THE SECRET REMAINS WITH ME
1211 Words
BELLA’S POV
“Ma’am,” one of them said politely, “Mr. Lippert sent us to dress you.”
“Dress me?” I repeated in confusion, sitting up. “I don’t need an...”
Before I could even finish, they were already removing my clothes. One of them ran the water in
the bathtub, the others gently bathed me like I was some kind of royalty. I wanted to protest, but
I didn’t even have the strength to argue.
Once they finished, they dressed me in a soft silk dress,dark red, tight at the waist, and elegant.
They brushed my hair and applied light makeup. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I almost
didn’t recognize the woman staring back.
I looked beautiful.
But deep inside, I whispered to myself, I may look like a mafia princess… but I don’t feel like
one.
“Bella, are you ready?” came a familiar voice.
It was Mr. Lippert. He stood at the doorway, hands in his pockets, eyes slowly scanning over
me. He opened his mouth and said, “You look…”
But he didn’t finish.
“I look what?” I asked, meeting his gaze.
He cleared his throat and said, “Your father and sister are waiting in the sitting room. Let’s go.”
He stretched out his hand. I hesitated, then placed mine in his. As we walked through the long
hallway, I thought to myself, I have to be cruel. I have to make them believe this is what I want.
That this is my choice.
The moment I stepped into the sitting room and saw my father, David Thompson, he rushed to
me and wrapped me in a tight hug.
I didn’t return it.
“I’m going to marry Kent’s son, Daniel,” I said coldly. “We’re very much in love.”
Mila, my sister, looked at me with disbelief. “Bella, this isn’t you. Whatever this is, you don’t
have to do it. Please.”
I looked at her but didn’t say a word. Inside, I was screaming. But I do, Mila. I have to do this…
to save your life.
So instead, I smiled bitterly and said, “Look at me now. Look at what I’m wearing and look at
what you’re wearing. This is the life I deserve. I don’t want to be broke like you two. I belong
with the Lipperts now.”
Inside, I whispered, I’m sorry, Mila. I’m sorry, Dad. But I don’t have a choice.
“Bella,” my father said softly, almost pleading, “this isn’t you.”
I turned to him coldly and asked, “What will it take to get you both out of my life for good? Name
your price.”
“Bella,” he said, eyes filled with hurt. “You’re my daughter. Nothing will ever change that.”
That was when Mila stepped forward. Her face was red with rage and heartbreak.
“You’re dead to me,” she said, raising her hand to slap me.
But her hand never reached my face. Mr. Lippert stepped in and caught her wrist mid-air.
“Enough!” he snapped, his voice sharp like a blade. “She made her choice, okay? Both of you—
get out of my house.”
I stood there frozen, watching my sister and father walk away. My chest felt like it was splitting
in two.
I walked away from Kent and went back to my room.
The next day as I was sleeping.
I had a dream.
I was holding the blanket tightly, my body restless under the sheets. In the dream, I was with Mr.
Lippert Kent, his hands were on me, his lips trailing down my skin as he whispered my name
like a secret he wanted to keep forever. We were having s*x, wild, heated, and too real. I felt
everything, every kiss, every breath. My fingers clutched his back as he moved inside me, and
the sound of his deep moan echoed in my ears.
Then I woke up.
My heart was racing. My body was warm, and my legs tangled in the sheets. I sat up, confused
and flustered, breathing heavily.
“It was just a dream,” I whispered to myself, pressing my palm against my chest.
Needing something cold, I stood up and made my way to the kitchen. I opened the fridge,
grabbed a bottle of water, and turned around.
That’s when I saw Kent.
He was half-naked.
He stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. His back was muscular, his chest bare, and a few
tattoos peeked out from his waistband.
The dream flashed through my mind again, and I took a shaky step back, ready to walk out.
But his voice stopped me.
“No…have a seat, Bella.”
I froze.
“You must be hungry,” he continued calmly. “I made you a cappuccino. Here.”
He placed a mug on the counter and looked at me.
I didn’t know what to say, but I moved slowly and sat down at the kitchen stool.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I thought… since you're engaged
to Daniel now, maybe you'd want to wear this.”
He opened it. It was a ring. I stared at it, stunned. “Come on,” he said, reaching for my hand.
And I let him. He slipped the ring onto my finger so gently, his eyes not leaving mine.
“That’s fine,” he said, his voice low. “Wear it. And eat.”
I looked down at the food. My stomach was turning, but I picked up the fork and took a bite. He
stood across from me, watching.
“I’m glad you enjoy it,” he said. “I don’t want Don Alden thinking you’re getting anything less
than princess treatment while you’re here.”
I lowered my eyes and muttered, “This is almost as good as my father’s.”
“He’s not your father anymore,” Kent replied coldly.
That made me clench my jaw.
Then he added, with a smirk, “But if you’re missing that much, you can call me Daddy.”
I slammed my hand against the table. “f**k you!”
I stood up quickly to leave, but before I could get far, he grabbed my wrist. I tried to pull away,
but his hand held firm, and then, suddenly, he kissed me.
It wasn’t gentle.
It was rough, urgent, and filled with something dangerous.
Just as I tried to push him away, I heard the door creak open.
My heart dropped.
Standing at the entrance was Daniel.
And beside him... was Kent’s fiancée.
- Writer
