Chapter 8. Bella

Betty's POV

"I received your messages. I tried calling you, but you didn't answer. I was worried and looking for you. Where have you been? Who are you with?"

He looks back and around. Diego is gone when I look back. Thank goodness for that!

"My phone died. It was almost out of battery. I'm fine. I'm sorry..."

I hate sending Jason a message because I know what he is like. But earlier I had no choice. I was down to my last hope, and Jason was the only person who came to mind.

Jason is a good person. He always has my back, and I know I can always count on him. He will never hesitate to come to me if I ask him. That's why I'm keeping my distance from him. His girlfriend, Maxine, is a jealous freak, and I don't want to cause trouble.

"What happened? Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes, I am okay! Let's go back to campus. Everyone's waiting, and I bet your girlfriend is frantically searching for you now." I hold his hand and pull him along.

"Maxine understands this. I told her that I need to find you first. She's fine with it."

I roll my eyes and let go of his hand as soon as we arrive at the campus entrance. Immediately, I notice Maxine glaring at me with hostility. She quickly approaches Jason, wearing her fake, bright smile, heading toward me.

"Jason, love! Oh, hi, Betty! Are you okay? Is everything okay with you, now?" Her arms snake around Jason.

"Yes, all good with me. Sorry about that. I have to go. Thank you again, Jason!"

I wave and hurry away. I sense Jason wants to speak, which I see in him, but everything shifts when Maxine enters the scene.

I just went up to the fifth floor and then returned to the cashier's office. I want to check my balances. I can't believe what Diego just said.

"Yes, it's been paid, Miss Betty. All good. Congratulations!" Miss Cristine, the cashier, smiles broadly.

"Uhm, do you know who paid it?"

I'm curious about how they managed to do that. How Drake pulled this off remains a mystery.

"Oh, uhm… well, he has your student ID and told me that he is your cousin. We don't really ask them as long as they have your school ID that's settles everything," she laughs.

"I see..." I nod. "Thank you, Miss Cristine," I said and hurried away. 

I returned to the library, trying to organize my thoughts. Normally, I am confident speaking in front of an audience. It's my strong suit. However, today, I can't seem to get any words to form in my mind. Flashbacks of Drake keep emerging, sending a shiver down my spine.

Oh god. I need to fix this. Is this what I really wanted? To get married to a stranger. For what? For my ambition?

Yes, I desire a good life not only for myself but also for my parents. I want to provide them with everything and ensure we live comfortably, free from financial worries. I agreed to this because it represents the hope I hold for my future. However, now that I am on this path, I am overwhelmed by guilt, which is gradually consuming me.

"Argh… I hate what I just did!"

After an hour, a message appeared on my cellphone screen. It was just a number.

The message:

Hi Betty, love. I assume Diego already gave you the card? If yes, the PIN is your birthday. Use it however you need. The sky's the limit.

I feel the wind hit my stomach after reading it. This is sick. Drake knows everything about me. While me? I don't know anything about him.

I dial his number and it rings three times before his deep, strong, masculine voice answers. My mind paints a vivid image of him standing before me, looking incredibly handsome yet dangerous.

"Yes, mi amore?"

Mi amore? And now he's talking in Italian. Dang, that's the only word I can understand. The rest is shit!

"Drake, I don't need a card. I will give it back to you later."

There's a long pause in the line, and my heart begins to race. I don't want to regret this, but I find myself regretting it now.

"What are you talking about, Betty?"

"Uhm, the card? I don't need it. I can manage myself. I have work!" I smile to myself.

"I'm not retracting what I've given, Betty. I stand by my words. You don't need to work anymore. We will marry soon. What is mine now belongs to you, and what is yours belongs to me, my love."

A warm sensation ripples into my system.

Dang, why the hell does he sound so good every time he talks like this to me? Too bad he likes the same opposite!

I swallow hard. I have so much I want to say, but I can't seem to get it out. It feels like I am being hypnotized by him.

"I have to go now. I'm in the middle of something important. Diego will be with you soon, and if you need anything, he's nearby. Ciao, bèl·la," he said, ending the call.

My mouth parted.

"What the…hell was that? Bella? Who's Bella?"

.

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