Chapter 34 Old Ties, New Tensions
DAVID
Bella held the invitation in her hand, her eyes flickering with a hint of excitement as she scanned over it again. She hadn't looked this animated in days, and I could practically see the decision cementing itself in her mind.
"I'm going," she announced, her tone carrying a determination that made my jaw clench.
I forced a nod. "Fine," I replied, though irritation prickled at the edges of my voice. I couldn’t keep the frustration from simmering just below the surface, even if I knew there was no stopping her.
Without another word, Bella turned and made her way to her room. "I have work to do," she called over her shoulder, her pace quickening like she needed distance before I could respond further.
The door clicked shut behind her, and I turned to my assistant, who’d been standing nearby, taking notes.
"Where’s the reunion?" I asked, keeping my tone casual, though I couldn’t hide the hint of urgency in my question.
"I’ll find out, sir," he replied with a nod, flipping through his tablet. "Also, the model we're signing as the new face of Copperfield Group is arriving earlier than planned."
I shot him a look. "I didn't set a specific time. Reschedule her for this afternoon," I ordered, dismissing the matter with a wave. Bella could go to this reunion if she insisted I had other things to handle. Though, sleep sounded good right about now.
BELLA
I stared at the invitation, feeling a strange mix of dread and determination settle over me. This reunion wasn’t just about catching up it was about setting things straight. Michael had let everyone think I’d left him because I was unfaithful. The truth was tangled in lies I had no part in spreading.
A sharp knock pulled me from my thoughts. I made my way to David’s room, heart pounding as I opened the door and found him stretched across the bed, looking half-asleep, his gaze barely lifting as I stepped in.
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I can come back."
His hand waved in a lazy gesture. "It’s fine. What do you need?" he asked, his voice gruff with fatigue as he shifted against the headboard, sheets pooling around his waist. His chest, bare and sculpted, drew my eyes for a second too long.
I forced myself to focus, holding out the documents I’d brought for his signature. He took the pen, signing without a second glance, then tossed it aside and settled back, his eyes already drifting shut.
"Close the door on your way out," he muttered, a slight edge to his tone. "And tell everyone I’m not to be disturbed."
I nodded, turning to leave. But before stepping out, I couldn’t resist a final glance, only to find his eyes suddenly open, watching me with a knowing smirk.
"Are you done staring?" His voice held a teasing edge that sent a flush to my cheeks, and I quickly slipped out, my heart pounding harder than I wanted to admit.
Needing a distraction, I dialed Elowen.
“Hey!” she greeted, her voice light and teasing. “So, are you and David back to playing house?”
I rolled my eyes. “Why are you asking that?” I replied, though my voice wavered. David was anything but a simple arrangement.
“Uh-huh.” She laughed knowingly. “Oh, and guess what? I got a message from Daniel you remember him?”
I could practically see her mischievous grin through the phone. “You mean your old high school crush?”
She laughed again. “Yeah! He was cute then; I bet he’s only improved.”
“Well, since you’re going to the reunion, want to be my plus one?” I asked, only half-joking.
“Actually, Daniel already asked me,” she said, a hint of pride in her voice.
“Traitor.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Guess I’ll have to brave it solo.”
“Oh, come on. David wouldn’t let you go alone if you asked him,” she teased.
The thought made me laugh, but it hit closer than I wanted. David at a high school reunion? He’d probably find a way to intimidate every single person there, intentionally or not.
Later, as I was leaving, one of David’s bodyguards stepped forward. “Ma’am, we’ll be accompanying you.”
I sighed, giving him a pleading look. “Is that really necessary? I don’t need an entourage. Just… pretend I’m invisible, okay?”
“It’s Mr. Copperfield’s order,” he replied, a touch of apology in his tone.
Of course, David’s orders. I could practically feel his presence, even when he wasn’t here. “Fine. Just stay out of sight, please,” I said, climbing into the car with a resigned sigh.
The restaurant buzzed with the chatter of people catching up on years of gossip, laughter, and whispers from old friends. I scanned the room, my heart racing, pretending that my steps felt light and sure. I caught sight of Elowen with her “plus one,” Daniel, who looked just as dashing as he had in school. She flashed me a mischievous grin as she hugged me, whispering, “Didn’t tell me you’d bring your own entourage.” Her gaze darted toward the suited bodyguards lingering a few steps away.
I rolled my eyes, muttering, “Can you pretend they’re invisible? I already have enough eyes on me without them making it worse.” Elowen just laughed, but I noticed her subtle glance over her shoulder, as if assessing my “secret service.”
As we walked further in, I could feel the eyes of my old classmates some familiar, others who hadn’t changed a bit. The whispers started even before I sat down. Just as I took my seat, Vivian's shrill voice rang out across the table, “Where’s your plus one, Bella?” Her tone was sugar-coated but laced with an edge I knew too well. She leaned in, a catty smile spreading across her lips. “Or did he finally ditch you?”
I forced a smile, ignoring the heat rising in my cheeks. “I didn’t need a plus one,” I said smoothly, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Are you sure?” Sharon chimed in, smirking. “I heard you were with some old man. Or did he drop you already?” The laughter around the table stung, and my fists clenched beneath the table, but before I could fire back, Elowen’s voice cut in.
“Better an ‘old man’ than someone you had to hire,” Elowen snapped, her words sharp and aimed straight at Sharon. I’d always admired her no-nonsense loyalty.
Sharon turned pink, but before she could respond, I leaned forward, keeping my tone cool. “For the record, Michael cheated on me with Vivian,” I said, each word calm but pointed. “So don’t go spreading rumors if you don’t know the truth.”
The table went silent, eyes widening. I could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze, but I held my head high, letting the moment sink in.
Then, a familiar chill ran down my spine. I glanced back, and my heart stopped.
David stood there, watching me, his gaze intense and unreadable. My stomach twisted. What was he doing here?