Chapter 9: The Shocking Encounter

The days on the picturesque Greek island unfolded at a blissful pace for the Livingston family, offering a much-needed respite from their demanding lives.

With her mother's love for sun tanning, the poolside became her preferred oasis. Bella reclined on a comfortable lounger, a book in hand, and her favourite pair of sunglasses shielding her eyes. The sound of the gentle breeze and the rhythmic lapping of the pool's water created a soothing backdrop.

Occasionally, her father would join them, his laptop never far from his side. Despite being on vacation, he couldn't completely detach from his business responsibilities.

Bella's preference for the swimming pool over the open sea was a deliberate choice during their vacation on the idyllic island. While her mother enjoyed tanning by the pool, Bella found solace in the crystal-clear waters of their private oasis.

The pool was a tranquil haven nestled amidst lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Its shimmering waters beckoned to her, a sanctuary of serenity and cool respite from the Mediterranean sun. Bella couldn't resist its allure.

With graceful strokes, she glided through the pool's clear depths. The water embraced her, its gentle caress washing away the worries and stresses of her daily life. Each stroke was a rhythmic meditation, a moment of mindfulness that allowed her to disconnect from the outside world and simply be.

Bella relished the feeling of weightlessness as she swam, the water's buoyancy supporting her every movement. She would often close her eyes, allowing the soothing sounds of the water to wash over her, her mind finding stillness in the aquatic embrace.

Occasionally, she would surface to take a breath and cast a glance toward her mother, who lounged on a plush sunbed nearby. Her mother's bronzed skin glistened in the sunlight, a testament to her love for sunbathing. Bella admired her mother's ability to find contentment in the warmth of the sun, even as she herself found solace in the calming waters of the pool.

The pool became Bella's private sanctuary during their vacation—a place where she could swim, reflect, and rejuvenate her spirit.

Occasionally, Reid would join Bella and her mother by the pool, the sun casting a flattering glow on his chiselled features. His presence added an air of sophistication to their poolside oasis, and Bella couldn't help but steal glances in his direction.

However, the idyllic setting couldn't fully detach Reid from his responsibilities. More often than not, he was engrossed on his phone, conducting business deals and engaging in important discussions. His focused demeanour and the constant buzz of his phone were a stark reminder of the demanding world he inhabited.

Bella observed him discreetly, her curiosity piqued by the glimpses of his intense work ethic. She admired his dedication and drive, traits that had undoubtedly contributed to his success. Despite the distraction of business, Reid managed to maintain an aura of composed professionalism, even while lounging by the pool.

Their interactions, when they occurred, were brief but polite. Reid's responses were courteous, and he exuded a certain charm that made their conversations pleasant, even amidst the backdrop of business.

During her swims in the pool, Bella couldn't help but feel an occasional presence, an unspoken awareness that someone's eyes might be on her. It was an elusive sensation, one that danced at the edge of her consciousness, leaving her wondering whether it was merely her imagination or a palpable reality.

Reid's presence, with his dark shades concealing his eyes, added an air of mystery to their interactions. Those shaded lenses hid his gaze, making it difficult for Bella to confirm whether she was indeed the subject of his attention. She often found herself stealing glances in his direction, trying to decipher any clues from his body language or the subtle movements of his head.

The poolside ambiance, with the gentle hum of conversation and the shimmering reflection of the water, made it challenging to discern the truth. Bella's heart would occasionally quicken, a flutter of uncertainty coursing through her. Was Reid watching her swim, or was it a mere trick of her mind?

In those moments, Bella felt a mixture of curiosity and self-consciousness. She wondered what might be going through Reid's mind, concealed behind those enigmatic shades. Was he observing her swimming technique, lost in his own thoughts, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of their shared surroundings?

It remained an unsolved mystery, an unspoken tension that added a layer of intrigue to their poolside encounters.

On the fifth day of their idyllic vacation on the island, Bella's mother, ever the enthusiast for shopping, proposed a grand shopping spree on the mainland. With their time in paradise quickly dwindling, she wanted to ensure they had ample opportunity to explore the local boutiques and indulge in retail therapy.

Her proposal was met with a surprisingly eager agreement from Bella's father, as he also recognized the chance to meet with a potential business investor during their shopping excursion.

The plan was set in motion, and preparations for the day on the mainland began. Bella's mother eagerly selected a chic outfit for the outing, her excitement palpable as she envisioned the treasures she might discover in the local shops.

For Bella, the prospect of the shopping spree held mixed emotions. While she appreciated the chance to explore the charming streets and boutiques, she also cherished the serene moments of relaxation they had enjoyed on the island.

Despite waking up with a slight feeling of unease that morning and some cramps in her lower abdomen, Bella was determined not to let it dampen her enthusiasm for the day on the mainland. She joined her family in the villa's common area where breakfast had been prepared, her mother buzzing with excitement for the shopping spree.

"Good morning, everyone." Bella greeted, forcing a smile.

Her mother, ever the optimist, beamed at her.

"Good morning, dear! Are you ready for a day of shopping and fun?"

"Absolutely, Mom. I'm looking forward to it."

Her father, who had already made a few calls and checked his emails, nodded in agreement.

"And I have a business meeting lined up. This trip will be productive for me too." her father added enthusiastically.

"Enjoy" Reid wished them with a light smile on his lips.

With their goodbyes exchanged, the family made their way to the boat that would ferry them to the mainland. Despite her initial reservations, Bella was determined to make the most of the day and embrace the adventure ahead.

Once they arrived on the mainland, the family quickly split into their respective pursuits for the day. Bella's father, with a determined and businesslike demeanour, headed directly to his scheduled meeting with the potential investor, leaving Bella's mother with the perfect opportunity to embark on her shopping spree.

Her mother practically radiated excitement as she ventured into the labyrinth of boutiques and stores, her enthusiasm for fashion and shopping evident in every step she took. Bella, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance about the day's activities.

Despite their affluent status, Bella had never been particularly enamoured with shopping. The endless aisles of clothing, the bustling crowds, and the constant need to make choices often left her feeling overwhelmed. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate fine clothing or luxury items, but the process of acquiring them had always felt like a chore rather than a pleasure.

With a resigned sigh, Bella accompanied her mother on the shopping expedition, her expressions politely masking her less-than-enthusiastic demeanour. She knew that she had to follow the norms and follow her mother while she was indulging in her passion, and she didn't want to dampen one of the rare times spent together.

As the 2 hours of shopping on the mainland wore on, Bella began to feel increasingly unwell. At first, it was a subtle discomfort in her lower abdomen, but with time, the cramps grew stronger and more insistent. Unfortunately, these sensations were not unfamiliar to her, as she had experienced the agony of intense menstrual pain from time to time.

Despite her efforts to conceal her discomfort, her mother began to notice Bella's strained expressions and the way she occasionally clutched her abdomen. Concerned, her mother frowned and approached her daughter.

"Bella, dear, are you feeling alright?" her mother asked, concerned.

Bella tried to muster a smile, but the pain was becoming more pronounced.

"I'm just not feeling well, Mom. It's...uh, cramps. They can get pretty bad."

Her mother's expression softened with understanding, and she nodded in empathy.

"Oh, sweetheart. I'm sorry you're going through this. Let's not push it. I think it's best for you to return to the island and rest," her mother replied.

Bella nodded, grateful for her mother's understanding. The discomfort was becoming increasingly difficult to bear despite the painkiller she took in the morning before departure, and the thought of retreating to the tranquillity of the private island was a welcome relief, maybe sitting by the pool curled with a book in her hand.

With her mother's agreement, Bella made her way back to the boat that would transport her to the island.

When Bella arrived back on the island and entered the villa, an eerie sense of quietness enveloped her. It was unusual; the villa that had been bustling with staff and activity earlier in the day now seemed strangely deserted.

Bella looked around, her footsteps echoing in the spacious foyer. The usually attentive staff, who had been a constant presence during their stay, were nowhere to be seen. The absence of their usual greetings and bustling activity left Bella feeling perplexed and slightly uneasy.

She couldn't help but wonder where the staff had gone and what had caused this uncharacteristic stillness in the villa. Had something unexpected occurred in her absence? The questions swirled in her mind as she cautiously ventured further into the villa, her senses on high alert, ready to uncover the mystery of the vacant surroundings.

As Bella moved deeper into the villa, her senses sharpened, and she began to discern a faint, deep moaning sound. The mysterious sound drew her curiosity, prompting her to follow the source, which seemed to be coming from the pool area.

Each step she took was filled with a sense of apprehension, her heart pounding in her chest. The moaning grew louder and more distinct with each passing moment, and Bella's curiosity overpowered her initial unease. She had to find out what was happening.

As she reached the pool area, her eyes widened in astonishment and shock. There, on a sunbed near the pool, was Reid riding from behind a gorgeous brunette who was moaning in pleasure.

His usually composed and confident demeanour was replaced by a wild and ferocious look that shuddered her to the core. His moves were strong and unhinged and the deep moans were escaping from his lips involuntarily.

Bella watched him frozen in her place for a moment, unable to remove her eyes from the couple; she was in a trance at the intimate, raw act that was happening under her eyes.

Reid suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze locked onto hers, and the intensity in his expression was undeniable. There was a rawness, an abandon, a torture in his eyes that seemed to transcend the pleasure he was experiencing.

Bella found herself frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest. Reid's penetrating gaze held her captive, while he continued to pump even stronger at the woman in front of him that was on her fours, barely maintaining her balance from his intense rhythm.

The depth of Reid's gaze left Bella breathless, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty swirling within her. It was as if the facade he typically wore had momentarily crumbled, revealing the beast side of him she had never witnessed before.

With a few stronger moves his body became still, finding his release, while his gaze was still locked with Bella’s when he finished. She felt that she couldn’t breathe for a moment, unknown sensations and feelings twirling inside her body and mind.

The sight of Reid by the pool, in an intimate encounter with another woman, had struck Bella like a bolt of lightning. The shock and confusion she felt were overwhelming, and her immediate reaction was to take a few steps back, her heart pounding in her chest.

With a rush of emotions flooding her senses, Bella turned and ran to her room as if she were fleeing from the scene. Once inside the sanctuary of her own space, the turmoil within her intensified. The world seemed to spin around her, and she collapsed onto her bed, her emotions a chaotic whirlwind.

Tears streamed down her face as the image of Reid with the mysterious woman played over and over in her mind. Feelings of betrayal swirled in her young heart, and she couldn't help but question the nature of their connection and the intensity of her own feelings for him.

The intensity of the episode, the shock of the unexpected encounter, and the rush of emotions left Bella in a state of emotional turmoil. Her room became a haven for her tears and confusion, a place where she could grapple with the tangled web of emotions that had suddenly engulfed her.

At that moment, Bella was left to confront a harsh reality—she was utterly in love with Reid and she was heartbroken.