Not Until I Say So!

Alex's POV

I drove in hastily, pulling up into the parking lot of my mansion. Only God knows how impatient I was, my mind still reeling from Bella's outrageous behavior tonight. I couldn't wait to hear what she had to say, cos she had some explaining to do. Where did she get the guts to embarrass me like that, in front of everyone?

"Welcome, sir," one of my male servants bowed in respect as I stepped out of the car. My mind was too occupied to return the gesture, so I flung the car keys at him and hurried in.

I made for our master's bedroom, where I was sure to meet her, coiled up in self-pity. A troupe I've become accustomed to after monthly family gatherings like this. 

I flung the door without hesitation, but the emptiness my eyes met, was a cold welcome. I headed for the restroom, yelling her name. 

"Bella!" 

My voice and the sharp clicking of my shoes on the marble floor were the only response I received. My steps faltered the farther I went when it struck me. Something was definitely off.

My two hands met my waist in a firm hold, as I looked around me properly, trying to take everything in detail. There was this darkness and gloom that clouded the room, despite the bright light doing justice to every nook and cranny. The scent was odd. Everything was different. Something was missing. I studiously narrowed my eyes to make sense of the situation.

As if to answer my question, my head motioned my eyes to the bedside clock, the wall, and the flower vases, which contained rare flowers that diffused heavenly scents around the room. Shit! It was all gone. The sparks of color and homeliness Bella brought to the room when we got married were all gone. And the room returned to its old self, dark and void.

I fought so hard to push aside what my mind was projecting. Could it be that she's -

I walked straight to her collection and flung the doors to her closet open with so much speed as if I was eager to shame my instinct and prove it wrong.

It was empty.

"Bella!" I called out faintly, saying the name more to myself this time. I rushed downstairs. Spotting a chef, "Hey you!" I halted him, with my eyes still roaming to sight as many housekeepers that were passing by. "You, you, and you come here right now! Where is my wife?"

They shared confused gazes at each other before returning their gaze to me.

I shook my head in disagreement, "Hey don't give me that pretentious look". I warned, under gritted teeth. Where is she? If you don't tell me right this minute, you are all going to lose your jobs. Where the hell is Bella!?"

Their expression turned fearful as they stared at each other intentionally, each one's eyes begging the other to give out any information they had to save their jobs.

"She came home and went up to the room. That was the last time we saw her, Sir". One of them explained.

I couldn't believe my ears. That was such a flimsy excuse. "What? So you're telling me she disappeared with all her things, just like that? You are all liars. I'm -" 

My official driver walking into the house caught my attention. "Hey, Dune!" I switched over, ignoring the ones before me like an enraged bull. "Bella is not at home. I need you to take the car keys right now and search for her. Anywhere. She shouldn't have gone far. Make sure you find her. Did you hear me!?"

"Yes sir!" He bowed and, with that, left to do the needful.

I trudged back to the room, slumping on the bed. Questions invaded my mind. Why all this fuss Alex? I couldn't understand if it was just mere anger, that Bella had taken a decision, which was leaving the house without informing me, Or was it something more....fear?

I shrugged at the thought. Nonsense! Why would I be afraid of losing-

Losing Bella?

My breath hitched at the thought. Bella had become a part of my life these past years. Her presence, her scent, and her duty as a wife marked a territory within the confines of this house. One too hard to erase. Despite the numerous housekeepers scattered all over the place, she made sure my things remained sensitive and were personally handled by her. She was that rare part, I was not willing to let go. Not yet. 

 *************

My eyes were fixed intently on my phone with my fingertips, tapping hard on the desk while I oscillated on my office chair. It was already 10 AM and still no call from Bella. No call from home that she had returned.

A heavy sigh erupted my lips and I sat up. It was odd. Bella would always be the one to call no matter the situation, to save me the stress of worrying. The cracking sound of my bones as I stretched my fingers and neck, was me strategizing to start a countdown. I wished in all my elevens that Bella was going to call on the last count. And rubbing my hands, I began, staring so hard at the phone as if, for some reason, it would help. 

"1....2.....3....4....5....6....7...." My face twisted into a frown as I worked to loosen the knot of my tie.

".....8....9- oh come on!" I banged the table so hard that my hands regretted the impact the next minute. Damn! I sank into my chair pinching the bridge of my nose in disappointment.

"Sir?" 

I threw my head up to find Mr. Tristan, my personal assistant, peeking through the slightly open door. I motioned him to come in.

"Something arrived at the office right now" He stated with a look I couldn't quite place my hands on. My eyes dropped to the file in his hands and I sensed that was what he was referring to. I reluctantly stretched my hands to receive them. 

The opening message was a start, which provoked a sense of urgency in me. I flipped through the pages. My eyes scanned through the legal jargon. "What?" I blurted out, my eyes gleaming with confusion and anger all rolled into one, "She wants a divorce!?" I asked. But it was a question I directed to myself. Tristan just stood there looking as confused as I was.

What in God's name is Bella driving at? Yesterday's drama was not enough for her and now....this?

My fingertips struck my desk, this time with a louder thud. Bella was trying my patience, too far than she should. I was the one who made the rules here not her. I was not going to let anything that was truly mine get away. Not until I say so!

"Track her fucking location now!"