Xavier~
"Where is Bella? Don't you bring Bella with you?" Dad questioned me when I reached home.
"She has some important work; she will come later." I lied to him because I didn't want to tell him the truth.
The truth is, after seeing her photograph, I became so angry with her that I didn't want to talk to her. How could she so confidently lie to me? Is this her way of exacting revenge on me? She deceived me in the past by lying about her relationship with Victor, and now she is attempting to deceive me once more by hanging out with James.
"Bella, why did you come so late? Where have you been busy today?" When I heard Dad's voice, I turned to face the hall's entrance.
"I missed my taxi, Dad." She entered the hall. There was no trace of sorrow or guilt on her face.
"Taxi? However, Xavier told me that you didn't accompany him home because you had an urgent job to complete." He gave her a suspicious glance before turning to face me.
I bowed my head to shield my face from his suspicious gaze.
"Yes, Xavier was right; I had some important work, and that's why I asked him to come home alone." She lied to Dad while glancing at my face. Her face showed no sign of hesitation before lying to Dad, and my suspicion grew even more about her relationship with James.
"Come here; I have to make an announcement." He gestured to Bella and me.
I had awaited this day for a very long time, but I was not pleased at all when my father approved of my relationship with Bella. I am aware of what Dad wants to say right now, but since I am unsure about my relationship with Bella, I do not want his approval for our marriage just now. I don't think she has genuine feelings for me; otherwise, she would never have deceived me.
"Xavier, you finally proved your worth, and now I not only allow you to marry my daughter but also forgive you." He looked at me with pride-filled eyes.
Seeing the pride in his eyes, which I had yearned to see, makes me very pleased.
"Thank you, Dad." I hugged him, and my emotions flowed from my eyes in the form of tears.
"Bella, in honor of your engagement to Xavier, I will plan a lavish celebration for next week." His comments caused my muscles to stiffen even more. He appeared incredibly thrilled about my wedding to Bella.
"What's so rushed about the engagement, Dad? I mean, I need some time to manage my things." Bella fidgeted with her fingers. When she learned of our engagement date, she didn't appear pleased.
"Do you still have any doubts?" He raised his brow at her.
"No, Dad, I need some time even if I don't question Xavier's love or value."
Her remarks made me even more enraged. Is she rejecting me? Or does she choose James over me?
I clenched my fists as I saw James waiting at the hall's entrance. My rage reached its peak. Now I completely understand the reason behind her nervousness; she does not want to get engaged with me because of James.
"Bella, please accept this engagement without giving it too much thought." Victor made an effort to convince Bella to accept this engagement.
"I'll discuss this with you tomorrow; I need some time to think it through." With a heavy sigh, she attempted to cut the conversation short.
"Bella, why tomorrow? If you have any doubt about our relationship, then why don't you say no to this engagement right now?" I tried not to get angry, but when I saw how confused she was, I lost control.
"Dad, I am tired now; I want some rest." Ignoring my query, she proceeded to the stairs.
"Isabella, you must respond to me immediately. Do you want me in your life? You can not ignore me in this way." I stopped her by holding her hand.
"What are you doing, Xavier?" Her eyes widened as she turned to face me.
"I want you to respond to my query."
I continuously have to assert my dominance over her because of my insecurity.
"She has every right to take her time before making a decision, so why are you treating her this way? Xavier, what are you doing?" My father's voice echoed in my head, and his earlier comment struck me like a lightning bolt.
"Sure, take your time, Bella." I unclenched my jaw and shifted my glare to James, who hadn't moved an inch.
She climbed the stairs hurriedly and closed her room door with a thud.
"Xavier, are there any disagreements between you two?" Dad questioned me while he settled down on the couch.
"No, Dad, everything is fine between us." I shrugged my shoulders and walked into my room to change my clothes.
"Uncle, will you be my new father?" Alan came into my room. When I heard his innocent voice, all of my anger and frustration vanished.
"Indeed, Alan, I will be your father." I kneeled in front of him to match his height.
"But Uncle, what would I call my old father if I called you Dad?" He put his hand on his chin and questioned me.
His question made me laugh.
"You can call me your father and Victor your uncle, Alan."
I find it very difficult to provide a logical response to his query. I find myself unable to answer a five-year-old kid's questions.
"All right, Dad." He appeared persuaded by my responses and shook his head. Hearing him call me his dad filled my heart with happiness.
"But if I make you my new father, will you promise me one thing, Uncle?" He stared at my face in curiosity.
"Of course, Alan, I can do anything you want." My heart was filled with so much joy that I promised to fulfill his every wish, even without knowing what he wanted from me.
"Will you give me a sibling so that I can play with him?" His question felt like salt in my wound.
"Alan, I can't promise you exactly about this because I can't alone fulfill your demand; your mama's support is also required." I was holding his hands and met his intensely blue eyes.
Alan's innocent question replayed in my mind. Was it my failure to express love that pushed Bella away? I had spent so much time doubting her that I forgot to remind her how much she meant to me. Was I the one ruining everything? The thought sent a pang of guilt through my chest.
"Alan, thank you."
As soon as I realized what I was doing wrong—that Bella was attracted to James—I got up off the floor. To talk to her, I went to her room, but when I couldn't find her there, I went downstairs to find her.
As I approached the kitchen, the sight before me froze me in my tracks. Bella leaned close to James, her voice low, her expression serious. James's eyes were fixed on her, and his body turned slightly toward her. My heart pounded in my chest. What were they talking about? Why was she looking at him like that? I clenched my fists, the same anger from earlier bubbling to the surface.