All Chapters of WHEN THEY FALL: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I twirled myself on the leather office chair, thinking of a strategy to cash in an important business deal. Unsuccessful, I stood up and moved to the glass window that overlooked the skyline of New York City. I felt powerful being up here, where I saw everyone like tiny ants. Where I felt invincible in the horrors of this world. A loud bang on my door snapped me from my thoughts before someone barged into my office.“DON’T YOU HAVE— “I started shouting, only to turn to see my father. Embarrassed, I began, “F-father I-I thought you were…” “Don’t father me, Bella,” he immediately snapped at me before continuing, “You know why I’m here.” “Of course,” I said, motioning him to sit on one of the white leather armchairs at the corner of my office. “I have drafted a few business plans for your projects in Miami, Delhi, Nairobi and Manchester.” He flipped through the pages at the speed of light, scanning the four files with a noticeable frown on his face. “These are all fine,” he let out

I suddenly stood up when the words hit me “Father wants you and Mr grumpy over there to get married.” I silently walked out of the dining room, deciding not to cause a ruckus with my hands balled into fists to contain my anger. As soon as I arrived in the living room, tears gathered around the brim of my eyes. He had no right to dictate such an important decision in my life. This was only up to me to decide who I was to spend my life with, but he practically owned me. That is going to change soon, I assured myself. “Bella,” I heard my father’s voice and stiffened at his words, “you will have to do this. May I not need to remind you I own you?” “I can do everything you ask of me, but… not this. You know I cannot marry someone else.” I pleaded in a broken voice. He was asking too much from me and with all that happened, I could not believe that he would try to set me up like this. “Stop worrying about a dead man.” He said harshly, causing my heart to clench in pain, “He’s gone Bell

Bella’s POV As soon as Leo left me in my room, Mrs Williams came to my room to clean up the mess. I asked her to give me my pajamas before she left. For a good five minutes, I struggled with the zipper on my dress. I wiggled my arms out and tried to shift the back of the dress to the front. With that tactic successful, I slowly removed the dress, tossing it to the floor. I slipped on the baggy pajama shirt, abandoning the black shorts. With that done, I drowned in a deep slumber, forgetting to wipe the makeup off my face. “Mommy!” I heard Dylan call, “Mom, wake up!” he shook my shoulders. “Jeez, I’m up, I’m up,” I grumbled. “Mom, get up!” he said again. “I said I’m up!” I snapped in annoyance. His face fell and excitement drained from his face. “I’m sorry,” I said, pulling him into a hug, “Can you forgive mommy?” He nodded and looked at me. “Mom, please get ready. You said my party was today, and it’s eleven already.” He whined.“Oh, my gosh!” I faked a gasp. “I forgot to orga

Leo's POV As we left the shop, Dylan was carrying the crutches to the car and I was holding Bella delicately. My arm was wond around her waist firmly as her frame pressed onto mine. Having her in my arms I found myself not wanting to let her go, she seemed to belong there.As I drove to the venue, Bella called someone to inform everyone to hide as we were approaching. We were officially thirty minutes late. Again, Bella refused to use the crutches. I held Bella the same way I did back at the parlor, her soft body pressing against mine with every step. We slowly walked to the garden area which seemed empty all of the suddenly kids jumped up and scram, "Surprise!" to Dylan."Mom?" Dylan queried looking at Bella."Go on, baby, go have fun. You wanted a party right?"Dylan nodded vigorously running over to his friends. Bella scanned the crowd of parents before she spotted one of her friends and ordered me to take her over there.

It was about seven in the morning when I received the call from Dylan. I took a u-turn from the road to church and made my way to Bella's.As I drove there different thoughts swam throw my mind.Maybe if I stayed last night like I wanted to, then this could have been avoided.This is beyond your control, my mind reprimanded me but the guilt welling up in my heart continued to get heavier.I quickly parked my car in the driveway running towards the house. I made my way up the stairs hearing muffled screams, as I got closer to Bella's room, the louder they became.I found Dylan seated at the door crying."Dylan," I said and he looked at me, hugging me immediately. "Go to your room," I ushered "I'll take care of Bella.""Is she going to okay?" he asked me."Yes she's going to be fine." I assured him as I moved towards the bed. Bella was curled into a ball on one side of the bed. Shaking her head.When I got closer she was whispering, "Don't hurt my baby please," over and over again."Bel