CHAPTER SIX

~ISABELLA~

As much as I knew that tension in the air grew thicker, with Adrian and Jax now here. I was concerned about the house my parents left for Daniel and me.

“But my brother wasn't the only one living in this house. I live here too," she added.

“That's none of my business, Beauty. Even though you look more beautiful now, All I care about is my money,” Jax smirked, making my Jaws harden.

“Jax, why can’t you just leave Bella alone? Haven’t you done enough?” Ella snapped at Jax.

“Hello to you too, Ella,” Jax gave Ella a condescending look.

“I want to pay off the debt her brother owes because I can't let go of this either,” Adrian said authoritatively.

“Excuse me?” Jax said.

“You heard me right,” Adrian with a serious face.

“You can’t let go of the house or you can't let go Isabella even after all these years. Even after she dumped your pathetic ass and nearly got you killed. Which is it?” Jax asked with a smirk.

“Stop it, Jax,” I tried to stop Jax when I saw Adrian’s face hardening.

I knew this was a sensitive topic for Adrian. I didn't want to make things worse.

“You know after all these years I finally realize what kind of a person you are. You bully people to distract you from how shitty you are. Grow up Jax, we are no longer kids. Your words don’t have any effect on me anymore,” Adrian spat coldly.

Jax’s lips curved from a smirk to a scowl. He was clearly affected by Adrian's words and it felt good to see Adrian talking back to him without any iota of fear.

“I’m not letting you pay for the house. It's my property now,” Jax barked and walked away.

I wondered why they were doing this.

“That’s it, Bel. I’m not relocating anymore. Fuck that job. I can’t leave you in this predicament. You literally have nowhere to live now,” Ella said in frustration forgetting that Adrian was still there.

I was embarrassed but I understood that Ella was just voicing out her concerns.

“No, El. How do you think that would make me feel? Go. I’ll sort myself out,” I held her hands, and she sighed.

Adrian didn't say a word he just turned and left.

“How did he turn out to be such an emotionless asshole?” Ella scoffed as she watched Adrian get into his car.

“People change El,” I shrugged.

We hailed a taxi and headed back to Ella’s place. But on our way I got a call from Adrian to meet him at his office.

So I stopped halfway and told Ella I’ll meet her at her place.

When I got to his office, he wasn’t in so I sat down and waited while admiring his luxurious glasswork desk and office.

Then the door opened and he came in. Gosh, I didn't think I would ever get used to how handsome and breathtaking he looked now.

Each time I saw his face, my heart fluttered even though I didn't want to.

“You’ll be living with me from now on,” Adrian told me with a stoic face as he casually walked to his office chair.

“What?” I blinked in surprise.

“You heard me, Isa,” He told her.

“But… why so sudden?” She asked me.

“Don’t get any wrong ideas into your head. It's purely based on our deal and because we have to appear to be in a serious relationship and appear as a couple,” He opened his document and pretended not to even acknowledge my presence.

“I… I need time to think,” She said.

“You can back off from our deal then. And pay back everything your brother owes,” He flipped through a page.

“What?” I asked in surprise and frustration in my voice but he wasn't even bothered by it.

“You heard me Isabella. When I tell you something you are meant to obey. I really thought you wanted to pay off all your brother owes but I guess it was all just talk,” He gave me a stern look that made me tense.

“Fine. I’ll move in with you,” She said.

Just then someone called him.

“Hello Mom,” I said when I picked up the call while still walking to my car.

When he ended the call I watched him frown.

Was something wrong? If something was wrong, was I the cause?

“Let’s go,” He stood up from his chair.

“Go where,” I asked him

“To my family’s house,” He said with a blank look.

“I—”

He didn't even let me finish.

“What did I say about obedience, Isa?” He - and I swallowed.

I nodded and followed him. Every second that passed and I was with him, I hated him and still loved him at the same time.

We got into his car and I drove off heading for his family's residence. I guess he decided that it was time for us to set things in motion for our fake relationship.

Reaching his family's residence, he parked his car and wanted to get down but I grasped my hand.

“I’m nervous. I'm not a good pretender. I'm scared that I might ruin things for you,” I told him.

“You studied theater arts, Isabella. Take it as though you're on stage acting a role given to you. The role of my being my girlfriend,” He spat coldly and shoved my hand away from me.

Did he do a background check on me? How did he know that?

However, I closed my eyes and then exhaled. When I opened my eyes I decided to pull this off swiftly. There was a reason I was the best in my graduation.

I was good at any role I was given.

I was hurt by the way Adrian was treating me but I wasn’t gonna give him the satisfaction of letting him know it was getting to me.

“Alright then. Acting it is,” I nodded.

Afterward, we got out of his car and headed into the house but I was not prepared for what I saw next.