The Devil’s Bèlle

Sentimental music played softly in the background. Celine sat before the dressing mirror, her gaze locked, her legs crossed gently as she watched the makeup artist apply the final touches. She looked like a billion-dollar gem. Her wine-colored robe rested loosely around her, while the soft fur brushed against her shoulders. A faint shimmer of body oil caught the dressing-room lights against her skin.Beautiful.Perfect. The door opened. Raphael walked in. “Bèlle, darling.”His eyes travelled over her with satisfaction.“Beautiful as ever.” He turned toward one of the attendants. “Get my Bèlle a shot of whisky. Tonight is going to be a special one.” He leaned closer to her ear.“Don’t do anything funny. I see everything.” His voice dropped.“We have important guests tonight.” He walked out with a wolfish smile. Celine turned pale. Her fingers tightened around the microphone resting in her lap. “Mom… how long do I have to do this?” Her eyes closed.“Wish me luck.” she whispered under her breath She reached for the whisky sitting before her and swallowed the shot. Then she stood. For a moment, she faced the mirror. Celine looked simple. Quiet. Almost free. While Bèlle stood Glamorous. Desired. Trapped. Two women stared back at her from the same reflection. Neither of them was free. She loosened her robe as she had to walk stylishly to the performance floor. Bèlle stepped onto the stage in a sleek black performance outfit designed to move with her body as she danced around the pole. The fitted bodice shimmered subtly beneath the golden stage lights, while delicate straps framed her shoulders and back. A short, layered black skirt completed the look, catching the light whenever she turned. Her legs were finished with sheer black stockings and elegant black stiletto heels, their thin straps wrapping neatly around her ankles. A slim flesh-toned headset curved neatly around her ear, with a tiny microphone extending toward the corner of her mouth. It left both her hands free for her performance, allowing her voice to remain clear as she moved around the pole. By the time the performance ended, Raphael was already back in his office, on the phone with one of his mafia clients. He sat backwards on a large black leather chair with a high back and polished brass details. It was less like an ordinary office chair and more like a throne. Raphael rarely left it when dealing with clients; he preferred to sit behind his desk and make people come to him. From there, he could see the entire room and decide who was allowed to speak, sit, or leave. Celine barged into the office and dropped her purse onto the chair. “Father, we need to talk” Her eyes teared up and her hands were shivering. Raphael twirled his chair towards her. “Bèlle, darling. What is it this time? Could it be later? I'm on an important call” Celine shrugged her shoulders and locked an intriguing gaze at him.”Really, Father!” “How dare you” he hung up his call. Moves to Celine and hauled her by the arm. ” What did you just say “. His facial muscles looked aggressive. “Huh” Celine swallowed. “Forgive my manners Mr Laurent “ she said, quirking at him. Celine was sarcastic despite being afraid of Raphael." Father, I can't continue being your s*x toy. You've turned me into an ambassador for your empire. I am Celine Laurent, your daughter— not your tool for wealth. You deprived me of the right to call you father. Let the world know of your evil deeds”. Her voice got deeper “Mr Raphael Laurent.” Before she could finish, her cheek was covered with Raphael's fingers heavily resting on her face. “You don't disrespect me Bèlle don't expect any fatherly duties from me right here, now, and In this this Grand Etoile I am Mr Laurent you lord and master, what gave you the audacity you ingrate you have everything money could buy—designer clothes, expensive furniture, a private dressing room” “But I can't walk beyond those gates without your permission and Bèlle is what you created “ She looked stern at Raphael, she whisked. picked up her purse, heading towards the exit. The office was momentarily silent Celine turned her head, still leaning her hand on the handle of the door. Raphael cleared his throat “Room 208 you know what to do don't keep my clients waiting” She winced at him and slammed the door. Gritting her chin, she headed towards her room. The elevator door opened. He walked out with his hands in his pockets. He took two steps forward before colliding with Celine. Her purse dropped and her things fell out including her childhood microphone she rushed to pick it up, the two hefty men tried assisting her. She felt a churn in her stomach when her eyes met his steel-gray eyes, cold and unreadable beneath neatly styled jet-black hair. He was tall—far taller than she expected—and dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, with two heavily built men following close behind him. ” I'm so- so-ry” her voice went hoarse “Watch it young lady, keep your carelessness together” He chided her. Adjusted his tie and headed in his direction. But I said I was sorry. Why is he being such an asshole? She slammed her door, threw herself on the bed, and stared at the ceiling [sighs heavily ]“Room 208” she repeated like a chant. A knock echoed on Raphael's door. ”What do you want, Belle!” The door opens. Raphael gurgles “Diavolo what a surprise” he stutters “You were expecting someone, “ Diavolo smirked at Raphael. His eyes wandered about the office as he took his seat. Then he set his eyes on a picture frame of Celine observing the picture with the same careless woman he bumped into earlier. “She's Bèlle, our top s*x worker, she's exclusive you know and she does it right , in fact she's the face of this Hotel. She’s a bad girl” he laughs “I want her this night “ “Sure, I'll do that right away” he picks up his phone and puts a call through. Celine about going to room 208 turns to the phone ringing “Have I not had enough of this man” she groans. “To the presidential suite now. Floor 21” Raphael hung up before Celine could say a word. ”Ohh no! Not the presidential suite “ Celine's legs weakened, electric shivers down her spine. He turned towards Ethan “You are going to love her” He said smiling like he just won a jackpot, Daivolo is among his top-feared and respected clients, booking for Celine is an advantage to Raphael.