The Contract Bride of Mr. Reid-Chapter 87: The violation

’A date?’ Mike’s mind reeled. He studied Bella from head to toe. The woman was undeniably beautiful. Her innocent demeanor could charm anyone. But Theodore?

Mike had been Theodore’s trainer for five years and witnessed a flicker of interest in any woman, not even a casual fling. How had this one managed to capture his attention?

Confusion warred with a surprising sense of joy. Perhaps Theodore was finally ready to explore the world of women. It was a positive development.

He laughed awkwardly, patting Theodore on the shoulder. "Finally, you brought a date. It’s a good start."

Theodore smiled, glancing at Bella, who shyly looked down.

As the conversation continued, Bella’s mind was consumed by a single question: why had Theodore claimed he couldn’t fight anymore? What had happened to him?

A group of men approached, greeting Theodore warmly. From their conversation, Bella gathered they were his former opponents in the ring but friends outside of it.

As Theodore engaged deeply with his friends, discussing the intricacies of boxing tactics and moves, Bella felt lost. She knew nothing about the sport and found herself standing by silently, unable to join in the conversation.

Bored, she looked around the room. Some people were chatting and drinking, while others enjoyed the music. Nothing seemed to catch her interest, leaving her feeling out of place and disconnected from the lively scene around her.

Restlessness consumed her, making her feel suffocated. She wanted to get out of there. Tugging at the corner of Theodore’s sleeve, she caught his attention.

"I need to use the restroom," she whispered.

"Do you need me to come with you?" he whispered back.

Bella shook her head. She would be embarrassed if he followed her to the restroom. "I’ll be back soon."

She turned on her heels and walked away, unaware of the pair of prying eyes following her.

Bella navigated herself through the intricate lobby and finally found the restroom at the far end of the building. There was no one inside. It seemed that everyone was busy enjoying the party. But Bella was uncomfortable.

She had never been to a party like this, and she felt somewhat out of space around those elite guests. She locked herself in a cubicle and sat on the toilet seat, sighing.

’It’s okay,’ she murmured to herself, trying to quell her anxiety. She reminded herself who she was.

She was married to Theodore, and attending parties would be a regular part of her life. She had to adjust to his environment.

’I can do this.’

She straightened her back. Emerging from the cubicle, she turned on the faucet and washed her hands. She lifted her head to look at herself in the mirror, and that’s when she noticed a figure leaning against the door frame, staring straight at her. Their eyes locked in the mirror.

Chills pricked on her nape as she recognized him. It was Marcus, the man with hostile eyes.

Fear gripped her as she turned to face the intruder, forgetting to turn off the faucet.

"What-What are you doing here?" she stuttered, scared. "This is the lady’s toilet. You shouldn’t be here."

Marcus smirked, taking a step closer. "Now that I am here, what will you do?" he taunted.

Bella’s heart dropped to the ground. "Don’t come any closer," she exclaimed, retreating. "I’ll shout."

Marcus chuckled darkly. "No one will hear you scream," he drawled. "This place is too far from the hall, and everyone’s busy with the party."

Her eyes darted to the door, frantic. She was terrified, but she knew she had to get out of there somehow.

"What’s your relationship with Theodore?" Marcus asked, his tone laced with malice. "Are you his girlfriend? Or just a date for the night?"

"That’s none of your business," Bella snapped, trying to push past him. Before she could take a step, Marcus grabbed her arm and yanked her back with a force that sent her crashing into the counter.

"Ah..." she yelped in pain.

Marcus loomed over her, his grip on her shoulders tight enough to bruise. Bella winced.

"If you are warming his bed, why don’t you sleep with me as well," he hissed, lust gleaming in his eyes. "I’ll pay you whatever you want." He leaned in closer, his lips pressing against her neck.

Bella shrieked, terrified and disgusted. She desperately tried to push him away, but her strength was not the match with his. She clawed and slapped at him, but he didn’t budge.

Marcus grabbed her hands and twisted them behind her back, devouring her neck and shoulder.

"Let me go, you bastard," she shouted. In a burst of adrenaline-fueled instinct, Bella summoned all her remaining strength and delivered a knee to Marcus’s groin.

The sudden pain made him release her, and he groaned, clutching his crotch. Bella shoved him aside and dashed out the door.

"You, bitch...Wait right there. I’m going to kill you." Marcus rushed out, enduring the pain. His face turned red due to pain and anger.

Bella looked behind and saw him rushing after her. Her blood ran cold. Her heart raced with panic as she fumbled to pull out her phone, intending to call Theodore for help. Before she could dial, Marcus caught up to her and violently yanked her back.

"Uh..." Bella gasped, the phone and purse slipping from her grip. Then a sharp and stinging slap landed on her cheek. The force sent her crashing to the ground, disoriented and reeling from the impact.

"Bitch!" he spat. "How dare you to hit me!" He pulled her up by her arm and shoved her against the wall. "I’ll fucking kill you." His fingers coiled around her neck, strangling her.

Bella’s world spun in chaos and fear as Marcus’s grip tightened around her neck, squeezing the air from her lungs. She struggled desperately, clawing at his arms, her vision blurring with tears of terror. Each passing moment felt like an eternity of suffocation and pain.

Then, with a sudden, unexpected force, Marcus was wrenched away from her. Gasping for breath, Bella collapsed to the ground, clutching her throat, tears streaming down her cheeks. She could scarcely comprehend what had just transpired as her mind struggled to process the rush of emotions and adrenaline.

Through blurred vision and the ringing in her ears, Bella saw Marcus sprawled on the floor, Theodore standing over him with a ferocious glare. His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a visceral rage, his fists clenched at his sides.

Fear and relief mingled in Bella’s mind. Theodore had come to her rescue. She felt a rush of gratitude and love for him, mixed with a lingering fear of what Marcus might do next.