In his private study, Dominic paced, his thoughts racing. Bella's questions about the artifacts seemed too calculated to be mere curiosity. Could her father have sent her to steal something? The dagger alone was priceless, and in the wrong hands, it could be sold for millions.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Angelo. "I want tighter surveillance on Bella," he ordered. "I need to know her every move."
Angelo didn't question him. "Understood, boss."
Dominic hung up, his jaw clenched. If Bella thought she could deceive him, she was mistaken. He would uncover the truth no matter what it took.
The morning light streamed through the mansion's floor-to-ceiling windows as Bella nervously approached Dominic's study. She'd been debating all morning whether to ask him for permission to go out, and the thought of facing his icy stare wasn't particularly inviting. But she needed clothes most of her belongings had been left behind when she was rushed into this new life.
Taking a deep breath, Bella knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," came his curt reply.
She stepped inside to find Dominic seated at his desk, papers and ledgers spread before him. His sharp features were illuminated by the sunlight, making him look more commanding than ever. He didn't glance up as she entered, his focus still on his work.
"I need to ask for something," Bella began, her voice hesitant.
Dominic finally looked up, his dark eyes piercing. "What is it?"
"I… I need to go shopping," she said quickly, clasping her hands nervously in front of her. "I didn't bring many clothes with me, and I don't have enough for day-to-day wear."
For a moment, Dominic didn't reply. His gaze lingered on her, as if trying to gauge her intentions. Then, without a word, he opened a drawer and pulled out a sleek black card, placing it on the desk in front of her.
"Take it," he said simply.
Bella hesitated, staring at the card. It was undoubtedly unlimited, the kind of thing that could buy an entire wardrobe in one swipe. But the idea of using his money made her uncomfortable. She shook her head.
"No, thank you. I have some money of my own," she said softly, stepping back.
Dominic's brow furrowed slightly, confusion flashing across his face. He'd assumed this was a ploy, an excuse to get access to his wealth. Her refusal didn't fit the narrative he'd built in his mind.
"Suit yourself," he said after a moment, leaning back in his chair. "You can go, but take someone with you."
Bella nodded, grateful for his permission. She left the study feeling relieved, though the intensity of his gaze lingered in her mind.
---
As Bella wandered through the boutique-lined streets of the city, she felt a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in days. Dominic's right-hand man, Angelo, trailed discreetly behind her, his watchful eyes ensuring her safety or, more likely, keeping tabs on her every move.
Bella browsed through racks of dresses, skirts, and blouses, carefully picking out items that suited her taste. She wasn't one for extravagance, opting for simple yet elegant pieces.
She was examining a light summer dress when a familiar voice cut through the air like a knife.
"Well, if it isn't little Bella."
Bella turned to see Clara, one of her high school classmates, standing a few feet away. Clara's sneering smile and overly dramatic posture brought back unpleasant memories. Clara had always been the queen bee of their school, and her favorite pastime had been making Bella's life miserable.
"What are you doing here?" Clara asked, her tone dripping with condescension. "This doesn't seem like your kind of place."
Bella straightened her back, refusing to be intimidated. "I'm shopping, Clara. Just like you."
Clara let out a laugh, loud and mocking. "Shopping? Please. You couldn't afford anything here if you tried. Did you finally snag yourself a sugar daddy?"
Bella's cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. "That's none of your business."
Clara's boyfriend, a tall, muscular man, approached from behind her, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He offered Bella an apologetic smile, but Clara wasn't done.
"Don't act so high and mighty," Clara snapped. "What are you even doing in a place like this? Did you think you'd just magically fit in?"
Bella ignored her, turning back to the rack of clothes. Clara, however, wasn't one to let things go. She stepped forward and shoved Bella's shoulder.
Caught off guard, Bella staggered backward. Before she could fall, Clara's boyfriend reached out and steadied her, his hands gentle on her arms.
"Careful," he said softly, looking genuinely concerned.
That small act of kindness was enough to send Clara into a full-blown rage. She stormed forward and slapped Bella hard across the face, the sound echoing through the boutique.
"You think you can flirt with my boyfriend?!" Clara screamed.
Bella's cheek stung, and her heart raced, but she refused to back down. Before Angelo, who had stepped closer, could intervene, Bella raised her hand and slapped Clara right back.
The force of the slap left Clara stunned, her mouth agape as she clutched her reddening cheek.
"I don't need your boyfriend," Bella said sharply, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her. "I have a perfect husband."
The room fell silent. Angelo, who had been about to step in, froze in his tracks. Her words echoed in his mind, and for a moment, he found himself staring at her in awe. Bella's calm confidence, the way she defended herself, and her claim about Dominic it was as if she belonged to their world already.
Clara sputtered, unable to form a coherent response. Her boyfriend stepped between them, holding Clara back before she could escalate the situation further.
"Let's just go," he said firmly, dragging Clara toward the exit. She shot Bella one last venomous glare before disappearing out the door