"Give birth to a child for me, and I will reward you with one million dollars."Bella was startled. Her eyes widened upon hearing the offer she had just received.Bella Stone was a young accountant recently laid off from a multinational company. Pressed for funds, especially for her mother's weekly dialysis, she sought help from a friend to find a job.Renata Venya, a renowned makeup artist and a close friend of Bella's, presented an incredibly tempting offer."Come on, Bella. Just meet Julia. She is in desperate need of someone intelligent like you. I'm sure you'll be interested in the offer she will make."Renata mentioned that Julia Estelle, a top model, was looking for a single, intelligent, and attractive woman to collaborate with her.Bella thought that Julia wanted a partner for collaboration or, at the very least, an assistant. However, after making an appointment and meeting with Julia, she was shocked by the unconventional offer and request Julia presented to her."W-what? G
"Bella, what are you doing?"Jessica looked puzzled, carefully observing her daughter, who seemed hurried and busy packing clothes and other essential items into a large suitcase.Jessica was curious and wondered where Bella was going at this late hour. Moreover, her daughter had yet to mention or hint at any plans to travel shortly."I have to move, Mom.""W-what did you say? Move?"Bella then closed and fastened her suitcase. She turned, trying to maintain a calm expression so her mother wouldn't worry. On the way home earlier, Bella thought about what excuse to give her mother. That's why she tried to stay calm. A moment later, she smiled and replied, "I got a new job today, Mom.""You already got a job? Where, dear?"Jessica was increasingly curious. But, judging from her expression, she was also happy to hear that her daughter had finally found a new job after being unemployed for a while due to being laid off by the previous company."At one of Renata's friend's companies. She i
"Did you deliberately spy on me?"Bella froze. Whatever sins she had committed in the past, on the second day of staying at Julia's residence, it seemed she had once again made a mistake.Indeed, Bella had only intended to take in the morning air while strolling around the flower garden behind the house.While passing by the swimming pool, Bella paused to observe Edward, who had just emerged from the pool shirtless. For a moment, Bella's eyes were captivated. It would be a lie to say she didn't admire the athletic and proportional appearance of Edward's body.Unfortunately, due to being too engrossed, Bella lost track of herself. Before she knew it, Edward, who had been standing by the pool, was now right in front of her."Hey!" Edward's voice sounded again. "Are you deaf?""Ah, sorry, sir," Bella muttered when she realized."I think you deliberately stalked and spied on me."Bella shook her head. She wanted to protest, but she didn't dare. How could she, who was beautiful, innocent,
Bella received extra attention from Julia daily after the embryo transfer into her womb. The woman, who worked as a professional model, even went to great lengths to pay a considerable amount for a nutrition expert.Julia intentionally did this to determine and create a meal schedule for Bella—her effort aimed to support the embryo's growth in Bella's womb so it could develop nicely."Lilia, this is the meal schedule Bella should follow for the next few days. While I'm not at home, you should prepare and pay close attention to all of Bella's needs, no matter how small.Lilia nodded in understanding. After receiving the schedule from Julia, she briefly read it and agreed to the task. After all, she was paid to assist, fulfill, and ensure that all of Bella's needs were well cared for."All right, ma'am. I'll make sure Miss Bella consumes all the food you've specified.""Good," nodded Julia. "Also, don't forget to remind Bella to take the vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor
In the dining room, Lilia patiently attended to Bella, who was enjoying her dinner. Without missing a beat, the woman served and ensured that every need of Bella was met."After this, you should have fruit pudding, Miss. Then, take your vitamins and medication, and get ready for rest."Bella nodded. She couldn't argue, even if she wanted to. Despite a lifelong aversion to pudding, she had to comply with the orders while staying at Julia's house and learn to try the healthy snack."Has Mr. Edward not had dinner yet? I haven't seen him since earlier," Bella asked curiously. Usually, when it was time for dinner, she always crossed paths with the man. But tonight, Bella didn't see him at all."It seems Mr. Edward is working late. Perhaps he is having dinner outside as well."Bella nodded. After all, she had no right to interfere with his activities. After finishing Lilia's pudding, Bella hurried to her room to rest."Here are your vitamins and medication, Miss."Lilia then handed a glass
Bella remembered well that she fell asleep shortly after Clara left her room that night.Several hours later, she woke up feeling thirsty. Slowly getting up, Bella immediately glanced around. Squinting at the nightstand, she believed it was only two in the morning.However, Bella felt like she had been sleeping for a long time. But, upon closer inspection, she realized she had only been asleep for about four hours.For some reason, that night she really wanted to drink cold water. Walking quietly, Bella decided to go to the dining room and get a glass of cold water.However, after finishing and heading back to her room, Bella was surprised. She found Edward, who had apparently fallen, sprawled on the floor.Bella took the initiative to help. She approached and helped Edward by taking him to his room. But, an unexpected event occurred. As she was about to leave, Edward suddenly grabbed Bella's wrist, preventing her from going anywhere."Mr. Edward? Do you need something?"Edward didn't
"Where are you going?"Bella's steps abruptly halted. She had already prepared to hurriedly leave the dining room. Truly, Bella wanted to play it safe. She was afraid Edward might call her to discuss last night's incident."I'm going back to my room, Sir.""Back?" Edward's eyes nAaroned reflexively. He gazed at Bella, who at that moment looked down as if afraid to meet his gaze. "Didn't you finish your food?"Bella immediately looked up. In her heart, she cursed her own foolishness for not being able to give a convincing answer. After all, if she wanted to play it safe, why not just say she had a stomach ache or urgently needed to use the restroom? Surely Edward wouldn't ask or give a lengthy response."Y-yes. I, uh---""What's wrong? Is there something important that made you stop eating?"Furthermore, Edward wasn't blind. He could clearly see that there was still a lot of food left on Bella's plate. Even if she was full, why take an excessive portion from the beginning only to end u
"Miss Bella, what are you doing?"Clara sounded concerned. Her face looked worried upon seeing Bella entering the kitchen and searching for some ingredients in the fridge."I'm bored and I feel like cooking dinner for myself tonight."Clara's brow immediately furrowed."Cooking? What do you want to eat? Just tell me. Let me prepare it for you."Bella smiled. Instead of listening, she continued to search for something in the fridge. Shortly after, she took out some frozen meat from the freezer and various types of vegetables and fruits."No, Clara. Please allow me to cook it myself. I miss eating my own Lancashire and Roast Meat.""But, Miss....""Just this once."Bella looked at Clara pleadingly, hoping she would allow her to cook and prepare her dinner herself just this once."Please," Bella said again."Alright. But just this once. If Miss Julia finds out, she'll be angry."Bella smiled happily. After getting permission, she quickly started preparing the ingredients she had taken fr
After hearing the news that there was a patient in critical condition, and one of them even passed away, Bella couldn't help but feel panicked. Moreover, it was clear that the nurse had previously stated that the patient who lost his life was a male. Instantly, Bella remembered Edward's figure. However, she knew that the man intended to save her life. Whether due to miscalculation or otherwise, it seemed that Julia and the man accompanying her had sniffed out Edward's plan. Because of this, they attempted to escape and eventually got involved in a fatal chase, leading to an accident. Afterward, Bella lost consciousness and found herself in the hospital. Since her condition wasn't too severe after the accident, Bella decided to follow wherever Samuel went. Taking big steps, she followed the obstetrician specialist as he moved to another emergency room. "Doctor Samuel." One of the nurses who saw Samuel entering the room called out, inviting the young doctor to come in and see. "Is
After getting a call from Julia, Edward immediately rushed. Behind the man, Kairos was seen standing waiting."Shouldn't I just go alone?" Edward asked, making sure. He was worried about the repeated threats Julia had directed at him."Letting you go alone? Are you crazy!" Kairos exclaimed, disagreeing. Besides, he had his own calculations. "I'm worried Julia might do something reckless if she knows I'm coming with someone else, especially since you plan to bring the authorities along. For God's sake, Julia could recklessly harm Bella."Kairos sighed. This was what he didn't like about Edward. Apart from being reluctant to take risks, his thinking was also nAaron. Too cowardly and often underestimated things that clearly hadn't been tried. Pathetic!"It's precisely because we both know Julia likes to be reckless and is capable of doing crazy things that I won't let that woman act recklessly. That's why I'm considering all possibilities.""What about Bella?" Edward asked, making sure.
"What about you? Have you obtained any information about Julia's whereabouts?"Since yesterday, Edward seemed anxious. As soon as he saw Kairos coming to his house this afternoon, he bombarded him with questions.Knowing that Bella had been kidnapped, Kairos took the initiative to search immediately since yesterday. He even mobilized all his men to find Julia's whereabouts."No," Kairos shook his head. "Initially, my people managed to locate where Julia's car was parked. But after further investigation, she was already gone. I think she's smart and deliberately switched vehicles to avoid being tracked. And when we checked her phone's position, Julia was no longer there.""Damn it!" Edward cursed. His jaw clenched. His expression a mix of frustration, anger, and worry. "Bella is really in danger. I'm sure Julia can be reckless."Kairos sighed repeatedly. If scrutinized, his face indicated someone preparing to get angry."From the beginning, you're the one who got Bella into trouble," a
Bella looked around the room, scanning each item neatly arranged in Samuel's office. Since asked to wait, she sat down and glanced around.From her eyes, Bella noticed various paintings hanging on the walls. On the desk, there were two small frames containing photos of Samuel with his family and another one of him with a woman.Bella smiled. She observed the photo of Samuel embracing the woman warmly. Upon closer inspection, it seemed like this woman was Samuel's girlfriend."It seems Dr. Samuel already has a girlfriend."Bella nodded as she continued to look around. Shortly after, she was startled by the ringing of her phone inside her bag.Quickly, Bella reached for it, checking the screen to see Kairos's name displayed there."Hello, Kairos. What's up?" Bella asked, concerned that he might be calling with something important."Is your examination process finished?"Unconsciously, Bella nodded. The woman replied, "Actually, it is. Right now, I'm waiting for Dr. Samuel who was sudden
"Doctor Samuel Knight, I entrust Miss Bella Stone to you. Please examine her thoroughly."As usual, today was Kairos's schedule to accompany Bella for her prenatal checkup. Upon meeting Samuel, he deliberately entrusted the woman while he appeared to be preparing to leave for work."Aren't you waiting for her?"Kairos shook his head."I actually want to accompany her. But, today there's an important guest I have to meet in person. That's why I left Bella with you first. Don't worry, my bodyguard will wait outside the hospital."Samuel shook his head. Aware that Kairos was extremely busy, he didn't protest at all."All right then. Be careful. I'll take care of Bella here.""Thank you, cousin. Please inform me if there's anything important or things I need to know. When you're done, ask Bella to wait for a moment."After bidding farewell, Kairos left immediately. Meanwhile, Samuel went back into the room and started his usual task of examining Bella's pregnancy."How are you, Bella?""G
"Geez, Edward. Why do you look so messed up?"Samuel hurriedly approached, pulling a chair and sitting directly facing Edward.Thirty minutes ago, he had just arrived home feeling exhausted. After taking a shower, Samuel was suddenly contacted. Upon checking, it turned out to be Edward calling."I'm tired, Edward. Let's meet tomorrow," Samuel rejected when he found out Edward wanted to meet. Besides, he felt extremely tired because he had just finished an operation that afternoon."No... you have to meet me now at Bosova, Sam. I need you.""Just call Kairos or Shawn. For God's sake, I need some rest.""Come on, Sam." Edward sounded persistent. "I really need a friend to talk to. You know Kairos won't listen to my stories. He'll just be busy mocking and cursing."Samuel sighed heavily. He felt extremely reluctant to follow through."I beg you, Sam. Just this once."Samuel grumbled. Eventually, he relented and complied with Edward's request to meet. Upon arriving at the bar, he found Ed
"How long are you going to keep hiding Bella, Kairos? It's been too long."As usual, after work, Samuel and Kairos relaxed first at the coffee shop. They chatted away, and this time, Edward was the topic of discussion.Somehow, almost every day, they talked about Edward. There was always some strange thing that man did, raising questions for both of them."Until that stupid Edward gets smart."Samuel burst into laughter. He immediately shook his head upon hearing Kairos's seemingly careless response.But if this was serious, Edward's fate could be dire. It meant Edward wouldn't meet Bella for a long time."If we're waiting for Edward to get smart, it seems like it'll be a very long time. I guess, even after Bella gives birth, they won't meet. Besides, we both know Edward is slow and a bit stupid."Kairos sighed, nodding in agreement."That's why I'm also puzzled about how to make our friend smarter than before. Besides... Bella isn't interested in meeting, let alone talking to Edward."
"So, you still haven't found out where Bella Stone is?!"Edward's jaw tightened. His eyes sparkled with anger and frustration as he received the phone call. Just imagine, almost a week of deploying two private detectives to find Bella, yet not one of them could locate her whereabouts.Truly, Edward was almost desperate. Where could Bella be hiding, to the extent that even the people he paid were struggling and couldn't sniff out the position of the woman carrying his child?"We've tried searching. We even met her mother. But it's certain that Bella never came home. Interrogating her friend named Renata Roland, her answer was the same."Edward took a deep breath. Now, he was at a loss as to where else to look for the woman. "Anyway, I don't want to know. At the very least, you should find her whereabouts soon!""Alright, Mr. Edward. We'll continue to search and will update you as soon as possible."Edward didn't respond further. He ended the call abruptly. For a moment, he appeared to
Regret and guilt continue to haunt Edward. Swearing by anything, if only he had known all this time that Bella was pregnant from their relationship, he would have tried to take responsibility.Unfortunately, in their last meeting, Edward got into a heated argument instead. Instead of defending and listening to what Bella had to say, he accused the beautiful woman of spreading rumors about Julia's affair.No wonder Bella insisted he choose and marry her quickly. It turns out, there was a big reason why Edward should have done that from the beginning.Remembering this, Edward feels ashamed and terribly guilty. Now, he can only lament his fate. He tries his best to find Bella and fix everything."Where do you think is the right place to look for Bella? For God's sake, I don't know where to start."Two days after hearing the news about Bella's pregnancy, Edward again invited his two friends to meet for lunch together. He deliberately sought their opinions so as not to make the wrong decis