Chapter 5

Isabelle’s POV

After getting out of the car, I walked down to the apartment I was living in with my kids. I can’t believe he actually betrayed me like that. Andrew has been the only one in my life, and I have never thought of doing anything that would jeopardize our relationship, but this is how he paid me back, framing me like this just to have my sister.

The whole thing was getting clearer to me—it was their plan from the beginning. They probably were madly in love, and the only way they can be together is if they kick me out.

Realizing this, I decided to start my life all over and start working so I can earn enough to give my kids a better life. Only then can I get the revenge I want.

While going through several companies, they kept rejecting me, and some even insulted me for being unable to keep my family, so I’m not stable.

I tiredly turned off my system and lay on the bed. Just then my kids rushed into the room.

“Mummy,” Pete called and laid beside me. And Patience lay at the other side.

“What is it?” I asked while patting his head gently.

“Why does my teacher speak to me differently?” I was shocked when he asked the question.

“What do you mean? Does she speak to you too lovingly?” I asked curiously as I was already fuming.

“She doesn’t; she bullies Patience and claims we are nobodies and don’t deserve to be treated sweetly.” I was completely devastated when I heard what Pete told me; I can’t believe a teacher is saying such a thing to my little boy. I tried to control my anger so I don’t make them realize it’s such a bad thing.

“Your teacher doesn't know how special you two are; that’s why she’s speaking that way to you. I’ll go talk to her tomorrow.

“Really? You would visit our school tomorrow?” Patience asked, from the look on her face it seemed like she had always wanted me to visit their school, but I just can’t take any risk, or else Andrew will find out they exist, and he will try taking them away from me.

I had so much on my plate, and the first has to be getting a job so my kids can live a more comfortable life.

“I made lunch; let’s go.” I said to them, and we all stood up from the bed. While they were eating, I sat on the couch checking my mail, and there’s still been no reply from all the places I tried to get a job from. When I dropped my phone on the bed, I felt my phone vibrate, then I realized it was a call from a strange number.

“Who could it be?” I asked myself while looking at the phone ringing. I finally picked up the call even though I wasn’t sure who it was.

“Good day, am I on to Bella Thompson?” The caller asked. I sat up properly when I heard the question because it seemed like a serious call.

“Yes.” I replied, curiously waiting to hear the next thing the caller had to say.

“It’s a pleasure to inform you that our company is interested in hiring you.” I was confused; I don’t even know who’s speaking.

“Are you sure you’re speaking with the right person?” I tried to confirm if it was a spam call.

“The date and time of resumption will be forwarded to you. Have a nice day.” He ended the call. I paused as I held my phone, trying to think of who the caller might be and how they knew I’m in search of a job.

The only person that crossed my mind at this moment was Tristan.

“Why would he think I would accept his proposal?” I muttered angrily while dialing his number. I thought he was using my weakness to sneak his way into my life, which I found annoying, and the fact that he is related to Andrew made me more wary of him. I can’t seem to allow him into my life.

“What are you trying to do?” I yelled at the top of my voice, which attracted the kids to my direction. I let out a soft smile when I noticed they were staring at me.

I gently stood up and headed out of the sitting room.

“Bella, you need the job; why don’t you set pride aside and accept my offer?” I was even more pissed after hearing what he said.

“Tristan, stay away from me; I don’t need your help.” I said angrily and ended the call. After the call I placed my hand on my head tiredly. Maybe I shouldn’t have rejected the help after all; maybe I should have really set my pride aside.

I suddenly started feeling regretful for ending the call the way I did, but at the same time I just can’t accept the job from him because it’ll only bring Andrew close to me again, and I don’t want anything to do with him.

******

After seven days of serious job hunting, I have still been unable to get a job. The fridge is empty already, and the kids will soon start complaining of hunger. I can’t keep living like this.

After that day, Tristan hadn't called me, and I realized I must have said too much, so he was trying not to overstep.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have said too much that day.” I muttered and heaved tiredly. The kids were still asleep, so I gently stood up from the bed and headed to the kitchen. Everywhere looked dry; it won’t be long before we end up in the street begging for food to survive.

“What can I do to prevent my kids and me from starving?” I asked myself and placed my hand on my head. Just then I received a call. I brought out the phone from my pocket, and surprisingly it was Tristan. He sure knows how to call at the right time.

Without hesitating, I picked up the call.

“I accept your offer.” I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say. I closed my eyes with my finger in my mouth, nervously anticipating what he had to say about my acceptance.

“What?” My heart skipped when I heard his reply. Why is he asking that now?