The Secret

“I NEVER INTENDED TO KILL MY HUSBAND!” Catherine bellowed, eyes big and red. She marched forward, pointing a finger at her. “It was a freaking accident.” “And if you didn't go digging, it would have stayed an accident.” Catherine scoffed, her hands to her waist, “Let me give it to you, you're smart.You managed to fool me and got me to turn against Serena.”Arabella forced a laugh. “You finally figured it out? How” She leaned back, “Did you both meet up? Planning something against me now?” Catherine’s face paled. ‘How did she guess so well?’ Arabella caught it before the shock wiped off her face. Arabella scoffed, her throat bitter with disgust. “You really are more shameless than I thought.” “How dare y—” “Oh, shut up!” Arabella scolded as she shot to her feet. She moved forward. Catherine stepped back. “What part of father's death was an accident? Paying that truck driver? Or destroying the evidence of your crime?” Catherine staggered back, her face paled with disbelief.

The Call

Arabella and Catherine locked eyes. Catherine’s hand shook, her lips trembled. “No.” she whispered. “He can't know about it.” Arabella was scared to look back.She could not turn around.Because the moment she did, she would have to look at his face and know exactly how much he had heard.‘Why is he suddenly home?’She didn't want Adrian to know about this either. This was a secret she was supposed to carry to her grave. Victor had made her swear to it. But now, neither of them knew how he heard. “Arabella, w—what are you doing here?” Adrian asked, his voice a little closer. Arabella swallowed, then slowly turned to face him. Adrian stood just a few inches away, his eyes wide, his face expressionless. Arabella’s heart thudded in her chest. How long was he standing there? How much has he heard? These were questions his face had no answer to. “When did you…come in?” Adrian dropped his gaze, “Just now.”“Are you alright?” he pulled her close, quickly dismissing the topic, “D

Same Bed

Arabella pulled out her phone and started to record the rest of the conversation. “For long term benefits, I am talking with my team for an expansion. I can guarantee him a safe spot.” Arabella’s jaw stiffened. No wonder there was so much nepo and unqualified staff. If the CEO was actively doing it, then why wouldn't other high ranking staff do the same? “Okay, let's meet and talk after you come to a conclusion with him.” Adrian turned towards the door as he ended the call. Arabella quickly hid behind the walls. She waited for about a minute and quickly adjusted herself before knocking, pretending to just be arriving.Adrian didn't reply immediately. Arabella pushed the door open herself. Adrian stepped out of the walk-in closer with a pair of tees and three quarter pants.He was still in his shirt and pants but a few buttons had come undone at the top as he was preparing to wash up. “Oh, you’re already here?” Adrian quickly dropped the pair of clothes in his hand and walk

The Vow

Arabella tossed on the bed, her hand hitting something stiff and fleshy.She subconsciously ran her hand around it for a while then…stopped. Something didn't feel right. Arabella snapped her eyes open. Her whole body felt sore, her eyes tired. She looked to her side. Adrian was soundly asleep, his bare chest warm against her palm. Arabella panicked, quickly taking her hands away as she stumbled off the bed. But she realized she was stark naked. She quickly pulled the blanket to wrap around herself but Adrian laid there, completely naked. “Argh…” Arabella groaned, turning her back to him. “How could he go to bed like this?” Memories of last night flooded her head. Raw. Steamy. Wonderful.She shot her eyes, pressing her lips together as if to suppress her embarrassment. She tiptoed around the bed, trying as much as possible to avoid gazing back at the bed until she tripped on the blanket and fell. Arabella froze for a second, fearing he’d startled him awake. But after a fe

Catherine's Bargain

By the time Arabella arrived home the next morning, Axel and Ivan were just concluding their breakfast.Axel was excited at the sight of her, quickly running to hug her. “Mom, why didn't you come back?” Axel questioned. “You didn't answer my call too.” Arabella ran her hand through his head, smiling, “I’m so sorry. We got so busy I lost track of time.” Axel quickly bought it. What mattered was that she was back. He went on to tell her how his day went. How Ivan spent the previous evening teaching him how to ride his new bicycle. “Mom, do you want to see me ride?” Arabella nodded but her attention was on Ivan who sat at the dining table, slowly sipping his warm milk. “Go get the bicycle, let me talk to your uncle.” Arabella said. Axel nodded and ran off.Arabella slowly walked toward Ivan, swallowing hard as she reached the table. She had thought of a lie but she wasn't sure if he’d buy it. “Good morning, Ms. Greene.” Ivan’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm. “It's good to have

Changed

BEEP. The line cut. Long after the call ended, Arabella sat, totally dumbstruck. Could the conversation they had yesterday really completely changed Catherine? Arabella couldn't stop thinking about it. The D day was just two days ahead, plotting against Serena that day would be the perfect twist. And maybe, she could finally rest from her revenge. Arabella adjusted on the floor where she sat, thinking about Catherine’s offer. She wasn't exactly trustworthy, but she’d most definitely never intentionally hurt Axel. After a long thought, she finally came to a decision. “I am going to take this offer, but I am going to be very careful.” Arabella was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't know when Ivan’s car drove into the compound until she heard his voice calling out to get from the living room. “Arabella, where are you?” Arabella panicked quickly jumping up her feet, her heart rising fast in her chest. Ivan's footsteps echoed outside. Arabella quickly checked her phone.