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."

Casabella's POV

"Is everything almost done Bella?"

I heard Lora yell from the living room which made me leave what I was doing to attend to her call.

"It's almost done. The meal is all ready, it's just left to set everything on the dining table." I replied.

"That's better, go take your shower now and get dressed before the guests arrive and find you in this mess and again, don't act stupid like my husband had instructed you or you're going to face hell from him and also from my side."

"I understand." I mumbled and left her presence.

What does she think of herself? I won't take any shit likely with her if she tries coming in between the matter. After all, it is between my uncle and I, she clearly has no right over me.

"Watch where you're going!"

Annie's stupid voice brought me out of my spacing. What the hell does she want this time? It's not like I bump into her or something.

"Obviously, you stood in my way so you can start ranting like always. It's best if you try staying on your own rather than making trouble with me."

"What the hell bitch? You stood on my way lost in your stupid thought and almost ruined my pretty dress which you think I'll let that happen. You're really freaking dumb then. Out of my way."

Who the heck did she think she's talking to? She just crossed her limits and I won't let her go off just like that.

"Get back here." I objected, dragging her back by the arm.

"Did I hear you well saying, I'm freaking dumb?"

"You heard it right and that's what you're or ain't you?"

"From my own aspect you're the freaking dumb one here and as a matter of fact who don't know how to live her own life. Isn't that the dumbest thing from someone like you, who claims her father is so wealthy yet can't even get employed in any company. What should that person be called? Yes, a pompous spoiled brat."

I got her time tonight and I'll make sure she gets every bit of what she deserves for acting bitchy towards me. I just can't keep watching her parents making me feel low and watch her do the same, it has got to stop."

"Watch what you say Casabella. You just got so lucky with the interview but here you're still unemployed. You're nothing compared to me. Don't forget you're nothing with nothing. My life is still perfect because I'll take over my father's company soon unlike you with nothing."

"Do I need to remind you that your father stole all my properties for himself but not to worry I'll get it back and make you all pay dearly with all this ill treatment you and your parents have been treating me."

"I would love to see you try. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got other things to do."

"You ain't going anywhere until I'm done with you." I uttered and pulled her back but this time by the hair.

"F**k bitch, why do you have to pull my hair." She cried out.

"I want to change all the trash you utter and the only way it can sink into that head of yours, is by causing pain to you."

"You're just so evil. I'll surely inform my mum about this and you're going to pay triple the price of what you did and said."

"Your parents taught me that after all and moreover I ain't afraid of your mother but my fears are for you. The wealth you claim belongs to your father won't last long because it only belongs to me and I'll definitely gain possession of it soon enough. Secondly, I'm only tolerating your shit because of your father, if it wasn't that, I would have shown you your place a long time ago and lastly, you're just useless for my liking."

"Bella, did you say all those words to me?" She uttered in shock.

"Are you surprised I can't say all those words before? You shouldn't be because it"s just a tip of what is coming. If you'll excuse me, I've got something to do." I huffed and took the stairs to my room.

It's a good thing I gave her a real piece she needs to hear and change her ways around me or I'll show her my other side.

Keeping cool isn't for me anymore, she has got to be put in her place.

I walked into my new room which is so beautiful with glittering walls and a comfortable bed with an extra chamber for a quiet moment alone.

I brought out the dress I was going to put on and laid it out on the bed with the stiletto and unclad making my way to the bathroom to take a nice bath.

After spending almost an hour in the shower, I came out to see the dress glittering and beautiful. It was as if the dress was made only for me because I'm so much in love with the dress.

"Casabella, will you round up whatever you're doing and get down here before the guests arrive." Lora yelled outside my room.

"I will be downstairs soon aunt."

"You better be, because I can't take the way Andrew is yelling to my face to come get you like you're some kind of princess when you're not." She drawled as her voice fades away.

I don't have much time left, so I got to dress up now and do my makeup which shouldn't take long or I'll get in trouble with my uncle.

***

"OMG! Mother, she's trying to get the guests attention just like she did at the party." Annie gasped.

"I can see that dear." Lora responded as they both kept staring at me as I made my way downstairs.

I love the looks on their faces when the fun just begins. Tonight will be so much fun to watch and I can't take any chances to miss the priceless look on their faces.

"Why must you have to look so beautiful all the time?" Annie cussed with rage.

"Is this the reason why you took so much time getting here? You have got to go wash the makeup off before the guests arrive." Lora complained.

She's only going to ruin the fun I am expecting. I just hope the guests arrive this minute.

"It took me so much to make myself up so I can't wash it off so easily when the guests haven't arrived yet."

"Are you defiling my order you wretched fellow?" She roared wanting to slap me as we heard loud chatter coming from the door which made her drop her hands down and compose herself.

"I'll deal with you later." She added and walked over to the door while I stayed behind with Annie who kept staring at me with jealousy.

You haven't seen anything, just wait and watch how I'll get all the guests' attention towards me.

"Casabella, Annie come over here and greet our guests." Lora called out with a voice someone will think she's a nice woman.

"Okay mother." Annie replied and headed first before I joined her.

"Casabella, you're looking so elegant and beautiful." Mr Henry, the same man who had complimented me from the party and also offered me help, uttered walking up to me with a warm smile.

"Thank you sir." I reciprocated with a warm hug as my uncle, Lora and Annie were all staring weirdly at us.

"Shall we head to the dining area." My uncle uttered, clearing his throat.

"Of course Mr Smith." One of the guests with bald hair answered and we all headed to the dining dimension.

"We're very pleased to have you all here. I hope you do enjoy our hospitality." Lora argued with a fake smile.

"It really a pleasure Mrs Smith." Mr Henry responded as we all took our seats and the caterers begin dishing out our meals which were four varieties: 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 which was part of what I settled for.

"The meal is so good. I'm sure Casabella also has a hand in this. The meal tastes so perfect just as she's looking right now, am I right?" The older man among the guests remarked with a satisfied look.

"You have said it all Mr Flex." The next man beside him supported and they all laughed except for my uncle, Lora and Annie whose eyes were all facing towards me.

I know I'm in big trouble with my uncle for sure but I ain't to blame for receiving all the praises and attention of his guests.

"Can you tell us about yourself dear?" The bald man among them asked me.

I was so speechless knowing where the question was heading. It was the question my uncle had instructed me to avoid at all cost.

"I really don't know what to say to him? How do I avoid the question?" I ruminate.

"We can talk about business Mr Flex, knowing everything about her isn't important." My uncle announced trying to dismiss the talk.

Mr Henry, who saw that I wasn't comfortable answering the question, supported my uncle and that's how the question was closed as they began discussing about business.

As much as I'm having fun seeing them so intense and angry, I can't just expose them even if I want to but I believe they will get exposed one day by their own act.