I Thought I Was A Devil

Season 6 Side Story

Bella's POV:

On Saturday evening, we gathered at Victoria’s house according to the plan. My heart started beating fast, and I was anxious with anticipation. This was the first time that I will be spending the whole night with friends. Rather before this, I didn’t even have friends and people used to ignore and isolate me. So, I want to make sure that today’s evening is perfect, I always wanted to spend the whole night reading novels and discussing literature if I ever get to have friends and today, finally my dreams will come true. I was excited and nervous at the same time.
Upon arrival, I was awestruck as we walked down the glamorous corridor of Victoria’s house. Can “someone be so rich?”, I thought to myself, I knew Victoria came from a wealthy family, but it only took a second to realise that our status was completely different. The corridor was filled with antiques and the floor was carpeted. Everyone felt awkward yet it was exciting. Soon we were found sitting in Victoria's room as her maids brought in some snacks and juices, which we started munching on as we got busy gossiping. Everyone seemed happy and in a light mood, as we gossiped, soon I realized it was almost an hour since we arrived and no one seemed to remember the reason for our gathering. My heart started pounding loudly again, “would it be rude to remind them?” I wondered. This was the first time, I hosted an event, even though it wasn’t my house, I should take some lead….right? Or should I wait? Anxiety kicked me, as I placed my snacks down and stood up from my chair.

Me: Hope, all of you brought books, as promised yesterday. (I asked with a wide smile and expecting eyes.)

Victoria: (she looked around and stared at our faces) I think…yeah. (Some of them nodded in agreement and few seemed awkward.)

My anxiety increased, ‘were they feeling boring? Was this event a mistake? What if they blame me for ruining their moods? What if they….stop being my friends?’ numerous negative thoughts started crossing my mind, as I tried to keep a calm composure.

Choon Hee: Lets sit on the floor and place the books in front of us and then we will decide who will read which book. (She says with a soft smile)

Victoria: Are you sure that you want to sit on the floor? (She hesitates) I mean we can go to the house library, and sit comfortably there. (She said politely)

Choon Hee: It's fine dude. (She grins) Just sit. Anyways the floor is carpeted and the fireplace is near. So it's warm and comfy. (She says patting the floor)

Irina: Yeah….I never knew that the floor could be so soft. (She said while touching the carpet)

Jules: Perks of being rich. (She says excited)

Ratree: Wastage of money…..(she murmurs to herself with a slight hint of bitterness and jealousy)

Lotte: Wowie! The bed is sooooo soft!!!! (She says while jumping on the bed)

Anne: Lotte, don’t jump on bed. And get down here. (She said while frowning)

Victoria: It's fine, no need to scold her. (She says with a formal smile)

Anne: No, it's bad manners. (She sighed while rubbing my forehead)

Lotte: (she pouts and gets down while speaking in a sarcastic tone) Sorry Mom.

Anne: (she pulled Lotte's cheek hard) You brat. I guess I am going too easy on you. (Lotte started giggling as Anne hugged her with her right arm keeping Lotte closer to her.)

Victoria: I hope, all of you are feeling comfortable. (She said feeling shy and hesitant)

Christina: Oh come on Victoria! (She replied cheerfully as she hugs Victoria tightly) Stop being so formal and enjoy the moment! We are all friends here.

Victoria: Y-Yea…but this is the first time, so many friends have gathered in my house…..(she says almost choking on her emotions)
Rather….before meeting you people, I didn’t even know what genuine friendship looks like. For me it was like a business deal where people stick to those who give most benefits. (Her eyes wells up with tears as she uses her hands to wipe them off) I am sorry….I just got emotional.

Right….I knew how Victoria was feeling, because….I knew those things really well. Wait…is this tears? I realized that water was making my eyes blurry, as I looked away to wipe them before anyone could notice but failed, as more water rolled down my cheeks. ‘No….I shouldn’t cry. What if they think that I am pathetic?’

Hope: It's fine, just let them out. (She says while patting Victoria's back)

Maria: Don’t worry, Victoria. I am sure there are a lot of people here who agree with you. (She says while staring at Anne with a smirk)

Anne: (she clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes) Tsk.

Julie: (she wipes her tears in her napkin before smiling softly) Yeah….Maria is right.

At that moment, I realized that almost everyone, including Ratree, was becoming emotional, and I felt stifled and awkward. Initially, I wanted to comfort them, but instead, I broke into tears and became emotional myself. Anne stood there like a statue, contemplating whether to intervene or ignore us. Her expressions revealed her struggle to understand and navigate the situation, clearly finding it difficult to express herself. It was evident that she was in a challenging position.

Anne: Jeez. (She finally took a deep breath before speaking up) I thought, today’s gathering was to discuss literature but instead it looks like a therapy session. (She folded her arms and looked away trying to act cold when in reality, she felt awkward and troubled. Everyone stared at her blankly, as the whole room turned silent.)

Maria: Tsk. (She clicks her tongue looking at Anne then pats her shoulder) Sorry guys, she fell hard on her head when she was a kid. Since then she turned out to be an asshole. (She grins while wrapping her arms around Anne)

Anne: Bitch….(she grumbled under her breath while glaring at Maria.)