Casabella’s POV

To say I'm not shocked and speechless as everyone is an understatement. My uncle, Lora and Annie kept glaring hard at me with hatred which I can't relate to.

“What's wrong with this man? He just got the attention of everyone right on me or did he know me from somewhere?” I conceited staring speechlessly at him.

“You’re such a beauty dear, I wish you were my daughter, I would have being the luckiest father of an angel as you.”

I felt cherished and loved at the mention of those words, my dad always utters words as that to me, I just wish he was right here with me.

“Thank you for showing kindness to me.” I uttered slowly, bowing my head down as everyone grazed, creating an uneasy effect on me.

“Do excuse me sir,” I added and left his presence going to a path that led to the restroom as their graze on me was still following me.

The moment I got to the passage, I sigh in relief as my hands were on my knees as I kept walking slowly until my body came in contact with a firm body.

“Can’t you be more careful when walking?” The voice which was thick and firm asked but I didn’t see his face but I was sure he did see mine.

“No, you should be more careful, not me. I was sure I didn’t bump into you first.” I faltered as my back was turned against him.

“You’re really lucky I don’t talk to cheap ladies so you had better apologise for bumping into me or I’m gonna teach you how to be nice to people.”

God! How rude of him to say that to me? What does he think just because he’s a wealthy man or what? I wish my uncle hadn't warned me, I would have given him a piece of my mind.

“Since you keep insisting I bumped into you then I’m sorry mister but I’m not a cheap lady like you proclaimed.”

“Still rude and mean young lady, do you know who you’re talking back to?”

“I don’t wanna know. Excuse me mister.” I added and walked away but still felt his glare behind me.

After using the restroom, I head back to the party but I couldn't take off the incident with that stranger outta my head. It was like in the movies where someone praises the most beautiful lady in the presence of everyone to make her feel cherished and wanted.

I gotta remove the thought outta my head because this is reality.

Less I forget, who is the man I bumped into? I couldn’t see his face but I was sure he’d seen mine. He sure is a wealthy man, no wonder he was asking if I knew him.

He was so grumpy yet had a sexy voice. He's so lucky I didn’t want to get myself in trouble because my uncle had cautioned me or I will be asked to scrub the whole floor of the mansion and also be starved.

“Where the hell have you been bitch?” Lora cussed in a low tone dragging me to a corner.

“Mum, I don’t know what took her so long in the restroom, who knows if she went to meet a man.” Annie accused.

“What the hell are you saying Annie? Do I look like someone who can do such a thing?”

“Well no one knows, why did the man say all those words to you?”

"Obviously it was on my looks."

"Watch your words Bella or am gonna help you shut that filthy tongue." Lora objected, keeping her words down from creating a scene.

"I can't keep watching her talk to me in that manner so you need to caution her as well."

I just can't sit back and watch their family keep tormenting my life at every little thing that doesn't make sense at all.

"I can see you have grown wings since you're allowed to attend this party. Let get home first and you'll see what am going to do to you little monster." She stated with pure disgust on her face and turned to Annie.

"Honey, I know you're angry and same as I but your dad strictly instructed us not to cause any trouble for him. But once the party is over and we leave for home, we're going to torment her life so hard until she cries and beg for our mercy."

I know she's planning to starve and lock me up in the dark room which looks so creepy and dark. The room has been locked for years because it was confirmed a strange guest visited the house and was offered the room and not quite long the guest left but every night, creepy sounds were always heard from the room and ever since then, the room was locked and bandaged.

But Lora opened it two weeks back and had me stay inside to punish me and miraculously nothing happened to me but the state of the room alone was enough to have you tumbling on your feet. The room was covered with cobwebs and little insects flying all around. It really is a scary place which I don't ever want to be again.

"Yes mum, I really love the way you keep coming up with brilliant ideas to deal with this lowlife bitch."

"Aunt, you can give me any punishment but please don't lock me up in the dark room."

"Well my mind is made up." She chuckled along with Annie.

I hope I survive staying in the dark room today because the previous one that happened was a luck but today I really don't know how it's gonna be.

"You'll be alright like always Casa." A voice said to me outta nowhere.

"This is where you all have been while I was searching for you three. Casabella come over, my board members want to see how I've been looking after you and first let me warn you, you mustn't speak to anyone how we're treating you or you're gonna find yourself on the street begging for food and shelter and I hope you won't like that, would you?" He smirked.

"I don't want that uncle. I promise I won't say a thing about that to them."

"That's good. Honey, you and Annie can hang around a bit before we get back."

"Sure darling." She responded as they both hugged each other before he gestured me to trail behind.

We got to a spot where five old men were laughing and taking a toast.

"She's here everyone." My uncle uttered and they all turned to stare at me.

"She's so beautiful." The one with bald hair crowded as the rest nodded in response.

"Good evening everyone." I greeted.

"Her voice is just like her father's but with so much melody." Another man with grey hair uttered.

For some reason I found myself smiling within me but my uncle's face was all sore and bitter.

"Well gentlemen, this is my late brother's daughter, Casabella."

"What a beautiful name you've got dear." The same man with bald hair stated.

"Thank you sir."

"Andrew, why hasn't she taken over her father's rightful companies and properties?" The man with grey hair enquired.

"Um, you see she isn't old enough and lacks experience in the business. That's why I'm still running the company. She was the one who brought about the idea, I should continue running the companies." He lied.

"I see but dear, why don't you undergo a program based on business to expand your knowledge in the field." Err… Hmm… I actually..." I was trying to reply when my uncle cut in sharply.

"I've enrolled her for one which she's already improving."

"Oh, that's good. You're a good man Andrew, for looking after your late brother's daughter. Kelvin was a great business man and a good friend."

Good man my foot. He's only a demon with a nice appearance and never loves or even cares about me.

"After all, my late brother was so good to me so taking care of his daughter and handling his wealth was the least I could do for all he has done for my family and I."

That doesn't help, it's called betrayal. He has always been envious of my father from the beginning and wished him death and to accumulate his wealth which he finally succeeded.

"You're indeed a man with good intentions. Here is a toast to you, Andrew." The bald man entreated my uncle, handing him a glass of red wine.

Never will I toast to him over my father's wealth instead I'll toast for his downfall.

"I'm sorry, I badly wanna use the restroom. It was great meeting you all. Please excuse me." I announced and left their presence in a rush.

"Thank goodness!" I breathe out after finding a quiet space outside the party.

I know my uncle is so pissed with me for trying to expose him out and will definitely beat me up when we get back home.

"This is where you're dear. I've been searching everywhere for you." Mr Henry, the man from the party who admired my beauty, uttered out of nowhere startling me.

"Gosh!!!"

"Oh, I'm sorry I startled you like that. I need to see you before the party is over." He added.

"It's fine. I'm right here also thanks for the compliment earlier."

"Your beauty is worth it. Here is my business card, if you're in need of anything just give me a call. I know deep within, you're not happy how Andrew and his family are treating you." He declared stretching his business card.

How did he know my uncle has been treating me unjust? Could it be, my uncle told him? No, I can't say anything to anyone no matter what.

"I never said they're treating me badly or anything. Why would you think of that sir?"

"It is written all over your face. I can see the pain in your eyes dear but don't be scared I won't say a word to anyone."

There is no doubt he's telling the truth. What should I say to him now?

"Err… Hmm… Okay!" I uttered and took the business card from him.

"I'll be waiting for your call anytime. Good night!"

"Good night sir!" I responded and took my leave walking back inside the hall to meet Lora and Annie waiting for me at the door.

Casabella's POV

After we left the party, my uncle didn't utter a single word to anyone of us until we got to the mansion and walked into the living room where it all started. 

He gave me a slap which got me to my knees while Lora and Annie laughed knowing I was in trouble.

"You stupid bitch, you almost ruined my life and all I have ever worked for after warning you never to utter a word to anyone." My uncle roared and hit me on the face.

"I'm sorry uncle, I didn't mean to say any word to them."

"Shut the fuck up. If I hadn't cut you off, my career and prestige would have been shattered by you."

"She's just bad luck to us honey. I really don't know why you decided to take her in when her parents died." Lora complained, staring at me with hatred.

"Shut the fuck up woman and stay out of this. Would you ever be in wealth if I didn't come up with a plan to accumulate my brother's wealth? Obviously not, so stay out of my business, it's between me and my niece, okay?" He growled at her which got her so pissed and stare at me with bitterness.

"I don't wish any harm to you uncle. I'm sorry, I promise I won't do such a thing again." I said sobbing.

"You need to be taught a lesson, worthless girl." He hollered and began hitting me all over my body with a belt.

"Will you ever go against my warnings?"

"I promise I won't go against your words uncle, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." I cried out begging him to stop hitting me.

"You're just worthless." He snarled and stopped hitting me.

"She deserves more without stopping. Mum, don't forget the punishment you intend to give her." Annie asserted with a chuckle.

"I didn't forget about that sweetheart. Once your dad is done with her, I'll start mine."

"Get lost now before I lose my temper again." He snapped at my face and I left for my room instantly.

The moment I walked into my room, I locked the door and fell on the floor due to the pain I was feeling all over my body.

What have I really done to deserve all these hatred and harsh treatment from them? God, what went wrong from the life I was living into this? Don't I deserve to be happy again?

I just wish I can kill myself so I can join my parents and leave in peace. These people's harsh treatment is getting too much that I can't endure any longer. If I am made to choose between Life and death, I would gladly go for death because this life isn't worth living when you don't have a good reason to be happy even if you want to.

"Bella! Bella!! Bella!!! Open this damn door now. I haven't given you my own part of the punishment so open the damn door, you fool." Lora yelled banging my door.

Do I really deserve this again? Humanity is no more in this world, everyone is only after their interests and how to make someone's life miserable and meaningless.

I struggled to get on my foot and opened up the door for her to see her fuming.

"You bitch, I kept calling out your name and you refuse to respond. You're really lucky my husband spared you but I won't and will never spare you no matter how little the offence might be because you don't deserve any pity."

"What is the main reason for your hatred towards me aunt?" I pleaded, wanting to know why she hates me so much.

"I just hate everything about you. Your appearance, the way people compliment your looks and how you get anything you want. I totally hate everything pertaining to you, do you hear me? Follow me to the dark room to serve your punishment." 

With all she said, I knew I can't do anything to change the bitter truth about her reason for hating me this much. Her hatred towards me can never be changed no matter how I try to please her or my uncle. 

"Okay aunt." I uttered, following her quietly to the dark room, fighting the pain I was feeling.

"You're going inside right now to clean up the room throughout the night." She stated.

"The room is so dark, how do you expect me to clean it up without any light inside?" I questioned, not knowing her reason for asking me to do it.

"I don't care how you'll find that but I need the room all cleaned out by tomorrow because it is going to be your new room. Get to work now!" She sneered and left.

This is what I keep saying. If anyone is in my position, he or she would have attempt suicide than to keep going through this hell I am facing every single day of my life.

I believe I'll get back what I lost to them; my happiness, my father's wealth and my freedom.

I would love to have called Mr Henry to help me out so I can be saved from this torment but I don't know much about him. All I know is, he has seen the pain I am passing through and wants to help me. I'm just scared of what my uncle would do when he finds out. 

I can't cause any harm to the man who wants to help me. I can endure all the pain I am going through until a miracle happens.

I need to start with the cleaning but what do I use since the room is dark? I headed back to my room to look for a touch and luckily I saw my lamp on the nightstand.

"I guess, it will save me now." I mouthed and picked it up going back to the dark room to start cleaning.

I don't know how long it will take me but I hope I'll be done before midnight.

At exactly 12 midnight I was done cleaning the room and so exhausted with wobbly eyes due to lack of sleep. The room was back to normal looking so beautiful.

"I'm so exhausted right now. I can't wait to get to my room and sleep off." I yearned dragging myself to the room.

~MORNING~

"Rise and shine, wretched fellow." I heard a loud scream and drop of liquid being poured all over my body and bed.

I opened my eyes to see Lora holding a bowl in her hand. She's the only one who can do that to me.

"Good morning aunt." I murmured getting off the wet bed.

"What's good about the morning when you should be up cleaning the house and making breakfast." She snarled and I kept mute thinking of a way to clean up the mess she created.

She just ruined my morning with her stupid ways. I'm only tolerating her because of my uncle who finds every fault to put all the blame on me.

"I'll go do that now."

"Make sure you hurry up. I don't have time to waste on a worthless person like you." She drew and walked out.

Should I be happy she ruined my sleep or made my life a living hell? They're all making everything pertaining to my life unbearable. Why can't I ever be happy? What have I done to really deserve these ill treatment? Why me God?

"I don't have all day long skinny bones so hurry up and come downstairs!" She yelled outside the door.

"Okay aunt, I'll be out in a minute." 

"You better be!" She huffed away from the door.

I made my way to the bathroom and did my morning routine and came out to change my night dress before heading downstairs.

On my way to the living room, I heard my uncle and Lora discussing on having some guests coming over for dinner.

I finally got in view to see them staring at me like an uninvited guest who distracted their discussion.

"Good morning uncle."

"Were you listening to our conversation?" She narrowed, staring suspiciously at me.

"No aunt, I wasn't. I was just coming down to make breakfast." 

"Let her be honey. Bella, we're having guests from last night's party over for dinner. Make sure you don't say a word to them or this time my wrath will be worse than last night. Is that clear?" He asserted walking towards me which gave me goosebumps.

"I won't utter a word to them again sir." I stammered nodding my head as he kept walking towards me, with the thought he's going to lay his hands on me just like he did last night.

"God! Please protect me from getting hit today." I mumbled, swallowing hard my saliva.

"That will be for your own good also you won't do the cleaning of the house today. I already hired some people who will come over and take care of everything along with caterers who will take care of the meal and arrangement settings of the house." He stated while Lora kept fuming in anger.

Finally, I got to rest today without cleaning the house. I'll have time to take a nap and probably take my time in doing a good makeup for myself. I've got two people I want to make angry when they see how beautiful and gorgeous I will look for the dinner. 

Casabella's POV

"Honey, why do you have to hire cleaners when Bella can do it herself." Lora cajoled.

"You know I don't have a choice. I don't want Henry and the rest to get a leap of how we're treating her or everything I've worked so hard for us will crumble before our eyes."

I can't believe they'll be so inhumane and shameless to treat me this way. They only think about themselves, enjoying their life and making me pass through hell.

"Okay darling. I wouldn't want that for us one bit and make this witch enjoy luxury." She responded and turned to me with guffawed looks.

"You heard what he said; you ain't cleaning the house today so go make breakfast for us and move your luggage to the dark room."

"Okay." I murmured and left the living room to the kitchen feeling disgusted with their act, only to see Annie, the stupid brat on the counter smoking.

"Look who is here? The last face I don't ever wanna see on a good day." She cackled, puffing out smoke out of her mouth.

"Well, some people need to find a space where they won't have to see this face here."

She's so bitchy but I'm more of a bitch than she is. I ain't surprised she's engaged in smoking cigarettes after all, she took all the features from her parents.

"I ain't got time for you right now. I've more important things to do and that's smoking in peace." She sneered and got down from the counter heading outside through the back door.

That's what she should have done in the first place before doing it here. I had the intention of putting her in the right position but luckily she backed out without a fight.

I checked the menu for breakfast today to see it was my favourite meal: sandwich, pancake with orange juice.

I remembered when my mum was still alive, she would make it every single day for me because I don't ever get tired of it but when my uncle came into the picture, I couldn't have what I love so much but seeing the new menu my aunt laid out brought back the old memories.

I laid out all the ingredients and set out to work and in less than thirty minutes I was done with everything but just served it on a plate and before taking it to the dining table.

After packing it on a tray, I took it to the dining room where my uncle, Lora and Annie are all seated.

"What took you so long to make everything ready? Don't you know we're all starving, fool?" Lora blustered.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't easy making the two all at once."

"Whatever, are you going to dish it out or keep standing like a statue?"

"That's what she looks like mother." Annie chipped in and burst out laughing like a bitch.

"Okay ladies, let her dish out the food and let have breakfast in peace." My uncle declared as both mother and daughter's faces turned sore.

They hate it when he interferes whenever they're making a joke of me in his presence but once he's away, I get to face their bitchy ways all by myself.

I dish out the meals for them and leave for the kitchen to have my own portion where I do have my meals in peace. I wasn't allowed to sit with them in the dining room and have any meal which I've been okay with without any problem.

Once I was done with my portion of food which I enjoyed every bit of, I headed back to the dining room and cleared the table out and washed the utensils before going to my room to move all my belongings into my new room which I had decorated exactly as my previous room.

I packed all my luggage and was already exiting the room when Lora and her wretched daughter walked into the room holding shopping bags in their hands.

"What could they have got and want to give to me?" I wondered, staring at the shopping bags.

"Stop staring because they ain't any of yours. My husband got all of them for my daughter and I."

"But dad ruined everything by getting her a pretty dress which is prettier than mine just like the ones we burnt." Annie grumbled in anger.

"Baby, your dad is only doing so to make the guests satisfied with how she's doing under his care and not get any suspicion or doubt about anything but once they're gone, we're going to burn it. She shouldn't have to wear pretty and expensive dresses, they're only for people with class and worth it which she isn't any of them."

I forgot to mention, these two heartless humans burnt all my expensive dresses, shoes and other valuables but my uncle was helpful by getting other ones but not as beautiful as the ones they burnt.

"Here you go! You're to wear that for dinner and once it's over, consider taking it off and handing it over to me or you won't like the outcome." She blustered and threw two of the shopping bags to me which I caught right on time.

"Okay, thanks." I mumbled.

"I didn't hear that."

"Thanks." I uttered audibly to her hearing.

"Save that for yourself also when you're done moving to the dark room. Go downstairs and direct the cleaners and caterers on what to do because I don't have the time for all those stress and troubles, is that clear?" She inquired and I nodded my head in response before she left the room along with Annie who was cursing words only known to her.

"What a bitch!" I mouthed to myself and checked the shopping bag to see an off shoulder purple flawless long gown with flower designs all over it.

Whoa! This is so beautiful. I can't believe my uncle got this beautiful gown just for me! Well, he didn't do it by his own free-will but to impress his guests so he can still stick to my possessions.

It is so beautiful that I can't stop admiring the dress. I took the other bag to see a black shiny stiletto heels, just beautiful and perfect for the dress.

I won't let Lora and her daughter have this one burn to ashes. I must stand up for this particular one and fight for it even if it means taking the matter to my uncle who I am sure will support me with it.

I tried the dress and heels on and it was so fitted and nice on my body before taking it off and keeping it safe in my wardrobe. I can't wait to make Lora and Annie beyond jealous when the guests comment on my looks. I'll make them burn in jealousy, anger and lot of pain they won't be able to exhibit when the guests arrive.

From the look of things, the dinner will be so fantastic and spontaneous having new faces around to compliment me on my looks.

I'll need to set all my makeup kit and how to fit in with them as well. It's been ages since I last had freedom to take a break from the house chores and right now I am extremely grateful to the guests showing up.

I need to go and direct the cleaners and caterers on what to do and help them out in one way or the other. I'm not as inhuman as my aunt and Annie. I've human conscience and that's the true essence of being human.

I changed into less pretty clothes and headed downstairs to meet the cleaners and caterers.

"Good afternoon everyone." I greeted.

"Good afternoon Madam." They chored.

"I'm not ma'am. I'm Casabella and I'll be the one to show you all where to begin the work. I'll be joining you guys as well." I addressed them with a smile.

"You really don't need to join us. What would your father say?" One of the females who looks like a caterer and the head chef expressed.

"It's alright. He won't say a word, I bet you all so let's get set to work." I assured them and began to assign the positions they were going to work on, starting with the cleaners first.

When I was done assigning the cleaners where they were going to work and also giving them a helping hand, I headed to the kitchen to join the caterers in the cooking of the meal.

"How's the preparation going?" I asked one of them who looks like their boss because she was much older than all of them.

"It's going smoothly ma'am. Thank you for insisting on joining us. It is so rare to find kind and good hearted people like you."

"It's really nothing, so what should I help out with?" I answered with a smile.

"You're so beautiful with a pure heart of gold. I hope the man who gets married to you will be just like you."

"I'm grateful aunt. Let's get to work fast. What are we making?"

"Corn and coriander fritters, beer-battered lemon and prawns, ham and potato cakes with rocket pesto and finally crisp squid with saffron and green apple aioli"

"Whoa, it really a lot to do but we're going to do it together and make them delicious."

"I'm sure you'll be the reason the meal is going to taste super delicious with your pure heart."

"You think so?" I asked, laughing.

"Totally sure." She uttered and all the workers nod in response, smiling.

"Well, thanks. Shall we begin then."