Chapter 5 The Hidden Life of David Copperfield
ADAM BELLA
"I asked him about her, but he didn’t answer," I confessed, the weight of uncertainty settling on my chest.
Elowen pursed her lips. "And that doesn’t worry you? Something doesn’t add up here, Bella. This whole thing feels off."
"I know," I admitted quietly, sinking into the chair. "But we need the money. We can finally afford the treatment for my Dad."
Her expression softened, and she reached out, patting my shoulder. "You did what you had to do. But... don’t let your guard down. Something tells me Copperfield isn’t done with his surprises."
I gave her a small, uncertain smile. "Don’t worry. I’ve got this."
She grinned, shaking her head. "Let’s not think too much about it right now. You’re married, babe. That’s worth celebrating."
As she grabbed a bottle of wine from the kitchen, my phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. David Copperfield married to a mystery woman no photos of her.
I clicked on the headline, my stomach twisting as I read the comments.
"Who does she think she is, marrying David Copperfield?" one read. "She’s a boyfriend-stealing nobody."
I felt a lump form in my throat. "A boyfriend snatcher? Really?" I called out to Elowen.
"Ignore them, babe," she said, peeking over my shoulder and reading the comments. "They’re just jealous. Half the women in this city would kill to be in your shoes. You know that."
I sighed, setting my phone down. "I don’t know if I can handle this..."
"Hey," she said firmly, tilting my chin up. "You’ve faced worse than a few online trolls. Besides, no one even knows what you look like. You’re in the clear, for now."
I nodded slowly, trying to convince myself she was right.
"My phone rang, waking me up, a strange number flashing on the screen."
"Hello?"
"My driver is waiting for you downstairs. You have ten minutes."
Before I could reply, the line went dead.
Great, I thought. He’s bossy even over the phone.
"You’ve got ten minutes," I muttered, jumping out of bed and shaking Elowen awake.
She sat up groggily. "Go take a bath. I’ll pack your stuff."
Minutes later, I was rushing out of the bathroom, throwing on clothes while Elowen zipped my suitcase. "He’s driving me crazy already!" I groaned.
Elowen laughed as we hurried downstairs. The driver greeted us, taking my luggage. I hugged Elowen tightly before stepping into the car.
As we drove off, I glanced back at her waving figure. The life I’d known was slipping away, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hold onto it much longer.
The mansion loomed ahead, grand and imposing as we approached. When we arrived, several maids stood outside, welcoming me in. The house felt even more intimidating in the daylight, its towering iron gates and ivy-clad walls casting long shadows in the afternoon sun.
Inside, the opulence was staggering marble floors, gold accents, and chandeliers that seemed too extravagant for a place I would call home, even temporarily.
Just as I was trying to take it all in, David appeared, holding the hand of a small boy.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Dad, who is she?" the boy asked, his voice soft.
Dad? I stared at David, the word echoing in my head. David Copperfield has a son? What else is he hiding?