YSABELLE
“What the fuck are you doing here?!” Ronan firmly shouted at me.
I was slightly surprised when he shouted, but still, my smile didn't disappear from my lips.
Good thing there aren't too many people around. If there are, it's pretty far from where we are.
“I came here just to bring you the invitation,” I answered calmly and showed him the invitation card I was carrying all along. “I thought… I thought you can't come in without it.”
His jaw clenched in rage. “Really? Is that really your reason? Don't make me a fool, Belle!” I saw how his veins almost erupted from his neck as his gaze darkened at me. “I'm not an idiot like you to believe your lame reasons! You came here to embarrass me!!”
My fingers tightly grasp the card as I'm trying to hold back the tears. I was nothing but a burden and a pest in his life.
I tried to reach his hand but he moved it away. “N-No, Ronan, it isn't like that–”
He suddenly grabbed my arm and took me to the corner where no one could see us or hear us. The way he grips his fingers tightly on my skin makes me wince in pain but I didn't complain.
“I have told you before and I will tell you again,” He said with gritted teeth. “I don't have any plans to shout to the whole world that you are my wife. I do not see you that way, Belle. I don't see you as my wife, so stop being delusional!” He scowled, and then he violently let go of my arm.
That line made my heart torn in pieces again.
How many times does my heart have to be broken before it gets tired? How many more times does my heart have to be torn into pieces before I realize that he won't love me back?
I don't know the answer to my own question. All I know is that my heart was in pain again because of Ronan.
He turned his back on me and was about to leave but I called him.
“Ronan…” He didn't look at me but he stopped in his trance. “I don't wish to be known by the whole world as your wife,” I took a step closer to him as I gazed at his broadened back. “I-I'm just wishing that you could recognize me as your wife. E-Even just a little, Ronan. Just a little.”
My hand trembled as I tried to reach his hand again but he slapped my hand away from his. I winced in pain as tears welled up in my eyes.
“Stop dreaming, Belle. It won't happen.”
He left without looking at me and went back to the blond woman. But this time, he's now wearing his smile while gazing at her.
I bit my lower lip as tears streamed down my face. It's so good to see him happy but sadly, I'm not the reason for his smile.
My tears won't back up even when I reach home and stare at the food and the gift I worked so hard to prepare today. My efforts are useless again. But I didn't regret that my efforts were wasted.
When I looked at the clock, I just cried out in pain. Ronan's birthday has passed, but sadly, it's my birthday. I couldn't feel anything but just pain on my special day.
But maybe… he will celebrate my birthday with me later.
I chuckled at my delusion as I brushed off the tears on my face. I really looked desperate and was still hoping that there was still a chance for both of us.
Ronan was right, I'm really delusional.
I covered the food on the table and put the rest in the fridge. I'll just heat it up later so it doesn't go to waste. So that all my efforts do not go to waste.
I hope Ronan remembers my birthday. It's alright if he didn't prepare any gift, I'm satisfied if he remembers my special day.
I hid in my room and didn't notice falling asleep on the couch, crying within my soul.
***
I woke up when I felt my stomach growl. I saw the sun glowing with the blue sky, while the clouds were so calm.
I shut my eyes and lean back on the couch. I don't have the energy to start my day. It's as if all of my energy was drained first thing in the morning. I couldn't even properly open my eyes.
I heard something loudly drop on the floor in Ronan's room.
Is he back? At least he came home.
With the hope that he would come home because he remembered my birthday, I rushed to his room with a little hope in my heart.
But my world shattered to see Ronan and the blond woman on his bed, naked.
YSABELLEMy whole body trembles as I stare at the woman who smirks as if enjoying someone seeing her naked. Or she's enjoying it because I'm the one who's seen them both.My swollen eyes welled up with tears… again.“Can't you knock?!”I flinched and awoke at Ronan’s shout, loud and firm.He was now wearing his trousers while the woman remained on the bed, having a good life. Isn't she ashamed of what she did? I was baffled by how brave she was for sleeping with a married man.“W-Why is she h-here?” My voice cracks as I try to get all the courage I have in my throat. “I'm sorry for not introducing myself first thing in the morning.” She smirks. “I'm Candice… Ronan's ex.” She said confidently.Ex? His ex? “She's going to live here… with my son.” He casually said as if he didn't care how I reacted to his actions and words.Tears streamed down painfully in my eyes as I replayed his words in my head.“Y-Your son?” I said almost a whisper.What son? Is she pregnant– I suddenly heard a cr
YSABELLE The sun was almost completely hidden by those towering skyscrapers when I arrived in New York. I let out a deep breath as I descended the stairs from my biological father's private airplane. I left the US five years ago, but I'm returning today because my father urged me to. I need to close a deal with a Russian in a US state. In order to avoid running into the people I vowed never to see again, I have to close the deal in one swift. Five years. Even though five years had passed, the pain was still lingering inside of me when I felt the breeze of New York. Enough, Ysabelle! Give up dwelling on the past! I chastised myself. This is what I hate the most about coming back here but I don't have any choice because of my father. I need to get over this as early as I can. On the day when I was divorced, my real parents showed up. After receiving a billion dollars from my biological parents, my adopted mother must be living a happy life now and left unnoticed. I'm now Ysabell
YSABELLE Those ocean-blue eyes darted into mine, making my heart pinch in pain. His painful words back then, five years ago, echoed in my head. ‘I DON’T FUCKING LOVE YOU!’ That was the most memorable and yet, painful one I've heard from him. Despite all the words he throws at me, slapping me on the reality that he doesn't love me was the hell part. Candice and his son were only the bonus pain he created that turned into a scar in my heart. My chest twisted in pain again as the back of my eyes started to warm. No! I shouldn't give him a hint that I'm weak, that I'm losing my composure every time I see him, that I'm still in pain despite those years passing swiftly. I turned to Mr. Ivanov to divert my attention. I saw how he suddenly felt uncomfortable with a fake smile. Does he not know that he's my ex-husband? “Uhmm, Ms. Cortez, I'm sorry to say but I'm actually having a meeting with Mr. Volkov.” Anger surges in me. “Then why did you agree tonight, Mr. Ivanov?” I don't w
YSABELLE As soon as I heard the door locked, I suddenly felt nervous because Ronan was the first thing I saw when I turned around. My throat became dry, my inside trembled in fury, and my legs were giving in. I immediately grabbed the railings of the stairs as I stepped back away from Ronan. His scent was invading my nostrils and I don't like this old feeling escalating inside my chest. “What the hell are you doing?!” I firmly scowled. “Reminding you to not go in my way.” He said with full composure. He didn't even flinch when I raised my voice. He didn't even feel remorseful after what he had done to me. He didn't even sound sorry after seeing me again. He looks calm and, as usual, full of himself. I scoffed as his words sank in my head. “You can't control me anymore, Ronan!” I pushed him with all my strength but he only took hold of my wrist. The moment I felt his warmth, slowly merging with mine, my heart began to thump violently. This is not good. “Hearing my name
YSABELLE Two days… Two days have passed since Ronan messed with my mind and heart again. And it's been two nights that I couldn't sleep and eat properly because of that jerk. He's really a trouble in my life and I wasted a lot of tears and energy because of his jokes. Chance? Was he asking for another chance? What about Candice and his son? Is he nuts or just playing tricks with me again? For what? For his own entertainment! “Damn you, Ronan!” I yelled at my reflection in the mirror with a wet face. I hate to say it but he's all I think for the past two days and night. He caused me another trouble at the very last minute. A knock on the door woke me up from torturing Ronan’s face in my head. I hope I can also do it in real life. “Ms. Cortez, the rescheduled meeting with Mr. Ivanov is 1 pm–” “Tell him I'm only free this morning.” I need to finish my task here swiftly. I need to get the deal before I encounter Ronan again. I didn't know New York was this small for both of us
RONAN “Get it done.” I ended the call, and rage was still lingering inside of my chest. If I didn't purposely drop my phone in her bag, I wouldn't know where she is and what she is up to. My hand curled into a fist as I remembered how Mr. Ivanov looked at her with those suspicious eyes. But this woman didn't have any sense that danger was right in front of her. Is she that eager to get Mr. Ivanov’s partnership? I looked carefully at the bruises on Belle's wrists. It's still red and has wounds from the nails of that bastard. My jaw clenched as rage resurfaces again. That fucking asshole touched my Belle. He has the guts after knowing she's my ex-wife. Messing with what belongs to me… will definitely meet hell. I just ruined his face and fed him all the drugs he was hiding in his drawer causing him to overdose and pass out. I really want to curse George Cortez for throwing his own daughter in this trap. I know that he knew what Mr. Ivanov’s real personality was. I'm not real
YSABELLE My head was still pounding when I sprinted to the ladies' room, but my heart went crazy when Ronan snatched my phone while Ash was calling. I felt so nervous as I stared at Ronan and the phone, praying that he wouldn't answer the call. Ash has indeed left me 16 missed calls. However, the call I was expecting was not on my list. Father didn't even call me once. Does he really know about Mr. Ivanov’s true intention? No… that couldn't be true. Ronan was just spouting nonsense. I groan in pain out of frustration. Ronan added to the pain in my head. Just then, I remember what happened in Mr. Ivanov’s hotel room. That bastard! He drugged and thought of raping me. My hand began to tremble in fear as that asshole's face flashed through my mind. I splashed my face with cold water and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Thankfully, I'm safe… I'm safe. That's what all matters. By the way, where's Paul? I dialed Paul's number but it only rings. I tidy up myself before l
YSABELLE I swallowed the lump in my throat as I turned to Ronan, who was frowning while gazing down at my hand, held by Connor tightly. What is he doing here? How did he find out I'm here? Jeez, this is making me crazy. Why am I so nervous? “Let her go.” Connor started and I could sense the arrogance in his tone. “Do not give me orders.” I cursed silently upon hearing Ronan’s cold tone. “I said let her go.” “I don't talk and accept commands from strangers.” “Stop it, you two,” I hissed. But none of them listen. “Are you challenging me?” “Coming from you? Why not?” I turned to Ronan, and rage was evident on his face. “Ronan, please. Just let me go.” I said calmly to avoid getting the attention of people around us. They are already giving us side eyes with both of these men holding my wrist tightly side by side. “No.” Ronan firmly responded. Connor scoffed. “Let my fiancée go.” I immediately shut my eyes as my heart raced back and forth. Hearing the word ‘fiancee’ fr