章節 10: Twing of Jealousy
Bella arrived at the club, her steps faltering as memories flooded back. This was the place where Mr. Cooper had tried to violate her, and where she had first encountered Theodore. Now, through a twisted game of fate, she found herself married to him.
"It's only on the papers," she reminded herself. Shrugging, she stepped into the private chamber.
Theodore lay sprawled on the plush sofa, his eyes closed. His tailored coat hung discarded over the armrest, his tie hung loosely around his neck, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest. A few unruly locks of hair fell onto his forehead, adding to his disheveled look.
This clumsy appearance was a stark contrast to the immaculate, sophisticated man she had seen in the morning. Theodore looked almost boyish, stripped of his usual commanding presence, and Bella couldn't help but stare at him in a daze.
"Mrs. Reid, you are finally here." Skyler approached her with an air of impatience.
Bella bristled. "Could you please not call me Mrs. Reid?"
"Why not? You are married to my boss, aren't you?" Skyler raised his eyebrows, his curiosity piqued.
"Our marriage is temporary," she reminded him firmly. "More precisely, only on paper. We are not like normal husbands and wives. Call me Bella, okay?"
"Huh!" Skyler scoffed, a haughty amusement flickering in his eyes. "Many women would jump at the chance to marry him, even if it's only on paper. And you, despite being legally his wife, don't want the title. Seems you think awfully highly of yourself. Anyway…"
He tossed the car key towards her, startling her with the sudden movement. She fumbled but managed to catch it. "I have some important things to do. Drive him home safely." He started to leave but then turned back, a sly look creeping onto his face. "You can drive, can't you?"
Indignation burned in Bella's chest. Who did he think he was? He was just an assistant, while she was Theodore's wife, even if only for a year. If she exercised her full rights, she could reprimand him for his disrespect.
"Skyler, watch your tone. I am your boss' wife."
"Took you long enough to admit it," Skyler countered with a mocking laugh. "Take your husband home then."
As he walked out of the private chamber, he had a sneaky smile. He could have easily driven Theodore himself, but his boss had specifically requested Bella. It intrigued Skyler.
Theodore, a man who seemed allergic to female company, suddenly wanted a woman around. Besides, Bella was different—she wasn't like those who eagerly threw themselves at Theodore, desperate to crawl on his bed, to be part of his world.
Inside the chamber…
Bella, still seething, turned her attention to Theodore. He was barely conscious, leaning heavily against the sofa. A deep sigh escaped her lips. "Do you get drunk often?" she murmured softly as she approached him. "Mr. Reid," she called out, gently prodding his arm.
Theodore groaned incoherently; his eyes barely open. "Isabella," he murmured wistfully. "You came."
Bella couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the sound of her name on his lips. His thick voice held a strange sweetness that touched her. "Yes, I'm here. Let me take you home."
She grasped his arm, hauling him up from the plush cushions. As they emerged from the club's dim interior, Theodore stumbled slightly, leaning heavily against her. His blurry gaze flickered down to Bella, slowly realizing that it was his wife who was by his side. Just a while ago, he had mistaken her for his savior, Isabella.
Despite his drunken state, Theodore felt strangely calm in Bella's presence. His usual aversion to being close to women seemed to melt away in her company. There was something different about her that intrigued him.
Perhaps it was time to let go of his idealized image of Isabella and accept the reality of his marriage to Bella.
Bella guided him towards the sleek car parked outside, carefully maneuvering him into the passenger seat. As she leaned forward to secure the seatbelt, Theodore reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him until their bodies were close, their eyes locking in a charged gaze.
Suddenly, Theodore's intoxication seemed to fade away, replaced by a sharp clarity in his eyes that held Bella captive. Her heart raced in her chest, nervousness mingling with an undeniable attraction.
"Mr. Reid!" She twisted her wrist, attempting to free herself from his grasp, but he only tightened his grip.
"Trying to get my attention," he grunted, his words slurred from the effects of alcohol.
Her initial nervousness soon gave way to irritation. "You are so full of yourself," she hissed. "Don't you ever consider what others are going through?"
With a determined jerk, Bella managed to break free from his grasp and slammed the car door shut. She marched around to the driver's side, slipped behind the wheel, and drove away with purpose.
A somber expression settled on Bella's face as she navigated the city, her eyes flitting between the road and the map app displayed on her phone. The once bustling cityscape faded away, replaced by opulent neighborhoods and sprawling estates. Finally, the car turned into a driveway, and a magnificent villa came into view.
Assisting Theodore out of the car, Bella led him inside. She surveyed the luxurious hall, her breath catching in her throat at the grandeur. The sheer opulence of the grand hall enthralled her. Marble floors gleamed, reflecting the intricate crystal chandeliers.
"Where is your room?" she asked, her gaze roaming around.
Theodore pointed lethargically towards the first floor. "There. Help me up the stairs."
Though he was inebriated, Theodore hadn't lost his awareness of his surroundings. He admired Bella's resilience and determination, sparking a curiosity within him to learn more about her.
As she guided him up the stairs, Theodore deliberately leaned against her, resting his head on her shoulder. He liked the smell of her perfume.
Bella felt a flush of awkwardness, but she didn't push him away. With careful steps, she led him to his bedroom and gently laid him down on the bed. She finally felt the weight lift from her shoulders.
"Good night, Mr. Reid. I'll take my leave."
But Theodore's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist firmly. "Hold on," he said, halting her movements. "It's late. Stay here tonight."
Bella hesitated, weighing her options. It was well past midnight, and finding a cab in this affluent neighborhood at this hour would be nearly impossible. It made sense to spend the night here.
"Okay," she relented, albeit reluctantly.
"Come and sleep here," Theodore instructed, gesturing towards the bed.
As soon as those words landed on her ears, Bella's eyes widened, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Here? With you?" she stammered, taken aback by the suggestion.
"Why not? We are married, and it's our wedding night," he replied, his gaze unwavering. He seemed surprisingly sober as if the effect of alcohol had vanished.
Bella felt her heart rate increase suddenly. 'Wedding night? What does he mean? Didn't he say he wasn't interested in sleeping with me?' she thought, confusion clouding her mind.
"I'll sleep in the guest room," Bella decided abruptly, pulling her hand back and making a swift exit.
Theodore's expression darkened, his mind swirling with questions. 'Why is she resisting?' he wondered, his thoughts drifting to the possibility of her having a boyfriend.
One name surfaced in the back of his mind – Zack, whom he had noticed was protective of her.
A scowl formed on his face. 'Does she like him?' he pondered. A twinge of jealousy, a feeling he had never experienced before, ignited within him.
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