband, and her brother who treated her like she was the whole world, Leo. Sensing my gaze on her, she started to walk our way. I closed my eyes tight, my fist in a ball beside me. It had been three years since Leo and I got together, and since I started living with him in his family's mansion. No one had taken me in after losing my parents in that wretched accident sixteen years ago but Leo was the first to keep me by his side. He was my Mr. Perfect, if I could forget Stella, his adopted sister, existed . She was like a barnacle that clung stubbornly to him, popping up during our every crucial
I stared at the blood beneath me, my entire body frozen. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst. “Help! Somebody, please help!” I screamed, my voice breaking and echoing into the empty forest. No one answered. No one ever looked back until the last guest disappeared from my sight. As if to make things worse, I heard the cracking sound of thunder through the skies, immediately followed by pouring rain that drowned out my cries. My hands trembled as I pressed them to my stomach, tears streaming down my face. “No, no, no,” I whispered, shaking my head. My breaths came in short, shallow gasps as fear hooked me. I grabbed my phone, dialing Leo with shaking hands. It rang once, twice, then straight to voicemail. My stomach sank. He wasn’t coming. I decided to text him instead, ‘Leo I’m bleeding , I need help.’ For a moment, I just sat there, helpless and scared. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to breathe through the pain. “You can do this,” I whispered. M
I resumed walking slowly and my confusion soon turned to dread as I reached the door and peered inside. My hands fell limp to my side and the color drained from my face. Stella’s laughter reached my ears first. She was lying on the hospital bed, she didn’t look sick one bit but she smiled as Leo fussed over her. He adjusted her blanket, brushed her hair away from her face, and spoke to her in a low, tender voice. So he was here this whole time, while I cried alone, and wanted to die, he was here with her, ignoring my calls, my messages, leaving me in the dense forest alone struggling to live. Tears stung at my eyes and I couldn't bring my feet to move. My heart sank further when I saw what he held in his hand—the ruby necklace. My grandmother’s heirloom. He placed it gently around her neck, his fingers lingering just long enough to make my stomach twist. Stella’s face lit up with joy, and she touched the necklace like it was a treasure. The way they looked at each other—it
As I walked out of the ward, I expected to hear his voice, to listen to him call me back, to hold my wrist and stop me, to ask me what bullshit I was doing.But he didn't.He let me walk out of that room without looking back.Once I was out of the ward, a sarcastic smile spread across my lips as the tears continued to pour down my cheeks, "what were you expecting?" I almost laughed at myself.I wasn't Stella, so why would he pull at me like I mattered?*I flinched at the loud thunder rumbling as soon as I stepped outside the hospital room.The rain pouring right after was soaking me to the bone.The nurses had pleaded with me to stay, citing my condition, but I couldn’t. Not with Stella just down the hall, basking in Leo’s attention. Not with Leo’s indifference cutting me deeper than any physical pain.I signed the discharge papers, ignoring the doctor’s concerned look, and stepped into the storm. Looking like a lunatic in a hospital gown and barefoot in the rain.None of the taxis
Two years later Leo pov Dennis knocked softly on my office door, peeking in. He cleared his throat as if he was trying to announce his presence. “Mr. Rathore, it’s time for the business banquet. The car is ready.” I adjusted the cufflinks on my shirt. “I’ll be down in five," I said, without looking up. "Yes sir," my assistant nodded before taking his leave. I slipped my suit on, got to my feet after closing the laptop on the desk and headed towards the door. The secretary—her name escaped me—followed me as I stepped out of the office. She walked quickly, her heels clicking against the floor with every step. Her dress was bright red, tight, and it showed off her curves. It looked like she was trying a little too hard for an office outfit. Her lips were painted the same bold shade, matching her dress perfectly. She kept her expression focused, but there was something off about it. Her eyes flicked over me, not just looking at my face but taking in everything else, too. As she
Bella pov My eyes were fixed on the man I thought I would never see again, his assistant guiding me through the crowd at the banquet. His eyes were locked on mine, I couldn't read what his expression was, but I knew he was astonished. He looked the same as the last time I'd seen him, if anything he looked more handsome than I remembered. My eyes were locked on him but just before I reached his side, I saw her. Stella. Stella stepped in front of Leo, smiling brightly, she seemed to have aged in such a short time. Stella turned to me and froze. Her eyes went wide, and she took a step back, like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Bella?” she whispered. Her mouth opened like she wanted to say more, but nothing came out. She didn’t hesitate. Her hand rested on his arm, and she looked at me with that same smug, condescending smile. "Leo, I was waiting for you to join me," Stella said, her voice dripping with sweetness, her gaze never leaving mine. I couldn’t stop
The shock on Stella's face is something I wish I could capture. Her jaw dropped opened, her eyes shot open wide and her face paled. Leo didn't peel his eyes off me as he left her side, leading the way. Her piercing eyes followed our steps until we were completely out of sight. Even I was taken aback by Leo's behaviour. His assistant attempted to follow us but he clarified, "alone," causing his assistant to nod and step back. I turned to Ryan, mouthing a 'I will be back'. "Okay dear," he said with his intense gaze fixed on Leo, "Jack and I will be waiting in the car." With that, Leo took me all the way to his office in the banquet. We were barely a few steps in, when he shut the door, grabbing me by my wrists, and pinning me to the wall next to the door, holding my hands by the sides of my head. I was surprised but did well to conceal it. I tilted my head to the side, raising one eyebrow, "what do you think you're doing Mr Rathore?" I raised a brow at him. "Where were
Leo slammed the door shut behind him pinning me to the wall both his hands by the sides of my head.“What is this?” he demanded, his voice low and intense, his face only inches from mine. “What are you playing at?”I tilted my chin up, meeting his gaze without a hint of fear. “And what is this?" I frowned, staring at him in irritation.His eyes searched mine, still in shock. “Why?” His voice cracked just slightly. “Why are you doing this?”I pushed against his chest, slipping out from under his arm. “If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”He grabbed my wrist, his grip tightening just enough to stop me but not hurt. “Bella.” His tone softened for a brief second. I yanked my hand away, my eyes cold. “I think I made myself clear, if you have anything to say, speak with my team."Without waiting for a response, I walked to the door.But just as I stepped into the hallway, Stella was there, her face twisted in rage. She stormed toward me, her heels clicking sharply against
I stopped right in front of Leo, folding my arms across my chest, a smirk curling at the corner of my lips.“I want to be part of the competition,” I said, my voice calm but firm, “and in exchange, if I win, I want the necklace you gave to Stella. The one from that day in the hospital.”A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.Stella’s face twisted in shock, then fury. Her eyes darted to Leo, her hands clenching into tight fists at her sides.“No!” she nearly screamed. “No way! That necklace is mine! You can’t take it from me!”Her voice echoed through the hall, her carefully polished image cracking right in front of everyone.The flashes kept coming, reporters whispering, trying to get every word.Leo didn’t move or say anything at first, still staring at me like he wasn’t sure if this was real.“Leo!” Stella’s voice shook. “Tell her! Tell her she can’t have it!”His eyes finally left mine, glancing at her briefly, but there was no reassurance in his expression."You need to speak
The boutique was elegant, the kind of place where everything was overpriced, and the staff only treated you well if they thought you had money.I had money. More than they could imagine.I ran my fingers over a silk gown, considering it, when a sharp, familiar laugh made me pause.“I still can’t believe it,” a voice drawled behind me. “After all those years, and she ended up with nothing.”I didn’t turn around. I didn’t need to.Stella.“Oh, come on,” another voice joined in, dripping with false pity. “She didn’t end up with nothing. She married some nobody. That counts for something, right?”Laughter.My grip on the fabric tightened.“She thought she could do better than Leo.” Stella’s voice was laced with amusement. “And now look at her. No power, no name, no future. Honestly, it’s a little pathetic.”More laughter. Whispered comments.They wanted me to hear them.They wanted a reaction.Slowly, I turned, letting my eyes settle on Stella. She was standing with two other women, both
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my cufflinks. My black tux fit perfectly, sharp and tailored. The crisp white shirt underneath, paired with a dark silk tie, made the look complete. My shoes were polished until they shined, and my hair was styled neatly. I looked every bit the part for tonight’s event.But I couldn’t focus on how I looked. My mind was elsewhere.“Dennis,” I called out as I fixed my tie one last time. “Any news from her team?”Dennis stood by the door, his phone in hand. He glanced at the screen and shook his head. “No news, sir. Nothing at all.”I frowned. “She hasn’t said why she’s doing this? Others have begged her to show up before, and she always refused. Why now?”Dennis cleared his throat. “No reason given, sir. No statement from her team.”I nodded slowly, the same questions running through my mind. Why this event? Why here?“You ready?” Dennis asked.I adjusted my jacket, giving myself one last look. “Yeah, let’s go.”We arrived at the event, and the
“Who?” I frowned, narrowing my eyes at Dennis.Dennis cleared his throat. “Le Deon, sir.”I froze. “Le Deon?” I repeated slowly.He nodded, adjusting his tie nervously. “Yes, sir. The Le Deon.”For a second, I said nothing. Le Deon was the biggest name in jewelry design. She sold her pieces to billionaires and high-end companies. Everyone in the industry knew the name, but no one had ever seen her face. She was a complete mystery—just a name behind a massive empire.And now, apparently, she had signed up for my competition.Dennis shifted on his feet, looking more uncomfortable by the second. “Sir, you can’t cancel the event. She’s already spread the news that she’ll be participating. And…” He paused, hesitating.“And what?” I asked, my voice sharp.“She’s… doing a face reveal at the event. It’s causing a stir on social media. Millions are talking about it,” Dennis finished.I blinked, processing his words. Le Deon. The most secretive designer in the world. Doing a face reveal—at my e
Leo’s POVI woke up with a sharp headache, my hands instinctively went to search the space beside me.Empty.She was gone.I sat up wincing and groaning, massaging my temples.I stared at the empty space, so none of last night was a dream after all. I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening on the blanket.She chose him. A man who couldn’t even love her the way I did. The child wasn’t mine. Every illusion I’d clung to was all shattered in an instant.Two years. Two fucking years of searching for her, chasing shadows, thinking I could fix what was broken. What a joke.I swung my legs off the bed, grabbing my clothes from the floor. My movements were stiff, cold.“Enough,” I muttered to myself. “No more.”I stormed out of the cabin and got into the car. My hands gripped the steering wheel as I drove back to the house, the anger simmering beneath my skin.The front door swung open as soon as I parked. My mother stood there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.“Leo!” she snapped. “Where were you? I
Bella’s POVI stared down at his hand holding mind, trailing my gaze up until I met his eyes and then back at his hand. I snatched my hand from his grip and repelled. I could still feel the warmth of his hand on mine, even though I wasn’t holding it anymore. His eyes had been so intense, pulling me in, making me forget, just for a second, everything that had happened. Everything he’d done.For a brief moment, I let myself get lost in it. In him. His gaze. His warmth. The familiar feeling that used to make my heart race.But then it hit me.Like a slap to my own face.I pulled my hand away fast, my heart pounding for a different reason now. Anger. Disgust. At him. At myself.What the hell was I doing?I stood up quickly, putting distance between us. His eyes followed me, confused, maybe even hurt. But I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to fall for it. Not again.I heard the bed creak as he shuffled in bed. I crossed my arms over my chest, my jaw tight. “No,” I muttered under my breath,
Bella’s POVThe rain was cold. It soaked through my clothes, chilling me to the bone. But none of that mattered. I was focused on Leo. His breathing was uneven, his eyes wide and unfocused. I didn’t understand what had happened. I didn’t ask. I just knew I had to get him inside.I’d left angered, hating that for a short minute I had kissed him back. But more than that I was completely shocked by what just transpired. “Come on,” I whispered, wrapping my arm around his waist. He was heavy, his body tense, but he didn’t resist. His steps were slow, uneven. Like he wasn’t really here. Like his mind was somewhere far away.We stumbled back into the cabin. The door creaked shut behind us. The rain kept pounding outside, but in here, it was quieter. I guided him to the small couch, helping him sit. His shirt was soaked, clinging to his skin. His chest rose and fell fast, like he couldn’t catch his breath.I didn’t know what to say. So, I said nothing.I found a towel draped over a chair. I
Leo’s POVListening to her speak, my eyes were focused on her lips. They were just as beautiful as I remembered, her words started to fade away anf I found myself leaning closer.Her lips were soft, warmer than I remembered.For a second, she kissed me back. Her hands almost reached for my neck, pulling me closer. I could feel her heartbeat racing against mine.But then, she froze.Bella pulled back fast, eyes wide, breath uneven. Without warning, she reached in, striking my face with a slap.It stung but barely did a thing to make me move."What-what was that?" Her voice cracked, full of panic.I didn’t know how to answer."You fucking bastard, Leo, how dare you?!" She took a step away from me, "so not only did you choose to kidnap me, you assaulted me too?"Hearing the genuine hurt in my voice made me realise I crossed the line, unlike me, she really wasn't stuck on two years ago.It stung my chest how she repelled from me."Bella, wait." I reached for her, but she stepped back, s