Chapter 24 Chapter 24

Chapter 24 Chapter 24
Bella was stretched comfortably across her couch, her silk nightwear clinging to her skin as she slowly swirled the wine in her glass. The television played softly in the background, though she wasn’t paying attention to it. Her mind was elsewhere—busy replaying the evening over and over again, savoring the small victories she’d secured.

Just as she lifted the glass to her lips, a sudden, sharp knock echoed through the apartment.

Bella flinched.

Her brows knitted together as she carefully set the glass down on the table beside her. No one ever came unannounced at this hour. She padded toward the door, irritation mixing with curiosity.

She leaned in and peered through the peephole.

Her breath caught. Adrian.

Her heart skipped—not from affection, but from calculation. Quickly schooling her expression, she inhaled deeply and unlocked the door.

The moment it swung open, she was met with the hard line of his jaw and eyes blazing with restrained fury.

“Adrian?” she said, deliberately soft, deliberately surprised. “Is everything okay? Why are you here so late?”

He didn’t answer. He stepped past her as if she wasn’t even there, his gaze sweeping the living room with sharp, restless movements before finally settling back on her.

“What were you thinking?” he demanded, voice low and dangerous. “Why did you go to Lena’s place?”

Bella froze, fingers curling into the fabric of her robe.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied slowly, eyes widening in what looked like genuine confusion. “I didn’t go anywhere.”

His head snapped toward her.

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” he shot back. “She told me everything. You showed up at her door in the middle of the night. Who gave you the right to do that?”

For a split second, panic flickered across Bella’s face. Then she let it dissolve into something fragile. Her shoulders sagged, and her voice softened.

“Adrian… I never meant to upset anyone,” she said quietly. “I wasn’t there to fight her.”

He laughed bitterly. “You expect me to believe that?”

Her eyes shimmered as tears pooled. “I just wanted to talk. That’s all. I wanted her to understand how much you mean to me.”

He dragged a hand through his hair, pacing the length of the room.

“And you thought ambushing her at night was appropriate?”

Her lower lip trembled. “I wasn’t thinking clearly. I was emotional.”

She took a step closer, her voice cracking. “Why is it that you always assume the worst of me? Why do you never question her intentions?”

He stopped pacing, hesitation flickering across his face.

“This isn’t about choosing sides,” he said firmly. “You crossed a line, Bella. You don’t show up at her home like that. It makes no sense.”

She wiped at her cheeks, sniffing. “I stayed silent for years, Adrian. I endured everything quietly. And look where that got me.” She shook her head. “She’s been feeding you lies about me. Poisoning you against me.”

He frowned. “What exactly are you saying?”

Bella slowly lowered herself onto the couch, hands shaking as she clasped them together.

“There’s something you don’t know,” she whispered. “Something I never wanted to tell you because I was afraid you’d think I was crazy.”

Adrian’s expression tightened. “Say it.”

She swallowed hard. “Lena had me taken. Years ago.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“She had men follow me,” Bella continued, voice trembling. “She threatened me. She made it clear that if I didn’t leave you and disappear, things would end badly for me.”

He stared at her as if she’d spoken another language. “That’s impossible.”

“I wish it were,” she said, tears spilling freely now. “I didn’t walk away from you because I wanted to. I was terrified.”

He shook his head slowly. “Why would she do something like that?”

Bella reached for her phone with shaking fingers. “I kept everything. I never deleted any of it.”

She opened a folder and handed the phone to him. Blurry photos filled the screen—dark vehicles parked near her old apartment, timestamped messages from an unknown number filled with thinly veiled threats.

Adrian scrolled in silence, his face darkening.

“This doesn’t feel real,” he muttered.

“It is,” Bella whispered. “I kept quiet because I thought the past didn’t matter anymore. But now she’s doing it again. She’s trying to erase me.”

He dropped onto the couch beside her, rubbing his forehead.

“I don’t know what to believe,” he admitted.

Bella gently placed her hand over his arm. “All I’ve ever wanted was you. I came back because I still love you. And now she’s trying to tear us apart all over again.”

The fire in his eyes faded into exhaustion.

“I need time,” he said hoarsely.

She leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “Please don’t push me away.”

He didn’t respond.

Eventually, her breathing slowed, and she drifted off.

Adrian stared down at her, conflicted, before carefully lifting her and carrying her into the bedroom. He tucked her in, then retreated to the armchair, staring up at the ceiling until sleep never came.

The Next Morning, Bella stirred to find Adrian already dressed, sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed.

She smiled sleepily. “Good Morning.”

His expression didn’t change.

“Get ready,” he said. “We’re going to Lena’s office this morning.”

Her eyes widened, but she nodded quickly. “Okay baby.”

Within the hour, they were inside Stellar Furnishings. Nora led them into Lena’s office without a word.

Lena looked up, her gaze sharpening instantly when she saw Bella.

Adrian spoke before anyone else could. “Did you arrange for Bella to be kidnapped years ago?”

Lena blinked. “Excuse me? What sort of accusation is this?”

Bella stepped forward, voice trembling. “You ruined my life, Lena. You threatened me, forced me to leave Adrian, and then married him yourself.”

Lena’s face remained calm.

“If that’s what you’ve convinced yourself of,” she said coolly, “then nothing I say will matter.”

“So you’re not denying it?” Adrian snapped. “That tells me everything.”

Lena exhaled slowly. “I’m done defending myself against lies.”

Adrian’s voice shook with rage. “I’ll take Milo away from you. My son won’t be raised by someone like you.”

Her eyes darkened. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

Before she could respond, the office door opened.

A tall, striking man stepped in, his presence commanding immediate attention. His sharp blue eyes moved from Adrian to Lena.

“Is there a problem?” he asked.

Lena straightened. “It’s under control.”

The man turned to Adrian. “This is a business space. Take your drama elsewhere.”

Adrian sneered. “And who are you supposed to be?”

“Someone who respects her and won’t let anyone disrespect her.” the man replied calmly.

Lena stood. “Escort them out.”

He did. When the door closed, Lena finally breathed.

“You okay?” the man asked.

She nodded. “Now I am.”