The Hidden Heir

Chapter 6- Bella Hale

I turn around to see Aidan- I think-standing behind me.

“How did you know?” I swiftly ask, trying to grab his attention.

“I do my research.” He replies, grabbing an apple off the counter.

“I believe you need to go shopping today, God knows you need it” He adds, breaking the silence between us,

I can't help but glare at him

“Yea, well some people have worked just to make ends meet. Plus it's not all bad” I reply, staring down at my worn sweatpants and tank top. Thankfully I wasn't wearing my stupid bunny pajamas which I’ve had for the past 4 years. He stares me up and down, giving an almost disapproving nod. The tension in the air is so thick that you could cut it with a knife as he stares me up and down. The cook hands me my cereal as I walk to the dining room to eat breakfast. I’d typically eat in my room but I'm still unsure of the rules of this place. Aidan quietly comes and sits next to me, staring as he eats his breakfast. Zane and Liam cross by staring at Aidan.

“Aidan, you know we don't typically have breakfast here, right?” He says, glaring at me.

“I mean, what's the point of a dining room if you don't dine in it” I add.

“Typically” Aidan chimes, “We don't have dinner together or any meals” he adds.

My eyes darted between the three of them.

This time, Liam speaks up.

“Ella, things in this housework a certain way. We like the way they work, so please don't come in here changing that.”

He adds as they storm off.

Aidan gives me an almost apologetic look.

“Listen, they mean no harm, but they have a tendency to be a tad bit harsh.” He adds as he begins to get up.

He leaves and until that moment, I hadn’t realized how alone I had truly been. I finish off as much as I can and begin to head back into my room. It’s almost 11 as I start to shower and attempt to figure out something half decent. Around 12, my phone starts to ring. Scarlet decided to go to the mall early and wanted to meet me there.

“I’ve sent the driver darling” she says “He’ll be there in 5”

5 hours and hundreds of clothes later, I walk home with what seems almost 2 cars worth of clothes, shoes and accessories. Scarlet really can shop till she drops. I don't even know how she does it in 8 inch heels. She was bouncing on from one store to the next, asking me to try on what seemed like several thousand different outfits. I walk upstairs and start to put my clothes away. Just as I finish, Elizabeth calls me saying dinner is ready. I place both my legs through a new pair of gray sweatpants and a t-shirt as I walk down the stairs. The dining room has 14 pairs of eyes staring at me. Callum and Scarlet are holding hands.

“Bella, hope your shopping went well today. Scarlet was telling me how much fun you guys had” Callum says, glaring at my outfit choice up and down.

“Yes, I had a blast. Scarlet, thank you so, so much for taking me.” I answer as the maids bring out the food.

Callum's eyes lock to Zane and Liam's as he swallows the bite of food in his mouth, “So boys, What's the plan for the weekend?”

“I have to take the jet back to uni, the drive is simply too long.” Liam replies.

Callum locks eyes with Zane, who seems almost bored to answer.

“There’s a party at the Rivers' house tonight” He answers. “Mia is a very close friend of Brandon, and her older brother James is in my year.” He adds.

“Oh that's perfect, you should take Bella so she can meet her new classmates before school on Monday” Callum says. Just as Zane opens his mouth to speak Aiden interrupts adding “I don't think that this party is really Bella's scene, but we’d be happy to show her the ropes” Aidan says shooting Zane a look I couldn't completely decipher. The rest of dinner all the boys are silent, just glancing at each other from time to time.

“Ella” Zane calls.

“Make sure you dress nice, you never get a second chance at making a first impression” He adds as he walks away.

I dash up to my room, closing the door and seeing a closet full of clothes. I sort through, “what would they consider to be nice?” I think to myself. I finally pulled out a denim skirt with a small sunflower and an off the shoulder top. I pair it with a chain of sunflowers on my neck and gold loops. I pull my hair down, it still has some curl for a couple of days ago, so I pin it up slights. I apply mascara and some lip gloss, put on a pair of black wedges as I head downstairs. I see the 4 brothers wearing nothing but jeans and t-shirts as Zane attempts to control his laughter.

“Ahh yes, ready to meet the queen?” He giggles out sarcastically.

Aidan and the twins start to giggle.

I start looking left and right before directly looking at Zane,

“But… I uhhh… you said to dress nice” I stammer out trying to figure out if I can change or not as they slowly push me into the car.

Drats.