The Contract

Chapter 120-The Woman

I took a drag of the cigarette and let out the smoke as I leaned on the railings of my window. I stared out at the city as the sky hung low, it seem as though it was gonna rain.

I took another drag and ashed the cigar on the bar before taking another drag. There was a faint knock on the door and I glanced back, the door got pulled open and she walked in.

"The file you asked for" Kourtney noted and I only hummed and returned back to looking out the window, taking another drag of the cigar.

The door shut and she was gone. I sighed, ashing the cigarette again. This was indeed calming my nerve, it was all I needed.

I lightly rubbed my neck, the memory of yesterday rushing in. Trent and his threats, it's like he rehearses lines for every occasion.

But that wasn't my problem right now, the thought that has been gnawing at the back of my mind was how he knew about the contract.

I couldn't help but wonder, how did he find out? Like shits wasn't bad enough, he could use that to his advantage, that was a sure way to get the company off Travis's hand.

I couldn't still understand what Josephine meant by anything she said. How does she know Rosa? That isn't even the question, what does she mean I had the power to lure Travis in?

Why were they so persistent on luring him in? What the hell was going on?!

I sighed and took another drag but then the door was pulled open again, "what did I say about —"

I stopped at once when I turned around, Aunt Lucy was standing in my office, her features softened when they met mine.

I was taken aback by her presence not knowing how to react for a moment but then I immediately dropped the cigarette and hurried to her, pulling her into an embrace.

I let out a breath I didn't know I held, I hugged her so tight like she was gonna disappear any moment. She didn't let me go too, I didn't even know when I began tearing up.

The weight of everything pressing down on me, my hands over her neck as she stroked my back soothingly.

It took a moment for me to get hold of myself before we both pulled out, she too had tears in her eyes. She smiled and lightly wiped my eyes, "Welcome to womanhood" she said and we both began laughing out of content.

________________________________________

BELLA'S P.O.V

I sighed and sent the last email before cracking my head lightly and moving to the next. I'm so glad the redesigning of the restaurant was coming together.

And we can't forget who made that possible. Pearl. I was so grateful for her, she was great at always giving the nudge.

She was the one who got me back on track, she made me make up mind. Something I was certain I wouldn't do.

The door was pulled open and I looked up to see him walk in. "Hey, you still up?" He asked, walking to me and placing a kiss on my cheek.

"Yeah, I'm just rounding up few things" I answered, eyes fixated on the screen. He rounded the bed to the other side. "You've been on that laptop all day..." He commented.

"Yeah, I am working"

He sat beside and peeked into what I was doing, "Are you arranging a recipe for something, I didn't know there was another family dinner. I mean after what Pearl did, isn't that abolished —"

My eyes shot to him at once, "It isn't for a family dinner, I'm making a menu"

"A menu? For what?"

My fingers halted at the back space button and I sucked in a breath. I knew exactly how he would react when he hear my replied, I wasn't ready for that.

I wasn't ready to fight.

I continued typing and felt his gaze still on mine. "Bella, let it not be what I have in mind" he said exasperatedly and I paused and let out a sigh.

"What if it is?"

"We've talked about this a thousand times"

"And I've asked this question a thousand times, why don't you want to let me work?" I repeated and his gaze was sharp. "Because you're my—"

"No! That's not the reason, you aren't adamant because I'm your wife, Derrick "

"I don't want you to do it!" He stated. "Why?!" I wailed and he shot me a narrowed look. "Are you meeting up with Pearl again?"

My face scrunched in confusion at his words. "What are you—"

"This is her doing, she always puts you up to this!"

"What are you talking about? Why do you always bring Pearl in whenever we talk about this?" I retorted, placing the laptop beside.

"She's the one making you act this way!"

"So you believe I can't come up with these ideas?" I shot off the bed, my voice rising. "This isn't you, you don't act like this"

I huffed, slapping my hands on my hips. "Bella, Baby!" He got up and walked to me, "Listen, I'm not trying to constrain you, I'm only helping you. I know how hardworking you are and I really appreciate it. I just don't want you burning out and —"

"You don't care"

"What? How could you say that—"

"You don't care about what I want, you always talk about what you want, what you think is best for me, what your opinions are—"

"Bella!"

“—But never what I want, what I need, my dreams, what I hope for, what makes me happy"

"Everything I do is for your happiness "

"Just ask me! For once, ask me what I want, Derrick!" I yelled and his gaze stayed on mine. "What I need, what i—"

"I blame Pearl " he muttered under his breath, turning away from me. "What?"

"Yes, I blame your sister, you were never like this. You never went against my words, you were—"

"—perfect? The trophy wife? The arm candy?" I completed for him. "Stop saying that"

"Stop saying the truth?! Perhaps your right, Derrick. It's all Pearl's fault and honestly I'm grateful to her, she made me realize how stupid I've been"

"Pearl is unstable "

"Don't say—"

"How could you forget the stunt she pulled on Monday?! She's crazy! Impulsive! This is why your Mother kept her away for—“

"Stop talking about my family!" I screamed and he stopped. "You don't know them" I shouted, my chest going up and down as I tried to regulate my breathing.

The anger was rising from the pit of my stomach. I shook my head and turned away, wiping my eyes, he don't know them.