Bella's POVI took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest as I listened to their conversation. Soon I heard footsteps approaching so I went back to the kitchen, stylishly peeping at the door.Just like I suspected, Selena walked out of the room, a confident smile on her face. In her thoughts, she already has a plan to get Michael away from me. But how would that help them in securing the Alpha throne? Wouldn't it be pushing me to Alpha Max instead? What is their plan exactly?Just as I was lost trying to decipher the motive behind my father and Selena's actions, Dessa called my attention to something."Bella, look. The double-edged sword is coming," she announced, referring to Michael, who stormed out of Jessica's guest receiving room with a frown and a phone in his ear.Didn't he go home with his parents earlier? I couldn't help but think. Why did he come here again? It seemed the phone call couldn't connect so he groaned in frustration. He looked left, then right and I could see
Bella's POVI watched in the shadows as Michael's footsteps grew nearer, panic gnawing at my insides. I couldn't let him discover me eavesdropping on his conversation with Selena, especially after what I just learned.His voice was closer now, and I could hear the faint rustling of leaves as he approached. My heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced for an escape plan, but there was nowhere to hide."Who's there?" Michael's voice sliced through the still night air, sending a shiver down my spine. I remained silent, hoping against hope that he wouldn't find me.His footsteps halted just a few feet away from me. I could feel his presence, his scent, and I knew that any sudden movement could give me away. My fingers trembled, clutching my phone tightly, praying it didn't ring or vibrate again.Seconds passed like hours, the tension in the air was almost unbearable. I prayed that he would give up and move on, but my luck seemed to be running out.Then, with an exasperated sigh, Michae
Bella's POV "Where's Selena?" I stylishly asked her maids and once they confirmed she wasn't around, I made my way to Selena's room. The morning sun was starting to cast its gentle glow upon the palace, but the corridors were still mostly empty. I had to seize this opportunity before Selena returned and possibly discovered my intentions.As I reached Selena's door, I paused for a moment, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. The gravity of my mission weighed on me, but I knew I had to find out what was hidden inside that envelope. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves, looked left then right, and then I gently turned the doorknob.The door creaked open, and I slipped into Selena's room, closing it quietly behind me. My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the brown envelope. It didn't take long to spot it, resting on a small, ornate desk by the window. It seemed Selena hadn't yet had the chance to hide it away. Or maybe she planned on giving it to Michael today.I ap
Bella's P As they entered, they looked around for a moment. Suddenly, one of the men spoke in a hushed tone, "Is it ready?" Another voice, deeper and more authoritative, replied, "Yes, it's time. Let's release the gas and get out of here." Gas? My heart pounded even faster as I realized the danger I was in. They were planning to release some kind of gas in Alpha Max's room, and I was trapped inside! Frantic thoughts raced through my mind. I needed to escape before they released the gas, but I couldn't risk making a sound. My only chance was to wait until they left and then find a way out. Minutes felt like hours as I crouched in the dark, listening to their muffled conversation and the faint sound of their movements. Finally, I heard the door open and then close. They were gone. I couldn't waste any more time. I had to get out of there before the gas spread. With trembling hands, I covered my nose and mouth then I carefully cracked open the door and peered out into the corridor.
Bella's POV I stared at Selena in surprise as she stormed into my room. Her face was flushed with anger, and she looked like she was on the verge of exploding. I had never seen her like this before, and it sent a shiver down my spine. "What's going on, Selena?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite my own confusion and unease. She didn't waste any time. Her eyes bore into mine as she said, "Bella, we need to talk about your marriage with Michael." I furrowed my brow, not sure where this was coming from. "What about it?" Selena took a deep breath as if preparing herself for what she was about to say. "I have proof, Bella. Proof that you have been unfaithful to Michael." My heart sank at her words. "Me? What proof do you have?" Selena reached into her purse and pulled out a small envelope. She gave me a picture and I turned it around with trembling hands. My eyes widened in shock as I saw the image captured in the photo. It was a picture of Alpha Max and me, standing cl
Bella's POV "Dad, this is Jessica. She's going to help us in taking Bella and Michael apart." Selena informed her father after a nudge from Jessica. "Why? Why is she helping us? What's in it for her?" he asked. "Because of Bella. She lost Alpha Max so she wants to see Bella suffer. I told her Bella would get married to someone else. That way, Alpha Max can't get her either." Selena answered. "Then why are we here?" "She has some questions to ask and I felt it'd be better to answer them so we can get rid of Bella faster." "Yes, Beta Desmond. I just need the truth so I'll know what to do to help. But if you don't trust me, I'll take my resources and leave," Jessica added, pouring herself a drink. The Beta still didn't say anything so Jessica turned around to leave but Selena stopped her. "No wait! We'll tell you our part of the truth!" Selena answered Jessica and my racing heart calmed down a bit. "Isabella is Alpha Callum's daughter!" "Wait what?" Jessica shouted, shocked. "
Bella's POV The whole room fell into silence once more and Alpha Callum cleared his throat. "If you aren't as dumb as me, you should know the person who switched you at birth would try to cover his tracks!" With that he stormed out of the hall, leaving all eyes on Beta Desmond."Why are you staring at me? Yes, the lady died because she couldn't keep her mouth shut. If you all love yourself, you'll keep that secret within the family unless all of us are going down!"With anger in his eyes, he stormed out of the room with Selena and his wife by his side and the tension remained thick in the air. Alpha Max, Luna Irene, and I were left standing there, still in shock from the revelations that just unfolded. My emotions were a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt. I couldn't believe that my own father admitted it all and didn't even feel bad for one second.I couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down my cheeks as I sank to the floor, my knees giving way. I sobbed uncontr
Alpha Max's POVMy mind raced as I sat in the sleek black car, waiting for Bella to join me. Her absence was concerning, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The minutes ticked by, and anxiety gnawed at me like a relentless beast.Unable to contain my worry any longer, I decided to step out of the car and go back into the palace to find Bella. I promised to protect her, and I wasn't about to let anything happen to her now.As I entered the palace, a chilling silence greeted me. The tension that had permeated the hall earlier had intensified, giving the entire place an eerie aura. I moved swiftly through the corridors, calling Bella's name, but there was no response. I went to her room but there was no one there either.I made my way back to the halls, my voice echoing through the empty space, "Bella! Where are you?"No one was in sight, and the hall felt desolate, devoid of life. Panic began to claw at my chest, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was