Bella was growing increasingly frustrated as her date had not yet arrived. Over an hour had passed since their appointed time, and there was still no sign of him. She anxiously checked her phone, hoping she hadn't missed his call, but there was nothing.This situation was wearing on Bella, but she felt trapped because her grandmother was becoming increasingly insistent on her finding a partner. The waiter approached her, asking if she was ready to order."I'm sorry, just a few more minutes, please. I'm still waiting for my date. He should be here any minute," Bella said to the waiter."Sure, just let me know when you're ready," the waiter replied before leaving.This was the second time the waiter had come over to ask for her order. Bella couldn't help but wonder if she had been stood up, which seemed absurd since she was paying him to be there.Just as she received a call from her date, she noticed someone else approaching. It was the last person she wanted to see at that moment, but
"You did what?" Anna exclaimed loudly over the phone.This girl meant it when she said she was going to find someone to play her game."Are you crazy? How can you hire someone to deceive your grandma? You know how serious this is, right?" Anna scolded."I know. That's why I chose someone I hate and who would never be my type," Bella replied."Who?" Anna asked eagerly, wanting to know who had convinced Bella.Bella remained silent, creating a sense of suspense. Anna was dying to find out who it was."It's the doctor," Bella finally revealed."Bel..." Anna shouted in disbelief. This was the same person she had once cursed to never be with Bella, and now they had an agreement."What? He said he would help," Bella defended herself."Did he?" Anna questioned skeptically."Of course. And I'm even going to pay him. It's a win-win situation. I get to deceive my grandma, and he gets paid for it," Bella explained.Anna held her head in frustration. How could Bella do something like this without
Anna and Edward continued their conversation, delving deeper into their preferences and personal perspectives. The air was charged with unspoken attraction, and both of them tried to conceal their true feelings. "You know, Edward," Anna began, her voice laced with intrigue, "if I were in Bella's shoes, I might even do the same thing she's doing." Edward raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued by Anna's statement. "And what would that be, exactly?" Anna leaned back in her chair, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. "I would hire someone to play a game with my grandmother. It could be thrilling to witness the events unfold and see how everything plays out." Edward couldn't help but smile. Anna's response mirrored his own thoughts, making him wonder if they were more alike than he initially realized. "You have an adventurous side, Anna," Edward remarked. "I never knew you were interested in such unconventional endeavors." Anna smirked, her gaze fixed on Edward. "You don't know
"What do you mean you cannot go out with the person I've chosen for you?" Clara exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration."But I don't even like him," Bella retorted, her tone defiant. "He might even be an ugly freak."In her anger, Clara's grip tightened on her heart, and she impulsively threw a spoon at Bella, who ducked just in time to avoid it."You... You stubborn child!" Clara seethed, her face flushed with anger. "I have made my decision, and since you refuse to find someone, I will personally find a suitor for you."Bella crossed her arms, her expression determined. "We're not living in ancient times anymore, Grandma. Parents don't arrange marriages for their children, especially not against their will. It's the 21st century, things don't work like that."Clara's annoyance only grew, but deep down, she was conflicted. How could she force Bella into a marriage she didn't want? This was Bella's life, and Clara wanted her to have a say in it.Clara sighed, feeling the weight o
Bella stared at Nathan, her gaze filled with suspicion and confusion. Her grandmother's words echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to them. It would explain why Nathan had shown up at the restaurant where she was supposed to meet the actor.Did he have a hand in the actor's decision to back out of their deal? Was he somehow involved in orchestrating this entire situation?Nathan noticed the cynical look on Bella's face but chose to ignore it for the moment. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Benson," he began, but Clara interrupted him, insisting on being called by her nickname, "Clara."Nathan smiled lightly at Clara's interruption, appreciating her spirit. "Clara, I never agreed to anything. I just said I would think about it," he clarified.Bella couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But you said you were in love with someone else!" she exclaimed, feeling a mixture of anger and hurt. Nathan had never mentioned being in a relationship before, and she felt betra
Emma reveled in the warmth of the man beside her, appreciating the sensation of her hands against his smooth, hairless chest."Baahir," she called out softly, her voice filled with affection."Mmm," Baahir responded, his eyes closed, relishing in the attention he was receiving. He was pleased by the admiration he received from women, and a fleeting smile played across his lips as Emma's touch continued.Curiosity sparked within Emma as she sought to deepen their connection. "When will your parents be back?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest.Baahir fell silent, his demeanor suddenly changing. He withdrew from her embrace and moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his expression clouded with anger.Confusion washed over Emma. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern evident in her voice."Baby, please talk to me," she implored, joining him on the bed and wrapping her arms around him from behind."Are you trying to get rid of me?" Baahir's question was laced with anger, his to
"Are you desperate to get rid of me?" Baahir asked angrily.Emma was shocked by his sudden remark. What did he mean by that? She didn't know, but she felt he was hurt."Hey, baby. Why would you say that? How can I get rid of you?" she responded, trying to understand his feelings."If not, then why would you suggest knowing when my parents will come back?" Baahir explained.She was quiet, waiting for him to continue speaking."You and I know that the moment they come back, I won't be able to spend as much time with you. I'll be busy assisting them at the company," Baahir clarified.Emma finally realized what he meant and her face brightened. She smiled happily, realizing that he was upset about the prospect of not being able to be with her as much as he wanted.It made her feel loved and cherished. She hugged him tightly from behind, wearing a smile of happiness. She hadn't chosen the wrong guy after all.Baahir observed her reaction but still had a sad and disappointed look on his face
In the midst of the forest, dim shadows of leaves shrouded the atmosphere. Obscured behind a tree stood a man who was out of breath. He took something from his small bag that was hanging on his body and, without looking, threw it into his mouth. It appeared that this was not the first time he had taken it. Right after taking it, he regained some of his lost strength, but he knew this was only temporary as the effects of the medicine he took would wear off. He had lost count of the number of doses he had taken. But this was the only way to help him heal so he could flee. Just then, he heard the movement of some people thanks to his ability to hear things from afar. There were three of them, but now, five more had joined them. "Hell," he cursed as he looked around to find a place to hide until he could run again. The wound on his stomach was still bleeding, but not as much as before he took the drug. He saw a big tree that looked like a home for squirrels. Thankfully, the squi