Chapter 6 Bella's POV
Chapter Six
Bella’s Pov
I nervously tried to straighten my black dinner dress, I had managed to go to the thrift market earlier today. I hope he likes it. I tried to steady my heartbeat and steps as I walked up to the venue, the signboard shone mockingly, reminding me of my place.
I hope Noah took his medicine after dinner.
I ran towards a sleek black Lamborghini that had just pulled up in front of the restaurant.
The chauffeur opened the door, black luxurious shoes first came into sight. His black raven hair caught light, and his brooding gaze fell on me.
My breathe hitched as my heart thundered within me, I lowered my eyes unable to meet his intense gaze. Why was he looking at me?, did I manage to embarrass the company?, but this was my best dress.
“Who did you inherit that dress from?,” Anna’s voice rang out from behind.
Of course, how could I forget the queen bee.
She intertwined her arm with Xander’s arm, his expression was as ice cold as ever.
A soft smile plastered on her face, “You're lucky Xander already anticipated this…… misstep”. She tilted her head and drawled lazily like the snake she was.
“Check the car seat and change up immediately, you have five minutes.”
Heat stung my cheeks as I hurried to the car seat, a red, Louis Vuitton dress beckoned to me. It looked like it was made specially for me, it was breathtakingly beautiful. How did he get the measurements right?.
“I don't have all night,” his voice boomed from behind me.
I ran towards the restroom clutching the dress. Like I anticipated, Anna followed suit almost immediately. Her heels clicked behind me as I struggled out of my dress
“Still looking as pathetic as ever,” Anna spat, her voice laced with venom.
“You better stay in your lane tonight and keep yourself out of trouble. I doubt even you will escape Xander’s wrath.”
She eyed the red dress that hugged every curve on her body, her son was four years old yet her body was to die for. Life was unfair.
“I don't want any trouble, I just want to finish here and go home.” I muttered tugging the gown down my head, the fabric slid down my skin and fit like a second skin.
The dress was attention seeking, quite the opposite what I'm used to. My brain gave of red signals but I shut them down.
I need to do whatever he demands of me, even if it means wearing this cleavage exposing gown
I tried to straighten my hair with my fingers as much as I could. I nodded at the mirror and proceeded to take my leave.
Anna blocked the door, “Remeber where you belong you wretch, watch me leave instead.”
I glanced at her receding silhouette, why do I allow her treat me this way?. Oh, I remember, she was Xander’s side chick.
I walked into the hall and searched for a particular pair of grey eyes. The men ogled and winked at me but I ignored them.
Suddenly, I felt my skin hairs prick. I turned back and met eyes with a commanding presence.
His pupils dilated and darkened as his gaze roamed my body. My skin suddenly felt uncomfortable, like it was foreign. His eyes seemed to beckon to me.
I walked slowly but certainly, the crowd seemed to fade and it was just us. Staring. The invincible forces seemed to lock our eyes together. Something charged the air, a pull I didn't want to feel but couldn't deny.
Anna tapped his hand and the spell was broken.
My throat felt parched, I finally found my voice again.
I waved my hand and a server appeared by my side,“Water, thank you”
The night seemed to stretch into hours and hours of meeting. I wonder if Noah has fallen asleep, oh my sweet son.
I sighed in relief as Xander finally shook hands with the investors. Finally, the night was over.
“Nine a.m sharp tomorrow, I will not tolerate lateness,” he stated curtly.
And with that his heels turned towards his car. Anna followed closely behind, she threw daggers through her eyes at me before throwing her face haughtily with a “hmph”.
I flagged a cab immediately and got in. Noah was fast asleep by the time I got home. Daniels nurse friend was kind enough to give him his medications before he fell asleep.
He breath rose and fell steadily, he looked peaceful.
My little boy, you don't deserve what you've been through.
I need to be strong for Noah, I just need to endure Xander for a while, get the cure for you and then I'm done.
I brushed a kiss on his forehead and curled beside him, threading his hands with mine.
Xander’s POV
She was late.
Her footsteps broke through the silence, beads of sweat rolled down her brows and her chest caved in and out furiously.
“You're late,” I said, keeping my voice as cold as I can, ignoring the temptation to ask her to sit. ”I warned you I don't tolerate it”.
“I'm…I'm really sorry sir, I had some things to settle.”
Her cheeks were flushed and hair stuck to the back of her neck. I shifted focus to her lips, her lipstick was smudged.
I snapped. “Ms Reyes, I don't think you understand what I said earlier. I do not tolerate lateness, if this job is affecting your relationship, you should quit and leave New York for good.”
Her lips trembled,“I'm sorry, it won't happen again. It was an emergency.”
Of course, an emergency. It was always an emergency with her. She still has that ridiculous red dinosaur on her wrist, it was that Daniel's son.
My chest tightened as he remembered the image of that little boy with his eyes, my eyes. I felt rage bubble in my gut, hot and destructive.
“Just go, we're already late thanks to you.” I waved my hand dismissively, unable to look at her in the face.
She moved to set up the documents for the meeting with the shareholders.
I noticed the B-x file was missing halfway through the presentation, was she trying to sabotage me on purpose?.
I turned my head slowly. She stood there, wide eyed and clueless as if she did not just understand the damage she caused.
The meeting came to an end and I grabbed her arm, pushing her out of the room.
“Where the fuck is the B-x file?.”