CHAPTER

BELLA'S POV

"Let's just say it involves making someone pay for their actions today," Ethan said cruelly before leaving.

Those words kept echoing in my head. How could I sleep knowing that Ethan was going to deal with Edward? I know that Edward can protect himself, but something about Ethan's possessive behavior today was unnerving.

I kept checking through the curtains all night to see when Ethan got back, as I couldn't get any rest. I didn't believe for once that Edward was as vile as Ethan claimed. I may be in love, but I'm not that stupid.

At past 3:00 in the morning, I saw an all-too-familiar Mustang pull up at the residence, and I knew he was finally back. I rushed back immediately but carefully, laid back down, and closed my eyes while awaiting his presence.

I felt his daunting presence even before the door opened. He scanned the room as if checking to see if anything was amiss. Finally, he walked towards the edge of the bed and smoothed my hair down.

While looking down at me, he spoke as if to assure himself, "You're Mine; no one else can have you." He finally left my room after uttering these words. I felt suffocated.

I couldn't sleep all night. After Ethan left my room, I kept weighing my options. I needed to leave this nightmare. Mabel gave me hope when I couldn't even see one. I had been fooled once by Ethan, but Mabel is a woman, and she's going through the same experience. If she says she can get us out of this situation, then I'll hold onto this little hope and believe her.

I got dressed for work and sat in front of the mirror, assuring myself. I added more concealer today to hide the fact that I didn't sleep at all. Ethan couldn't suspect anything.

"I'll drop you off at work," Ethan said as I served him his breakfast with finality in his tone.

"Alright," I replied without any objection. Despite all these events, a small smile crept up my face. Ethan hardly drove with me to work.

"What time did you get home last night?" I asked to keep up the facade.

He smirked, "You still do not know your place."

The little smile I had on immediately vanished. I muttered, "I just wanted to know if you were able to get some rest."

He looked into my eyes with the same smirk plastered on his face. "What I do and when I return isn't your business. All you need to do is sit pretty and do your wifely duties". I gulped down hard after hearing those words, already losing my appetite.

I knew all these, but being reminded every time about how insignificant I am didn't hurt any less. After that confrontation, it's safe to say I kept my mouth shut and didn't utter a word throughout the ride.

"You know the rules. I don't need to remind you," Ethan said without waiting for a response.

Ahh, yes, the rules. I had to wait for him to open the door as the loving husband he was. All eyes were on us, so I always had to smile and keep up the facade.

As I got down, Ethan pulled me close to him as we got to the elevator leading to our separate offices. He immediately let go of me, and the warmth I felt disappeared.

"Daydreaming again?" Ethan asked chuckling

"Huh!" I exclaimed out

"The show's over; get to your office," he told me as the elevator doors opened, bringing me back to reality.

I quickly composed myself and stepped out into my lobby.

I was greeted by my assistant and a pile of work. At least Ethan was so nice to offer me a head role in my own company.

Sarah, my assistant, informed me, "Mr Leon has an investor coming in by 12 p.m. today."

"Noted," I said as she briefed me on other matters for the day.

"I'll call you if I need anything else, Sarah; I'm good for now, thank you." I politely said, gesturing for her to leave.

"Alright, Madam. Please do not forget the Zoom by 11 am".

"For Mr. Leon? Got it," I said quickly

"No, Madam, that's for you. It's in the schedule," she noted

"Got it, you may leave." I wasn't even in the mood right now. The only thing on my mind was my agreement with Mabel Miles.

Was it really possible for me to get my company back? Could I get my life back?

The phone buzzes on my desk, the number flashing like a warning.

I pick up the phone and ask. "Who's this?"

The person on the other end takes time to answer. I almost considered ending the call, and then I finally heard, "It's Mabel, Mabel Miles."

I couldn't believe this was happening. I exhaled slowly and answered, "I'm at work."

"I know," she says. "But we don't have time to wait."

I glanced around as if anyone was around me when I was the only one in the office. This was my office; I spun my chair around and pressed the phone closer to my ear.

"What do you suggest?"

"I found you a lawyer. He's ready whenever you are."

My fingers tighten around the phone. "Even if this was possible, I don't have proof. How do I get my company back?"

"You can get proof."

I shake my head, even though she can't see me. "You don't understand—"

"I do," Mabel cuts in. "I understand better than anyone. He's careful, but he's not invincible. He loses control. We just need him to lose it when it counts."

I squeeze my eyes shut. "And what if he—"

"He won't kill you." Her voice is steady, but something in it wavers. "He didn't kill me. I'm still here, doing his bid."

I swallow. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"You record him."

I nearly laugh. "You think I can just—what? Poke him until he snaps?"

"He already snaps, Bella. You just need to catch it this time."

I press my free hand against my forehead. "This is insane."

"This is survival."

A silence stretches between us, thick and heavy.

Then, Mabel speaks again, softer this time. "You deserve better. You deserve to get out."

I don't respond.

Because part of me doesn't believe I can get that, I can regain my freedom.

"Bella," she urges.

I take a shaky breath. "And if it works? Then what?"

"Then you leave him," she says simply. "For good."

I chew my lip, staring at the clock on the wall. The second hand ticks forward. Time is slipping away.

"I'll think about it," I whisper.

"No," she says. "You'll do it."

A chill creeps up my spine.

Then, behind me, a voice.

"What are you doing?"

I freeze. My heart lurches into my throat.

I turn slowly.

Ethan stands in the doorway, eyes dark, head tilted.

My grip tightens around the phone.

Mabel is still on the line.

And Ethan is staring straight through me.