Decades

Chapter 4

Bella's POV

Thankfully, my parents have decided to invite our guests in person, send the messages themselves for the engagement. They have not been at home much the past few days. It has given me time to think in private without their watchful eyes.

I must marry Leo. There is no getting around that. But there is something else that I can do that will technically be abiding by my families' requests, but also ruining whatever plan they have. I am an adult. I have my own money that I have saved up from allowances over the years. I can purchase whatever I want and fool my parents. But I know I must be careful with this. It cannot be me that purchases this for myself.

"Where to, Miss Bella?" The valet asks, a man that works for my father.

"I would like to go into the north side of town today. Lucy and Kim will be my escorts." I answer, taking Sir Taehyung's warm hand and allowing him to help me into the carriage.

"Yes Miss. Of course."

"Thank you very much." I say loudly, plopping down into my seat. My eyes go to my engagement ring, the obnoxiously large rock on my finger. How I wish I could chuck it into a river. But I won't. I will wear it. I will pretend to play the part.

Sir Taehyung closes the door, taking the seat across from me with Lady Lucy. I give them both a smile, which I know looks devious. I cannot help it. I will not sit back and do nothing. I just have to be methodical. They give me odd looks, Lucy's the most exasperated of all. I wait until the carriage moves so that I can speak, digging into my purse that matches quite well with my outfit. My mother hates when I carry around the purse instead of the servants.

"Do not fret Lady Lucy, I am not doing anything too horrible."

"Goodness Bella. You shouldn't be doing anything horrible at all." She responds, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I agree. You need to be careful." Sir Taehyung pitches in. And careful I will be.

"I have a request, Lady Lucy." I say happily, taking out the money I have stored inside my purse.

"What?" She groans.

"You will separate from Sir Taehyung and I while I shop for veils and check on the wedding gown. You will take this money and go to the doctor in town, and purchase contraceptive pills." I explain, placing the money in her hand. It is quite a bit of money, but she does not have to use all of it during this trip. She can save the rest.

"Miss Bella...this is a bit crude to be discussing in front of Taehyung. A-And I am not currently lying-in bed with anyone—"

"The pills are for me. And I do not care about crudeness. I'm sure Sir Taehyung has had many sexual relations." I comment with a laugh, the boy inhaling sharply and turning pink in the cheeks. How pretty.

"I-I—no I—I will stop talking." He stutters out, looking rather mortified. I shrug my shoulders at his sudden nervousness, taking it as another one of his professional morals that has bothered him. He won't even call me Bella.

"Miss Bella. Why do you need contraception?" Lady Lucy interrupts, waving the money around in her hand.

"I will be taking it so that I appear infertile. If I do not get pregnant by Leo's child, that is certainly not my fault." I say, feigning innocence. "Perhaps they will force him to marry someone else and I will be left alone." Sir Taehyung and Lady Lucy just stare at me, and their expressions are not something I quite understand. Yes. I am probably being a nuisance with all these plans and sabotage...but what do they expect from me? To behave entirely. Please.