Xavier~
"Ouch.."My head struck the floor, causing me to open my eyes. How did I end up here? I found myself in my hotel room and glanced around bewilderedly.
I scratched my head, trying to recall how I got here. As I struggled to recall what had happened the night before, all the unpleasant recollections rushed before my eyes. Oh no, what did I do in my intoxicated state? I regretted my last night's outburst.
A dull, hollow ache settled in my chest. My actions, once impulsive and thoughtless, now weighed on me like a lead weight, as if every misstep had been building up to this inevitable fracture.
How could I coerce her? I revealed all my deepest emotions to her.
That's all because of Derrick Merchant; if he hadn't provoked me, I would not have reacted in such a manner. I attempted to rise from the cold floor of the room, but my feet ached and made it impossible. I realized my error again when I gazed at my swollen face in the mirror. It's difficult to reach out to Bella once again; she is no longer my wife; instead, she is my younger brother's wife.
By kissing her in front of her husband, I inadvertently caused tension in her marriage. Anyhow, I managed to reach the bathroom and then took a shower. I kept thinking about what happened last night. My heart ached to realize how much Victor and my father hated me. I tried to convince my heart that Bella is no longer my wife, but it is not willing to accept this truth.
The memories surged up unbidden—the warmth of her smile, her laughter that used to fill the empty spaces of my life. My heart pulled between longing and guilt, knowing I had cast that happiness away. Now, watching her with Victor, I was forced to confront a truth I'd buried deep. Could I ever make amends?
Our last night's kiss sparked deep-seated desires within me, which I had attempted to suppress. She could easily stop me, so why did she kiss me? Was she still in love with me?
After dressing in my pajamas, I ordered breakfast in my room, as I didn't feel like dining at the hotel's restaurant. Following the events of last night, I am confident that my story will make headlines on every news channel. I never expected that Victor would insult me in such a harsh way in front of the guest. But it's not his fault; it's all my mistake.
Today, I deeply understand her pain when I insulted her at our anniversary party.
As the room service attendant came to deliver my breakfast, she handed me my wallet, saying, "Mr. Thompson, please take your wallet."
"How did my wallet come to you?" I asked her. The embarrassment intensified as I made efforts to conceal it.
"Last night, your ex-wife gave me your belongings and requested that I give them to you when you regain consciousness." She placed my breakfast on the table and looked at me with a questioning gaze.
"Did you mean to say that Bella was here last night?" I asked her incredulously.
"Indeed, she brought you here despite your intoxication."
"What? Did Bella take me here?" Many questions arise in my mind after learning that Bella brought me here.
I finished my breakfast while contemplating my actions from the previous night. I wrote her an apology since I truly felt bad about what I did last night.
"I will file a report against you if you dare to text her again." I received Victor's threat-filled text from Bella's number. After receiving the text, I let out a deep sigh and set my phone down on the side table. Since I had nothing to do today, I turned on the TV to kill boredom. Every news channel ran the party scene from last night over and over, as I had anticipated.
I stared at my father's face while Victor viciously hit me. His face was devoid of emotion, reflecting the fact that I no longer share any relationship with him. My heart was rekindled with hope when I saw Bella's tearful eyes.
"Miss Luis chose to prosecute the Jordan Lucas case; now the question is who will be the defender lawyer." The news broadcaster finally played a fresh news article after embracing news over and over. I am also curious about the identity of the defense attorney. I am well aware of Jordan's cruelty, so I am sure he will not accept his defeat so easily.
Last night, at Bella's party, Derrick Merchant announced his retirement from his law firm and named his daughter as the new heir. Bella is unquestionably an excellent attorney, but given the dearth of capable attorneys in the state, I wonder who will represent Jordan Lucas this time.
"Breaking news: Mr. James William declares that he will be prosecuting the case of Jordan Lucas." My heart sank upon hearing the shocking breaking news on television.
"James? When did he return from Italy?" The news on TV brought back memories of my past interactions with James. The shock crashed over me like ice water, leaving me breathless. James was back, and he'd aligned with Jordan. The realization stung, twisting my regrets into something darker—fear.
Jordan Lucas's use of my former rival in this case shocked me.
Why did Jordan Lucas select James for this case when I had no involvement in it? I need to speak with James to prevent him from continuing to defend this case. I opened my contact list and dialed the number, which I never dared to dial in all these years. I'm not sure if this number is effective, but I can't help but feel the need to keep Bella protected.
"Xavier, I was anticipating your phone call." He received my call after two rings. I could hear the pride in his voice.
"James, please don't join Jordan. I know you want to get even with me, but please don't do this. Don't become part of Jordan's dirty game, and don't drag Bella into it." I pleaded with him.
"Xavier, all is fair in love and war, and we can use Bella to harm you in both ways." His devilish laugh reveals his evil intentions.
"James, please don't do this. I am ready to apologize for my mistakes and ready to face any punishment, but please don't drag bells into all this." I pleaded with him once again, hoping to protect
Bella.
"No, Xavier, it's too late. Your apology won't suffice to heal my old wounds. It's time to make you experience the same pain I've endured over the years." Before I could plead with him once more, he disconnected the call. A chill settled over me as I processed his threat. My hand tightened around my phone, my heartbeat racing with each realization. Bella had no idea what she was stepping into, and now, with James in the mix, the stakes were higher than ever.
Bella lacks knowledge about James William, and I must intervene to prevent her from taking on this case. I called her to let her know about the impending issue she had unintentionally brought into her life, but to my disappointment, Victor received her phone and once more threatened to keep me from getting in touch. I asked him to allow me to speak with her only once, but he ignored my requests and blocked my number from her phone.
My fingers hovered over the phone, desperate for any way to reach her. Every door was closed, and I could almost hear James' mocking voice echoing in my mind. This time, he would show no mercy. My only thought: was how to protect Bella before it was too late.