Unexpectedly His

Chapter Eight:An unexpected Visit

Chapter 8 : An unexpected Visit

Ken stepped out of the elevator, loosening his tie slightly as he headed towards his secretary's office. The long hours were beginning to weigh on him, but he knew he had to stay sharp. There was still so much to wrap up before his evening meeting. He pushed the door open with his usual briskness, expecting to see papers neatly stacked on his secretary's desk.

But what he saw instead stopped him right in his tracks.

“ Ah… Bella?” he blurted out, blinking twice as if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

Sitting gracefully in the visitors chair was not Lisa, but Bella, Lisa's close friend. She had her legs crossed neatly, her polished nails tapping lightly against her handbag. The smile on her face widened at his shocked expression.

Bella tilted her head slightly. “Ken , why are you surprised to see me here? She asked smoothly, rising to her feet.

Ken quickly tried to recover from his initial shock …”l…l wasn't expecting to see you,” he said, adjusting his wrist watch nervously. What are you doing here?”

“ I came to check up on you, of course.” Bella's voice carried a playful tune, as though she found his uneasiness amusing. “Where is Lisa?” Ken asked, checking his phone. “ Must Lisa always be the one to come around with me?” l was in the neighborhood, so l thought…why not drop by?”

Ken forced a polite smile, but deep down he was unsettled. Something about her sudden presence made him uncomfortable. He hadn't forgotten the way Bella often looked at him during group gatherings… her stares lingered too long…her compliments too heavy. He had brushed it off before, convincing himself it was harmless. But now, seeing her here, alone, unannounced,it felt different.

“ Well, it's…thoughtful of you,“ he said carefully, “ l really do appreciate your coming all the way. But unfortunately, l was just heading out. l had dinner l can't afford to miss”.

Bella's eyes sparkled with sudden excitement.” Oh! That sounds perfect. l would love to accompany you” she beamed, adjusting her hair like she had just been offered a golden chance. “ l can drive behind you if you don't want me in the same car. That way, l won't disturb your plans”.

Ken’s polite smile faltered. He raised his hand slightly, almost as if he was signaling to her to slow down.” No, Bella, it's not that type of dinner. It’s a business dinner…. Strictly official.

Bella shrugged, her tone light but her eyes telling a different story. “ Even if it's official, l don't mind. l promise I'll just sit quietly."

Ken sighed, realizing the conversation was going sideways. He straightened his shoulders, forming his tone. “ Bella, l said no. This is an official meeting not a casual hangout. l can't take you along. But I'll definitely call you later and make it up to you. “

The moment he said that, Bella's expression shifted. The brightness in her eyes dimmed slightly as she let out a small laugh that wasn't entirely cheerful.” Ken, do you know how many times you have told me that?” she said softly, almost like she was hurt. You always promise you will call or text, but you never do. Not once”.

Ken pressed his lips together, guilt flashing in his eyes. He rubbed the back of his neck, knowing she wasn't lying. “ I'm sorry about that. Things have been…. Complicated. But l give you my words, Bella. This time, l will reach out. l won't ignore you”.

For a moment, silence hung between them. Bella studied his face, searching his eyes for sincerity. Then she smiled faintly, though there was something unreadable in that smile. “ Alright then. I'll be waiting for that call. Don't disappoint me again, Ken.

She picked up her bag, her perfume trailing softly as she walked towards the door. Before stepping out, she glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes locking with his. “ Tell Lisa," l said hello, she added her tone, carrying a weight that made Ken's chest tighten.

He nodded quickly, not trusting himself to say more. “ l will."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Ken alone in the silence of the office. He exhaled deeply, sinking into his chair. He didn't understand why her visit unsettled him so much. Maybe it was because he could sense Bella's interest in him, and the last thing he wanted was to complicate things with Lisa . He had worked hard to earn Lisa's trust, to be there for her after the heartbreak she suffered. He couldn't let anyone…even Lisa's own close friend… shake that foundation.

But as Ken gathered his files for the dinner, his phone buzzed. He picked it up, expecting it to be his driver confirming the car was ready for the meeting.

it wasn't.

The message on the screen made his stomach drop.

“ Ken, l need to see you tonight. It's urgent. Don't tell Lisa.”

The sender: Bella.

Ken's grip tightened around the phone, his heartbeat quickening. He glanced at the clock, then at the door, then back to the message. He didn't know what game Bella was playing, but one thing was clear…this wasn't over.

And he had a sinking feeling it was about to get much worse.

Ken slipped the phone into his pocket without replying. He couldn't…not yet. His thoughts were spiraling, colliding with questions he didn't have answers to. What exactly did Bella want?

He stepped out into the elevator lobby, his reflection catching in the mirrored wall. The man staring back at him looked composed on the outside…crisp shirt, sharp jawline, steady gaze. But underneath, he felt like a wire pulled too tight, seconds from snapping.

A part of him wanted to come clean to Lisa…to tell her about Bella's visit, the message, everything. But another part, the more cautious one, knows it could backfire. Lisa was just starting to feel safe again. Trust was fragile, and if Bella really did know something it could shatter everything.

As the elevator doors opened, Ken exhaled slowly and stepped inside. Tonight, he’d keep his focus. One step at a time. One lie avoided. One .

But deep down, he knew the storm Bella was brewing wouldn't pass quickly.

etly.

And the next time she comes around…she might not knock.