Ch-4.Mystery Caller
1604 Words
Felix stepped up to the front as all eyes turned to him in stunned surprise after Bella announced his name; the room was plunged in silence following the sound of jaws collectively hitting the floor.
Trying to gather his thoughts, he spoke carefully.
“It’s a surprise to see you here, Miss. Bradshaw. How can I help you?”
Before he could say more, Bella gave a faint smile, raising a perfectly arched brow. “Won’t you invite me inside?”
Julia quickly intervened without giving Felix a chance to reply, her tone welcoming and warm.
“Of course, dear! Please come inside, excuse the mess…”
Bella gave a tight smile, stepping into the small living room gracefully. She glanced around the room, her gaze briefly landing on the dining table, where Madison and Lily sat, gawking at her like she had just arrived there from another planet.
Then, her eyes settled firmly on Felix.
“I see you were in the middle of hosting, and I’m sorry for interrupting.”
She gestured for Morgan to bring the gifts inside, who followed her orders and set them down on the wooden table placed in the middle of the living room.
Felix frowned, giving her a quizzical glance which Bella smoothly ignored as she continued.
“I wasn’t planning to stay long, I actually just dropped by to thank you properly.”
Felix shuffled on his feet, clearly feeling uncomfortable.
"Miss Bradshaw, I already told you that I don't need anything in return. So why did you go through the trouble of bringing all of this stuff here—”
Bella cut in, stepping forward as she extended a black key fob towards him.
“I never said I'm doing it because you are in need, Mr. Renado! But I haven’t forgotten my manners, either. I have always been taught to return a favor as soon as possible.”
Felix’s eyes dropped to the key fob– which was engraved with the letter ‘M’ written in silver– then snapped back to Bella’s face, his mind going completely blank for a second.
“You… you bought me a car?!”
“These are the keys to a McLaren, and I hope you like what I have chosen for you.”
Bella answered without any hesitation, but Felix was completely taken aback. Just this car alone was worth millions, not to mention the other expensive gifts that were now sitting on his table right now. It was beyond over-the-top, but he knew exactly what he had to do.
“I can’t accept this.”
He said firmly, taking a step back as he refused to take the keys.
“I didn’t help you for this reason, in fact, I didn’t even do anything special. Any decent person would’ve done the same thing if they saw a girl in that situation, so please! You don't owe me anything just because I was at the right place at the right time.”
Bella’s gaze softened, though she didn’t lower her hand.
"Are you sure? Is there no way I can persuade you to accept these?”
"I’m afraid not."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Bella’s features, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. She withdrew the keys and nodded calmly, slipping the keys back into her purse.
"Alright then. But remember, if you ever change your mind, or if you need anything, I am always available.”
With that, she adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder and, without waiting for another word, turned on her heel and walked out with style.
And just like that, she was gone; her assistant hurrying out in tow while adjusting the gifts into her arms once again.
Felix sighed, still in disbelief over the fact that Arabella had been standing in his living room until a few seconds ago…
But what Felix didn’t know was that Morgan, who was standing quietly behind him, had already started recording the entire exchange on her phone.
She got into the car, and before starting the engine, discreetly sent the video to Bella’s grandfather.
At that very moment, Remus Bradshaw was sitting at the dinner table, cutting into a perfectly grilled steak when his phone pinged with a chime.
It was a special notification set he had set to receive alerts about his beloved granddaughter, Bella. And after giving her a warning and having displayed his anger that afternoon, Remus was quite curious to know what she was up to.
He paused, setting down his silverware with a soft clink, and picked up his phone. Opening the message from Morgan, he clicked on the attachment.
Within seconds, the footage began playing on the screen, and it didn't take long for Remus to recognize the same voice he had overheard on the phone earlier.
Although Felix’s face wasn’t visible, his refusal of Bella's lavish gifts was enough to hold his attention. Especially the way he was standing firm on his decision while remaining completely polite and respectful– without raising his voice even once.
Something about the sincerity behind his words had left Remus impressed by the young man’s character.
*
Early the next morning, Felix was in the middle of his usual morning run when his phone buzzed unexpectedly.
He slowed his pace, wondering who could be calling him at 6 a.m, when most of the people he knew were sound asleep. He fished his phone out of his pocket, only to find an incoming call from a private number.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he answered, still slightly out of breath.
"Hello?"
“Am I speaking to Felix Renado?"
"Yes, you are. Who's this?"
The voice on the other end was sharp.
“I am Remus Bradshaw."
Felix’s eyes widened in disbelief. Remus Bradshaw? This name was that of a Titan in the business world– then why would a man like that be calling him, at this hour of the day?
His mind raced with possibilities, none of which made any sense in this world. What could such a wealthy, influential man possibly want from him?
“What can I do for you, Mr. Bradshaw?"
Remus directed him without wasting any time on pleasantries.
"I want you to bring your identification and meet me at City Hall. Be there by 9:30."
Felix hesitated.
"May I know what this is about?"
"You’ll find out soon enough, just don't be late.”
Caught off guard, Felix hesitated for a second before agreeing.
"Alright, I'll be there.”
Without waiting for further questions, the line went dead while Felix stared at his phone in disbelief. The entire conversation had been so odd and out of the blue, that he wasn’t sure how to react!
Felix tucked his phone back into his pocket and resumed his run, thinking about whether or not he should comply, on the entire way back.
At the end, Felix decided to visit the courthouse out of curiosity and called in to take a leave from his shift that morning.
He stepped out of the taxi in front of the City Hall, ten minutes before time and scanned the area, expecting to see someone who looked like Remus Bradshaw, or perhaps one of his men—a formally dressed figure, waiting to escort him into a room for a serious discussion of some sort.
But there was nothing like that– the plaza was nearly empty, since it was so early in the morning. The few people who were present there, were already walking in different directions with a sense of purpose and urgency.
Eventually, his wandering gaze caught on a familiar face.
Arabella…
She was wearing a cream colored dress that reached just below her knees. The fitted dress had a V-neckline and dramatically flared sleeves that made her look even more delicate and elegant than she already was.
Her hair was styled into a half-up, half-down look; the soft brown curls fell over her shoulders, looking almost honey- golden in the sunlight. Her long pearl earrings framed her face perfectly, making her look like a vision gracing the earth.
Felix couldn’t help but notice how refined and graceful she looked– even when she was doing nothing apart from standing there quietly, with a baguette bag tucked neatly under her arm and a file in hand.
She seemed deep in thought, her gaze fixed somewhere far away, but Felix was completely spellbound by her presence.
He was unable to see or hear anything else for a few moments, before he finally shook his head, breaking free from the trance.
Why was he here again?
Oh yes, Remus Bradshaw. Her grandfather had called him a few hours ago!
With this thought, he looked around the compound once again, but there was still no sign of Mr. Bradshaw or anyone sent by him. Were they running late?
After a beat, he decided to approach her. She also seemed like she was waiting for someone, and it wouldn't hurt to say hi, right? Maybe, she might even have a clue about why her grandfather had called him there, and if she didn't, they would still pass the time through chit-chat.
A part of him pointed out that it was too much of a coincidence for her to be here just by chance, but he dismissed that thought, approaching Bella as he straightened his jacket.
“Hey. Are you waiting for someone?"
She turned her head, her expression unreadable as her eyes flickered with recognition. She then spoke in her usual straightforward tone,
"Yes, you. We’re about to get married."
- Writer
