Mag-log inBella's POVBut as the last words fell out, my back met the wall in an unexpected solace. My all-too-defensive face melted down to a jeer, and before I could think of moving away, it was too late. Alex got to me just in time and trapped my body in place, inclined his hand to the wall, so our bodies were caged together in close range......My breath hitched. Our bodies were mere inches apart, with his muscular build towering over me with such authority that it commanded submission. I could feel his breath on me, slow and gentle like a soothing breeze that could calm the storms of the world. On the other hand, I felt small and vulnerable under his gaze. And instantly, I lowered my eyes to the floor. Whether it was merely me being shy or not, I just couldn't look him in the eye with such closeness. I could feel the tension that hung over us. Then, suddenly, he smirked."You know..." he started, his voice slightly loosened from all the tightness earlier and his eyes narrowing mischievou
Bella's POV I opened my eyes groggily and was greeted by a very bright light. It pierced through my brain cells, making the little sleep left in me, disappear into thin air, and I stirred restlessly on the bed. I tried to sit up, but a sharp headache struck my head. "Ahh!" My hand flew to my head by reflex and I shut my eyes in pain.Everything seemed strange to me, the faint scent of alcohol that hovered around me like a stubborn fly, the banging headache, the bed....Wait!How did I get on this bed?Opening my eyes at a slower pace this time, I looked around me, taking in detail the familiar room; the spacious space, the extravagantly designed walls— one I had meticulously selected, the bed covers, the—The door to the bathroom creaked open and I shifted my gaze only to freeze at that instant. Standing there was Alex, fresh from shower, with a towel wrapped around his waist. He emerged, drying his hair with a towel, but just a glance at the bed and he stopped abruptly when he saw I
Sophia's POV "You haven't seen the news opera? Your bashed face is all over the internet!" Cassy said, suppressing a light giggle.Hot tears welled up my eyes and my mouth remained open in horror. "What?" I whispered faintly, the news draining out every strength in me. Here I was, tending my red cheek and hiding myself in the confines of this mansion, ready to stay till it all went off, only to go viral on the internet already."You can check it out yourself. Any hashtag you type in, anyone at all, can bring up your bashed face in a second", she jeered coldly. Switching instantly to a softer tone, "But you know," she continued. "It's not the end of the world. Things just happen for a reason, you never—"I shut her crap up before she could go on, and on with her nonsense. My fingers typed wildly on my screen as I rushed to see things for myself. I clicked the opera news and just a hashtag typed in, brought a dozen news feeds and trending topics listed out. #hot_slap##crybaby##memor
Sophia's POVI peered at my reflection in the mirror, grazing the faint red patch on my cheek with an ointment, my fingers petting the surface with dexterity. My skincare routine has to be on hold tonight, because I can't risk delaying my healing for even a day. Ointment it is, until all this redness is off!"That bitch!", I cursed under gritted teeth, puffing out air in vexation. I stared at my reflection, the scene at the memorial coming alive again before my eyes. 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠..... "Miserable," I said in disgust, watching Bella's retreating figure as she made to exit the hall. But she heard me and stopped in her stride. I scoffed. "You should know where to throw your cheap self next time; don't just jump into any altar like a lunatic," I spat. I saw her clench her fist in annoyance and I raised a brow. She deserved it. She was nothing but a cheap fool who seized a tiny opportunity to tie the knot with my brother. Just to earn our name as a Hayes.Finally turning to face m
Alex's POV Shit!Without sparing a second, I fumbled the settee for the ring, my eyes darting to every possible corner, searching even the tiny spaces embedded, hoping that somehow it was stuck in between the folds. My knees crashed to the floor, and I bent beneath the settee, my sense of touch on high alert as my hands groped in the dark to dictate the feel of a ring. "Where the fuck is it?" I muttered under my breath."This nigga ain't serious" The ugly escort scowled behind me, clicking his tongue."What's going on man? Looking for your brains down there, huh? You don't even know her. Just get away from here!" The other said, shrugging his shoulders in annoyance. I heard the spark of a lighter, and soon, the acrid scent of smoke from a burning cigarette swept the room. "Did you hear him? I'm going to forgive you if you just walk away now..." The ugly one uttered. "....this devil down here wants to have a good screw," He added, his voice alluring as he stroked his groin area with
Alex's POV I pulled into the parking lot of the club— located somewhere in a somewhat secluded part of the city, and shut off the engine before making my way to the entrance.Inside, I was welcomed by the wild screams coming from every corner of the club as everyone was bubbling with life. The air was thick with smoke, the dim lights accentuating the array of hideous activities the place kept shielded. I nearly choked from the scent of sweat, as I fought my way through the sea of bodies hopping haphazardly, dancing and colliding against each other. Since when did Bella become comfortable in a place like this?I managed to rear my head above the crowd, a vain attempt to catch a glimpse of her. Nothing! It was all dim and smoky. Their eyes... I could feel them. They ogled me lustfully as I made my way to the counter — half naked women, stripers, with nothing but panties and lace bras that had their nipples sticking out like lollipops. All they needed was to get a chance and they had d







