Bella’s jaw tightened, her grip on the plate of pastry growing firmer as she fought to keep her composure. She reminded her to stay calm, but every instinct in her body screamed for her to lash out, to defend herself.
Her pride was wounded, and the sting of Gina’s words cut deep. She knew she couldn’t leave without responding. Straightening her posture, she lifted her chin defiantly, meeting Gina’s gaze with unwavering resolve.
"I’m exactly where I need to be. And nothing you say will change the fact that my husband loves me."
Gina’s scoff was sharp and dismissive. "Love? Do you really believe that? Don’t confuse his gratitude with love. We’ve grown up together, and I know him better than anyone. He pities you, that’s all. He is mine, and eventually, he’ll come back to me."
Bella felt a surge of amusement at Gina’s delusion. "You’ve known him all your life, and yet you never won his heart. That’s truly sad."
The words hit their mark, and the fury in Gina’s eyes was instant and fierce. Her controlled demeanor crumbled, replaced by a burning rage.
"You little—" She reached for the nearest plate on the buffet table, snatching up a delicate pastry topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. The creamy filling and bright red berries stained the fabric, leaving a messy, sticky trail in their wake.
Bella stood frozen for a moment, shock washing over her as she looked down at the ruined dress.
Gina’s face was a mix of satisfaction and contempt as she stepped back, her hand still stained with cream. "Now you look like the mess you really are," she spat.
Instead of crumbling under the humiliation, Bella slowly raised her head, her eyes locking onto Gina’s with a fierce, cold fury. With deliberate movements, she wiped the cream off her dress with a napkin, her hands trembling slightly but her resolve unshaken.
"You’re nothing but a madwoman," Bella snarled, her voice low but dripping with contempt. "Is this what you consider proper etiquette? Humiliating others—is that something you take pride in? Next time, try showing some grace and dignity instead of resorting to petty vindictiveness."
With those biting words, she turned on her heel, slamming the pastry plate onto the table as she walked away.
Gina stood frozen, her face flushed with rage. Trembling with fury, she hissed, "You won’t get away with this, Bella. I’ll make sure of it." Her fingers flew to her phone, quickly dialing a number. In a hushed tone, she relayed her instructions.
Meanwhile, Bella stormed into the restroom, muttering curses under her breath. Her heart burned with a mix of anger and sorrow as she stared at the ruined dress—a gift from Theodore, now smeared with cream and berries.
She furiously wiped at the stains, but no matter how hard she tried, the remnants lingered, mocking her efforts. The night, which she had hoped would be enjoyable, had been marred by the bitter encounter with Gina.
"She is insane," she muttered. The stains were stubborn, clinging to the fabric. She knew she couldn’t stay at the party like this. Besides, her interest in the event had completely evaporated. With a heavy sigh, she decided it was time to leave.
But as she turned to exit the restroom, her path was suddenly blocked by two men. They stood in the doorway, their presence imposing and menacing. Bella’s heart skipped a beat, her senses immediately on high alert. Instinctively, she took a step back. Their leering gazes and lecherous smiles made her stomach churn with a mix of disgust and fear.
Bella’s mind raced, searching for a way out, but the men were unyielding, their intentions clear in the way they loomed over her.
"Where are you rushing off to?" one of the men taunted as they closed in on Bella. His voice dripped with malice as he reached out, his hand inches from her skin. "Why not stay and have some fun with us?"
"Stay away from me!" Bella’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and defiance as she backed away, her eyes darting between the two men. Her heart thrummed in fear. "I’ll shout."
The men exchanged a glance, then burst into mocking laughter. "Who is going to hear you?" the other man sneered. "The auction is starting soon. Everyone is too busy bidding to care about what is happening here. So, you’d better cooperate. Otherwise, we’ll make you, and trust me—you won’t like it."
Bella’s back pressed against the cold wall, her escape blocked by the two men towering over her. Panic surged through her veins as she realized there was no easy way out. Her eyes flicked desperately to the door. She needed to get out, but the men were closing in fast.
As they drew nearer, her breathing became rapid, her pulse pounding in her ears. The surge of adrenaline that followed gave her the strength to act. In a frantic burst of energy, she shoved them away with all her might and darted toward the door.
Before she could cover more than a few steps, they grabbed her, their hands like iron shackles around her arms, yanking her back and slamming her against the wall.
"Why pretend to be innocent?" the first man snarled, his grip tightening around her throat, cutting off her breath. His eyes were dark with cruelty as he leaned in closer. "You sleep with anyone for money, don’t you? So why resist now? We’ll pay you, too."
Without warning, he lowered his head and bit down on her neck, his teeth sinking into her skin.
The pain was immediate and sharp. "Ah..." Bella shrieked in pain and disgust.
She struggled against him, her body twisting and writhing in a desperate attempt to break free, but the men held her fast, their strength overwhelming her resistance.
The reality of the situation crushed down on her, the small space echoing with her cries. She thrashed against their hold, her body trembling uncontrollably, her mind screaming for escape, for some way to make this nightmare end.
The horror of the situation overwhelmed her. The thought that she might be raped and killed in this secluded restroom filled her with despair. Just as the darkness threatened to consume her, a voice rang out, strong and commanding.
"Hey, leave her alone."
The two men froze, their heads snapping toward the intruder. Bella’s gaze followed theirs, and she saw Zack standing in the doorway, his expression fierce and determined.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
