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Between pride and pain

Author: Becca star
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-04-17 21:45:17

Episode 17

Bella's POV

I woke up with a pounding headache, my body feeling as heavy as my heart. Memories from yesterday came rushing back, each one cutting deeper than the last. Tears slipped silently from the corners of my eyes as I stared at the ceiling.

I had always known my parents disliked me. But despite everything, a small, foolish part of me had clung to the hope that somewhere deep down, they still had a sliver of love for me. Yesterday, I shattered that illusion completely. They didn’t just dislike me. They hated me. Hated me enough that they wouldn’t have cared if I had died.

A shiver ran down my spine as my mind wandered to the unthinkable. What if Scout hadn’t come to my rescue? What if I had been left at their mercy? I didn’t want to finish that thought.

Sitting up, I reached for my phone on the bedside table. Without hesitation, I deleted both my mom’s and dad’s numbers. I was done. I didn’t need them in my life anymore.

I stood up slowly, glancing around the quiet hou
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  • The tangled web of love    falling in love in one month

    Episode 18Scout’s POVThe words slipped out before I could stop them. "You have nowhere else to go."The moment they left my mouth, I regretted them. Bella’s face hardened, her lips parting slightly as if she had been slapped. A bitter laugh escaped her, and I knew this was not going to end well."You're right. I have nowhere else to go," she said, her voice tight. "But don’t act like you’ve done me a favor. I was fine on my own before you and your family decided to ruin my life."Ruin her life? I clenched my fists at my sides. "Bella, you think this marriage is only a burden to you? Do you think I wanted to be tied to someone who despises me? You’re not the only one who had dreams.""At least you got a say in yours!" she snapped, stepping closer. "I had one hope, just one hope, Scout! To marry for love. And you took that away from me."I let out a slow breath, trying to hold my temper. "Then maybe it’s time you learned to love me. Because like it or not, you’re my wife, and you don’

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-17
  • The tangled web of love    learning the hard way

    Episode 19Bella's POVThe next day came too quickly. I barely slept, and when I did, it was shallow, like my mind refused to rest properly. As soon as I was sure Scout had left for work, I got out of bed. The quietness of the house told me he was gone. Not a trace of his cologne lingered, not even the usual sound of his footsteps in the hallway.I wasn't in the mood to eat anything, so I just freshened up quickly and changed into a sleek, dark, professional outfit. A blazer and pencil skirt.The driver was already outside waiting for me, his usual polite smile plastered on. I gave him a small nod and sighed inwardly. I didn’t want to inconvenience him, but I also knew better than to argue. If I refused his service, he might lose his job. That wasn’t a burden I wanted to carry.The ride to work was mostly quiet, and I stared out the window the entire time, watching the city slowly come alive.As I stepped into the office building, I spotted Sarah first. She waved with a cheerful smile

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-18
  • The tangled web of love    No more Mrs nice girl

    Episode 20Bella’s POVTo be honest, I was relieved Scout didn’t bother me at all throughout the day. I knew how dramatic he could be when he wanted to. I was almost certain he’d call me into his office and demand an explanation for talking to a guy, but... nothing. Just silence.Thank God.By closing time, Laura told me I could leave first. I didn’t argue. I packed my things quickly and left, grateful for the escape.The moment I got home, hunger hit me like a truck. I could barely think straight. I dropped my bag, pulled off my clothes, and headed straight for the bathroom. I reeked of sweat and stress and everything in between.After a quick shower, I settled for something comfy and headed to the kitchen. I wasn’t in the mood for anything fancy, so I made some fast toast and eggs and a cup of tea. I ate in silence, letting the quietness of the house wash over me.It was almost 9 PM. when I glanced at the clock. Scout still wasn’t back. I frowned. That was unusual. He rarely stayed

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-18
  • The tangled web of love    The client

    Episode 21Scout’s POVI walked into my office after a long, draining day, with Laura trailing behind me.I slumped into my chair."You said you had something to tell me?" I asked.“Oh wait,” I paused as my phone rang again for the fifth time that afternoon. “Let me get this first.”“Hello, who’s this?”“It’s Mr. James.”The name made my eyes flash.Why was he calling after everything? After he terminated the contract I had invested so much into. That single action had wrecked my mood yesterday.“I’ve been trying to reach you,” he said, “I made a mistake about the contract. Someone gave me the wrong information.”“My personal assistant didn’t inform me of your call,” I said coldly.“She wouldn’t. She insulted me and I wouldn’t even have bothered calling again if there wasn’t something in it for me,” he said bluntly.“I’m really sorry about that. It won’t happen again,” I said, trying to salvage the situation.“We’ll talk more tomorrow.”As soon as the call ended, I sighed. My frustra

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-19
  • The tangled web of love    unspoken tensions

    Episode 22 Bella’s POVI still couldn't believe the drama that happened in the car. Laura was becoming more shameless by the day, and it was obvious she no longer cared about keeping her feelings for Scout a secret. The way she was acting lately, you'd think she was the one married to him. And to think, I actually respected her. That respect went out the window the moment she started throwing shade and subtly competing for Scout’s attention.As we drove into the compound, I was already mentally exhausted. All I wanted was a warm bath and to crawl into bed. But when we stepped out of the car and walked into the living room, my heart nearly stopped.Seated there like royal judges on their thrones were Luciana Scout’s mother and Kelly, his so-called cousin. Their eyes landed on me immediately, the disapproval in them was clear."Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just what I needed to make today even worse."Scout's brows furrowed slightly. "Mom? Kelly? What are you both doing here?"

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-19
  • The tangled web of love    pain

    Episode 23Bella's pov It felt like morning came too fast. One minute, I was closing my eyes. The next, Scout was already up, standing by the mirror, buttoning his shirt like the world couldn’t wait for him.I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes. “I thought Scout would have left for work, but here he is, still dressing.He glanced at me briefly through the mirror. “Make sure you pack your bag. We’ll be leaving from the office.”He adjusted his tie and headed out of the room, tossing over his shoulder, “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”“Wait, what about the driver?” I called after him, pushing the duvet off my legs. The idea of walking into the office with Scout made my stomach churn. The kind of gossip that would follow us wasn’t something I was ready for.“He’s still on leave,” Scout answered casually.“Then I’ll just drive myself,” I said.He paused, halfway out the door, and turned to me with a slight frown. “I can’t trust you with my car.” “Then maybe I’ll just take the bus since you

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-20
  • The tangled web of love    something between us

    Episode 24Scout’s POVTiana insisted we stop by a restaurant just a block from where I had parked. I didn’t want to go, not even a little. But I also didn’t want to create a scene in public. The last thing I needed was her causing drama that would somehow get back to Bella. So, against my better judgment, I followed her in.The place was cozy and half empty, yet I still felt like the walls were closing in. My eyes kept darting to the door. I couldn’t even sit properly, I was already itching to leave.“Scout,” she began hesitantly, stirring the straw in her drink without taking a sip. “I don’t know if this is right but…”I didn’t let her finish.I already knew what she was about to say. It was written all over her face, in the way she leaned forward, in how her eyes tried to read mine. Honestly, I was already losing patience.“I’d appreciate it if you respected my wife,” I said flatly. “What you did earlier was out of line. I should’ve turned you down right away, but I didn’t want to

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-20
  • The tangled web of love    The start of something dangerous

    Episode 25Bella's POV As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized it was morning. Scout was nowhere to be found. I never knew he had this side to him. Perhaps he always did, but I just hadn’t noticed before. I felt grateful to him for what happened yesterday, and I had opened up to him in a way I hadn’t expected. I was deep in my feelings, reflecting on how I had ended up in this situation. I almost forgot who I was. I stood up and looked around for Scout, but he was still missing. Where could he have gone? We had a meeting with the client today. I checked my phone to see if he had texted me, but there was nothing. That’s when I noticed the time.my heart skipped a beat as I saw the time.1:00 PM.“What the hell?” I muttered to myself, sitting up so quickly that the sheets twisted around my legs. My eyes flicked back and forth between my phone and the clock on the wall. Outside, the sky was overcast, the weak afternoon sun barely breaking through the clouds.How had I slept this long

    Huling Na-update : 2025-04-21

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  • The tangled web of love    finally

    Episode 32Scout’s POVI watched her standing there as she wrapped her arms around herself like she was trying to hold her heart together or something.There was something different in her eyes, though... something soft like she was finally letting herself melt a little.I couldn’t resist anymore.I moved closer in a slow and careful way, giving her every chance to pull back if she wanted to.But this time, she didn’t moveShe stayed right there as I moved towards her.My hand found her cheek, and I cupped it gently, feeling how warm her skin was under my palm.She leaned into my touch without even thinking about it.God,My thumb brushed her cheek so lightly, and I swear my heart was about to explode in my chest.I leaned in slowly, feeling her breath mix with mine. And then finally I crashed my lips on her.At first, it was slow,And I was being careful like we were both scared that moving too fast might break whatever thing was happening between us.But then she kissed me back.

  • The tangled web of love    Almost there.........

    Episode 31Scout’s POVI woke up feeling like crap.I was hot and weak, like a truck ran me over. I had seen the signs yesterday, headache, and body pain,but I overlooked it. Thought it was stress, so I thought I was strong enough to brush it off like always.Clearly, I wasn’t.I tried to sit up, but my body didn’t even listen. My head was pounding, and my throat was dry. Everything felt too bright and too heavy.And in the middle of all that, there was bella.I smiled weakly, just thinking about her. For the past few weeks, she had changed. The cold walls she built around herself had started falling. Little by little, I saw it, and I felt it.New York had done something to us. It pulled her closer. It made her laugh around me, roll her eyes when I teased her, push me when I got too cocky. She wasn’t just enduring me anymore. She was starting to see me.And today?She was treating me like a freaking baby.She forced me to eat, nagged me to take my meds, and tucked me in like I was fi

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    Episode 30Bella’s POVI thought I was dreaming at first. The weight on me, the heat… it didn’t make sense. My eyes fluttered open, and it hit me. Scout was sick . His body was pressed into mine, his arm around my waist like he couldn’t sleep without me anymore.But it wasn’t the closeness that startled me. It was how hot he felt.It's really hot.I shifted carefully, turning to face him. His lips were slightly parted, sweat glistening across his forehead. His brows were pulled together like he was in discomfort.I touched his cheek.“God, you’re burning up…”I sat up quickly, panic bubbling in my chest. He should’ve left for work by now, but here he was, still in bed, sick and barely awake.“Scout,” I whispered, shaking his shoulder gently. “Hey, wake up.”He groaned, eyes barely opening. “Bella… it’s too early…”“No, it’s not. You’re sick, Your temperature is really high,” I said, already reaching for my phone to check the time. Almost 8:30. “You were supposed to leave for work two

  • The tangled web of love    start of something new

    Episode 29Bella’s POVWe landed back home, and it felt... weird. Not bad, just... weird.I had to admit it, though I’d been fighting this feeling since we left New York, there was something about being around Scout that made everything feel… natural. Too natural. I should hate this, I should be mad, I shouldn’t even have allowed myself to get this comfortable with him, especially after everything that’s happened. I was forced into this marriage, after all. It wasn’t my choice. It wasn’t supposed to be my life.And yet, here I was, standing in his kitchen, watching him make us breakfast like we were some kind of couple. I hadn’t planned on feeling like this. Hell, I hadn’t planned on anything that had happened since I kissed him in New York.But now? Now I found myself looking at him and realizing that maybe, just maybe, I didn’t mind being around him. The thought made my chest tight. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. It wasn’t supposed to feel this easy.“Hey, stop zoning out o

  • The tangled web of love    I didn't plan to fall but........

    Episode 28Bella’s POVI woke up to the sound of breathing. It was slow and steady, For a second, I didn’t move. My head felt heavy, my mouth was dry, and something soft was pressed against my cheek. My brain was foggy. Everything was too quiet, and yet something felt off.Then I noticed it, The rise and fall of a chest under my cheek. Bare skin and warmth that wasn’t a blanket. My eyes fluttered open, and I lifted my head slightly, and there he was.Scout.He was fast asleep, His face was a few inches from mine. His hair was messy,and his lips were parted, one arm wrapped around me like I was some kind of oversized pillow.Panic punched me in the chest.What the hell happened?I tried to remember last night but all I got were pieces, Loud music, Riri, A guy with slick hair who called himself Ray or Roy and then I got drunk, then when I looked towards scout something flash in my head.I kissed him!Oh my God.I was going to die. Not now, but emotionally? I was already halfway burie

  • The tangled web of love    ls this love

    Episode 27Scout’s POVBella was drunk. Again.But this time it felt different. It wasn’t just the alcohol talking. The way she looked at me… the way she interrupted when I was talking to Riri, something was off.Was she… jealous? Had she Started falling for me.I wasn’t even trying to make her mad. Riri was just an old friend from high school. She’s married now for God’s sake. I didn’t even think Bella had met her before. I just wanted to say hi and catch up a bit. But before I knew it, Bella had become drunk, talking loud, and then out of nowhere she kissed me.Bella kissed me……I froze.It was so sudden that I barely had time to process what was happening. Her lips crashed into mine with a desperation that stunned me. Soft, warm and familiar, even though it wasn't the first kiss. And God, I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel anything, I did. Every nerve in my body responded like a live wire. But still, I knew she wasn’t in her right state of mind.She was drunk ,Way too drunk

  • The tangled web of love    jealousy

    Episode 26Bella's POVThe party was already in full swing when we arrived. Lights glowed softly against the walls, music played gently in the background, and people stood in clusters, sipping on wine and sharing laughs. It was elegant and overwhelming, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong.Scout, on the other hand, blended right in. He looked like he owned the place, like the tailored brown suit he wore was made just for this kind of atmosphere. He had that natural confidence, the one I sometimes envied. He walked ahead of me and greeted a man and a woman with a firm handshake and a nod.I followed his lead, standing just slightly behind him, unsure whether to speak first or wait to be spoken to.“Scout! Always good to see you,” the man said warmly. Scout and the man walked away discussing business.Then, the woman turned to me with a bright smile. “Hi, I’m Sharon.”“I’m Bella,” I said softly, returning her smile, trying not to look awkward.“You look so beautiful,” she said, her

  • The tangled web of love    The start of something dangerous

    Episode 25Bella's POV As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized it was morning. Scout was nowhere to be found. I never knew he had this side to him. Perhaps he always did, but I just hadn’t noticed before. I felt grateful to him for what happened yesterday, and I had opened up to him in a way I hadn’t expected. I was deep in my feelings, reflecting on how I had ended up in this situation. I almost forgot who I was. I stood up and looked around for Scout, but he was still missing. Where could he have gone? We had a meeting with the client today. I checked my phone to see if he had texted me, but there was nothing. That’s when I noticed the time.my heart skipped a beat as I saw the time.1:00 PM.“What the hell?” I muttered to myself, sitting up so quickly that the sheets twisted around my legs. My eyes flicked back and forth between my phone and the clock on the wall. Outside, the sky was overcast, the weak afternoon sun barely breaking through the clouds.How had I slept this long

  • The tangled web of love    something between us

    Episode 24Scout’s POVTiana insisted we stop by a restaurant just a block from where I had parked. I didn’t want to go, not even a little. But I also didn’t want to create a scene in public. The last thing I needed was her causing drama that would somehow get back to Bella. So, against my better judgment, I followed her in.The place was cozy and half empty, yet I still felt like the walls were closing in. My eyes kept darting to the door. I couldn’t even sit properly, I was already itching to leave.“Scout,” she began hesitantly, stirring the straw in her drink without taking a sip. “I don’t know if this is right but…”I didn’t let her finish.I already knew what she was about to say. It was written all over her face, in the way she leaned forward, in how her eyes tried to read mine. Honestly, I was already losing patience.“I’d appreciate it if you respected my wife,” I said flatly. “What you did earlier was out of line. I should’ve turned you down right away, but I didn’t want to

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