The Contract Bride of Mr. Reid-Chapter 82: I am married.

Relief and excitement washed over Bella as her meeting with Joshua concluded successfully. Finally, she could showcase her designs! She couldn’t wait to share it with Theodore.

She reached for her phone, ready to dial his number, when the screen lit up with Mrs. Green’s name.

A knot of guilt tightened in Bella’s stomach. She hadn’t checked in on the kind old lady since the incident. As the name stared back at her, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. What could she possibly say?

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she swiped the answer button and pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello, Mrs. Green," she greeted, forcing a smile into her voice. "I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to visit. You’re not mad at me, are you?"

"No, dear, not at all," Mrs. Green’s voice soothed. "I heard everything that happened. I’m just thankful you are safe. But there is something I need to tell you."

The cheer in Bella’s voice evaporated, replaced by a prickle of apprehension at the sudden seriousness in Mrs. Green’s tone. Her brow pinched as she sensed something was wrong.

"Your stepfather," Mrs. Green began gravely, "he has been released from jail. He created quite a scene here and even tried to break into your house. Luckily, with the help of some neighbors, we were able to stop him."

With a wary sigh, she continued, "He demanded your current address, but I refused to tell him a thing. I know it’s only a matter of time before he finds you on his own, Bella. You need to be careful. He is furious."

Bella’s heart plummeted to her stomach. She knew all too well the depths of her stepfather’s rage. A tremor ran through her fingers, but she forced herself to remain calm.

’He couldn’t control me any longer.’ She told herself not to be afraid of that man.

Taking a fortifying breath, she steeled her voice and replied, "Thank you for warning me, Mrs. Green. I’ll be careful."

She ended the call, her resolved hardening. All those years, she and her mother had endured his abuse. But things were different now. She wouldn’t be a victim anymore, and wouldn’t let him disrupt the life she was painstakingly building.

"No more abuse," she muttered fiercely.

Her grip on the phone tightened unconsciously. The fear that had shadowed her for so long began to recede, replaced by a newfound strength. This time, she would face him head-on.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon arrived the office, Bella went to meet Zack. She pushed open Zack’s office door, a smile already forming on her lips. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Zack glanced up from his paperwork, his eyes lingering on her face a beat longer than usual. His expression was unreadable, a mix of concern and something else she couldn’t quite decipher.

"Yes, Bella," he finally said, slow and deliberate. "Amy informed me that Miss Willow had sent you out. Look," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "when I assigned you to work with her, it was because I saw your passion for design. If things aren’t going well, or if you feel like you’re not getting the experience you expected, please know that you can always come to me. I’m here to help in any way I can."

Bella felt a surge of conflicting emotions. While she appreciated Zack’s concern and willingness to support her, she couldn’t shake the unsettling thought that his kindness stemmed from her resemblance to his deceased girlfriend.

"Working with Miss Willow is going well, sir," she replied with a smile. "It’s a great learning experience."

"Good thing..." "Good," Zack murmured, his gaze holding hers for an uncomfortable beat. The intensity of his stare sent a wave of heat rushing through her, making her squirm with uneasiness.

"Actually," he began, a new line appearing on his forehead, "I went to the hospital this morning and spoke with your mother."

Bella’s jaw dropped. Disbelief and a jolt of apprehension warred within her. "You visited Mamma?" she stammered.

"Yes," he confirmed, nodding curtly. "I thought your late arrival might be because you went to see her, but you were not there."

Bella hesitated, momentarily unsure how to respond. "There were some personal issues I had to take care of," she explained, lowering her head down. "I’m truly sorry, sir. It won’t happen again."

Zack, however, seemed on edge. "Bella, why don’t you understand?" he erupted, his voice sharp. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

He shot to his feet and crossed the distance between them, his movements surprisingly forceful. He grasped her shoulders, his touch sending a jolt through her.

"I’m not upset about you being late," he said urgently, his eyes searching hers. "I just want you to come to me first, to tell me if you need help." The words tumbled out in a rush, betraying a deeper emotion he seemed barely in control of.

"Can’t you see I like you? I’m willing to do anything for you."

Bella’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. This possessive side of Zack, a side she had never glimpsed before, sent a wave of terror through her. She recoiled from his touch, shoving his hands away with surprising strength.

"Mr. Hudson!" she gasped, her voice trembling. "You’re my boss! I-I could never think of you otherwise."

"Why not, Bella?" he pressed with frustration. "I told you, I like you. I want to be by your side, always. Give me a chance. I can give you everything you need. I can help with your mother’s treatment, protect you from anything..."

"Please, stop!" she pleaded, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I...I respect you a lot, sir. Don’t...don’t ruin the image I have of you."

A look of deep hurt flickered across Zack’s face. He stepped back, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Are you not accepting my proposal because of Ivy?" he asked with a hint of desperation. "Look, our engagement is purely business. I don’t have any feelings for her. I’ll annul it soon, Bella. Just trust me."

He took a tentative step towards her, his hand reaching out to grasp hers. But Bella flinched away, her eyes wide with apprehension.

"No, it’s not possible," she said frantically. "I see you as my boss, not as my boyfriend. Please, don’t make this awkward. If you persist with this, I won’t be able to work here anymore."

Zack came to a sudden standstill, his arm still extended towards Bella as if frozen mid-reach. His heart felt as though it were twisting painfully within his chest at her gentle yet firm rebuff.

Confusion marred his features as he questioned her, "Why, Bella? Why can’t you be my girlfriend? Do you have someone in your heart?"

Bella realized it was best to tell him that she was married to stop him from pursuing her. She held up her hand and showed him the ring without hesitation.

"I am married," she declared.

"Married?" Zack echoed with disbelief. How could she be married? He had never seen her hooking up with any man before. When did she get married?

Zack thought she was lying. But the glittering diamond ring on her finger was saying otherwise.

She nodded and added, "And I love my husband. So, please, stop thinking anything inappropriate."

With that, she stormed out.