BELLE
“This has become a weird tradition.” Nikolai commented after placing the can of beer on his table. “You’re based somewhere in Europe. Why would you come home for a day like this?”“You know the only thing that’s weird here? Your wife is drinking a 1995 vintage red wine while we gulp these cans of cheap beer.”Belle, as Leo mentioned, was enjoying his glass of wine. Sure, the wine tastes good. It has a rich aroma and a hint of caramel when she tastes, but that wasn’t it. She had tasted all kinds of expensive and delicious food from all over the world, but food only tastes better when with good company.Like she is right now.“Don’t you go there and blame me, Leo. I’m not the one who came here with a bag full of beer when we literally have a wine cellar in the house. And you,” she pointed at Nikolai. “Don’t you dare complain about a headache tomorrow.”Today is Oliver Laurent’s death anniversary. It has been a year since allBelle smiled at the few staff who recognized her. She tried not to grab anyone’s attention. Okay, maybe a little. She may have kept her silence, but she has been possessed with her flair for the dramatic. She wore the perfect black dress, hugging her curves perfectly, and dark red lipstick like a typical movie villain. She contemplated adding sunglasses but thought nah, that would be too much.She knew coming here at the law firm would be a hot issue in the making. People love to gossip as what can be observed with every eye trying to follow her every move subtly. She hasn’t left the area, but they are already whispering. For the first time after a long time, she didn’t care. It was nice to feel liberated even in this last stage of her short-lived marriage. It was a marriage that made whispering feel like screaming.Ah, there they are. She thought, spotting the conference room with glass windows. Perfect. She opened the glass door with a wide grin, showing her perfect set of white te
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.” Belle wasn’t nervous… or at least, this is what she kept telling herself while earlier, she was looking at the mirror, combing her hair. Even after changing her mind for what felt like the hundredth time, she is still unsure if she chose the right dress. Heck, she was even nervous thinking about what type of makeup look she would be wearing today. There was no need for her to please the parents. Her actions, however, say otherwise. It was hard to show a sweet smile, but she managed just fine. On the inside, there was an uneasy feeling, an internal chaos she wouldn’t like to admit was happening. Their presence made her almost forget that Nikolai was in the same room. It was surprising to see Oliver Laurent smile. Nikolai has consistently described him as a strict father growing up, giving her the image of a grumpy old man. Adeline’s fake smile was easy to spot, on the other hand. It was a contrast to the intense stare Belle couldn’t help but no
This was a mistake, a huge one.In her head is a long list of all the actions she was starting to regret. On top of that list was meeting Nikolai. Nothing should be added. Enough stupid actions. Belle no longer cared if she packed her things messily in her suitcase; some were even scattered on the floor, but she was ready to squeeze everything into her luggage. The need to go home and forget what happened today was stronger than having well-arranged luggage.It has only been days, and she missed her child terribly already. They were never separated for this long, and she couldn't believe she left for something that turned out to be not worth it. Clearly, that would be Nikolai.She could have kept silent. Shut her mouth and just signed those damn divorce papers without slapping it on his face. It would hurt, and she'd spend some nights crying but at least, she could still have that peace she could never have now.After making sure nothing important was left behind, Belle clumsily close
Nothing came out of Stella’s mouth. No sign of agreeing or disagreeing. Too stunned to speak, Stella stared back at Belle’s eyes with immeasurable seriousness. “I mean it,” she said. “Why would I agree to this?” Belle couldn’t believe why there was still a need for her to explain her terms when it was clearly in favor of Stella. It was a good deal, a great deal in fact. She is asking for nothing from her side, no help, and no drama. “What’s in it for you?” Stella was suspicious, and it was written all over her face. Her eyebrow raised. “You are still his wife. The last time I remember, you still wanted him.” “Geez, that was a long time ago. I think I deserve to move on, right? It’s really simple, Stella. Go, have him. I even came here to give the divorce papers myself. If that doesn't work, I can do it again and again. Until I am free from that shit-hole I once called , marriage. Point is, I simply want to cut ties. That’s all.” “That’s all?” "Let me put it this way." Belle lazi
All lights are turned off at the law firm except for that corner where Preston was seated, staring blankly at his screen with a company's contract he has been trying to read for an hour now.The sigh that just escaped his lips was a sign of conceding. The words on the screen didn't seem to make sense when his mind was elsewhere. It would be better to stop and rest now than waste his time. This isn't efficient at all."Of course, you're here again. First to go to work and last to go home."Preston didn't have to look up to recognize the owner of her voice. When he did glance, even after seeing her face in the office all the time, Preston was still left mesmerized by how beautiful she looked. There he goes again, admiring her at the expense of his focus.She sets the documents and folders in front of his table and places a plastic bag with takeout food."Why did you come back?"He should know that she left earlier because Preston w
To say that Belle was exhausted would be an understatement.That day, all she did was stay in her hotel room and reflect on her actions. Maybe there was too much doing and less thinking.She blocked Nikolai and even Preston. Only accepting messages from Bonnie and her most trusted nanny.“I shouldn’t be here.” Her heart clenched at the thought of Liam being away from her for that long. Liam's not even one year old, and she left her own child. All for her benefit and satisfaction. She wanted to be a better mother, and this trend of misfortunes is proof of the opposite. "What the hell am I doing with my life?"
Time has never been slower for Belle, who was waiting outside her room. Really! Outside of the room that she paid for herself. As much as she wanted to protest Preston's idea to speak with Nikolai, the look on his face wasn't asking for an explanation, nor was he open to discussion. Which is why even when she has her hotel keys, she wouldn't dare open the door.Sticking her ears in the door only proved that the room was soundproof.All she could do was wait, and every second of it was torture."Hey," she answered her friend's call. Her eyes were still glued to the door. "Anything alright there, Bon?""You know what? You are so lucky to have an independent kid. The cutie is sleeping in my arms so soundly!"That's a relie
He didn't want to. “All these years, you didn't bother to tell me that your husband's info is only a search away from the internet." Bonnie beamed at whatever information she was seeing on the screen."Ex-husband," Belle corrected."Yeah, right. Geez. This is a lot to take in. My head won't stop calculating this guy's net worth."Everyone's talking about Nikolai's net worth, which annoys her already. "Yeah, they own an airline. Big deal.""Thatalone is a big deal. That's just on the mother side. The father side? Oh, we're talking corporations. Freaking luxury items and cars. And what? A pharmaceutical company? You have got to be kidding me."The more information she receives, the dizzier she gets. "A what? I have no idea about that. I just know he's rich and his parents run a business.""We've totally underestimated this whole fiasco.""They can keep their money. I'm not asking for a single penny."