Bella exited Zack’s office, the weight of his unexpected invitation to the luncheon meeting still settling in her mind. She headed to the elevator hurriedly to go back to her desk. As the elevator doors sighed open, a figure emerged – Ivy. Her face, already etched with a simmering anger, contorted further at the sight of Bella.
The mere presence of Bella on this floor was a spark that fanned the flames of Ivy’s fury. She was certain Bella had been here to meet Zack. No matter how hard Ivy tried to push Bella away, it seemed she got closer to Zack.
Loathing twisted in Ivy’s gut. If only those thugs hadn’t bungled the job, Bella wouldn’t be here, flitting around their office like a bothersome fly.
Her anger simmered over as she relived the string of failed attempts to banish Bella from Zack’s life. "Do you have any shame?" she spat, low and venomous. "Why can’t you just leave him alone?"
The baseless accusation stung. Bella stopped short, exasperation coloring her features. "You’ve got it all wrong, Miss Hill," she countered. "There’s nothing going on between Mr. Hudson and me. He is my boss, that’s all. Our relationship is nothing but professional. So, please, stop being insecure."
"Professional?" Ivy scoffed. "Don’t try and play innocent with me, Bella. You’re after my man, and you expect me to just accept it? Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. I won’t hesitate to make your life a living hell. If you want any kind of peace, you’ll resign and stay well away from Zack."
Bella’s jaw clenched with resolve, her gaze unwavering. Despite Ivy’s threats and venomous words, Bella refused to back down. She knew her place in the company was earned through hard work and integrity, not through manipulation or deceit.
"I already told you, Miss Hill... Mr. Hudson and I have nothing going on. As my boss, I respect him... That’s all. And why in the world would I resign? I haven’t done anything wrong. You should be telling Olivia to pack her bags, not me! She is the one who falsely accused me of stealing, yet you transferred her to your department? May I ask why?"
Bella tilted her head, her gaze locking with Ivy’s in a bold challenge. "Isn’t that a bit biased?"
Her defiant attitude left Ivy momentarily speechless. The ever-timid Bella, the one who wilted under pressure, had seemingly transformed into a woman of steel. Perhaps it was Zack’s support emboldening her.
Fury contorted Ivy’s features. "You think Zack fancies you?" she snarled, the venom dripping from her words. "He doesn’t. The only reason he gives you preferential treatment, helps you, protects you – it’s not because he has feelings for you. It’s because you remind him of his girlfriend, Rose."
Rose? Zack’s girlfriend? The revelation slammed into Bella like a rogue wave. Questions raced through her mind. If Zack had a girlfriend named Rose, why was he engaged to Ivy?
Bella squinted her even more, trying to make sense of her words.
Ivy’s lips twisted into a sneer. "You may look a bit like his dead girlfriend," she hissed, "but you’ll never be Rose. You could never fill the void she left in his heart. Stay away from him, Bella. Or you will regret it."
The revelation crashed over Bella like a cymbal. Here she was, under the impression that Zack was smitten with her, only to discover the horrifying truth. He wasn’t interested in her – he was simply seeking a ghost in her features, a ghost named Rose. A wave of disgust churned in her stomach. She refused to be a replacement, a consolation prize for a lost love.
"I have no idea what you’re talking about," she managed, forcing a semblance of composure. "His past and present relationships hold no interest to me. I am here to work, not to romance with my boss. You have no reason to be insecure. I am not taking your fiancé away."
With that, Bella pivoted on her heel and stepped into the elevator, her face a mask of icy indifference. The doors whooshed shut behind her, and the elevator lurched downwards, carrying her away from the venomous Ivy.
Left alone, Ivy’s rage simmered into a low boil. Her fists clenched at her sides, the nails digging into her palms. "Do you think you can play me, Bella? Whether you’re interested in Zack or not is irrelevant. You’re a threat, a ticking time bomb waiting to detonate. And I won’t let you anywhere near him."
Bella slumped to her desk dejectedly. She was upset with everything. The entire day had been a relentless onslaught of one blow after another. First, the chaos of the morning, then the unwelcome revelation from Ivy. Everything felt precarious. It was getting harder and harder to continue working here.
A part of her screamed at her to resign, to grab her things and walk out those very doors.
But then she faltered. Initially, the plan had been clear – finish the project and then head straight to Willow’s fashion house. But the events of last night, the memory of Willow with Theodore lingered like a bad taste in her mouth. Working alongside Willow, after witnessing that... the thought felt like a betrayal of her own instincts.
"No, I can’t..." She shrugged.
This job, for all its flaws, had stability. It provided a financial safety net, a necessity until something better came along.
"Bella, get a grip and stay put," she murmured.
Pushing aside the turmoil within, she set her sights on the immediate task at hand. This meeting was her chance to repay Zack for his help. With a resolute breath, she cracked open the file, her gaze scanning the contents within.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The arrival at the restaurant was a blur for Bella. Zack, impeccably dressed and radiating a confident aura, led her through the bustling entrance and into a secluded chamber.
As they settled into their plush seats, Zack leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low hum. "I hope Mr. Brooke will like the ideas and collaborate with us."
Bella offered a tight nod, her stomach churning with a blend of nervousness and apprehension. She was afraid she would make a mistake and jeopardize the collaboration.
Sensing her distress, Zack reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. "There’s no need to be anxious," he murmured reassuringly. "You’re simply here for support. No one will ask you to give a presentation," he teased her, trying to lift her spirit. A playful glint entered his eyes.
Bella recoiled at his touch, pulling her hand back and avoiding meeting his gaze.
Zack felt a bit disappointed. He curled his hand into a tight fist, the unspoken emotions swirling within him threatening to erupt. ’No more waiting,’ he thought defiantly to himself.
"Bella," Zack began. He reached out again, intending to offer a reassuring touch, but the ringing of his phone sliced through the air, interrupting him.
"Hello?" He answered with a clipped greeting, his face hardening as he listened.
The response was a torrent of hurried words, the caller’s voice laced with urgency. "Mr. Hudson, there’s a problem. It seems the collaboration with Mr. Brooke is no longer a possibility."
"What ridiculous claim is that?" Zack roared, his brow furrowing into a dark line. "Explain yourself clearly."
"Mr. Brooke is currently meeting with Mr. Reid, sir, right there in the restaurant. It appears he fooled us."
"What?!" Zack shot up from his chair, his face contorted in a mix of betrayal and fury. "How dare he pull such a stunt? Let me talk to him." Ending the call, he stormed out.
"Sir! Wait!" Bella called after him, bewildered. Grabbing the file, she scrambled after him, her legs pumping in an attempt to keep pace.
Her mind swirled with confusion and concern over the sudden turn of events. She entered the adjacent private booth, hot on Zack’s heels, only to find herself face-to-face with a familiar figure whose presence took her breath away.
’Theodore!’ her mind screamed.
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