Chapter 2014

She fixed a fierce glare on Stella and yelled, “You were supposed to be dead! Why are you still here? You deserve to die!”

Clap!

Before she could say another word, Bella’s hand connected sharply with Elizabeth’s face.

“You…” Elizabeth lunged forward, her face a mask of fury as the bodyguards swiftly intervened.

Clutching her cheek, she seethed, “Why did you hit me? You’re all monsters, deserving of death!”

Her voice, thick with rage, echoed menacingly around the room.

How she wished she could strangle Bella and Stella to death now!

Days of isolation had driven her to the edge of sanity.

Elizabeth had banked on Bella’s demise bringing her freedom and riches, never anticipating the return of both Bella and Stella, defying her darkest expectations.

Ignoring Elizabeth’s outburst, Bella calmly walked over to Kristian, leaving Stella behind.

Kristian, recovering his poise, fretted over how much of his discussion with Matthew Bella had caught.

However, his concerns eased slightly, knowing Bella’s trust in him would sway Matthew’s actions.

As he wrapped his arms around her, relief and astonishment colored his voice.

“I can’t believe you’re still here! We all thought we’d lost you, and I’ve been heartbroken.

”

His words flowed earnestly, though Bella responded with silence, her expression unreadable.

Kristian faltered briefly, and then pleaded, “Bella, trust me.

My love for you hasn’t wavered, despite what they say.

”

Her eyes, calm yet probing, seemed to search his soul for sincerity.

Sweat tinged Kristian’s pal

ms as he recalled Bella’s compassionate nature, his hope rekindLing.

Grasping her hand, he continued, “We’ve built so much together-our business, your fame as a designer.

Doesn’t that speak louder than any rumor?”

Memories of their shared past lingered in Bella’s mind.

There were beautiful, and they also kindled a fragile hope.

She held his gaze, her voice soft yet firm.

“I want to believe you, but I need the truth.

Who is Ethan and who am I?”

Kristian’s heart plummeted.

Bella heard it all.

Yet, he wasn’t ready to confess.

He protested, “Bella, why are you siding with Matthew? I swear, I’m in the dark about the people he mentioned.

He’s fabricating tales to tarnish my reputation.

”

Disappointment was etched deeply on Bella’s face as she looked at him.

With a frown, Kristian pleaded, “Bella, we’ve weathered so many storms together.

My love for you is nothing but genuine.

How can you let the words of an outsider drive a wedge between us?”

Bella wished with all her heart that Kristian was innocent, but the evidence was glaringly undeniable.