Chapter 11: Family Secrets
374 Words
****** Chapter 11: Family Secrets *****
As Sophie swept into the room, her gaze locked onto Bella.
"You must be the Thompson girl," Sophie said, her voice dripping venom.
Sophie's eyes raked over Bella's hospital gown.
"How quaint. Enzo's latest charity case. How pathetic," Sophie sneered.
"You're just a temporary distraction, a plaything for Enzo's guilt-ridden conscience."
Sophie's smile twisted.
"But let's be real, dear. You're not even in my league."
Sophie's gaze lingered on Bella's face.
"You're... passably pretty, I suppose. But next to me, you're dull."
Bella's face flushed.
Enzo stood, his eyes flashing warning.
"Sophie, that's enough," he growled.
Sophie's laughter echoed.
"Oh, Enzo, always so quick to defend the helpless."
Sophie's eyes locked onto Enzo.
"But you know I'm the one who truly understands you."
Sophie's voice dripped with possessiveness.
"We have a future together, Enzo. This... thing is just a fleeting obsession."
Bella's eyes narrowed.
"I'm not an obsession," Bella said, her voice steady.
Sophie's gaze snapped back to Bella.
"We'll see about that."
Enzo stepped forward.
"Sophie, leave. Now."
Sophie's gaze lingered on Bella.
"This isn't over."
With a swirl of her designer dress, Sophie exited.
Bella exhaled.
"Who is she?" Bella asked.
Enzo's expression darkened.
"My fiancée."
Bella's heart sank.
"I didn't know," Bella whispered.
Enzo's eyes locked onto hers.
"It doesn't matter."
But Bella saw the cracks in Enzo's facade.
Sophie's beauty was stunning, with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair.
Her slender figure was accentuated by a designer dress.
But despite her beauty, Sophie's aura was cold, calculating.
Next to Bella's radiant glow, Sophie's beauty seemed artificial.
As the door closed, Enzo's tension eased.
"Bella, I—"
Bella's hand on his arm stopped him.
"Tell me about Sophie," Bella said.
Enzo's jaw clenched.
"Sophie's family has ties to mine. Our engagement was arranged."
Bella's eyes widened.
"Arranged?"
Enzo nodded.
"It's a business deal, nothing more."
Bella's gaze searched his.
"What about love?"
Enzo's expression turned cold.
"Love's a luxury I can't afford."
Bella's heart ached.
But Enzo's eyes revealed a glimmer of truth.
He wasn't as convinced as he seemed.
As they stood there, the silence grew thicker.
Bella's thoughts swirled.
What secrets lay hidden?
And what would tomorrow bring?
Only time would tell.
- Writer
