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working for the devil

ผู้เขียน: Becca star
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-04-12 23:41:52

Episode 10

Bella’s POV

Morning arrived too soon, dragging the weight of the night with it. But today was different. Today was my first day at Apex Group.

For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of excitement, a nervous kind of energy buzzing under my skin. I wasn’t just waking up to exist,I was waking up with purpose.

The house was quiet, which means Scout  had already left for work. A small victory and a moment of peace.

I moved through the kitchen, brewing coffee, frying bacon, which was a simple and normal thing that made me feel human again. The scent of breakfast filled the air, warm and familiar, pushing away the lingering unease that always clung to me like a second skin.

As I ate, a small, unexpected smile tugged at my lips. Today, I’d be out there, in the world, meeting people, doing something that wasn’t dictated by him.

For a few precious hours, I would be free.

I finished up and got ready, every movement fueled by the silent promise I made to myself, This is a new beginning.

But as I stepped outside, that hope disappeared.

A sleek, black sedan was parked in front of the house. And beside it, a man I didn’t recognize.

"Ms. Bella?" He inclined his head slightly, polite but rigid. "Mr. Scout insisted I drive you to work."

Of course he did. He always wanted to know my every move.

I sighed, gripping my keys a little tighter. "I can drive myself."

The driver’s face tensed, panic flashing in his eyes. "Please, Ms. Bella, I’ll lose my job if you don’t let me drive you."

I hesitated. He looked genuinely afraid.

Damn it.

I let out a breath and softened my voice. "Don’t worry. I won’t let that happen."

Before he could protest, I slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door.

The second my hands gripped the wheel, a rush of exhilaration coursed through me. This was control.

The drive to Apex group was a blur of adrenaline and anticipation.

And then, there it was.

A towering glass structure that seemed to shimmer under the morning sun. It felt… surreal. Like I was finally stepping into something real. 

I parked, took a steadying breath, and walked inside.

The lobby buzzed with life. Phones rang, people rushed by, conversations overlapped,it was the kind of chaos that made everything feel alive.

I approached the receptionist. "Good morning, I’m Bella. The new Personal Assistant."

Her face lit up. "Oh! Ms. Bella! Welcome! Take the elevator to the fifth floor. The secretary is expecting you."

The elevator ride felt like the final step into something new.

As the doors opened, I was greeted by a warm-looking woman who offered me a polite smile. "You must be Bella. Welcome to Apex Group. I’m the secretary, Laura. Let me introduce you to everyone."

The introduction was about telling of names and handshakes, but everyone seemed friendly enough. One person, in particular, stuck by my side,a young lady named Sarah.

"Let me tell you everything about this place," she whispered. her eyes twinkling with amusement.

She gave me a rundown of the office dynamics, the cliques…..

"And the boss?" she added, lowering her voice. "Cold. Arrogant. But don’t worry, you probably won’t have to deal with him much."

I barely had time to process that before the secretary reappeared.

"Bella, the boss would like to see you in his office."

My stomach twisted.

This was it.

I took a steadying breath and walked to his office.

But the second I stepped inside—

My world tilted.

Because sitting behind that massive desk, wearing that signature smirk, was Scout.

My blood ran cold.

"Welcome to Apex Group, Bella," he said smoothly. "I trust you’ll find your new position… interesting"

The air left my lungs.

This wasn’t a fresh start. It was a setup.

"What do you want?" My voice came out barely above a whisper ,I knew it was not the right question to ask because I walked to his company unknowingly.

His smirk deepened. "What do I always want, Bella?" He leaned back in his chair, eyes gleaming. "Control. And now, I have it. You’re mine. You’ll see me every day. And you’ll learn, Bella… that you can never escape me."

My pulse roared in my ears.

"You planned this," I said, my voice shaking with a mix of rage and horror.

"I didn't plan anything  all i did was offer you a job. Remember, you walked in yourself”. He stood, moving towards me with that slow, predatory way that made my stomach twist.

I stepped back, hating how instinctive the movement was.

"Don’t," I warned, my voice barely steady.

He tilted his head, watching me with amusement. "We’re in the office," I said 

 “Bella Relax."

He reached out, brushing a strand of my hair away like it was the most casual thing in the world. But it wasn’t casual. It was calculated. It was a silent reminder.

"Can we just get to the job?" I forced out, trying to keep my voice even.

His smirk didn’t falter. "This is part of the job," he murmured. "Please, me."

My stomach churned.

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. I wouldn’t react. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

Before I could respond, the door swung open.

The secretary stood there, looking flustered.

"You called me, sir?" Her voice wavered slightly, her gaze flickering between us.

Scout straightened, his expression shifting in an instant,from something dark and possessive to cold professionalism.

"Yes," he said coolly. "Show her how to do her job."

Dismissed. Just like that.

I turned and walked out, my skin still burning with humiliation.

The secretary led me to my desk, her movements stiff. The silence between us stretched, thick and heavy.

Then, finally, she spoke.

"So… this is the kind of person you are?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

She avoided my gaze, shuffling papers. "I mean, I saw what happened in there. It looked… intimate."

Heat rushed to my face. "It’s not what you think."

She glanced at me, skepticism clear in her expression.

I opened my mouth to explain,but how could I? How could I make her understand the tangled mess I was in?

She sighed. "Look… I don’t want to judge. But Mr Cromwell is not someone you want to get involved with. He’s… complicated."

Complicated was putting it lightly.

"I get it," I muttered.

She hesitated, and then her voice softened. "Just… be careful. And if you need anything, anything at all, let me know."

I nodded, my chest tight.

The day i started with hope.

Now, I was back in the same nightmare,just wearing a different mask.

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  • The tangled web of love    From fragile to fierce

    Episode 1 Bella’s POV The morning sunlight peeked through my curtains, forcing me awake. I groaned, turning to the other side, wishing I could sink back into my dreams where things made sense, where I wasn’t just existing. But reality had other plans. I stretched, yawning loudly as i listened to the muffled sounds coming from downstairs. Laughter. Excitement. Voices overlapping. I didn’t need to guess why the house had been like this . Ella’s wedding was in two days. Ella, my twin sister. The perfect daughter. The one everyone adored. I sighed, swinging my legs off the bed. It wasn’t jealousy, at least not anymore. I had long accepted my place in this family. I was the extra, the unwanted, the one people barely noticed until something went wrong. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. I stepped out of my room and headed downstairs, hoping to grab something quick before anyone could notice me. As I reached the kitchen, I heard my mother’s excited voice

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-09
  • The tangled web of love    The Substitute

    Episode 2 Bella's pov A distant noise echoed in my ears, dragging me toward consciousness, but I clung to sleep, refusing to let go. Sleep was safe. Sleep didn’t hurt. But then A sharp slap tore me from the darkness. Pain burned across my cheek, my skin stinging as my eyes snapped open. My head jerked to the side as the room became blurry before it came into focus. my eyes opened to many faces. My mother. My father ,a room full of relatives. Their eyes bored into me, filled with accusations. I inhaled slowly, stretching as if I hadn’t just been slapped. As if my heart wasn’t hammering in my chest. Crossing my arms, I forced my voice to stay calm. "Why did you wake me up?" But I knew. I already knew. "Where is Ella?" my mother asked, her voice controlled, measured. "I know you hate her. You must have done something to her." She took a step closer, her lips trembling ever so slightly. "Please. Tomorrow is her wedding, just let her go, she pleaded. That word "please." It was w

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-09
  • The tangled web of love    The game begins

    Episode 3 Scout's pov She woke up with a sharp inhale, her eyes snapped open, wild, and furious. I stood still, watching. She was different. Ella had been predictable, sweet, quiet, and easy to control. She was the kind of woman who obeyed without needing to be told twice, the kind who folded under pressure and never questioned her place. But Bella? Even now, trapped in a room with a man she didn’t know, she carried herself like she had nothing to lose. She sat up slowly, eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail like she was calculating an escape route. Then, just as deliberately, she turned her gaze to me. I leaned back, giving her a moment to adjust, a moment to realize where she was and what had happened. But she didn’t react the way most people would. No screaming, no crying, no pleading for an explanation. Just quiet, sharp awareness. Interesting, I thought. "Nice to meet you, little substitute," I said, letting amusement slip into my voice.I wanted to see her re

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-09
  • The tangled web of love    The unwilling bride

    Episode 4 Bella's pov The bridal dressing room was suffocating. Soft golden lights, delicate lace, expensive perfumes,it was all meant to be beautiful, but to me, it felt like a prison cell dressed in silk. My stomach twisted as I stared at my reflection. The woman in the mirror looked like me, but she wasn’t me. She was someone else. Someone forced into a life she didn’t choose. I never thought that there could be a day I would be forced into this kind of situation. "Scout, watch your back," I muttered under my breath, pressing my fingers into the vanity. My jaw tightened. This wasn’t over. A makeup artist hovered nearby, shifting awkwardly. "These are your options," she said, gesturing toward a row of gowns. Her voice was careful, like she was afraid I might lash out. "You can choose a different one or wear what Ella picked." "Ella." The name felt weird in my mouth now, like it belonged to another life. Of course, they all knew. The whispers, the scandal,the wrong tw

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-09
  • The tangled web of love    The broken weapon

    Episode 5 Scout's pov Bella was wasted. Not tipsy. Not just having a “good time.” She was gone. She twirled in the middle of the dance floor, arms flung wide, laughing like she had just been set free from a cage. Like this wasn’t her own wedding reception but some kind of cruel joke. The hem of her dress dragged, and when she tried to spin again, she almost fell flat on her face. I saw it before it happened, and before I even thought about it, I was moving. My hand caught her arm, steadying her just before she hit the floor. She looked up, eyes glassy but still burning. Still defiant. “You’re making a scene,” I muttered, keeping my grip firm but not tight. Her lips curled, smudged lipstick making her look a little wild. “Am I?” she slurred. “I’m just celebrating my freedom.” She flung her arms out again, nearly knocking over a waiter carrying champagne. He dodged, barely. A few people nearby whispered behind their glasses. I clenched my jaw. “You’re drunk

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-09
  • The tangled web of love    sleepless and broken

    Episode 6 Scout's pov Sprawled across the bed in her wedding dress, mascara smudged, hair a mess. The earlier drama had settled into silence, leaving only slow breaths and the weight of the moment. I stood in the doorway, staring at her. What the hell was I supposed to do with this? With her? The woman who had spent the entire evening fighting me, spitting venom with every word, standing tall even when it was clear she had nowhere left to go. The woman who, despite everything, refused to be broken. And yet, she has become silent and fragile, a sharp difference from the drame she had caused during the ceremony. I should have been relieved. I wasn’t. Sighing, I pressed the intercom. "Rosie." “Yes, sir?” Her voice crackled through the speaker, steady as ever. “Come to the master suite.” Minutes later, Rosie appeared at the doorway. Her sharp eyes flicked from me to Bella. She didn’t need an explanation. Rosie had been with me long enough to understand things I did

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-10
  • The tangled web of love    sweet Bella

    Episode 7 Bella's pov Pain, That was the first thing I felt and a dull, relentless pounding behind my eyes, as if my skull was too tight around my brain. My limbs were heavy, pinned down by something warm and solid. I tried getting out of bed, but I couldn’t. Then, I realized. A heavy arm was draped across my waist. Panic shot through me like lightning. My eyes snapped open at once. The room was unfamiliar, grand in a way that reeked of wealth. High ceilings, a chandelier casting soft, golden light. The sheets beneath me were impossibly smooth and luxurious. Everything screamed wealth. And then I saw him. Scout, he was laying beside me. His dark hair was tousled against the white pillow, his face at ease in a way I had never seen before. Peaceful. Almost human. But I knew better. There was nothing soft about Scout Cromwell. A strangled gasp escaped my throat as flashes of last night came rushing in,disjointed, mess, wine, dancing. My pulse racing with anger. My breath

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-11
  • The tangled web of love    under my command

    Episode 8Scout’s POV The lamp on my desk cast a dim, warm glow, but it did nothing to clear the mess in my head. Papers were spread across the polished mahogany table , waiting for my attention,contracts, reports, and things that actually mattered. But I couldn’t focus.All I could think about was Bella.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand over my face. The memories of the morning replayed in my mind. The way she looked at me with anger, but something else too. The way she moved like she wanted to get away, but maybe not completely. And the way I kissed her slightly on the lips.I wasn’t supposed to want her this much.I wasn’t supposed to think about her when I had real things to deal with.But here I was, staring at numbers on a page and seeing only the way she had pushed against me, her breath unsteady, her eyes burning with something she wouldn’t name.“I didn’t know you were the sweet type,” I had told her, half teasing and half fascinated.Ella had been simple. She fi

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-11

บทล่าสุด

  • The tangled web of love    working for the devil

    Episode 10Bella’s POVMorning arrived too soon, dragging the weight of the night with it. But today was different. Today was my first day at Apex Group.For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of excitement, a nervous kind of energy buzzing under my skin. I wasn’t just waking up to exist,I was waking up with purpose.The house was quiet, which means Scout had already left for work. A small victory and a moment of peace.I moved through the kitchen, brewing coffee, frying bacon, which was a simple and normal thing that made me feel human again. The scent of breakfast filled the air, warm and familiar, pushing away the lingering unease that always clung to me like a second skin.As I ate, a small, unexpected smile tugged at my lips. Today, I’d be out there, in the world, meeting people, doing something that wasn’t dictated by him.For a few precious hours, I would be free.I finished up and got ready, every movement fueled by the silent promise I made to myself, This is a

  • The tangled web of love    walking into his trap

    Episode 9Bella's povI dragged myself through the front door, my body aching from the long day at the job hurting and shaking hands that barely met mine halfway. The exhaustion settled deep in my bones, but it wasn’t just physical,it was the weight of everything, of feeling stuck, of knowing I had to keep pushing because stopping meant suffocating.My heels clicked against the cold marble floor as I kicked them off, sighing in relief. The house was quiet, but I knew better than to let that lure me into a false sense of peace. Scout had his ways of making his presence known, even in silence.My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since morning. I made my way to the kitchen, tying my hair up in a loose bun. Cooking was one of the few things I still had control over, something that gave me a momentary escape from the chaos of my life. i grabbed a pot, filled it with water, and set it on the gas to boil. I decided to make pasta. Simple, easy, and filling. I rummaged throu

  • The tangled web of love    under my command

    Episode 8Scout’s POV The lamp on my desk cast a dim, warm glow, but it did nothing to clear the mess in my head. Papers were spread across the polished mahogany table , waiting for my attention,contracts, reports, and things that actually mattered. But I couldn’t focus.All I could think about was Bella.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand over my face. The memories of the morning replayed in my mind. The way she looked at me with anger, but something else too. The way she moved like she wanted to get away, but maybe not completely. And the way I kissed her slightly on the lips.I wasn’t supposed to want her this much.I wasn’t supposed to think about her when I had real things to deal with.But here I was, staring at numbers on a page and seeing only the way she had pushed against me, her breath unsteady, her eyes burning with something she wouldn’t name.“I didn’t know you were the sweet type,” I had told her, half teasing and half fascinated.Ella had been simple. She fi

  • The tangled web of love    sweet Bella

    Episode 7 Bella's pov Pain, That was the first thing I felt and a dull, relentless pounding behind my eyes, as if my skull was too tight around my brain. My limbs were heavy, pinned down by something warm and solid. I tried getting out of bed, but I couldn’t. Then, I realized. A heavy arm was draped across my waist. Panic shot through me like lightning. My eyes snapped open at once. The room was unfamiliar, grand in a way that reeked of wealth. High ceilings, a chandelier casting soft, golden light. The sheets beneath me were impossibly smooth and luxurious. Everything screamed wealth. And then I saw him. Scout, he was laying beside me. His dark hair was tousled against the white pillow, his face at ease in a way I had never seen before. Peaceful. Almost human. But I knew better. There was nothing soft about Scout Cromwell. A strangled gasp escaped my throat as flashes of last night came rushing in,disjointed, mess, wine, dancing. My pulse racing with anger. My breath

  • The tangled web of love    sleepless and broken

    Episode 6 Scout's pov Sprawled across the bed in her wedding dress, mascara smudged, hair a mess. The earlier drama had settled into silence, leaving only slow breaths and the weight of the moment. I stood in the doorway, staring at her. What the hell was I supposed to do with this? With her? The woman who had spent the entire evening fighting me, spitting venom with every word, standing tall even when it was clear she had nowhere left to go. The woman who, despite everything, refused to be broken. And yet, she has become silent and fragile, a sharp difference from the drame she had caused during the ceremony. I should have been relieved. I wasn’t. Sighing, I pressed the intercom. "Rosie." “Yes, sir?” Her voice crackled through the speaker, steady as ever. “Come to the master suite.” Minutes later, Rosie appeared at the doorway. Her sharp eyes flicked from me to Bella. She didn’t need an explanation. Rosie had been with me long enough to understand things I did

  • The tangled web of love    The broken weapon

    Episode 5 Scout's pov Bella was wasted. Not tipsy. Not just having a “good time.” She was gone. She twirled in the middle of the dance floor, arms flung wide, laughing like she had just been set free from a cage. Like this wasn’t her own wedding reception but some kind of cruel joke. The hem of her dress dragged, and when she tried to spin again, she almost fell flat on her face. I saw it before it happened, and before I even thought about it, I was moving. My hand caught her arm, steadying her just before she hit the floor. She looked up, eyes glassy but still burning. Still defiant. “You’re making a scene,” I muttered, keeping my grip firm but not tight. Her lips curled, smudged lipstick making her look a little wild. “Am I?” she slurred. “I’m just celebrating my freedom.” She flung her arms out again, nearly knocking over a waiter carrying champagne. He dodged, barely. A few people nearby whispered behind their glasses. I clenched my jaw. “You’re drunk

  • The tangled web of love    The unwilling bride

    Episode 4 Bella's pov The bridal dressing room was suffocating. Soft golden lights, delicate lace, expensive perfumes,it was all meant to be beautiful, but to me, it felt like a prison cell dressed in silk. My stomach twisted as I stared at my reflection. The woman in the mirror looked like me, but she wasn’t me. She was someone else. Someone forced into a life she didn’t choose. I never thought that there could be a day I would be forced into this kind of situation. "Scout, watch your back," I muttered under my breath, pressing my fingers into the vanity. My jaw tightened. This wasn’t over. A makeup artist hovered nearby, shifting awkwardly. "These are your options," she said, gesturing toward a row of gowns. Her voice was careful, like she was afraid I might lash out. "You can choose a different one or wear what Ella picked." "Ella." The name felt weird in my mouth now, like it belonged to another life. Of course, they all knew. The whispers, the scandal,the wrong tw

  • The tangled web of love    The game begins

    Episode 3 Scout's pov She woke up with a sharp inhale, her eyes snapped open, wild, and furious. I stood still, watching. She was different. Ella had been predictable, sweet, quiet, and easy to control. She was the kind of woman who obeyed without needing to be told twice, the kind who folded under pressure and never questioned her place. But Bella? Even now, trapped in a room with a man she didn’t know, she carried herself like she had nothing to lose. She sat up slowly, eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail like she was calculating an escape route. Then, just as deliberately, she turned her gaze to me. I leaned back, giving her a moment to adjust, a moment to realize where she was and what had happened. But she didn’t react the way most people would. No screaming, no crying, no pleading for an explanation. Just quiet, sharp awareness. Interesting, I thought. "Nice to meet you, little substitute," I said, letting amusement slip into my voice.I wanted to see her re

  • The tangled web of love    The Substitute

    Episode 2 Bella's pov A distant noise echoed in my ears, dragging me toward consciousness, but I clung to sleep, refusing to let go. Sleep was safe. Sleep didn’t hurt. But then A sharp slap tore me from the darkness. Pain burned across my cheek, my skin stinging as my eyes snapped open. My head jerked to the side as the room became blurry before it came into focus. my eyes opened to many faces. My mother. My father ,a room full of relatives. Their eyes bored into me, filled with accusations. I inhaled slowly, stretching as if I hadn’t just been slapped. As if my heart wasn’t hammering in my chest. Crossing my arms, I forced my voice to stay calm. "Why did you wake me up?" But I knew. I already knew. "Where is Ella?" my mother asked, her voice controlled, measured. "I know you hate her. You must have done something to her." She took a step closer, her lips trembling ever so slightly. "Please. Tomorrow is her wedding, just let her go, she pleaded. That word "please." It was w

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