DAVID "Grandpa, why hasn’t he fought for his son's death?" My voice was steady, but my hands clenched at my sides. "He knows the killer, doesn’t he? So why stay silent?"Grandpa’s eyes darkened. He exhaled slowly, the weight of something unsaid hanging between us.“I know what you’re thinking, David.” His gaze locked on mine, heavy and filled with regret. “You think I’m a bad father, don’t you?”I opened my mouth, but no words came. Silence seemed safer than anything I could offer.“It’s not that I don’t want to fight,” he continued, his voice thick with something deeper. “I have to honor your father’s last wish. And for you... and your mother... I can’t risk losing the two of you too. Not after losing him.”His face looked drawn, like he was peeling back the layers of an old wound that had never quite healed.I swallowed hard. "You’re hiding something else, Grandpa."His gaze flickered, hesitant, before he finally spoke. "I want to save Eden."My heart thudded in my chest. Eden? My
DAVIDThe flash drive felt heavier in my hand than it should, as if it carried the weight of the secrets I wasn’t ready to face. My fingers trembled as I slid it into the system.The screen flickered to life. An old video, grainy and worn, played. It was him my father’s steward, his face lined with worry.“Mr. David,” his voice cracked. “I’ve waited for you. I thought you’d come earlier, but… I can’t wait any longer.” He swallowed hard, eyes darting off-screen. “If you’re watching this, it means I couldn’t answer your questions myself.”The man’s gaze hardened. “A group of thugs started following me. I knew my time was up, so I ran to your grandfather. Gave him the key to this mansion and the safe.” His voice broke. “I died protecting you and your mother… fulfilling the promise I made to your late father.”A tightness gripped my chest as he continued.“I found something a pen in your dad’s car the day he died. It’s your weapon against Eden. But I lost the main record trying to keep it
BELLAI scrolled through the files Elowen had sent a series of damning photos and videos of Roy. Each image tightened the coil of anger in my chest. My fingers trembled, but not from fear. No, this was something else. You made me into this, Roy. I hope you’re ready to face the version of me you created.Elowen called again. “I can post it for you,” she offered, her voice steady and determined. “No need to get your hands dirty.”A small smile tugged at my lips. That was Elowen always protective. “Thanks, but this is my fight. I need to do it myself.”“Just… be careful, Bella,” she said, her tone softer now. “If something happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself.”“Relax, Mom,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ve got this.” I ended the call before she could protest further.Sitting at my desk, I created a new anonymous account. No digital trail, no breadcrumbs. The post went live a snippet of Lizzy’s illicit life for the world to see.Let’s see how you play this game, Lizzy.I
BELLAI stood frozen, the weight of my father’s words pressing down on me like a collapsing building. My hands trembled as I wiped my damp eyes, trying to grasp the reality he had just laid before me.“I’m not your biological father,” he had said.The words echoed in my head, each syllable slicing through the fragile threads of my understanding. I moved closer to his hospital bed, my knees weak, my heart hammering against my chest. This had to be a mistake. Maybe the illness had clouded his mind.“Dad,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Let me call the doctor. Maybe… maybe you’re confused.” I took a shaky step toward the door.“Bella,” he called, his voice firmer than I expected. “I’m not confused. I’m telling you the truth.”I turned back, my breath catching in my throat. “Why now? Why tell me this now?” I asked, my words laced with disbelief. “Why couldn’t you just” My voice broke. “Why couldn’t you just keep it to yourself? If you’re not my father… then who is?”I sank to the floor,
BELLADad looked so fragile lying there, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm that didn’t match the chaos in my head. His words played on repeat. I found you.The necklace. The one he mentioned when I was younger. It was with me when he found me. My fingers itched to search for it, to find something anything that could give me answers.I barely noticed the door opening until I felt David’s arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.“You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured against my hair. “You should be resting.”“My dad’s awake,” I whispered, clinging to him like a lifeline.“I know.” His hand slid up my back, grounding me. “The doctor told me. I came as fast as I could.”His warmth surrounded me, but it wasn’t enough. I needed air. “David… I can’t breathe.”He loosened his grip, stepping back just enough to study my face. “Sorry.”I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “I want to be discharged.”His brows knit together. “Why?”“I’m just tired of being here,” I said, forcing
BELLA“I’m just worried about you, Bella,” Elowen’s voice crackled through the phone, softer now, almost pleading. “I don’t want you to get hurt. You’re my friend. I just… I want the best for you.”I stared out the window, watching the trees blur past. Her words hung in the air, heavy with something unspoken. I wanted to believe her God, I wanted to believe her but something didn’t sit right. She’s my best friend, my sister in every way but blood. We’ve been through everything together. She even walked away from her wealthy family to live an ordinary life with me.I took a slow breath, forcing calm into my voice. “It’s okay, Elos. I won’t go any further if it makes you uncomfortable. I know you’re just looking out for me. That’s what friends are for, right?”A pause. Then, “I’m sorry, Bels. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”“I know,” I whispered. “I’ll head home.”I ended the call, the weight of her words pressing down on my chest.“Ma’am, are we going back home?” the driver a
BELLAI stared out of the car window, my fingers tapping against the screen of my phone. I’m on my way home. I sent the message, but my thoughts drifted elsewhere. Elowen’s sudden change in behavior gnawed at me. She was hiding something I could feel it.“Ma’am, we’re home,” the driver’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.I stepped out of the car and paused. The maids were lined up outside the mansion, their heads slightly bowed, with Jasper standing proudly in the center. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and before I could process what was happening, he sprinted toward me, wrapping his small arms around my waist.“I missed you!” he said, his voice muffled against my coat.Warmth spread through me. “I missed you too, my little popcorn,” I said, lifting him off the ground.As we walked inside, I glanced back at the line of maids. “Why are they all standing there like that?”Jasper grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I arranged it. I wanted to give you a grand welcome home.”I bli
BELLADavid’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “I’m heading inside. Dinner will be ready soon. Eat something and rest we have a long day tomorrow. We’ll visit the museum and figure out more about the symbol on your necklace.” He handed it back to me, his fingers brushing mine briefly.I nodded, watching him disappear inside. Elowen’s face filled my mind. Could she be hiding something from me? No. We’ve been friends forever she’d never hurt me. Would she?The question lingered like a dark cloud, keeping me awake long after the house had gone silent. When sleep finally claimed me, it felt like only seconds before Julie’s voice broke through.“Good morning, ma’am,” she said softly, drawing the curtains open. Sunlight poured into the room, making me groan and pull the blanket over my head.“Mr. David is waiting for you downstairs.”I stretched, the ache of rest clinging to my muscles. It had been too long since I’d slept this well. But today wasn’t a day to linger. The museum. The truth.
BELLAThe words tumbled out of his mouth like an announcement he’d been rehearsing. “The doctor called me. We have a donor for your father.”I froze. The weight of the sentence hit me square in the chest, but I couldn’t let him see my reaction. I quickly forced my expression into a mask of confusion, feigning innocence.David’s gaze bore into mine as if he were trying to read my thoughts. “Yes, your father,” he added, his voice quieter but no less firm. “I know you lost your memories and don’t remember anything, but the operation is scheduled for tomorrow.”My heart raced, the implications swirling in my mind. I needed to be there, but I couldn’t let him suspect a thing. “Can I come with you?” I asked, my tone measured, my hands clasped tightly together to keep from trembling.David tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Why?”I swallowed hard, feeling his gaze pierce through me. “I want to see him,” I replied quickly. “Even if I don’t remember him, he’s still my father,
BELLAMy heart pounded as the door creaked open, and David stepped inside. He moved with the same casual arrogance, his dark eyes scanning the room like he owned it and me. I swallowed hard, willing my expression to remain neutral. Did he know? Could he sense that I’d regained my memories?“Why are you here?” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease bubbling beneath the surface. I crossed my arms over my chest, a flimsy shield against his probing gaze.He tilted his head slightly, smirking. “Just checking on my woman.”My stomach twisted. Did he mean that? Or was this just another act in his carefully controlled game? The memory of his betrayal seared through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I was no longer the naive woman he thought I was, but he couldn’t know that.He stepped closer and handed me a small bag. “What’s that?” I asked, not bothering to hide my suspicion.“Open it.”I hesitated before pulling apart the delicate wrapping. A gasp escaped me as I lifted the gown fr
BELLAI had to pretend. I had to play dumb like the clueless fool David believed I was. Every fiber of my being screamed for justice, for confrontation, but I couldn’t let him know. Not yet. My child didn’t deserve to grow up in the chaos of this twisted contract marriage. And now, Lizzy claimed she was carrying David’s child too? My stomach churned at the thought. How could I have fallen for him, even for a moment?Standing from the bedroom floor, my legs trembled, but my resolve hardened. The first step was retrieving my phone. David wasn’t home; I’d made sure of that before even entertaining the idea. I moved cautiously down the hall, each step deliberate, my ears straining for any sound. Julie had said the phone was in his desk drawer.I hesitated at the door to his room, my hand hovering over the handle. What if he came back early? What if one of the staff saw me? But I didn’t have time for doubts. I opened the door and slipped inside, shutting it softly behind me.His room smell
BELLAThe diary sits heavy in my hands, its leather cover worn and familiar in a way that stirs something deep inside me. My fingers hesitate on the edge of the first page, trembling slightly. The truth everything I’ve lost, everything I need to know is in these pages.I exhale shakily and open it, the faint scent of ink and old paper curling into the air. My eyes catch on the first entry, the handwriting mine but distant, like a ghost of someone I used to be.Dear Diary,It’s a real shock. You won’t believe this Michael is about to get married. After everything we’ve been through, he’s marrying Vivian, my colleague. My colleague! She even claims to be the younger sister of David Copperfield. I feel like such a fool. All these years, I thought he loved me. I thought we had something real. But no, I was just someone to pass the time with.The words stab into my chest. Michael? Who is Michael? And Vivian? The names feel familiar, like whispers in the back of my mind, but I can’t place t
BELLAJulie’s words echoed in my mind like a sinister whisper. I don’t want to die. Her voice had trembled, her wide eyes darting toward the door as though David might burst in at any moment.I gripped her hand, my own trembling slightly. “No one’s going to hurt you,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt.She shook her head, biting her lip. “You don’t understand, ma’am. If Mr. David finds out I told you…” Her words trailed off as tears pooled in her eyes.I leaned closer, lowering my voice as though the walls had ears. “How would he find out? It’s just us in this room. I swear, Julie, your secret is safe with me.”Her lips curved into a shaky smile, but there was no relief in her expression. “Boss always finds out. He has… his ways. But if you really want answers, maybe you should talk to Elowen. You used to tell her everything.”“Elowen?” The name felt foreign on my tongue, like it belonged to someone else’s life. “I don’t even know who that is. How do I reach her?”“You have a phone,
BELLAI woke up to the soft sensation of a kiss pressed to my forehead. My eyes fluttered open, barely, and then quickly shut again. What the hell? That kiss, so tender, was not something I expected. It was then that I remembered David’s room. I had spent the night here. The realization hit me, and my stomach twisted. I lay still, feeling his breath against my skin, his hand still resting near my ear.Why is he touching me like this? My thoughts scattered as his voice broke through the haze."Are you going to pretend you're still sleeping, or should I force you to have another round of sex this morning?" His voice was low, filled with amusement.The words slammed into me like a bucket of cold water. I shot up in bed, panic rising in my chest. No. I won’t let him touch me again. Never."I’m up," I said, my voice rough, betraying the rush of emotions swirling inside me. My hands quickly wrapped the blanket around me, clutching it tightly, as I saw him staring at my chest, his eyes unbli
BELLAThe chill of David’s voice froze the air around us. "What is he doing here?" His tone was sharp, commanding, sending shivers down my spine. He stepped forward, shoving the man away from me with a force that made him stumble."David…" I began, but the fire in his eyes silenced me."Stay away from my wife," he barked at the man. The sheer venom in his words made the stranger take a step back, his confidence visibly shaken."I-I just met him here," I stammered, my voice barely audible. "He claims to be my boyfriend." But why was I explaining myself to him? Shouldn’t he be the one answering for his actions?David turned to me, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "Get in the car," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Before I could process what was happening, his hand wrapped around my wrist, and he pulled me toward his car. His grip was firm but not painful, his touch burning through my skin. He didn’t even glance at me as he drove, the tension in the car suffocating.
DAVID“How could this happen?” Grandpa’s voice thundered through the study, the vibrations seeming to shake the very walls. His face was red, veins bulging at his temple as he paced like a lion in a cage. “You’re supposed to be smart, David. How did you let this happen?”I couldn’t meet his eyes. The weight of my mistake hung over me like a storm cloud. “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.“Sorry?” He stopped pacing and stared me down, his piercing gaze making me feel like I was shrinking. “Sorry doesn’t fix this. You’ve dragged our name into the mud. Fix it! Clean up this mess before it destroys the family name,” he snapped, his voice cold and commanding.“I will,” I said, bowing slightly, more out of habit than respect, before leaving the room.The heavy oak door clicked shut behind me, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My shoulders sagged, the weight of his expectations pressing down on me. As I moved down the dimly lit hallway, the
DAVIDThe grand hall seemed colder than usual, the air thick with tension. My family was gathered, their expressions a mixture of confusion and dread as Lizzy stood there, a smug smile playing on her lips. How did she know about the family dinner? She had no business being here. Her confidence irritated me as much as the sinking feeling in my stomach. Janet caught my eye from across the room, her raised brows and smirk silently taunting me. *I told you so,* her expression seemed to say. My chest tightened. Lizzy was trouble trouble I thought I’d left behind weeks ago. I glanced at her again, but she met my gaze with an unsettling boldness. She was toying with me, and I hated that she felt she could. “Why are you here?” my mother’s voice broke the silence. It wasn’t just a question; it was a challenge. Her tone was razor-sharp, and she wasn’t hiding her disdain. Lizzy smiled sweetly, her head tilting slightly. “Oh, Mom, aren’t you happy to see me?” Her saccharine tone was lac