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.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Madison's POV

"Boss everything is all ready. Shall we head to the meeting now?" Mary, an average middle woman with spectacles who happens to be my adviser and personal secretary cut me out of my spacing.

"Oh Mary, when did you get here? I clearly forgot about the meeting. Have you prepared the speech I'll be presenting?"

"Yes boss. It's all in detail just like you want it."

"Okay, let me have a glimpse of it for a minute or so. You can head to the conference room first, I'll join you all soon."

"No problem Boss, I'll be waiting for your arrival. Boss, you look lost a while ago. Is everything all right if I may ask?" She asked.

"Everything is good Mary. Thank you for caring."

"If you say so Boss." She replied and left.

I can't believe Derrick would cheat on me after all what we've shared together. I shouldn't have given him so much attention, love and care to the point I'll only get hurt in the end. It was really a good thing I ended it with him last night but I just can't forget the scandal, lies and misuse of my wealth on someone who already has a family with three kids.

Men are so inhuman and cruel, In fact love is worthless. It only causes pain to everyone. I'm never falling in love with any man in my life. I'm good looking, successful in business so what else do I need a man in my life for? Obviously, I don't need one because I can be happy on my own. I have got my parents and friends so what more can I seek in a man.

Derrick you can enjoy your life to the fullest but know one thing, I ain't gonna cry over you. I'll move on with my life and be much happier than you can ever imagine.

I don't need to dwell over you. I can be much more than happy even before I met you.

I picked the file Mary dropped a while ago containing the speech I was going to present to the board members of my company and quietly went through it before heading to the conference room to start the meeting.

I'm Madison C Williams, a successful businessman of twenty five years of age and the only child of my parents. My father is a renowned businessman while my mother is a well known judge all over London.

They're simply the best people I can ever ask for. They brought me up with good virtues and treat both poor and rich equally which made me stick to staying single without a man in my life since they're enough for me but they both confused me, that having a man who will truly love me and they will get to see their grandchildren as well.

At first, I declined the thought but when I had an encounter with Derrick, all my thought to remain single changed and that's how I fell in love with him but he never made mention of being a married man with kids to me until yesterday, a woman showed up at his place and said his children are missing him and wants him back to them.

I was so devastated and angry he could betray me after all the secrets and promises we made to each other but it is all gone now. I need to forget about him and this time around, I'm never falling in love with any man ever again.

***

"Your speech was so wonderful Boss. You've really made all the board members speechless and marvelled with the new business idea." Mary remarked trailing behind me to my office.

"Thank you Mary, it won't have happened if you haven't been so hardworking and for that I'll double your salary."

"Whoa Boss. Thank you so much, I'm really grateful."

"It's nothing, Mary. You deserve the credit as well." I commended giving her a little tap on the shoulder for a job well done.

"Thanks once again Boss." She chuckled.

"You can take a break now, I'll call you when I need anything."

"Sure Boss but can I say something Boss?"

"Yes, go on Mary."

"You look sad and hurt. The moment I called you to inform you about the meeting I knew something was wrong. What is it Boss? You can always share your problems with me like you always do."

"Thank you Mary. Well, you see it Derrick. We finally broke up."

"My conscience wasn't right with him in the first place but when you said he loves you so much and you also do, I thought I was wrong perhaps. No one ever knew he had an aim by getting close to you. Boss, you don't need to keep thinking about him, someone better and worthy of you will find his way to you soon. You just have to move on and be happy, Boss."

I can't stop loving her. She really knows when I am happy or sad and sure knows how to lighten up my mood.

"I'm so lucky to have some as you. You really can tell each time you are in a good or bad situation. Everything is all fine now Mary. I've made up my mind to live by myself as before and never have to deal with any man again. I'm good at being single and always will be."

"Thanks for the compliment Boss but saying you aren't going to have anything to do with any man again is something no one can decide."

"I know Mary and even if it happens I won't accept any of them. Go take your break, we shouldn't talk about it anymore."

"Sure Boss." She replied and left while I engaged myself going through some files.

EVENING

"Welcome home ma'am Madison." The gatekeeper uttered as I came down from the car.

"Thank you, rhhm... Are my parents back?"

"Yes ma'am, they arrived not quite long as well."

"Okay, thanks." I answered and went into the house feeling extremely exhausted.

I walked into the living room and dropped everything in my hands and fell flat on the sofa as Alicia, one of the maids, walked up to me with cold water on a tray.

"Good evening ma'am Madison. You must be tired that's why I brought you something to cool off the stress." She said politely.

"That's so sweet of you, thank you." I answered and took the cold water from her gulping all down my throat before giving her the glass cup back.

"You're welcome ma'am Madison." She responded and left.

"Sunshine, you're home."

I heard my mum's voice from the other end of the living room and saw her approving me along with dad.

"Yes I just came in not quite long. Good evening dad and mum."

"Good evening sweetheart. How was work at the company?" Dad inquired, taking a seat right next to me while mum was standing.

"Stressful dad. How was your outing?"

"It was fun darling, you should have seen how your mum was holding on to me throughout the exhibition."

"Really?" I asked bursting out laughing along with dad.

"Yes honey, she was acting like a teenager."

"Will you both stop teasing me already? Sean, you know pretty well I'm really scared of wild animals yet you insisted we should go on with it." Mum cried out.

"I'm sorry heartthrob but you do need to get over your fears with wild animals. They aren't going to come after you after all."

"That's right mum, you really need to get over that fear but I really missed how your reaction was this time." I

"I'll get over my fears soon enough and show you both who the boss is." She boasted.

"I guess that is a challenge." He responded with a smirk.

"That's okay dad, mum. I'm so exhausted right now, I need a lot of rest so I'll head to my room now." I mused, dragging myself up and heading for the stairs when dad asked after the man who betrayed me.

"I broke up with him, dad. I'll be in my room if you need me." I answered and with that I took the stairs.

I walked into my room and fell flatly on the bed so weak and worn out. I don't know why dad had to ask about that betrayer when I just don't want to even think or ever see him again in my life.

"Honey, are you in there?" Mum asked, knocking on my door.

"Yeah mum, come in." I replied sitting up straight.

"Sunshine, is what you said a while ago true and can you tell me what happened? You know I'm your mum, you can share your feelings with me even if you don't want to share it with your dad."

"Where should I start telling you mum? I still can't believe Derrick would fool me when he is still married with kids."

"I'm sorry about that darling but that doesn't mean you won't find someone better than him."

"Mum at this point, I don't want to have anything to do with any man again. I prefer to be single than get my heart shattered again. I have got you and dad with me and I am happy that way."

"But honey, you can't take a big risk like that. Please have a rethink over it."

"I've made up my mind mum and I'll be happy if you and dad will support my decision."

"Okay sunshine, your dad and I will always go with what will always make you happy." She accepted and pulled me into a warm embrace.

Casabella's POV

"What the hell was all that you displayed out there?" My aunt ranted when we all walked back into the house after bidding Mr Henry and the rest of the guests.

"I just bid them farewell, it's not like I hurt them or something." I rolled my eyes.

"Just look at her attitude Smith, if it isn't because you always caution me not to lay my hands on her I would have killed her a long time ago so she can go join her parents in hell."

"Watch your words Lora, on no account should I ever get to hear you saying you'll kill her because if you do, I won't hesitate to kill you as well. Can't you always think before you utter a word? What do you expect to say? That, I had a hand in the death of her parents and killed her to gain my late brother's wealth all to myself? Think about that Lora?" My uncle

"I'm sorry honey but your niece's attitude is sometimes not acceptable. Didn't you see how she caught all your guests' attention?"

"It's fine by me Lora as long as she doesn't open her flirty mouth to say a word related to us with any of them."

"Is that all you can think of Smith? Don't you care how our daughter felt when the guests didn't appreciate her own beauty but had to keep praising this bitch here none stop. I'm really disappointed in you." Lora cried out with clear rage in her voice.

"This is just the beginning of your suffering in this house. Let go Annie." She added and left our presence along with Annie, who was all teary.

Finally, I made mother and daughter so pissed off and teary. Now they know how it feels to hurt an innocent human with their words and attitude.

"Go to your room now." My uncle yelled sternly and I rushed knowing he's so angry.

I walked into my room and pulled off the dress before taking a shower and drafting off to sleep.

~NEXT MORNING~

I got up early and set to wash all their laundry. I was really lucky the cleaners waited behind and cleaned up everywhere after the dinner was over which makes my work less stressful.

"Do I need to keep reminding you when to make breakfast?" Lora uttered standing at the entrance of the laundry room.

"I totally forgot. Good morning aunt."

"Safe it and go make the breakfast now." She responded and left without cursing words to me.

Whoa! That's unusual of her? She didn't yell or insult me after yesterday's incident? I'm sure she's cooking up something big and dangerous towards me. What's she up to now?

I hurried up to the kitchen and started making the breakfast which was meatball and French fries and in time I was all done and ready to serve the meals.

After serving the meal, I head back to finish the laundry and carry out other necessary things like cleaning all the rooms in the house.

***

"Bella! Bella!! Where the hell are you, bitch?"

"I'm coming, aunt." I responded and rushed to where I heard the sound from.

"I've been calling out your name for a long time. What the hell were you doing that took you long to respond?"

"I was working on the garden since you ordered me to chop off the unwanted tips of the plants."

"And so? Should that take you so long to do or ruse up here the moment you heard me calling out to you."

"Sorry." I mused.

"I'm starving so I want you to go make me lunch."

"Right now? But I am not done with the work you asked me to do before and now this?"

"You have no idea what I am going to do to you for causing a rift between me and my husband. You'll never know peace in this house either, will you ever be happy for doing so." She lamented with venom in each word she uttered.

Like I have ever lived happily with them in this house. She's just proclaiming all her words, the least all she can do is torture and insult me which I am already used to and as far as I am concerned, she doesn't have the courage to kill me even if she always nags about it.

"I had no hand in your rift with my uncle. You chose to blame me for it and nothing more."

"You insolent bitch." She screamed and gave me a slap across the face.

"How dare you talk back that way to me?"

I couldn't move or try to fight her back with words because I know I'll still be the one to end up hurt but at this moment, she has gone overboard.

"Lora, let's get this straight. I'm only putting up with your attitude because you're my uncle's wife, if it wasn't the case, I would have shown you your place." I blustered to her face and left her presence.

"What the fuck did you just say? Bella! Did you just talk back that way to me? Get back here or you won't like what I am going to do to you!" She ranted but I turned deaf and headed to my room.

I don't know where the courage and boldness came from but I'm so proud of myself for spilling the truth to her.

~LATER THAT DAY~

"Bella!" I heard my uncle calling out from the living room.

I left the chores and rushed to the call. "Yes uncle. Good afternoon."

"Have this." He said, handing his credit card to me.

"Go to the King's Plaza and get my favourite wine. I don't know why Lora had us run out of it. Did she mention where she's going to you?"

"No sir."

"Okay, get the wine along with a big sized onion pizza along."

"Okay uncle." I responded and set to go when he called me back.

"Go change your dress and look presentable. I don't know who might be watching over you. Also you can tell the driver to take you there with one of the cars." He stated.

Did he just say those words or am I the one dreaming? No, this isn't coming out from this heartless man. I think I'm dreaming.

I pinch myself to feel if it was real and indeed it was because I felt the pain.

"Don't take it to heart. He's only saying that to protect his prestige from being ruined." My subconscious mind nudged.

Yeah, it is. He only said it not to make anyone suspect the way he treats me.

"Okay uncle." I answered and headed to my room and changed into a purple off shoulder top and a black short skirt with a purple sandal to fit the dressing and packed my hair in a ponytail.

"Hurry up, girl. I don't have much patience again." He rumbled when I walked to the living room.

"Okay uncle." I responded and hurried outside.

The driver was already in the car waiting for me and without waiting more time, I got in and he took off to the mall.

Throughout the ride, I kept marvelling at the way that leads to the mall because it has already changed since the last time I visited the mall.

"We're here Miss Casabella." The driver, who is of middle age said.

"Oh... that's so fast. Thanks for the ride." I replied and dropped down from the car to see the King's Plaza, one of the most luxurious malls in New York.

The last time I went shopping at the mall was when I was about to graduate from university. My uncle brought Annie and I over to do a little shopping for the graduation ceremony which happened to be one of my best moments.

It was the first time I had so much fun throughout the moment I spent with them. But after that moment, everything turned into a nightmare for me.

I walked inside the mall as all eyes fell on me with a series of murmurs which I couldn't hear.

At first, I was feeling uneasy with the way everyone was staring but after so much courage, I proceeded to the reception and a skinny blonde lady.

"Hi, can you please direct me to the wine section."

"Hi madam. Of course, come with me." She answered, smiling.

"Okay, thanks."

"This way, please." She uttered and I followed her suit but she kept staring at me at intervals just like everyone who sees me.

Did I do something to my face or what? Because I don't understand why she keeps staring at me.

"Excuse me, may I ask you a question?" I asked her.

"Yes, please."

"Is there something on my face because everyone keeps staring at me including you too."

"You're so beautiful and pretty madam that's why everyone can't take their eyes off you."

"Thanks. I see the reason why I got everyone's attention on the way."

"Yes madam. I haven't seen anyone as beautiful as you look. If I am told you're a goddess, I will instantly believe."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"It is a pleasure. Enjoy your shopping." She uttered after showing me the section and left.

I roam my eyes going through the section to find Patria Avoyelles which was my uncle's favourite.

It didn't take up to a minute when I found it and made my way to grab the other items before paying for them and left.