Chapter Two: I Need to Get My Life Back.

“Get up, loser, I told you that Samuel will deal with you, but you thought I was bluffing,” Elora sneered. “This is to teach you a lesson, never to challenge me again,” she let out a mocking laugh, which only made Bella seethe in anger.

Bella quickly wiped off her tears; she didn't want to give Elora the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She rose to her feet and walked up to Elora until they were a few inches apart. “You must have won today, but it is not yet over. The battle has just begun,” she said, holding a stern gaze. She stormed into her room and slammed the door.

She threw herself on the bed and covered her head with a pillow before letting out a muffled scream. She got up immediately and freshened up. She dressed up in a short red gown and styled her hair into a neat bun. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, a feeling of satisfaction surging through her. The last time she looked that good was almost a year ago, at Samuel's birthday dinner. Aside from that, she always looked shabby and worn out; her marriage to Samuel had taken the better part of her, and she had become the shadow of herself.

She wore light makeup and hung her bag on her shoulder as she walked into the living room. Elora was sitting comfortably on the sofa, sipping a glass of wine, a satisfactory grin plastered all over her face as she reminisced about the incident that had played out a few moments ago. The clicking sound of Bella's shoe dragged her attention, and she threw a curious glance at her, measuring her from head to toe.

Bella ignored her and walked past her. She made her way to the exit and was about to push the door open when Elora's voice stopped her.

“And where do you think you are going, looking all dressed up?” Elora questioned, her voice sharp and cold.

Bella turned and smiled sarcastically, “Oh, I'm so sorry, I have forgotten that you are used to seeing me looking shabby and unkept. Sorry to disappoint you this time, I'm done being your slave. I need to get my life back, and as for where I'm going, it's none of your business.” Her tone was soft yet spiteful. She hissed and walked out of the house. 

Elora's eyes popped out, and her jaw hung low as she watched Bella walk out of the house with so much poise and confidence.”Why does she look so beautiful, like she is going on a date? Is she cheating on Samuel?” She quickly peeked from the window and watched Bella get into a taxi. She folded her hands around her chest as her eyes crinkled in bewilderment.

******************************

Bella got out of the taxi and walked into the hospital. She headed straight to Nora's office. Nora was her best friend who worked in the finance department of the hospital. 

Nora spotted Bella from a distance and rushed to her in excitement. They engaged in bone-cracking hug as they had not seen each other in a long time. “Long time no see, Bella, you look so beautiful. I bet your husband has started treating you right,” she teased.

Bella rolled her eyes. “Oh, you wish, I will tell you everything about it.”

“My ears are itching alreading, let's go to my office and have some chit chat.”

They got into Noras office, and Bella narrated her ordeal to her friend. The exciting atmosphere turned sour immediately.  

“I feel for you, dear. I thought things would have gotten better by now. Why don't you consider a divorce instead of enduring all this torture in the name of love?” Nora suggested, her expression filled with concern.

Bella shook her head, “To be honest with you, Nora, I have thought of that several times, but I always dismiss the thoughts, hoping that Samuel will reciprocate my love someday, but the more I wait, the more impossible it becomes.” She sighed. “I think I will give it some thought again and make my final decision, but right now, I want us to hang out and probably see a movie at the cinema,” her face lit up again. 

“Wow, that sounds like fun to me. I'm already on my lunch break, so this is a perfect time.” Nora concocured, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She quickly adjusted her hair and makeup and was ready to hang out with Bella. They stepped out of the office and were heading to the exit when they saw a man being rushed into the emergency ward on a stretcher. 

As they wheeled he stretcher towards them, Bella had her eyes fixed on the man who was bleeding profusely. “Why does this person look so familiar?” Bella said to herself as she got closer to the man. Her eyes widened in horror as soon as she recognised the man. 

“Oh my goodness! It's Samuel, what happened to him?” she trembled in fright, a knot of anxiety tightening her chest as she questioned the nurses.

“He was involved in a ghastly motor accident, a few minutes ago, do you know him?” the nurse inquired.

“Yes, yes, he's my husband,” she replied hastily, her heart racing in an alarming pace. 

“Oh, I see, we need to attend to him now, we will get back to you shortly.”

Samuel was wheeled into the emergency room while Bella paced around the hallway, her heartbeat raced faster and her palms became sweaty. 

“Get a grip on yourself, Bella, come and have a seat, samuel will be fine,” Nora said calmly, she placed a comforting hand on Bella’s shoulder and led her to the waiting area, where they both sat down. They waited for about thirty minutes until the doctor came out of the emergency room with an unreadable expression on his face.

Bella quickly rushed to doctor, “how is he?” she asked impatiently.

“Actually, he has lost a lot of blood, and he needs an immediate blood transfusion before he can be stable again. Unfortunately, he has a rare blood type, O negative, which is not available in our blood bank, so we need to rush go the outskirt of the city to get his blood type,” the doctor divulged.

“Doctor, did you just say that his blood group is O negative? My blood group is O negative as well. I can donate my blood to him right,” bella said in a tone of desperation.

“Wow, that's great news, we just have to run some tests on you and then take the blood.”

Bella was led to the blood donation room while Nora waited patiently at the lobby. Bella came out about thirty minutes later minutes later looking pale and weak.

Nora rushed to her, “Are you okay Bella”

“I…..i…..,” Bella voice was barely audible, she threw herself on Noras shoulders before everything went black.