Chapter 39

**Belle**

Suddenly, I woke up to reality and wondered why I was believing the words of the same man who had told me I was just collateral damage, someone to use and then treat with indifference. Why was he coming back to me again? Why wouldn’t he leave me alone... I didn’t want to be involved with this man anymore.

“I think you should leave. You’re starting to attract attention, and it will only get worse for you.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“I’m concerned for you. I’ll sneak you out the back,” I said without looking at his face. As I was about to walk away, he grabbed my hand and said,

“No, not yet…”

“You only came to see me because of the newspaper, didn’t you? Well, I’ve already told you my opinion. If you want compensation, I’ll work to pay you back for damaging your reputation. Now go back to your comfortable life,” I snapped angrily, looking at him this time.

♡

Cesar

Two long weeks had passed, and that tearful face wouldn’t leave my mind. Working didn’t help me stop thinking about her, and I kept replaying our argument over and over, trying to figure out where I went wrong and rid myself of that unpleasant pain in my chest, but nothing worked... I wanted to see her. That was all my mind screamed. Why couldn’t I control myself? What was this unpleasant feeling that I couldn’t shake? I had to find a way to keep her around, just for a little while until I figured out what was going on with this woman.

“Your arm…”

“What? What about my arm now?” She lifted it with a confused expression above her cap.

“Why is it still bandaged?” I asked.

“I need to see the doctor to get it removed and checked, but I haven’t had time with all the work,” she replied, looking away.

“I’ll take you. Let’s go.”

“What? No! Wait. I have too much work to do right now, I can’t just leave like this.”

“Ask for permission, or I’ll do it. I’m not sure which would be worse…” I said, walking toward my car.

“No, no, no... I’ll do it. Just don’t do anything, please, or they’ll fire me,” she said nervously, running back into the restaurant.

♡

Belle

My boss had yelled at me and threatened to fire me, and it was all because of this man. I glanced at him sideways, and his neutral expression annoyed me even more. Everything was easy for him because he was his own boss, and his life was so simple because he had no money worries. I was starting to hate the rich; now I understood Beethoven’s words. I didn’t know why he always said it, but he hated them all. I looked at my phone, and Kyelef hadn’t responded... I missed him so much. Focus, Belle... focus…

“Mr. Montenegro…” he seemed to grumble at hearing me address him that way.

“Don’t you think it’s dangerous for people to see me with you… they might misinterpret it because of the obvious resemblance… what if they take another photo? I’ll cause problems for you and that woman,” I said uncomfortably, staring at my hands.

“I already told you, you and her don’t look alike at all. What kind of person would I be if I went from woman to woman? Stop saying things you don’t know…” I fell silent, not wanting to get further involved in his life. I just needed to get this over with, and then I’d never see him again—just this and nothing more, Belle... soon you won’t have to see him anymore. I won’t let myself be influenced by this cruel man. When we get to the hospital, I’ll thank him and finally separate our paths.

♡

Cesar

It’s strange to have her close again; it’s as if all my frustrations had lessened. Everything that had irritated me and the anger I had felt these past weeks vanished the moment I saw her concerned face, the way she slightly bit her lips when she seemed deep in thought. Even though she was disheveled in that cap and her new work clothes, she still caught my attention. I think I was more attracted to her when she faced me with those tender eyes.

“Damn it... what the hell is happening to me?”

♡

When we arrived at the hospital, I turned to Mr. Cesar and quickly, curtly thanked him, wishing him a good day at work. Without giving him a chance to respond, I quickly turned around and was about to walk toward the medical consultation when I heard someone call out.

“Cesar Montenegro!” My legs froze when I heard that familiar affectionate nickname, coming from the voice of a woman, the clatter of heels following. My heart started racing, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cesar turn to face the elegant woman in dark sunglasses.

“Belladona.”