Chapter 17 Shadows of the Past
DAVID
The anger simmered within me, a deep, restless rage. Who dares disturb my moment of peace? It was the one thing I absolutely loathed. Just as I was about to kiss Bella, lost in the warmth of her body, a loud knock on the door shattered the moment.
I swung the door open, ready to unleash my frustration, and found my assistant shifting nervously, eyes wide with apprehension. The glare I shot him could make most people cower.
“Sorry, boss, I didn’t mean to disturb your—”
“Disturb what?” I interrupted, my voice sharper than intended. My patience was thin, fraying at the edges.
“You have a visitor,” he said, barely above a whisper.
My heart sank. The moment of intimacy with Bella faded away. “Who is it?” I demanded, irritation bubbling over.
“It’s me,” a voice called from behind my assistant. I stepped aside, and there stood Mike, Lizzy’s younger brother. The sight of him twisted a knife in my gut. What was he doing here?
Anger surged through me, memories of betrayal flooding my mind. Mike had been like a brother, yet he stood silent on my wedding day, knowing his sister was cheating. I had nearly become the laughingstock of the city. “What do you want?” I glared at him, fists clenching involuntarily.
A smug smile crept onto his face. “Won’t you ask me in?” he said, his tone dripping with condescension.
I fought the urge to grab him by the collar and throw him out. Instead, I took a deep breath, willing myself to remain calm.
BELLA
The heat of the day enveloped me as I waited for David, anticipation swirling in my stomach. I was just about to step outside when I saw David enter the room, followed by a young man. The shift in David’s demeanor sent a chill down my spine.
He had been all smiles moments ago, but now his expression was dark, dangerous. I took a step back, uncertainty gnawing at me. What had happened? I had seen him angry before, but this was different. It felt like a storm was brewing.
“Can we talk later?” David said brusquely as he passed by, leaving a whirlwind of questions in his wake.
Dread washed over me as I stood there, lost in thought.
What had transpired? I had seen different sides of him, but this felt more sinister.
Lost in thought, Elowen approached, her brow furrowed. “Girl, what’s going on? You look like you’re a million miles away.” She leaned in closer, concern etched on her features. “Oh my God, your lip! It looks swollen! What happened in there?”
“Come on, can you stop teasing me?” I replied, forcing a smile as I walked with her toward our tent.
“What’s wrong? You can tell me,” she urged, her worry palpable as I took in my surroundings. I had been having fun with David before this disruption.
“Oh, it seems someone is here to enjoy herself,” she teased, momentarily lightening the mood.
“But a man came to ruin our time. When he returned, David looked furious,” I explained, my heart racing as I recalled his icy demeanor.
Elowen nodded knowingly. “It’s not the first time he’s looked angry,” she said, her voice laced with memories.
“I know, but this time it’s different. He looked like someone who could snap at any moment,” I replied, anxiety creeping into my voice.
“Wow, so now you’re worried about him?” Elowen teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
“I have to be. He is my husband.”
Elowen gasped, her mouth hanging open. “So now he is your husband? I thought you didn’t care about him!” She quickly regretted her words, and heat rose in my cheeks.
As I glanced up, I saw the man leaving just as David emerged to address us.
“I’ll be dividing the group into two,” he announced, his tone commanding. He assigned me to one group and named Vivian the head of the other. A spark of tension ignited within me. Was he trying to pit us against each other?
“This is my first project, and I’m giving it my all. I must win,” I told Elowen, determination surging within me. I was working on a billionaire romance script, and I couldn’t let anything distract me.
Just then, Vivian strutted over, a smirk plastered on her face. “Well, well, well, it seems someone is about to fail,” she taunted, glancing at me with disdain. “How can you be given a project if you can’t even tell left from right?” Her friends burst into laughter, the sound sharp and piercing.
“Maybe I don’t resemble someone who snatches boyfriends and can’t get her own!” Elowen shot back, her voice steady and defiant.
I admired her courage, but Vivian’s face contorted with rage, and I could sense the tension escalating. “Let the best player win,” I interjected, trying to diffuse the brewing storm.
DAVID
Mike’s presence lingered in my mind like a foul odor. I hadn’t felt like myself since he walked in. The memory of my wedding day’s humiliation flooded back, and rage simmered beneath my skin. Now he was here, demanding I invest in his company or risk exposing my son and Bella to the world.
I had never been threatened before, and I hated it. For old times' sake, I didn’t want to destroy him, but if he pushed me, I would obliterate not only his company but his father’s as well. I was David Copperfield; no one threatened me and walked away unscathed.
Lost in my thoughts, a sharp knock interrupted my brooding. “Who is it?” I barked, opening the door to find Bella standing there, concern etched on her face.
“Why are you here?” I asked, the tension in my body easing slightly at her presence.
“I was worried when I saw your face after that guy left you this afternoon, so I came to check on you,” she replied softly, her eyes searching mine for answers.
A smile crept onto my face, warmth flooding my chest. Bella was stubborn yet caring, and I never expected her to come looking for me like this.
“What would you do if the public found out you are my wife?” I asked, watching her closely, hoping to gauge her reaction.
Her eyes widened, fear evident. “I… I wouldn’t want that to happen,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.