As I pulled up to dad's mansion, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable confrontation. I knew he wouldn't be pleased with me showing up without Mark; he always wants me to scurry after Mark like some lost puppy. For a while, I'd admit, I had actually scurried after him. I had practically changed my life to satisfy them. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.I made the short walk to the mansion's courtyard; the courtyard faced the well kept garden. I had admired the garden when I first came. It was where I preferred to spend my time whenever they were fawning over Bella. The garden looked even more beautiful and we'll tend to. I was sure mum must have gone bunkers as she instructed the household gardeners on how to trim it right.The area was already bustling with activities. The servants were already up and down attending to the guests - young and old - that were seated around tables, each person clad in luxurious outfits and jewelry. Some young

I stared at Mark in disbelief, my eyes widening incredulously as his demand echoed in the room, harshly bouncing off the walls. His determined eyes were fixated on me, his lips were set in a straight line and his arms that were folded across his chest hinted at his seriousness."You're saying I have to give you a million dollars as a breakup fee?!" The words burst from my lips and my voice resounded in the room. "What the actual hell! A million dollars?" The absurdity of his request was incredulous."Yes, you have to give me a million dollars before I sign those papers," he answered calmly as if he was asking me to pay him a measly sum of three hundred dollars. The nonchalant demeanor with which he responded only did more to heighten my disbelief than make me come to terms with his demand."You can't possibly be serious," I exclaimed, the words tumbling out of my mouth in a mixture of disbelief and frustration as I got on my knees on the bed, all strung up. "You're a billionaire, and

Mark, after wishing dad a happy birthday and giving him a wrapped gift he had gotten for him, had said a succinct goodbye to him and mom and we left. Dad's smile kept faltering as he looked between Mark and I.The ride home was fun. Mark had taken us home with the car that brought him and Bella.Bored, I had decided to taunt him. I placed my palm on my chest, "Poor Bella," I sighed, letting my shoulders droop as I turned to him, "how will she get home now that you've left with the car?"He hadn't said anything. He jaw just remained clenched as he fixed his gazd outside the window.I sighed again. "I hope her heart doesn't hurt so much when she's trying to go home or when her friends laugh at her that her lover left her."I caught his pinky finger on the palm he pressed on his lap twitch.I needed more than that. I sighed, suddenly changing the topic. "Now, I can't see the Italian bar guy again," my chest rose higher as I sighed loudly. "I guess I'd have to meet up with him some other

BELLA'S POVIf dad hadn't chosen such a dumb excuse, I wouldn't be struggling to keep him by my side now.Since dad had told everyone that lame lie, I had no choice but to go with it after I returned. I had carefully capitalized on it and told it to Mark at every chance I got. He pitied me and he had been loving and kind, always coming at my every beck and call to hold me in his arms and assure me that everything would be fine and he would always be there for me. But now…I reflected on the past few days and hissed again. Now the lie was barely effective now that Sydney was more involved.Or maybe my acts weren't believable enough? Perhaps I should meet up with a doctor and make him lie, then I would get Mark to go with me and...I hissed and threw the ideas out the window. It was enough that Sydney knew about it. I didn't want more ears to hear. What if the doctor later decided to betray me?I hissed again. If dad hadn't chosen this excuse for my absence then I would have been able to

I closed my eyes and muttered, "Damn it!" Why did he have to wake up now?Bella and I stared at him. Bella's gaze held concern while mine,I was sure, was drilling holes into him."Don't give her," he reiterated, his gaze on me. He looked less drunk now. His words didn't slur so much anymore and his gaze was steady to an extent.That soup must be a very effective one, even though it looked like vomit. I contemplated asking her what the recipe is.Bella shifted closer to him, her brows creased, "Mark," she placed her palm on her cheeks and made him turn his face to her, "You should get more rest.""No," he shook his head and removed her palm from his cheeks. "I need to stay awake to make sure you don't give her." He blinked rapidly for a few seconds before he shook his head and his gaze became steady again.Something akin to hurt and confusion crossed Bella's features, "Give her what? Do you even know what we're talking about? You were asleep just now.""I was but pieces of your convers