Bella's POV
Ginny was still pacing when Dylan appeared.
"Sorry to interrupt, girls," he said. "I saw what happened. Bella… are you alright?"
He took my hands gently, like he was afraid I might disappear if he didn't.
"Yeah," I said. "I'm okay."
Ginny frowned. "Wait…Dylan, you saw what happened? How?"
"It's everywhere," he replied. "The school website, social media. The video's already gone viral."
I let out a dry laugh. "Guess the freak would finally learned a lesson. I mean..Rick, would finally learn a lesson." I mocked.
"Bella," Ginny said sharply. "This isn't funny."
"She's right," Dylan added quietly. "You're in trouble, whether you see it or not."
"Guys, relax," I said. "Nothing's going to happen to me."
I hesitated, then looked at Dylan. "I'm sorry about what happened. I didn't know he was going to do that."
"It's not your fault," he said immediately. Then he paused, like he was deciding something. "Bella, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," I said.
He took a breath. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Ginny made a small sound beside me. "Oh, this is getting interesting."
I looked at him. "Are you sure you wanna? I mean….why?"
"Yeah am sure," he said. "You're smart. You're kind. You know who you are. That's enough for me."
Ginny squeezed my hand lightly. "Say yes."
"Yes," I said.
Dylan didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, his hand still around my wrist, and kissed me.
------
The door to my room opened without a knock. I didn't bother turning around because only my mother would dare come in without a knock.
"Rick," my mother said calmly. "That video has gone viral. What were you thinking?"
I leaned back against my desk, arms crossed. "I know, Mom."
"You humiliated yourself. You humiliated
this family."
"I've already had it taken down." I said
She scoffed. "You can take a video down. You can't take back what people have already seen."
I turned to face her then. "I don't care about the video."
"I want the girl," I said. The words came out easily. "I want her."
My mother studied me closely. "You said that about Lucy. And before her, Mitch."
"This is different."
She sighed, rubbing her temple. "You always say that."
"No," I snapped. "You don't understand. This one looked at me like I was nothing. She touched me." My jaw tightened. "She hurt your son….in public."
"I want her, Mom," I said again, slower this time. "And I want her to regret what she did."
My mother's expression didn't change, but I saw the calculation behind her eyes.
"I had someone look into her," she said finally. "Bella Reyes, middle-class family. New money. Her parents recently opened a business. They borrowed heavily."
I straightened, listening closely.
"They used their house as collateral," she continued. "The loan matures at the end of this month."
I smiled. "So why are you telling me this?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Because," she said carefully, "if they fail to pay it back, they lose everything."
I pushed off the desk and walked closer to her. "Good."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're not thinking clearly."
"I'm thinking perfectly," I said. "Make sure they don't make the payment."
She hesitated. "Rick…"
"I don't care how you do it," I cut in. "I don't care what it costs… I want her."
My mother searched my face, as if trying to find doubt.
"I don't think you like her," she said quietly. "I think you want to punish her."
I laughed softly. "Maybe."
I stepped past her, opening the door. "But either way, she's mine now."
My mother didn't stop me.
And that told me everything I needed to know.
------
Bella's POV
I love Saturdays. I get to sleep all day and do absolutely nothing.
"No, you get to clean the house." Mom says, handing me the broom.
I groan and bury my face into my pillow. "Saturdays were invented for sleeping!"
"Dad!" I shout dramatically. "Mom is making me work on a Saturday!"
He laughs from the couch.
"Traitor." I muttered.
Then the doorbell rings.
"Honey," Mom says, glancing at me, "go open the door. And zip your dress properly."
I sigh and shuffle toward the door.
The moment I open the door, I freeze.
The woman standing outside looks like she stepped out of a luxury magazine.
A perfect posture, expensive perfume, dark sunglasses hiding her assessing eyes. Her cream-colored suit probably costs more than I could count. Power clings to her like a second skin.
"Excuse me," I say carefully. "Do I know you?"
She smiles."Of course you do, darling." She tries to step inside.
I block the doorway. "I'm sorry," I say firmly. "Who are you?"
She lowers her sunglasses slowly.
"I'm the owner of King's High College."
My stomach drops.
"The owner as in Mrs. Dawson, as in Rick's mother."
"Yes, you got that right."
"Oh," I say flatly. "So what do you want?"
Her eyebrow arches. "Won't you invite me in?"
I tilt my head. "Uhh, let me think about it….no"
She stares at me like I just insulted her bloodline. "You've got some nerve, girl."
"I know," I reply calmly. "Runs in the family. Don't think I'll let you come complain to my parents about me…"
Before she can respond, my mom shouts from behind me.
"Bella, who's at the door, is it dylan?" She asks, approaching the door.
"Who's Dylan?" Dad asks
"Oh, it's Bella's boyfriend." She turned to dad.
"Boyfriend? Bella has a boyfriend. Why am I just finding out."
"Sorry, it skipped my mind. I was gonna te….." She paused, shocked seeing Mrs Dawnson at our step.
"Mrs. Dawson?" Mom gasps. "I…I didn't know it was you. Please, come in."
She ushers her inside immediately.
"Great." I rolled my eyes.
Mrs. Dawson takes a seat like she owns the house. Crosses her legs elegantly.
"What can I offer you? A drink, water…."
"No need, I'm not gonna stay long anyways," she says.
"So, why are you even here?" I ask rudely.
"Bella….." Mom called out, giving me the look.
"Sorry mom." I forced out.
"I'm here for your daughter…."