Chapter 6

Writer’s POV

Bella was waiting to hear what Tristan’s reply would be; she was wondering why Tristan wasn’t saying anything.

“Is the offer no longer valid?” Bella asked curiously because his silence was driving her crazy already.

“It took you so long to accept my proposal. But I’m happy you finally agreed.” Bella closed her eyes and heaved a sigh of relief the moment she heard what Tristan said to her. She was so happy to hear that the offer was still valid. “Come and resume tomorrow; your position awaits you.” He said to her, sounding very excited.

When Bella dropped the phone, she turned to look at her kids and smiled. Finally they got a means to survive, and that’ll mean working for Tristan.

*******

The next morning. After preparing the kids for school, she headed to the company where she will be resuming work.

When she got to the company, she stood outside staring at the company for a while before walking inside.

While she was heading to his office, she noticed they kept staring at her jealously. She was wondering if they even knew her because why were they looking at her like that? She finally got to Tristan's office and entered.

“Good morning.” She greeted him with a soft smile on her face as she sat on the chair in his office.

“You look good.” Tristan said to her with a smile. Bella suddenly felt shy hearing him praise her looks.

“You told me to come resume today.” Bella reminded him.

“Ohh, yes, I did. Your desk is set.” He said to her, Bella was wondering what the position would be; she was hoping it wouldn’t be anything serious because it might cause too much attention from her colleagues.

“You will become the consulting team leader.” Bella opened her eyes wider than normal when she heard what Tristan said to her. She was wondering why he gave her such a position when he could give her something simpler than that. People work for more than five years and still don’t have access to such a position, and she is getting it without any hard work.

“I don’t think I can handle such a position.” Bella said to Tristan.

“You don’t have to worry; I already announced to the staff that you would be resuming today. Belle recollected when she was walking in and how they were looking at her. This has to be the reason why they were looking at her like that.

“Why? I mean, you could have given me a smaller position. I can do anything, but being the team leader is like a setup.” Bella tried to explain her displeasure in handling the position he set for her.

“Bella, you don’t have to worry about anything; I’m here to protect you.” Tristan said to her, trying to make her feel better, but this made her realize he doesn’t understand anything she was trying to tell him; instead, he’s setting it as something that can easily pass. They might hate her because of this move he made.

“What was I thinking?” Bella asked herself. She suddenly started regretting why she accepted the proposal in the first place.

“I have an important meeting to attend. David would direct you to your office.” Tristan said to her as he was rushing out of the office. Just then David walked in. Bella raised her head to look at David, and she could tell from the look on his face that he was not happy to help.

“I am a very busy person.” He tried to tell Bella to hurry and get up from where she was seated. Bella stood up immediately.

“My name is Isabella.” Bella said with her hand stretched out for a handshake and a soft smile on her face. David ignored her kind gestures as he led the way. Bella took her hands down immediately, trying to act like she was not affected by his snub.

While he was directing her to her office, all the staff's faces were fixed on her. But there was an exception. Jacob, he didn’t look at her with hatred like the others; instead, he smiled, and this made her feel better, so she smiled back and sat on her desk.

“Hello everyone, my name is…,” without waiting to hear what Bella has to say, they all hissed and focused on their work.

“Hey, my name is Anna.” Anna rushed to give Bella a handshake. Bella found her really weird, but she had to be nice to her so she didn't worsen her present situation.

“Hi, Anna. Nice meeting you.” Bella replied with a smile on her face.

“If you need anything, you can speak to me about it; I’m really popular here.” Anna announced to Bella with a smile on her face. Bella was pleased to see there’s someone that is on her side; at least that wouldn’t be that bad.

“Thank you, Anna.” Bella said, and Anna went back to where she was sitting.

Her desk was directly beside Jacob’s. “She seems like a cool one, not proud.” Anna said to Jacob while looking at Bella as she was arranging her desk properly.

The whole thing was suffocating, and it’s just the first day; if she spends more time here, it might get even worse.

Bella placed her hand on her head tiredly and picked up her phone. She checked the time and realized it was time for her kids to close from school.

“How did I forget?” Bella said and stood up to leave the office.

“Oh well, it’s not even a full day, and she’s leaving already.” Bella overheard one of her colleagues announce his displeasure in her leaving early. She sat back on the chair and picked up her phone. She placed a call across to the school immediately.

Bella begged their homeroom teacher to help her take them home since they live in the same neighborhood. The teacher agreed, and Bella raised her head to look at her colleagues. She decided to focus on her work and not worry about it because it’s just day one.

“Where is she!” One of her senior colleagues yelled angrily as he arrived at the building.

Bella stood up the moment she heard his tone. “Over here, sir.” Bella raised her hand not too high because she was scared he might scold her because of the way he sounded.

“What is this? How dare you submit this trash!” Bella was confused because she didn’t submit it, and even though she tried talking, he wasn’t ready to listen; instead, he kept yelling until Tristan arrived.

“I didn’t submit that, sir.” He slapped her the moment she talked with a louder tone.

“What’s this nuisance about?” Bella’s hand was still on her cheek.

“Sir, she’s not competent for this job; why did you bring her here?” Mr. Louis asked Tristan.

“It’s my company, Louis.” Mr. Louis was calm when he heard what Tristan said. “So tell me what the ruckus is about.”

“Look at what she submitted.” He said and handed the files to Tristan.

“I sent this to you.” Louis swallowed his saliva nervously when he heard what Tristan said.

“Sir, I know she submitted it; you don’t have to take her side.” Tristan dropped the file angrily and took a few steps closer to Louis. “Say that again.” Louis moved back while Tristan was moving forward.

“Sir, I meant I’m sorry I didn't recognize your work.” Louis said, and Tristan walked away. Louis turned to look at Bella and clenched his teeth angrily before walking away.

Bella was still in shock; she was trying to understand what in the name of madness that was.