PART- 5

[ Isabella ]

The pain I supressed for years, resurfaced with such a force that for a few moments, I couldn’t speak or blink my eyes.

Christopher was standing right in front of me.

The warmth in those eyes was gone. All I could see was sheer coldness, no emotions, not even hatred that could help me to guess what he felt about me.

“Celeste!”

Suddenly, he roared and it made me flinch in fear. His jaws were clenched tightly.

“Chris, for God’s sake. Don’t shout or you will give me a heart attack.” She came outside pressing a hand on her chest but when she saw me, she understood her brother’s outburst.

“Oh, Bella. Please, come. I was waiting for you.” She passed me a nervous smile.

“I don’t need a nanny for my kids. Please, tell this lady to leave.” Christoher said in a flat tone and his aloofness hurt me.

It sliced my heart but he had all the right to feel that way.

“Chris, what are you saying? You know if twins approve someone it means they like that person and feel safe around them. Please, think about them before you take an impulsive step. It was past. We’re grown ups now.” Celeste said to him in a low voice.

“They are my kids and only I have to decide what’s best for them.” He threw me a cold look, “I don’t want random people to walk in and lure my kids. I need professionals and we’ll find one.”

I lowered my head as humiliation hit me.

“Christopher, she’s not some random chick. She’s Isabella.” Celeste eyed him and glanced at me with guilty.

“It’s fine, Celeste. If Mr. Salvatore doesn’t want me around his kids. I’ll leave.” I forced a smile and as I was to leave, a voice stopped me.

“Hey, nice lady! You are here.”

It was Ariel, his daughter who was already running to me.

Her tiny hands wrapped around my waist as she hugged me. Her bright blue eyes showed her excitement and how happy she was to see me.

“Hey, Ariel.” I ruffled her hairs gently but I was too careful because a pair of similar eyes were on me, judging my moves very carefully.

Mostly doubting my intentions.“Daddy, she’s my new nanny.” Ariel turned to her father, her voice reflected her happiness.

His gaze turned soft as soon as it turned to his daughter.

“Ari, please, go inside and play with your brother. I need to finish some talk with Ms. Isebella.” He gently stroked her hairs.

The small version of him blinked her eyes at him with confusion. Reluctance was clearly seen on her face.

“Daddy, I like Ms. Bella. I want her as my nanny. Austin likes her too. Please, don’t send her away.” She tucked his hand, her eyes looking at me.

I saw unsaid request to not leave but I knew the other one’s gaze too well. He wanted me gone as soon as possible.

“What about this,” He bend to her level, “I’ll take you and your brother to eat at your favourite pizza shop in the evening.” He tried to distract her.

“Really, Daddy?” She exclaimed.

It’s easy to win kids.

He practically bribed his daughter so she won’t ask about me.

“Yes, I promise but first go inside so I can talk to Ms. Isebella.” He pinched her nose.

The way he spoke my name, it was too cold.

Ariel ran inside and now it was just three of us. Celeste looked ashamed. She brought me here even when I was refusing because I knew Christopher. If he loves someone, he’d be the sweetest and most protective person for them but when he dislikes someone…someone like me then it’s worse than having an enemy.

“Ms. Primrose, I want you to leave and try not to meet my kids again. I am sparing you this time because my sister is still immature. She trusts anyone. If I ever see you again, you’ll face serious legal actions and I am sure your current financial status would beg me not to.”

He smirked, his words were cruel.

Since when he became like this? Hating me is another thing but mocking my critical financial condition, it was too low.

“I understand, Mr. Salvatore. Anyway, please, don’t make false stories about me to your kids. They are innocent and it’s not a right way of parenting if you fill their mind with hatred or dislike about someone.”

I kept my tone as humble as I could and turned to leave.

If I stayed there for another second, I might cry in front of him.

Once I arrived at my apartment, my roommate was already leaving for work.

“Hey, Bella. You’re back. I already prepared the lunch. It’s not much. Actually, some pasta and some chicken wings that Derek brought. Please have it.” She said while wearing her shoes.

She works in a bar as a bartender. She often asked me to work with her but my pride was too high.

Holding degrees with good grades, I wanted a stable and more secure job with good salary and secure future.

“I am sorry, Cathy, I was rejected again today. You had to pay this month’s bills. I am really sorry.” I shook my head.

My voice cracked and she finally looked up.

“Hey, why are you crying? It’s okay. Rejection is painful but it also motivates us to fight braver. Please, don’t feel sad. You don’t have to stress. You can pay the bills when you get a job.” She hugged me.

“Thanks, you are an angel in my life.” I hugged her tightly and sniffed.

“Come to the club tonight and have some booze. You will forget all stress.” She winked at me.

“Thank you but no thanks. I will stay home and do more job hunting.” I walked her out of the apartment.

“I’ll probably stay at Derek’s place tonight as we have late night shifts. Please, order something and rest. Bye.” She waved at me.

Once she was out of my sight, I closed the door and sighed.

Emptiness again filled me.

Meeting Christpher after five years and his cold hatred was more painful than leaving him in the past. I had no appetite left so quickly changing into comfortable clothes, I sat down to look for more job vacancies. I had no time to waste.

My family could help me anytime if I ask them but I don’t want to be a burden on them at the age of twenty-six. After hours of searching, reading and applying online for jobs, I didn’t realize when I dozed off.

I was woken up by the ringing of my phone. It was another reminder call from finance company to pay my credit card bill.

“It’s already nine.” I stretched my arms and went to reheat the lunch as I felt hungry.

The weather outside was bad.

My thought again drifted back to what happened throughout the day when the doorbell rang and I jumped as I wasn’t expecting a visitor at this hour in such weather. Thinking it might be the neighbour so I went to open the door without pondering further but as soon as I opened the door, air practically sucked out of my lungs.

“Christopher?”

Yes, Christopher Salvatore was standing at my doorstep, half soaked in rain, his appearance was messy.

“You need to come with me, Ms. Primrose.”