Chapter 6

• I try to look away immediately but it was too late. He didn't blink away from me for a second, making it hard to put on an act.
• He walk slowly towards me and hell, did I mention how intimidating his looks are?
• I silently pray for Bella to come to my rescue but I have no idea of where she might be.
• Guess we are doing this then. I faked a smile once he approached me.
• "Hi" I greeted.
• "Why ain't you back home?" He asked
• "I thought I made it clear that I wouldn't be coming back."
• "Listen, your father and I made a deal, and I keep my words and gave him what he requested. It will only be fair on my side if you stop worrying about me and come back home."
• "You see, whatever deal you made with dad is not my problem. I refuse to be held as a hostage when I could have my freedom."
• "Lila, he called out gently. I am not bothered about the money because I know of different ways in which I can get them back from your father. But I don't know how I find myself so attracted to you.
• I could have used force to make you come back, trust me, it's not even that hard. But I respected your privacy. I want you to come back at your free will because I figured I was wrong, and here I am apologizing for my behaviour."
• "If you are sorry, then you would respect my decision of not going back there."
• "How long do you intend to stay with your friend?
• For all I see, you will soon be a burden because I don't think she's in a position to feed herself and another adult."
• I suddenly felt stupid for not considering Bella's situation before moving in.
• "You won't be the judge of that." I managed to find my voice.
• I don't know how this guy manages to convince me but I find myself making a promise to him that I will come back home tomorrow.
• " I can't leave Bella alone here. I will have to tell her what is going on and come over tomorrow."
• "I will have my driver pick you up tomorrow then."
• "There is no need for that. I can come in my car."
• "Nah, I can ask my driver to fetch your car later so be prepared for tomorrow."
• With that being said, he excused himself saying he have things to attend to.
• I didn't see him again for the rest of the night. It was as if he followed me here so that he can talk to me.
• Finally, Bella decided to show up from God knows where.
• "Bella, you said you wanted to grab a drink!"
• "Yeah, sorry I left you alone for so long. I met some friends at work and I couldn't leave them just like that. What's up with you though?
• You look worried."
• "It's Armani."
• "Girl, you need to relax. We are here to chill, not to dwell on your problems."
• "No, that is not it. He was here."
• "What?
• How?"
• "I don't know, I felt someone gaze on me and I looked in the direction, only to find him staring."
• "Why didn't you walk out on him Lila?"
• "Trust me, I wanted to but it would be so obvious."
• "And why did you care?
• Did you know him from anywhere else?
• What if he hurts you?"
• "Bella comes on, this is a public place plus I think he cared."
• "You are kidding me."
• "No, Bella. I wish you were here when we were talking. He even apologises for making the stupid deal with my father."
• "So what?"
• "I don't think he means any harm."
• "Are you fucking stupid?
• No man on his right senses will make a deal with your father. Everyone knows about his greed and if he could make such a deal with him, it means he is no different or maybe, even worse."
• "Bella, I know you are saying this for my sake but I think he's right. Sooner or later, I'd be a burden to you. I know you have your problems too and honestly, I think it's selfish of me to come to your place."
• "Let's just assume that you want to leave my place, where would you be going?"
• I kept quiet as I couldn't bring myself to tell her that I am going back to his place. Nonetheless, my silence confirms her worries.
• "You've got to be kidding me." She said and walk towards the entrance angrily.
• Dammit, I just ruin the night.
• I pushed people out of my way to try and catch up with Bella but by the time I got outside, she had already left.
• This girl needs to understand that I am not doing it for myself alone.
• I am also worried about her convenience.
• I stopped a cab and gave the driver her house address. I have to stay over there tonight. I can't possibly go back to Armani's house after telling him I will be back tomorrow. It will only make me look desperate and homeless.
• Once we got there, I kicked at the door gently hoping she will open the door.
• I was about to leave when she eventually opened up.
• "Bella" I called out.
• "Not now Lila." She slams the door angrily and walks back into her room.
• I guess I will be sleeping on the couch tonight.
• I tried to make myself comfortable but I kept on wondering if I made the wrong decision.
• Come to think of it, Armani is right. I know how much effort Bella is putting on to make a living ever since she left home. I shouldn't add to her burden.
• I was hoping to talk to her in the morning when she is in a better mood but I doubt that she would see things from my point of view.
• I woke up to the sound of cracking plates in the kitchen. Bella must have been up early.
• I reach out for my phone to check the time, it's only 7:10 am. She must have been so angry that she couldn't sleep well for her to wake up this early, knowing fully well that she is not a morning person.
• "Good morning" I whispered while standing beside the cupboard
• "Morning" she replied
• "Bella, are still mad at me?"
• "No, am not."
• "Then why wouldn't you talk to me?"
• "Because you have made up your mind."
• "I'm sorry for troubling you."
• "Lila do you not understand?
• It's like you are not getting the picture. You are going to end up in regret if you go back to that house. Don't you get it? All of these is a mind games. You left at your own will and returned at your free will. If at all he does anything to you in the future, you cannot report him for anything because he won't be held responsible for whatever he does. I love you too much to watch you go astray. I do not mind you staying here Lila, you are my best friend."
• "Bella truly, I do not know this man, but he seems to be my last option."
• "Lila, I am here for you."
• "You don't understand Bel."
• "Then make me. Is he threatening you?
• Because if he does, instead of having this conversation you should be filing a report at the police station."
• "It's complicated Bel."
• "No, it's not. But you are about to make it."
• We stare at each other for a while before I finally say "Bel, I have made up my mind, whatever happens, I promise there would be no regret."
• Bella being the supportive friend that she is eventually gives in and she assists me in parking my stuff.
• Before we knew it, the driver is there.
• "I hope you don't regret this Lila."
• "As long as I have you, no regret."
• I left with the driver.