Chapter 125 Torn Loyalties
DAVID
Matthew’s voice was cold and detached, a predator recounting his kills. “Let’s just say I watched him drown in a tank of water,” he said, his lips curling into a smirk.
I stared at him, my hands balling into fists. How could someone speak so casually about such brutality?
“It was about the money,” Matthew continued, his tone devoid of remorse. “Western offered me a hefty sum to take care of him. And I did. Your father… he was too kind, too trusting.” He sneered at Bella, whose tears streamed silently down her face. “He was the type who’d offer his hand to anyone in need. It disgusted me.”
Bella's body trembled, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the table.
Matthew chuckled, savoring the pain he was causing. “He even gave me a job at Williams Construction Group, paid me more than anyone else. Can you imagine? A man like him, thinking the world can be changed with kindness.” His gaze darkened. “But I was tired of him. Tired of his good heart.”
I could feel the room’s tension rising like a tide, suffocating and oppressive.
“One day, he came to visit me. I told him I needed help with my water tank. Lied about an injury to my leg.” Matthew paused, his smirk widening. “He believed me, of course. Climbed up to draw water for me. And when he was at the top, I pushed him in. Watched him struggle, gasping for air like a fish out of water. Poor man couldn’t swim.” He laughed, the sound echoing in the dimly lit basement like a death knell. “That’s how I got rid of him. No witnesses, no loose ends. Mission accomplished.”
Bella let out a wail that tore through the silence, her cries raw and guttural. Her knees buckled, but I motioned to my guards to support her. Janet, standing by her side, seethed with rage, her fists clenched and her breathing erratic.
I turned back to Matthew, my glare cold enough to freeze the air. “Why do you think I should help you after what you’ve done? You’ve hurt my woman, my sister. You’ve murdered and betrayed everyone who trusted you.”
Matthew’s gaze met mine, unwavering. “Because you gave your word. A man like you doesn’t go back on his promises. My daughter needs you.”
I straightened, my voice a low growl. “You’re right. I will keep my word. I’ll help your daughter.” I leaned closer, the venom in my voice unmistakable. “But I’ll make sure she watches as you rot in prison.”
Matthew didn’t flinch. He merely smiled, his bloodied teeth a macabre reminder of his cruelty.
I stepped back, my hands trembling with the effort to restrain myself. “Guards, keep an eye on him. No mistakes.”
As I left the basement, Matthew’s laughter followed me, haunting and vile.
BELLA
The air felt heavy as I walked into the living room the next morning. Sleep had been a fleeting stranger last night, and my swollen eyes were a testament to the nightmares that haunted me. My father’s death, the twins, Elowen everything was too much to bear.
I ran a hand over my stomach, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My belly had grown, a constant reminder of the life inside me, but today, I felt more burdened than hopeful.
Downstairs, David sat with a coffee mug in his hand, the aroma filling the room. “Good morning, babe,” he greeted, his tone soft but cautious.
“Good morning,” I mumbled, barely looking at him.
“You okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning my face.
“I’m going to the office,” I replied, ignoring his concern.
“You can’t,” David said, setting his cup down. “You’re pregnant, Bella. You need rest. And besides, Elowen will be there.”
“I don’t care.” My voice was sharper than I intended, but the thought of staying in the house any longer suffocated me. “I’ll avoid her. I just need to get out.”
David sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. But my guards are coming with you. I don’t trust Western. He might try something.”
I nodded reluctantly. “But they stay outside. I don’t want them trailing me around the office.”
The drive to the office was a blur. My thoughts were a chaotic mess. Elowen. Matthew. My biological mother. Mrs. Williams. How could I ever face her? The truth I had desperately sought now felt like a curse.
“Ma’am, we’ve arrived,” the driver said, breaking my trance.
I stepped out, steeling myself for the day. The moment I entered the office, I spotted Elowen heading toward me. My heart raced, but I quickly turned, heading for the coffee machine.
“Bella!” Elowen’s voice called behind me, sharp and insistent.
I ignored her, pouring myself a cup.
“Are you avoiding me?” she asked, standing uncomfortably close.
I kept my focus on the coffee, my hands trembling as I reached for the cup.
Before I could take a sip, Elowen slapped the cup out of my hand. The scalding liquid splashed onto my skin, and I screamed in pain.
“How dare you!” I shouted, glaring at her, but the tears in her eyes stopped me cold.
“I can’t let you die, Bella,” she said, her voice trembling. “Why are you so blind?”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I demanded, my voice rising.
“I poisoned your cup,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
The world seemed to tilt as her words sank in. My blood ran cold. “You… you poisoned me?”
Elowen’s lips quivered. “I had to. I had no choice. If I didn’t… you’d be dead by now.”
My breath hitched. How much more betrayal could I endure?