I dropped the professional face and put on a smile then adjusted my glasses.
The class door split open, divulging the classic opulent interior one could ever imagine.I caught sight of Aunt Experanza, who stood stoic by the door along with a few employees."Welcome back, Miss Aldama.""Good day, Miss Aldama.""Welcome, president."The warm greetings I received from my employee, then I turned to my Aunt who was obviously happy to see me. "Maya! I mean, Bella!" She gave me a warm hug. it's been forever. And we have a lot of catching ups to do."This is more than being pretty. You're stunning!" She hugged me again as if I had gone forever."Aw, aunty... You have no idea how bad I missed you - Let's go inside." I smiled as we walked inside together.~~~~~I got back into business, as the owner of Aldama Group.Being the president of Aldama Group, my position came with a lot of deals, business trips, and tight schedules.It was 12:57 and I had an event to attend.It was a masquerade ball so, it wouldn't begin until evening.I got up early and canceled a few appointments. First, I went to the SPA, did some hair maintenance, skincare, and a pedicure.My makeup artist knew the importance of this event and made sure I looked perfect. She was done and my hair was perfectly set.I turned and saw tons of different dresses.They were so pretty and expensive. I took one of them and was about to put it on when I saw the look on Alexia's face."Didn't you say your client was a foreigner?""Yes…""Then this is the perfect dress for you." Alexia brought out a black long dress that was not just covered with little diamonds that sparkled under the light but also exposed a little bit of my chest and my back."Miss Aldama, this dress was flown in from Italy. It's by the designer MK. Would you like to try it on?" The lady in charge of my dress collection said with a broad smile.I took the dress and walked into the dressing room. I noticed that it wasn't plain satin cloth. It was made from other material, it felt smooth and lubricated like the most delicate skin.~~~My Rolls-Royce stopped on the red carpet, leading to the door of the building.Rex, my driver got out and opened my car door.I came out elegantly while three of my bodyguards stood behind me.The event was filled with sophisticated and elegant people, people from the high class and they all had masks on. The receptionist gave me a mask as I walked into the hall.I had no idea that Brown had been waiting for me, the moment I got in I saw him standing close to the entrance.Brown, the CEO of his mother's company, had been pestering my soul, so I had to attend his ball."Go upstairs, tell Reggie about the client's proposal," Brown whispered to his bodyguard and then turned to me."Bella," He gave me a hug which I found kinda weird, I preferred handshakes."Hi," I said with no emotion on my face.He looked nice in his blue Tuxedo but nothing compared to the man I once loved."Wow, you look so beautiful, and your dress? Damn, you look like a goddess. Seen your pictures in different magazines but it's nothing compared to seeing you in person." He touched my hands softly but I slowly removed it.'You will be mine' Brown said inwardly with a smile on his face."I have been waiting for you all night, come let's go, I'd introduce you," Brown stretched his hand out. I gently placed mine on his and we both walked to the stage.He spoke into the mic and immediately got the whole crowd's attention as they all dropped their masks and fixed their eyes on us."Gentleman and ladies, thank you all for coming here tonight, my family and I appreciate your presence." He turned to look at me and then continued. I gently adjusted the mask on my face while he spoke."Let me introduce our guest of honor, Miss… Bella Aldama!"I slowly removed my mask and saw the whole crowd getting up from their seats.The moment my mask was removed, Reggie, who was also in the hall, froze as he was able to recognize me. I kept smiling without noticing his surprised stare.The people cheered as we walked down like couples. The crowd kept clapping with smiles on their faces.Brown introduced me to his friends and business partners.Reggie was upstairs, staring at us. He had been talking to Angelica and a few other people, but when he saw me, he gave Angelica his wine glass as he slowly turned to look at me carefully.I walked elegantly as I introduced myself with a smile until I heard this voice."Maya!" The bright smile on my face disappeared. Why can I recognize this voice? Brown and I turned and saw Reggie walking towards us.My breath seized and my heart sank into my stomach. I suddenly felt uneasy as I could hear the sound of my heartbeat. I took a deep breath and tried to look away. I never thought I would see him this early.He got close but ignored him and kept greeting Brown's guests.He got in front of me so, wasn't able to greet the person who extended his hand for a shake."Maya? Oh my God, it is you. Where have you been?"I tried to walk pass him but he held me back. I looked up and saw his charming blue eyes.I looked away and tried to catch my breath. My body was trembling and I was trying to control it.I turned to Brown and then back to Reggie.I gently removed my hand and corrected him."You must be mistaken, I'm Bella Aldama and I'm not Maya," I said and was about to walk away when he held me back."Wait… my love, don't go… Since when did you change your name?"Did he just call me 'My love?' What does he think this is? 1914? Those words don't work on me anymore."Please don't create a scene here, I don't know you and again, I am not Maya."I tried to get away from him but he stopped me again."You're my wife, Maya… wait, do you have amnesia or something?""Hey, hey, hey." Brown got in between us and tried to stop Reggie. It was getting embarrassing as we were in the middle of the whole crowd.Brown's guests kept staring and taking pictures. Angelica saw the scene and quickly walked towards Reggie. She saw me and I could tell how shocked she was."Ma-Maya? You're alive?" Angelica walked close and touched my face to confirm her haunch."Why? Are you shocked or something? You look like you've just seen a ghost." I got irritated and furiously yanked her hands from my cheeks.'This can't be, is she alive? And why has she changed so much? She seems to have become someone else, or is this a dream?' Angelica thought while staring at me.But God knows how badly I wanna squeeze life out of her. Brown didn't like Reggie's hands on mine so, he pulled me close to himself."Leave the lady alone, she said, she doesn't know you."But Reggie got close and pulled me back."Really? Bella, who's this guy to you?" Brown frowned as he pointed at Reggie."C'mon bro, her name is Maya and I'm her husband." Reggie showed him the ring on his finger.I stared at it in surprise, he was still wearing our wedding ring after five years."You gotta be kidding me, I might as well forget the fact that we are brothers if you don't let her go." Brown got furious as he tried to take me away but Reggie refused.'Wait, brothers? They are related?'"You… you two are brothers?" I tried to hide the shock on my face. Reggie never talked about having any siblings.'Good to know I have seen the perfect revenge tool' I smiled inwardly."Yes, but it depends, leave Bella… or you get out of my party," Brown said through gritted teeth."She's my wife… And I'm never letting her go this time—"I got too pissed with Reggie calling me his wife. I carefully yanked my hand from his hold but he grabbed it back.He took a deep breath as he stared into my eyes."Maya… Bella, I need to have a moment with you. If you don't mind, may I have this dance?"I was about to talk when Brown suddenly cut me in."Sorry to break it to you, bro, Even if she were to dance with someone, that person would be me.""I'm her husband, she can only dance with me." Reggie gave him a cold stare. This time, my expression had changed."Shut up… for the last time, I am not your wife. And I'd rather dance with Brown." I said and walked to where Brown stood."I'm here, my love… let's go. She isn't worth the trouble." Angelica stared at me with disgust.Gone, are those days I allowed her words to get to me. I had a smile on my face as I spoke."Worth? C'mon, your lover is the one calling me his wife. So… I guess that makes you his whore?"I was still close to Brown when Angelica walked up and gave me a hot slap."How dare you?"The slap came with a huge noise from the crowd. Reggie quickly got close and held her back.I turned to Brown and whispered slowly."Don't interrupt us, please."He nodded politely So, I went over to Angelica."I think you've had a lot to drink. Here's something to make you sober." My last words came with a resounding slap across her right cheek.I wasn't satisfied, so I raised my hand and gave her a second and a third slap. I had waited for so long to give her those slaps.Her face turned red as she opened her bag and brought out a gun. Everyone was shocked as they quickly moved back."I'd show you what being drunk can make me do." She pointed her gun and was about to pull her trigger when Reggie quickly got in front of me.I closed my eyes as I heard the gunshot.When I opened my eyes, I saw Reggie holding his hands. It turns out that Reggie had taken the bullet instead.I heard the noise of a few security men as Reggie's hand kept bleeding.I wasn't surprised at what Angelica did. I was shocked at what Reggie did.He had saved me from getting shot by his lover."Reggie!" Angelica knelt down and attempted to help Reggie stand up.But the security officer stopped her from proceeding. "Don't..." She tried to talk but was taken away while Brown stood in front of me… an ambulance was called and Reggie was taken to the hospital.We got out and a group of reporters swarmed over us. "Miss Aldama, can you tell us the reason Mrs. Smith had tried to kill you tonight?""Do you have a history with the CEO of Smith’s corporations? Was that the reason he tried to save your life?""You're the president of Aldama Group. Do you think she tried to kill you out of jealousy?" I wasn't expecting such questions and harassment from these people. So, my bodyguards
Bruno stopped and opened the door of my Bugatti La Voiture Noire. I walked into the building of the popular Smiths corporation.The elevator split open and I walked out heading straight to the boardroom which was on the 10th floor. I got in and gently took my seat. Being the CEO, Reggie sat in front while the rest of us sat not too far from him. His staff did their presentation, and I was quite impressed. Alexia walked in and gave Reggie some files. We exchanged glances and pretended not to know each other.I had instructed Alexia, my best friend, to work as his secretary and to give me all the necessary information I needed to bring his company down.I was stunned at the information she gave me. Reggie's company was the top and best wine brand, not just that, his business was growing as he gave his best to his clients. How was he doing so well when I was in this city? Since he deals with wine, I had an interest in his business. I had to be his partner and also the newest member of
Angelica's PovI stood up to welcome my husband's attorney, Mr. Zack.All I needed was Renato's wealth, although marrying him was sweet. I politely told Mr. Zack to have a seat, right after we shook hands. We talked about my husband's property and how I needed to get my hands on those documents."My husband is now in the asylum. Don't you think it's best if I have the documents to his property?" After all, it was the only reason I got married to him, anyway.But he wasn't ready to let me have his son at peace. He monitors my every move.Now, I can't tell if Reggie still loves me or not. He keeps pushing me away these days. So, I had to take his father out of the way. By giving him different drugs to make him lose his mind. He had no idea I was secretly putting the drugs into his food and drinks. The drugs were so effective, he went crazy in no time. Before killing him, It's best to get his documents first. At least, before his sons get to find out. Especially, Brown, he's too
Bella's povWhile in my office at the Aldama Group, I received a call. It was Melissa, I had employed her to make sure Angelica spent every dime she had in the casino."I made sure she visits the casino every day ma'am," Melissa said on the other end.She was good, she goes out of her way to make sure Angelica doesn't go a day without visiting the casino. With a satisfied smile, I said, "Good job." I dropped the call and collected a file from Nadia, my secretary. She slowly walked out as I glared at the file. It was a document that needed my signature. I was about to sign when I heard my phone ringing again. I turned and saw the caller ID was Raymond, my loyal thug, he helps to get any illegal job done and he always gives the best in what he does. "Ray? Yes, I need you to go to the cross cemetery. Buy a coffin, dig a grave with 'Maya Lawrence' written on the surface. Make it look real, make it look like Maya Lawrence was buried there. Do something, just make it perfect." I said with
Reggie's PovI called a security officer and got a spare key to the storeroom. I opened the door in a rush and found Bella lying unconscious on the floor. The entire room was filled with smoke. I and Brown coughed as we took her outside.The security officer got a fire extinguisher to stop the fire. Brown didn't allow me to touch her as he took her into his car. I wasn't ready for a fight, so I just got into my car and followed him.We arrived at the hospital, and Bella was taken in. I made sure she was attended to immediately. In a few minutes, Miss Esperanza, Bella's aunt had gotten to the hospital as Bella's bodyguards had informed her.After a few hours, the doctor who attended to her walked up to us, as we had been waiting all night.I got up the moment I saw him. Miss Esperanza was making a call not too far from us, so she didn't notice the doctor's presence. He stared at Brown and then back at me."Who's her husband amongst both of you?""I am." Brown and I chorused. I saw the
Bella's povUpon entering my apartment, I caught sight of Alexia smiling and fixated on her phone. 'What or who could make my best friend blush like this?' I wondered as I walked closer to her. I did it gently, so she didn't notice my presence. I got behind her and what I saw amazed me. She kept swiping and glaring at Reggie's picture on her phone. She went on and on. It seemed more like an obsession. She had numerous photos of him. I even lost count. "He's just so handsome," Alexia blushed and zoomed his picture. my mouth fell wide open and my eyes froze. I thought I was hearing things and wanted to confirm If she crushing on my man.I got in front of her but she was so engrossed on her phone that she still didn't notice my presence. I cleared my throat and said, "Who?" She slowly looked up and was startled to see me. She tried to hide her phone. I could tell she felt guilty with the look on her face. "Uh… it's, well… " She looked down and said, "It's Reggie, but I promise, it
Bella's povAfter the hospital incident, Reggie seemed to be a little distant. Though, I wasn't sure. Ever since he found out about Maya's death, he literally stopped calling me his wife.Well, Raymond did a perfect job so, it was easy for anyone to believe that I was actually buried there. Reggie felt weak but didn't believe it until he saw it for himself. He took it upon himself to visit the cemetery and also to confirm if the rumors were right. After finding out about it, he kept to himself, he was shattered for days, but since I remind him of his late wife he didn't stop talking and trying to get close to me. Even after discovering that I'm not Maya, he still had his eyes for me and me only. We were done having a board meeting. The rest of the board members had left, leaving just the two of us in the boardroom. He was going through some files when he heard my voice."Are you free? Would you love to go out with me?" I had a radiant smile that would make any man want to wife me i
Bella's PovMy face flushed as he carefully placed his lips on mine. I closed my eyes and lost control. I cupped the back of his head and ran my fingers down to his nape while he sucked my lips. He was everywhere, touching, kissing, and scattering my thoughts as his hand explored my body with a sensual lust. His lips were wet, I kissed his neck and felt his pulse hammering beneath my lips. Every inch of his body yearned for my touch. He felt almost desperate to touch every bit of my skin. He parted his mouth and stole my tongue, sucking on it passionately causing me to moan into his mouth. His body flooded with excitement as I caressed his chest. "Damn," He moaned and tried to take my top off. He slowly grabbed my ass and placed me on the table beside us. "What the fuck!" A loud voice interrupted us. We paused and turned to see who it was. It was Brown. My jaw dropped and my heart raced. I bit my lower lip and got behind Reggie. Brown stood at the entrance with an angry look. Whil