Chapter 1 Framed
Bella's POV
I stared at myself in the mirror, the gown was a perfect fit and as always, my husband had gone all out to make sure I looked breathtaking.
Diamond necklace, diamond bracelets, diamond earrings, everything was simply perfect.
Knock Knock!
“The driver has arrived” someone informed me from outside the door.
I took another glance at the mirror before picking up my purse and heading out.
The white limousine stood majestically at the entrance of the Moretti mansion.
I got in without delay and a few minutes later, it came to a stop in front of the most expensive hotel in the country.
LUXTON HOTEL
The name was written in bold font and gave off an Aura of wealth.
Of course, I wasn't surprised as this has been the venue for most of our celebrations since our marriage.
And it belongs to my darling husband.
I felt a rush of sweetness by just thinking about how much he spoils me and couldn't wait to see him.
As soon as I stepped into the hall, all eyes were on me as always.
“Bella Mia” my husband, Lucas Moretti’s voice came from behind then his warm arms wrapped around me.
“Thank you” I whispered to him and he kissed me on my forehead, his eyes filled with extreme tenderness.
Was there anything better than having such an amazing husband?
I thought as I hugged him tightly.
“Happy birthday Sister-in-law” his sister Sasha's voice came from behind, causing us to finally separate.
She smiled at me and even gave me a hug.
Did she hit her head or something?
I thought as she pulled away from the hug while still maintaining her smile.
“My friend is here today” she said to me and I just stared at her because I don't know how that concerns me.
“Hi Lucas” A feminine voice came from the side.
I turned to see who it was and my mood immediately went bad.
Now I understand why Sasha was being overly friendly today, it turned out she had her plans.
“Haley” Lucas called the girl's name with a confused expression.
His expression told me that he wasn't aware of her arrival and I relaxed a bit.
Haley was Lucas's ex-girlfriend that he loved so much but according to what he told me, she had moved abroad with another man while they were still dating.
I wasn't comfortable with her around and decided to go find my father and brother.
“My love, I need to see my father,” I said to Lucas and gave him a peck on the lips before leaving.
I walked around the entire hall but couldn't find my father or brother.
“Happy birthday, Bella” A friend of my father wished me with a smile.
“Thank you, please have you seen my father?” I asked him with a smile.
“He told me earlier that he wouldn't be able to make it because something came up” He replied.
“Thank you” I said to him before hurrying to a quiet place to call my father.
He didn't pick and my brother was also unreachable.
I had a feeling that something was wrong, like something bad was happening or about to happen but I couldn't just tell what exactly.
I was still contemplating when I heard a rush of footsteps from behind me.
I turned around and saw Brian, Lucas's right hand man with three other men, whom I am very familiar with as well.
“Is something wrong Brian?” I asked him when I saw his serious expression.
“The Boss asked me to bring you in” he said with a cold attitude while looking at me with a disgusted expression.
The strong sense of unease seems to increase at this moment.
“Bring her in” he said to the men behind him and I took a step back in confusion.
“Brian, what do you think you are doing?!” I questioned angrily as two of the men walked towards me with menacing expressions.
Brian just ignored me and turned around to return to the hall.
“Don't touch me, I can walk on my own” I said to the two men and they walked behind me as I slowly entered the hall.
The hall that was lively a few minutes ago was now quiet and all eyes were on me again but this time, there wasn't envy or amazement.
They all stared at me with undisguised disgust and mockery.
Lucas stood tall at the center of the hall and his eyes followed me until I stood in front of him.
“My love, what is going on?” I asked him in confusion but he just stared at me coldly.
I tried to touch him but he stepped back and avoided my hand like I was diseased.
“You can drop the innocent facade Bella, no one is buying it” Sasha's angry voice echoed in the hall.
The guests all had excited expressions as they were ready to watch a good drama, some even brought out their phones to take videos.
“What are you talking about Sasha?” I asked her with a frown.
“Still pretending right? No one is going to believe you this time” she said with a triumphant expression.
Could she have framed me again?
Sasha was never in favor of my marriage to her brother and had always wanted to break us apart but Lucas has never believed her.
What changed?
“Lucas, I…”
“ That's enough Bella!” Sasha yelled and gave me a hard shove.
I lost my balance and fell on my butt in a humiliating position and I felt a sharp pain in my ankle.
I took a deep breath to stop myself from crying and turned to look at Lucas for help.
He just sneered at me with a disgusted expression and that was when I finally broke down in tears.
“Enough with the drama” he finally spoke but his tone was nothing like the loving husband I have known for three years.
“Lucas, believe me, I don't know anything about what Sasha is accusing me of” I pleaded amidst sobs.
“You are innocent?” He asked with a cold tone.
“Then what is this?” He asked, pointing to the big display screen on the wall.
The screen was showing a picture and just a glance froze me.
“This isn't real!” I yelled angrily.
There was a picture of me in bed with another man, which never happened.
“Someone is trying to frame me” I said to Lucas but he just shook his head in disgust.
“Someone already checked it and confirmed that it is authentic, there is no sign of photoshop. Now, give me a good reason to believe you” he said with a serious expression while taking slow steps towards me.
“I have never cheated on you” I said to him when he stood in front of me.
I didn't care about my looks or what others think at this moment, I just wanted to make him believe me.
“Look at the picture, isn't that your bedroom in your father's house?” He asked and it felt like a bucket of cold water was poured on me as I observed the picture once more.
“How is this possible?” I murmured while staring at the picture.
“Now she has nothing to say, what a shameless slut” Sasha sneered at me.
“You will receive the divorce papers tomorrow” Lucas said before walking out of the hall.
The guests also left after him and I was the only one remaining in the huge hall.
The birthday cake was uncut, food and drinks untouched.
I stared at the huge write up on the wall with tears streaming down my face.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA RICCI MORETTI”