Chapter 85 Let the Show Begin
BELLA
The wind howled through the cracks in the window frame, rattling it just enough to unnerve me. I shivered, pulling my shawl tighter around my shoulders as I moved to latch it securely. Dark clouds swirled outside, the promise of rain thick in the air.
A sharp gust caught the edge of the curtains, sending them billowing into the room like ghostly arms. I slammed the window shut, leaning against it for a moment to steady my racing heart. I hated storms always had. Even as a child, the rumble of thunder had sent me scrambling under the covers. But now wasn’t the time to let fear creep in.
I turned back toward my bed, eager to lose myself in sleep, when the door flew open. The handle banged against the wall, and my heart leapt into my throat. David strode in, his presence commanding as usual, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar like he’d just come from a meeting or trouble.
“What are you doing here?” I snapped, instinctively tugging the covers up to my chin.
He smirked, as though my irritation amused him. “Are you serious? You’re terrified of storms. We’ve always shared a bed when it rains.”
My stomach churned. He wasn’t wrong, but that had been before. Before I regained my memories. Now, everything between us felt like a lie wrapped in deceit.
“I’ll be fine,” I muttered, sitting up straighter.
He chuckled, low and teasing, as he made his way to the bed. “Bella, you’d never survive a night alone with the thunder roaring outside.”
He was testing me, I realized. My heart raced as I watched him climb into the bed beside me, his every movement deliberate. The mattress dipped under his weight, and the scent of his cologne a blend of cedarwood and something darker washed over me.
I froze, my back stiff as he pulled me close. His arm draped over my waist, his hand brushing against my stomach.
“Relax,” he murmured, his voice soft in the dim light.
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. My thoughts were a tangled mess of anger and confusion. Did he really love me? Or was this all some sick game? If he truly cared, why had he betrayed me with Lizzy? My chest tightened as I stared into the darkness, willing the storm outside to drown out the chaos in my head.
DAVID
Morning came too quickly, sunlight slicing through the heavy curtains and landing squarely on my face. I groaned, shifting slightly, only to feel Bella’s warmth beside me. Her dark hair spilled over the pillow, her lips parted ever so slightly as she slept.
My chest tightened. She looked so innocent, so fragile at that moment. If only she’d stay like this forgetful, trusting. But the gnawing fear at the back of my mind wouldn’t let me rest. One day, she’d remember everything. And when that day came, I’d lose her.
The buzz of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I reached for it, careful not to wake her, and glanced at the screen.
Janet: Make sure there’s extra security at the party tonight. No escape for Lizzy.
A slow, satisfied smile crept across my face. Tonight would be the end of Lizzy. After everything she’d done, after every scheme and betrayal, she would finally be out of my life for good.
I kissed Bella’s forehead lightly, whispering, “Soon, we’ll be free of her.”
Sliding out of bed, I grabbed my phone and stepped into the hall. The cold marble under my feet grounded me as I dialed John, my head of security.
The call connected on the first ring. “Meet me at my office. Now,” I said curtly, ending the call before he could respond.
Minutes later, John stood before me, his stance rigid and professional.
“Sir, you called?”
“Yes,” I said, folding my arms across my chest. “The party tonight it’s crucial. I want security doubled, and I want eyes everywhere.”
“Understood,” John replied, though his brow furrowed slightly.
“Lizzy will be there,” I continued, my voice dropping to a near growl. “She’ll think she’s walking into a celebration, but I’ve set the perfect trap.”
“What should we do if she shows up?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I said with a sly smile. “Pretend she’s invisible. Let her think she’s in control. She’ll use her spy to feed her information, but that’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
“A spy?” John’s eyes widened.
“The gardener,” I said, watching his reaction closely. “He’s been Lizzy’s pawn for months, feeding her every scrap of information he can get. She’s manipulated him into believing he’s untouchable. Tonight, we’ll use that arrogance against her.”
John’s jaw tightened. “And Bella, sir?”
“Assign your best guards to her,” I said firmly. “But keep your distance. She doesn’t know she’s part of the plan, and I intend to keep it that way. Do not fail me, John.”
He nodded, his expression resolute. “I won’t.”
The party was in full swing by the time I stepped onto the balcony. The garden below was a sea of sparkling gowns and tailored suits, the soft glow of lanterns casting everything in a golden hue. Laughter and the clink of glasses drifted up to me, but I barely noticed.
“Hello, brother.”
I turned to find Janet leaning casually against the doorframe, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“You’re late,” I said, though my tone was more amused than accusatory.
She laughed, sauntering over to steal the glass of wine from my hand. “Are you waiting for me? I must be special.”
“Hardly,” I shot back, though my smirk betrayed me.
She sipped the wine, her gaze sweeping over the crowd below. “Are you ready for tonight?”
I didn’t answer immediately, letting the weight of the moment settle between us. Finally, I smiled a slow, dangerous curve of my lips. “Let’s see how Lizzy handles her downfall. She won’t know what hit her.”