LOGINBELLE “It’s you I like.” His words beat in my head like music on replay. My heart did that stupid thing again— tightening, fluttering, like it hadn't learned its lesson.How ridiculous. How could something so simple unravel years of anger? Years of humiliation. Of silence. Of pretending I didn't care. And yet… they were slipping through my fingers as they had never mattered at all. I hated that.I took a step back, shaking my head, trying to ground myself.“What?” He asked quietly. “You don’t believe me?” His eyes searched mine for an answer, and all I could do was laugh.“If you were me, would you?” My voice came out colder than I intended. “One minute you're parading around with your fiancée. A woman who made it very clear she despised me, might I add. And the next minute I'm the one you like?”I folded my arms, needing something to hold onto.“You don't expect me to feel honored, do you?” I continued. “Because that doesn't feel flattering, Zalden. It feels like a slap in the fac
BELLE Zalden stepped in with Valerie next to him, and my stomach churned instantly. Watching them together, even for a second felt like a punch straight to my gut.I turned away before either of them could notice me and headed for the kitchen, my heels clicking a little too fast against the floor. I needed a drink. Anything to drown the sudden tightness in my chest.I was reaching for a bottle when Kara walked in behind me.“I should have informed you about him,” she said softly, guilt flickering in her eyes. “Andrew invited everyone and I…”“It's fine,” I cut in quickly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. “You didn't do anything wrong. It's your night, don't let me ruin it.”Kara's eyes searched mine like she didn't believe a word I said. “Belle—”“Seriously,” I said, twisting the bottle open. “I'm okay.”“If you need anything, I'll be right here.”“The celebrant can't go missing,” I pushed her playfully with a forced smile,She gave me a worried look before finally r
BELLE Kara looked absolutely stunning in the dress, and I was glad that we didn't give it up at the store. It hung around her curves perfectly, highlighting her physique like it was made just for her and I knew no one could steal her shine tonight.Her makeup was nicely done, and the smile that played on her face just completed everything. “Girl, you look so beautiful,” I breathed, staring at her reflection through the mirror.“Of course, I am. It's my birthday,” she giggled, and I shook my head. I still don't know how she managed to have this child-like excitement over everything, but I hope it never fades away.I slipped into the dress Kara handpicked for me tonight, and if I were being honest, I felt a little overdressed. It was a red short dress that cupped my breasts out on display, and the makeup felt a bit too much. I contemplated wiping it or just going for a simple makeup or leaving this since it was already done anyway, when Kara glanced at me through the mirror.“What's go
BELLE The last time I set my eyes on her was the day I took back what was rightfully mine. She came at me, cursing me alongside her mother. Neither of them believed a day would come when I'd think of reclaiming everything that rightfully belonged to me, but here we are.They still owe me my parents' mansion, but I'd leave that for later.Faye stepped into the room, her eyes glinting with rage, and beside her was Valerie. They stopped in front of me as if their duo could intimidate me or something.“It's you again,” Valerie said in a bored tone. “At this point, I'd think you're obsessed with me because why are you everywhere?”She raised her brows, but my gaze remained fixed on Faye, who was busy glaring at me.“Think whatever you want,” I said dismissively. “We didn't see anyone with the dress, so we're paying for it.”I pulled out my card from my bag, and Kara grinned to see that I was now supporting her.Valerie chuckled at my reaction, and I could tell what was going through her h
BELLE “Travis! Travis, wait!” I ran after him, but he didn't stop or give me a chance to apologize. I'm aware of how fucked up that was and I hadn't intended to reward his kindness like this, but oh well.His legs were too long for me to catch up, and when I finally did, it felt like there was no more air in my lungs. He opened his car to get in, and I snapped it shut, knowing this was my only chance to talk to him because I wouldn't talk to me if I were in his shoes.“I'm sorry,” I blurted out. “I knew how fucked up that sounded and I swear, when I showed up for the date, it was because I wanted to give it a try. You know, to move on, but I didn't expect him to just show up like that and—”“I asked you if you're still into him, Belle, and you said no,” his voice sounded so strained, I could tell he was trying so hard to keep his cool.My lips parted, but I had no words to defend myself. “You initiated the kiss, Belle. I know confessing my feelings might have caught you off guard, b
BELLE “I want you.” Travis's words echoed in my head and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. His eyes bore into mine, looking at me like I was the best thing that had happened to him, but why couldn't I shake off the feeling that this wasn't going to end well?Travis was everything I'd have wanted in a man. Kind, honest, rich, and trustworthy. He's the perfect father figure for my children, and maybe even a husband material for myself, but why wouldn't I feel anything?It was the first time a man would look at me as if they saw me. Tell me they wanted to be a part of my life. That should mean something, right?“You don't have to answer right away,” He said, taking in my reaction. But that is it. What kind of reaction was I giving him right now? Rejection? Disappointment? Because I feel numb and can't wrap my head around why I wouldn't be excited like a normal person should be.I agreed to this date because I wanted a change. Now that it is happening, why does everything feel so…
BELLE “What do you think you are doing?” I quickened my steps to meet Rowan halfway. He looked confused as his eyes met mine, and I could bet this was one of his games.“What are you talking about?” He furrowed his brows, acting ignorant once again.Anger shot through me as I watched him play me l
ZALDEN I fell for it. Like a fool, I fell for her tricks again. I knew from the start that she came into my life to exploit me, and without any hesitation, I fell for it.How could I be so foolish?How could I admit to liking a deceitful woman like that? She called me, faking desperation, only to
BELLE Calling Zalden was a dumb mistake. One that I regretted almost immediately. Thankfully, I'd snapped out of it before spilling everything. Not that he cared to ask.He doesn't even know about my kids. He thinks the worst of me. How can I go to him for help?“This is not the time to worry abou
ZALDEN “Who was that? What's going on?” Panic crept into Andrew's voice.I stood frozen in the same spot, dumbfounded for a while, and the only thought in my head was finding her.“Belle needs me,” I whispered. My voice is barely recognizable.My chest tightened as her words echoed in my head… the







