Bella and the Beast

4

Bella’s POV

“I… I am not interested,” I stuttered, my throat tightening. My pulse roared in my ears as I pushed back my chair. I might have a pathetic life, but I didn’t want to lose it.

He looked up, his dark eyes locking onto mine with unnerving precision. “Sit down, Bella.”

His voice was quiet, calm even, but it carried a weight that made my legs turn to jelly. I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay strong, but before I knew it, I had sunk back into my seat, my body betraying me.

“Don’t force me,” I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice.

He exhaled slowly, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin before adjusting his posture. “You should hear my offer first before you decide.”

A cold laugh escaped my lips. “There’s nothing you can offer me that I would want,” I shot back, lifting my chin defiantly.

His expression remained unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes—amusement? Annoyance? I couldn’t tell.

“The thing is, this marriage is happening whether you like it or not,” he said, his voice infuriatingly composed. “Your father already made an agreement with my grandfather. This is me just trying to get you to cooperate like a sensible person.”

The certainty in his voice left no room for argument, and that terrified me more than anything else. My nails dug into my palms as I leaned back, my mind racing for an escape.

“I am not some possession that can be traded,” I hissed, anger bubbling beneath my fear.

He smiled then—slow, almost predatory. With a measured movement, he pushed a document across the table toward me. I hadn’t even noticed it lying there.

“Read it and sign it.”

Skeptically, I pulled the document toward me, flipping through the pages. My heart pounded harder with every word.

“What is this?” I asked, my voice uneven.

“A contract outlining the terms of our marriage.” His tone was casual, but there was something in the way he watched me—like he was waiting for my reaction. “You see, I didn’t want to get married either, but I have to. This is a marriage of convenience. I have no use for you, but my grandfather does. If you agree to the terms, you’ll see that I’m offering you freedom and a sense of security.”

Freedom? Security? Was he serious?

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the edge of the paper. There had to be a loophole, a way out of this.

He rose from his chair, adjusting his cufflinks as if this conversation was nothing more than a routine business deal. “I will be expecting your response before the end of the day. And Bella,” he paused, his gaze locking onto mine, “don’t try to run away. Unlike your father, my grandfather will find you in the blink of an eye.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

“Is that a threat?” I asked, my voice sharper than before.

He chuckled, stretching out his hand as if expecting me to shake it. “I don’t think we introduced ourselves properly. I’m Massimo Alessio.” His voice was smooth, deliberate.

I stared at his outstretched hand as if it were a viper waiting to strike. Then it hit me. That name. My breath caught in my throat.

Alessio Industries. One of the most influential companies in the country. The elusive owner who barely appeared in public, shrouded in mystery and power.

Never in my worst nightmares did I think I’d meet him like this—trapped in a deal I never agreed to.

I looked away, rejecting his hand.

He smiled, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Very well, Bella. I will be waiting for your response.”

And then he was gone.

The moment the door shut behind him, I sucked in a shaky breath, my entire body trembling. My hands clenched around the contract, my vision blurring as I stared at the words on the page.

What had my father done?

I turned back to the contract, hestiant to open it but i needed to know the hellish nightmare i was getting myself into so i flipped it open.

The words blurred together at first, but I forced myself to focus.

One year.

Clause 1: The marriage between Massimo Alesssio and Isabella De Luca is legally binding for a period of one year upon fullfilment of all added requirements.

What added requirements?

Clause 2: Both parties will maintain their independence and personal affairs; however, public appearances will be made as a united front.

So this really was just for show.

Clause 3: Failure to comply with the terms of this agreement will result in direct intervention from the Alessio family.

I swallowed hard. I didn’t like the sound of that. Direct intervention? What did that even mean?

My fingers trembled as I flipped to the last page, and that’s when I saw it—the part that sent ice through my veins.

Clause 7: The bride forfeits all ties to her family for the duration of this contract.

I let out a shaky breath, my vision tunneling.

So, it wasn’t just a marriage of convenience. It was exile.

The door creaked open suddenly, and I jumped, nearly knocking over my glass of water.

“Miss De Luca,” a voice called.

I whipped my head around to find a tall man in a suit standing at the door. He was older, his expression unreadable, and his tone was crisp, leaving no room for argument. His aura felt strangely familiar—similar to Massimo’s, but fainter.

“Yes?” I forced out, trying to mask my nervousness.

“My boss has ordered me to take you home,” the brooding man said smoothly. “Your father has already been informed.”

Without a word, I stood. The guard waited until I stepped out before following—uncomfortably close. I knew why. Everyone still saw me as the girl who had once craved freedom so desperately that she ran away from home. And I could never forget that night—sprinting through the field near my house, the rush of relief, the weight lifting off my shoulders.

Abruptly, I stopped in my tracks and turned to face the man. “Take me to your boss. I’ve made my decision.”