Chapter 27: Chapter Twenty-six

Ashley had just stepped out of Mirabella’s room, her cheerful voice echoing down the hall.

“Come on, Bella, get yourself ready. Let me go to my room and get ready and you’re not escaping it, so get ready.”

Mirabella sighed softly to herself, dragging her feet toward the small dresser. “The girl is sure lively,” she muttered, “she has way too much energy.”

By the time both of them left the mansion, Ashley was already bubbling with excitement. The driver drove them into town and they wasted no time hopping from one shop to another.

They were going through the gorgeous dresses in a big boutique when Ashley pulled a red dress from the rack, her eyes sparkling. “Oh my God, Bella, look at this beauty. You surely need this one. This will look so hot on you.”

Mirabella shook her head quickly. “Ashley, I don’t need that. I don’t even wear this kind of thing.”

Ashley shoved it into her hands anyway. “Still. It can still come in handy someday. You’re buying it. Period. No argument.”

“I can’t keep letting you buy things for me…”

“You can, and you will,” Ashley cut in with a grin. “Look, Hunter has more money than he knows what to do with. Let us spend it. You’re living in his house anyway and he called you His woman; it’s your right. Don’t be shy to spend your man's money.”

Mirabella’s cheeks flushed red immediately. “It’s not my right. He’s not… we’re really not—”

Ashley laughed, linking their arms together. “It’s very obvious from the way he looks at you. Or the way he doesn't give you breathing space. I have observed this only today. That should tell you how clear it is. So please. Bella, you don’t even know the half of it. Now stop frowning and pick another dress.”

They went through clothes, shoes, bags, perfumes—things Mirabella knew she didn’t need. She protested, but of course Ashley had the final say, piling things into the shopping cart like her life depended on it.

By the third store, Mirabella groaned, her legs were burning. “Ashley, please. Enough already. I’m tired. Can’t we stop now?”

Ashley stuck her tongue out playfully. “Nope. We’ve only just started. I promised myself I’ll not stop until you spend a lot. So let's get going.”

“Ash…” Mirabella’s voice was small. “What if your brother complains. We have taken a lot of things already. Expensive things. And I don’t like taking things I didn’t work for.”

Ashley softened at that and squeezed her friend’s hand. “Listen to me. My brother wouldn't even notice if millions are being drawn from any of  his accounts. And I know you work hard. You look like someone who does. So, you deserve a little spoiling. For once, just accept it. Please?”

Mirabella pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to argue more. In the end, she simply nodded and looked away, her face warm with both gratitude and embarrassment.

By the time they reached home, it was already a little past four. Both of them were exhausted, their arms heavy from the weight of shopping bags, their feet sore from endless walking.

Ashley collapsed on her bed the moment they returned to the mansion. “I’m dead. Shopping should be registered as an extreme sport.”

Mirabella chuckled faintly but excused herself to her room. She lay down, telling herself she needed to rest. Tonight, she had a decision to carry out. No matter what Hunter thought or wanted, she had not been fired from her job at the club. So she would go back. She needed to.

Her chest tightened with nerves as she whispered to herself, “I’ll go tonight. I’ll work. He can’t stop me.”

By 6:30 p.m., Mirabella was ready. She wore a simple outfit, something that would help her blend in and not attract too much attention. When she was done, she informed Ashley.

“You’re going out?” Ashley raised her brows. “Bella, you work at my brother's club. What if he is not so happy with you going there after he said you should quit.”

Mirabella lifted her chin firmly. “Then that's his personal problem not mine. I’m not his prisoner. I need to go. This is my job.”

When Maria, the housekeeper, sighted her defending the staircase, made a move for the door. “Sorry Mirabella, I cannot let you leave the house. The boss would be extremely mad if he comes home and finds out you left, I will be in trouble.” She said very politely.

Mirabella clasped her hands together, forcing a smile. “Maria, listen to me. Hunter himself asked me to be at the club tonight. Do you want to disobey his request?”

The older woman hesitated. “He… he said that?”

“Yes,” Mirabella lied smoothly, though her stomach turned at the thought.

Ashley chimed in, backing her up. “It’s true, Maria. Hunter would be mad if Bella didn’t go. Do you want that on your head?”

Maria groaned in frustration but finally stepped aside. “Fine. Go. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Thank you.” Mirabella whispered quickly before hurrying out.

The club was quiet when she arrived, the lights dim, and only soft music playing. It wasn’t yet buzzing with life.

Mario, the bartender first spotted her as she entered the club. His eyes widened before he grinned and . “Bella! You’re here. Wow, we thought you had abandoned us for good.”

She smiled weakly. “Why would you think that?”

Mario shrugged. “Because Hunter told Gabriel you were staying at his place and wouldn’t be coming back to work.”

Mirabella blinked in shock. “He… he said that? Really?”

“Yeah. Gabriel told everyone. So we thought…” Mario trailed off, scratching his head. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re here.”

As she made her way to the dressing room, Harper walked out from the dressing room, adjusting her outfit. She froze when her eyes landed on Mirabella, then broke into a mischievous grin.

“Girl! I thought you died,” Harper teased, her voice loud enough for others to hear. “Look at you, glowing and fresh like someone who’s been fed grapes on a golden plate.”

Mirabella rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “You’re ridiculous.”

Harper pulled her into a hug. “Welcome back. Seriously, we missed you.”

They chatted for a few minutes before Saraphina suddenly burst into the room. The fiery woman rushed at Mirabella, hugging her so tightly she almost choked.

“Bella! You said you were fine on the phone, but I couldn’t relax knowing you were at Hunter’s house.”

Mirabella stiffened, awkwardly returning the hug. “I told you I’m okay. Really. I’m fine.”

Saraphina pulled back and crossed her arms, glaring. “Fine or not, I still wish I could squeeze Hunter’s balls and feed them to the dogs for keeping you there.”

Mirabella’s face flamed instantly, her stomach twisting as Hunter’s touch invaded her memory. She cleared her throat nervously. “ah, Sera. Please. I’m fine. Really.”

Saraphina eyed her suspiciously but let the topic go.

The club slowly filled with people. The music grew louder, the lights brighter, the energy wilder. Mirabella kept herself busy, avoiding unnecessary attention. Every time she thought about Hunter, she whispered a prayer that he wouldn’t appear.

Around midnight, the club bell chimed as the entrance doors swung open. A group of heavily muscled men—seven in total—strode in, their presence demanding instant attention. The crowd hushed briefly before resuming, but Mirabella’s heart froze.

And then their eyes met..

Hard, commanding, eyes sharp as blades, walking in like he owned not only the club but the world. Tobias followed close behind him, his expression smug, his gaze sweeping the room like a spotlight.

Mirabella’s throat went dry. She muttered under her breath, “Oh shit…”

Her knees weakened, her chest tightened.

And that moment, she wished she hadn’t come.