Bella’s heart fluttered wildly, but she couldn’t deny the pull he had on her. She glanced at the party around them. Cameras flashed, curious glances flew toward them, and people still whispered about her revelation as Muse.
"But the party..." Before Bella could finish her words, a pair of excited voices cut through the moment.
"There she is! Our star of the night."
Kate and Willow appeared at her side, practically bouncing with excitement. Without warning, they grabbed one of her arms, their faces alight with joy.
"You’re not slipping away that easily," Willow teased, linking her arm with Bella’s. "We’re celebrating properly—let’s go have dinner with us."
Kate nodded enthusiastically. "No excuses. You have to stay with us until the party is over. Don’t think of leaving early."
Bella barely had time to react before they were tugging her toward the dining hall, away from Theodore’s hold. She glanced back at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. With a playful smile, she mouthed, ’Sorry.’
Theodore exhaled a long sigh, leaning back in his chair, watching helplessly as his wife was whisked away. He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, smirking in quiet defeat.
The private dining lounge buzzed with warmth and laughter. A large, elegantly set table was soon filled with dishes that smelled divine—rich pastas, grilled seafood, and decadent desserts waiting to be devoured. The three women sat close together, their excitement still running high.
Their laughter and conversation flew freely. Bella clinked her glass against theirs, her heart swelling with joy. "For all the support, all the love, and for dragging me here against my will."
Laughter erupted around the table as they dove into their meal.
Kate sighed happily, twirling pasta around her fork. "I knew you were slipping away. But I couldn’t let that happen. Can you see how everyone is excited? The reporters are eager to take your interview. A busy day is ahead of you."
Willow laughed. "Theodore must be annoyed. I saw the look on his face."
Bella laughed, feeling lighter than she had in months.
They chatted between bites, reminiscing, teasing each other mercilessly, and planning for the future.
"So," Kate leaned in, grinning, "what did Theodore say? He must be dying to get you alone right now."
Bella bit her lip, trying to suppress the blush that crept up her cheeks. She remembered his husky words, the way he had looked at her, the heat in his touch.
Willow smirked. "If we keep her with her for any longer, he may kidnap her." She shook her head, laughing. "He might even stop her from keeping touch with her."
Kate and Willow laughed teasingly, exchanging knowing looks. "Girl, you’re a trouble," Kate teased.
Bella only smiled, her mind drifting back to Theodore. He was waiting. And knowing him, he wouldn’t wait long, her heart fluttered.
Their bunters went on, oblivious to the dark presence lurking among the guests. Dressed in a sharp suit that blended seamlessly with the crowd, Zack stood near the edge of the ballroom, his head slightly bowed, a mask covering half of his face. His sharp eyes never wavered from Bella.
His obsession for Bella had turned into madness. Zack’s fingers curled into a tight fist. ’Theodore stole her from me. But tonight, I’ll take you away from him. I’ll take what is meant to be mine.’
Bella had haunted his thoughts every waking moment since that night Theodore took her away. He had hidden, bided his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to reclaim what belonged to him. And tonight, he was determined to take action.
His pulse quickened when he saw Bella rise from the table, excusing herself with a soft smile before slipping away from the celebration. His back stiffened. It was the time.
He trailed behind her, weaving through the crowd like a shadow. He saw her push open the door to the restroom at the far end of the hall.
No one was paying attention. No guards. No Theodore.
Zack’s lips curled into a twisted smile as he moved toward the restroom.
Bella stepped into the restroom. The momentary solitude was a welcome relief from the overwhelming celebration. She let out a slow breath, approaching the sink. The cool water cascaded over her fingers as she washed her hands, her mind still replaying Theodore’s teasing smirk and his teasing voice.
A small smile lingered on her lips as she reached for a paper towel. But as she lifted her gaze to the mirror, the breath in her throat froze.
Behind her, a shadow loomed.
The reflection of a masked figure sent ice through her veins, and before she could turn—before she could even scream—a strong hand clamped over her mouth.
Bella’s body stiffened as she was yanked back against a firm chest, her heartbeat slamming against her ribs. A chillingly familiar scent hit her—a mix of expensive cologne and something darker.
Zack.
"Shh...Don’t make a sound, Bella. Unless you want me to kill you right here."
Her entire body went rigid when she felt the unmistakable cold press of a gun against her waist.
Bella’s pulse roared in her ears, her breath coming in short, frantic gasps against his palm. He held her tight, his grip unrelenting, as if he had no intention of ever letting her go.
"You’re going to obey me," Zack continued, his voice eerily steady. "No struggling. No screaming. Just come with me quietly. Because if you don’t..." He pressed the gun harder against her side, making her wince. "I won’t hesitate. You know I won’t."
Bella’s stomach twisted in fear. She knew Zack was unhinged, knew his obsession had spiraled beyond control. He wasn’t bluffing. He was desperate. Dangerous.
Her mind raced for an escape, but with a gun against her waist and his arm locked around her, she was trapped.
She had no choice. Slowly, she nodded against his hand, signaling her compliance.
Zack smirked against her hair, his grip tightening. "Good girl."
With that, he began leading her toward the door, dragging her into the hallway. But his steps halted abruptly when a few men in black suits came face-to-face.
Their eyes sharp and alert, they stood like an impenetrable barrier between him and his escape. Zack’s breath hitched, a flash of panic striking through him. He hadn’t expected that Theodore had stationed his men inside the banquet hall, watching, waiting.
Zack had been so careful, so precise. How did he miss it?
’Damn it,’ he cursed inwardly.
For a moment, no one moved. The air in the hallway turned thick with tension. The guards’ gazes flickered between Bella and Zack, their hands poised, ready to act.
But Zack wasn’t ready to surrender.
With a sneer, he pressed the barrel of the gun harder against Bella’s side. "Stay the hell back," he barked. "One wrong move, and I’ll put a bullet in her."
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