Vanilla, Cream and Strawberries (Unedited copy)

Chapter 3 - Unedited

The last month had passed in a blur. The magazine was starting to take shape and Arabella felt proud to have produced something. The twins and herself had fell into an easy routine. She arrived at 8.30 every morning with star bucks for herself and the twins, they had a 30 minute briefing going over plans and work that day. At 1pm everyday they went for their hour and half lunch, the lunches were mainly business focused, but they shared a laugh although they never ever reminisced about the past, it was clear the twins had emotional reasons for leaving and as much as she was curious to know why they left and ignored her all those years ago, she was too scared to break the relationship they had formed in the last month. The twins made it clear that three times a week she had to have dinner at theirs and the other four days in the week were to be spent with themselves and clients. Chris has demanded it at lunch yesterday after she ordered a salad. She soon came to realise that work was as a much job as it was a lifestyle.

"Miss Wal.."

"How many times Daniel, my name is Arabella" She smirked

"Yes Miss Wa, I mean yes Arabella" He stood their looking at her like he expected to be issued a detention

"Was there something you needed?" She laugh

"Oh yes, erm a Mr Richards is in reception demanding to see you" She could feel her heart visibly drop

"Right" She said looking everywhere but at Daniel

"Arabella are you alright?" He asked concerned

"Oh yes. Is the boardroom free?" He nodded

"I'll set it up and take him in there" As Daniel shut her door, Arabella couldn't stop the cry that left her throat. How did he find her? She quickly busied herself by texting both Alex and Chris that she'll be late for lunch. She always texted or emailed both of them, because they shared everything she never wanted to leave one feeling left out. A habit she'd kept from their teenage days and they seemed to approve. She left her phone on her desk and made her way to boardroom. Craig was sat in the chair facing away from her, just the sight of the back of his head made her cringe. Oh god why didn't she just call security, but she ignored that thought, she never called security because she knew she'd have to tell the twins what happened.

"Would you like a drink or refreshment Mr Richards?" Daniel

"No, Mr Richards won't be staying long enough for you to make coffee" Arabella answered icily. Daniel took note of her tone and quickly retreated from the room. Smart boy. "What do you want Craig?" she demanded as she took her seat.

"Lets not treat each other like this Tinkerbelle"

"Don't fucking call me that" Her skin crawling at his use of her old pet name

"You know I'm sorry. I just want you back"

"We are over, finished, completely never ever going to get back together, your dead to me after what you did. Now get the fuck out of here before I have you physically removed" She stood up to leave but he grabbed her wrist

"Babe you don't mean that"

"I think you should take your hand of the lady before I do it for you." It was the first time in Arabella's life that Christian scared her. His menacing voice and the snarl on his face were enough to make her want to hide under the desk. Craig quickly dropped her wrist, maybe he wasn't as stupid as he looked

"Please Bell. we have to talk about this"

"I told you to leave me the fuck alone" Alexander came to stand by Christian, looking just as menacing.