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.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Madison's POV

"Good morning honey. You're all ready for the office?" Dad uttered from the dining area.

"Good morning." I greeted, joining them in the dining area.

"Good morning love." Mum responded with a light smile.

"Sweetie, your mum and I want to have a discussion with you."

"Okay. I hope all is fine?" I inquired, dishing out pancakes and bacon for myself.

"It has to do with your life"

"And what's that?" I was confused.

"Princess, you've got to look for someone who will love you unconditionally. Not all men are the same, you need to move onto another relationship and forget the past." He announced, making me stare at mum.

She did tell me, he's gonna accept my wish but I guess she wasn't so sure because dad isn't someone who takes things easily.

"Mum, I thought we talked about this last night? You both know I just got heart broken and haven't recovered yet and the only thing you both could be so concerned about is to find someone just like that and get my heart broken again."

"Honey, try and understand your father and I. We don't mean it that way. What we are only saying is that you ain't getting any younger so you'll need a man sooner or later and also have kids."

"I get it now. You guys are after grandchildren, right? No wonder, you both have been on my throat to get married and settle down. I'm really disheartened to hear such words from you guys."

"Princess, we do love you that's why we're saying all this to you. You really need to hear these words now or you'll come to see fault in us for supporting you later."

"Is that so? I've made my decision and it is final except you both don't want me as your daughter anymore."

"Never, don't say such words ever again. You're our only daughter and angel, we love you so much that's why we're trying to make you see the light in your decision." He pointed out.

"That's true sweetie. We really don't want you to be sad."

"You both know I can't be sad when I've got you guys with me. Also, I'm sorry for saying those words. I was only feeling sad that you both don't want to accept my decision."

"It's alright princess. We will always accept your decision to make you happy. Come over here angel." He assured me with open arms.

"Thank you so much dad." I uttered and ran into his arms.

*****

"Mary, how about the deal with Clinton corporation? Is it still up or have they reject our products again?" I asked with an heavy sigh, waiting to hear the bad news as usual.

"Congratulations Miss Madison. They accepted our products this time and want to have a collaboration between the companies by next week in New York."

"Oh my God! Finally, that's the best news I've heard in a while. Mary, inform all the staff we're organising a party tomorrow night." I ordered with so much joy.

"Sure Miss Madison. We really deserve a party."

"We sure do, Mary. It has been two months we've been sending our products to that company but no success and finally, they accept one of the products. Isn't it so great?"

"It is, boss."

"And before I forget, I heard the C.E.O of the company is here in London? How true is that?"

"Yes, he's here in town."

"That's great. Send out an invitation to the company. I want to meet him in person and see what kind of person he's made of."

"Okay boss. I also heard he's extremely handsome as a Greek god with a well fit body shape."

"Too bad I am not chasing after any man but I do hope we can get along as business partners."

"We can't say boss." She chuckled.

"Whatever Mary, just go make the arrangements."

"Okay Miss Madison."

I don't care how handsome he may look, all I am after is making him see how our products can benefit his companies in a large range. Asshh! I need to share the good news with dad and mum so they can invite some of their close friends and business associates.

I picked my phone and settled to call dad when a knock on the door distracted me.

"Come in, please." I mused and placed the call but heard the ringtone of his phone at the door.

I looked up to see him smiling at me, "I guess, I came at the right time."

"Dad! What brings you over to the company?" I asked as he shut the door behind and walked over to join me.

"Your mum and I came over to spend a lovely time with our baby girl."

"Aww... How sweet of you both but you do know am not a baby dad."

"Of course, you are. You're my baby girl and nothing can change that." He said, lightly.

"I'm blushing, so where's mum?"

"Oh... She's being welcomed by the staff but I am sure she's on her way."

"Okay dad. I got good news to share with you and mum."

"What's the good news about? Tell me princess?"

I was about to tell him when mum showed up. She never missed anything important.

"You both are having fun without me?" She inquired.

"Hey mum. You're just in time for the good news I wanna share with you both."

"Really? I guess it was perfect timing for me. You know how much I love to hear good news, so tell us." She bemoaned and took a seat close to dad.

"Okay. Don't get too blushing mum." I said with a little chuckle and continued, "Did you guys remember the multinational company, the Clinton Corporation in America I talked about months back that kept rejecting every product we keep laying out so we get a contract deal with the company?"

"Yes, we do." They uttered at the same time.

"The company is really a huge success, darling. I never thought of passing out the company products to them."

"Baby, don't tell me they rejected the products and that's why you're happy or you got a new offer with a company working under them?"

"Not that mum. Well, the company itself accepted our new products." I blustered out with so much happiness.

My dream of working with a great company will be fulfilled once I get my hands on their contract paper. I've worked endlessly to move this company to greater heights and today, our products have been accepted by the multinational company in New York City.

"That's great news princess. Finally, your endless work and constant determination has paid off. I'm so proud and happy for you, my darling baby."

"Thank you dad."

"Come here sweetie. I'm so proud of you as well." She embraced me in a hug.

"Thanks mum." I answered and hugged her back.

"Due to this great achievement, I've decided to organize a party for the county and everyone is invited from you both sides and mine."

"We support your decision, my love. And for that, I'll organise something special for you."

"Really mum? I can't wait for it." I uttered with excitement, acting a little childish as we all laughed.

"Angel, we came here with a purpose."

"What's the purpose, dad?"

"We came to spend some quality time with you so why don't we all go out and have some fun as a family?"

"Yes, sweetie. Let's have so much fun since it's been a while we've spent some quality time as a family and also we can make it more fun with your great achievement." She suggested.

"Anything you guys suggest is fine by me. I'll also get to take a little break with all this work." I said, pointing to the loads of files on the desk.

"That's more like you, angel. Pack up for the day, because it is a special day for you to have fun with your family."

"Exactly dad. Let me assign the unfinished work to Mary to handle it."

"Take your time honey. We've got enough time."

I picked my phone and put a call across to Mary to come to my office before packing my stuff ready to leave with them.

Not quite long, there was a short knock on the door which gave me the idea it was Mary.

"Come in, Mary."

"Yes boss." She uttered politely and proceeded to welcome my parents.

"You're highly welcome Mr and Mrs Williams." Dad responded.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, Mary."

"I hope you're taking good care of my baby girl?" Mum asked, with a naughty smile.

"Mum, I'm no child anymore. When will you stop already, you're making me feel shy."

"That's because you're my baby girl." She replied and I just smiled at it and turned to Mary.

"Mary, I want you to work on these two files by tomorrow. Can you do that for me?"

"No problem, Miss Madison. I can do everything today."

"Thank you, here you go." I handed the files to her as she took her leave.

"I'm done. Can we go now?" I said and picked up my bag and laptop.

"Okay honey." They both got on their feet as we proceeded out of the office holding hands as a family.

Casabella's POV

"Casabella! Wake up, my child." I heard the call of my name in a whisper which sounded just like my mum's voice.

"Mum!" I called and got up from the bed, trying to trail the direction of the voice.

"Casabella, my baby." The voice called again but in a sad tone like the person is in some kind of pain.

"Mum, is that you? Where are you?" I asked, taking the stairs to the living room as the sound was coming from that direction.

I came into view of the living room and saw a bright flash of light glittering with a reflection of someone whose appearance isn't clear.

"Who is there?" I stuttered.

"My baby. I miss you so much."

"Mum! I've missed you so much with dad. Why did you guys leave without me?"

"We're really sorry, my child. Your father and I never meant to leave or hurt you, but faith had it that way. We shouldn't have left you all alone in the hands of Andrew and his family."

"They have been treating me unjustly and have taken all the possessions my father left for me. Mother, I just want to be with you and father, I can't endure all this pain any longer." I wiped profusely, walking towards the light but a strong force pulled me back.

"Cassy, you've got to stay strong and fight every battle that comes your way including the one I come to warm you." She stated, calling me by the nickname she gave me.

"To warn me about what, mother?"

"I don't have much time to explain it to you but there is something big coming your way and no matter what happens, never give up and remember, we love you so much and have a great purpose to fulfil to the world. Bye for now, Cassy, my darling angel." She explained and vanished away with the light.

"No! Mother, please come back. What danger could that be? You haven't explained it to me. Mother!" I screamed, going down on my knees and calling out to her.

"Mother!!! Mother!!! Please, come back to me." I kept calling non stop, crying as the tears kept dripping off my face when I heard a loud distant voice.

"Hey, witch! Get up! Why the hell are you yelling your mother's name in the middle of the night disturbing everyone's sleep?"

I woke up instantly to see her, my uncle and Annie, all staring at me in my room. I guess I forgot to lock the door.

I can't believe it was a dream. Gosh! It felt so real. What should I say to my uncle for screaming and waking them up?

"What's all the noise, Bella? You woke us up with your scream." My uncle complained.

"I'm so sorry uncle, I had a dream about my mum."

"To hell with your fucking mother and dream. Does that have to make you keep screaming out that way in the middle of the night?" Lora thundered.

"I was totally freaked out thinking it was a ghost hunting me." Annie sneered.

"Let it go, Lora. Go back to the room and you too, Annie."

"Whatever Andrew but you bitch, it isn't over between you and I." She responded and turned to Annie, "Let go, Annie."

"Go to sleep as well and I hope you won't repeat such again." He said and left the room.

When they all left, I got on my feet and shut the door and sat on the bed.

Why do I feel the dream is so real and alive? I'm really happy I got to hear her sweet voice even if I didn't get to see her beautiful face but what danger is she talking about? I hope it doesn't have to do with losing my life.

No! She did say, no matter how it's gonna be, I should never give up even if I am close to my last breath. I'll fight with everything in me and achieve my purpose to the world.

×MORNING×

I was up early making breakfast but with an absent mind still thinking of the words my mother said in the dream.

I don't know where, how or when I am going to encounter the danger and whatever it might be, I'll be ready to fight the battle and make my late parents proud of me.

"What the fuck!!!" Annie's scream at the door disputed my thoughts.

I took my eyes to what I was cooking to see the bacon on fire. Oh my god!

"Mother! Bella wants to kill us." She yelled rushing out of the kitchen.

I took to my heels and got the fire extinguisher and turned out the fire.

"What have you done to my kitchen, you witch?" Lora rasped in shock.

"It wasn't intentional, I'm sorry."

"You called this a mistake? Like, you always burn down our house!"

"I didn't know the bacon caught fire." I tried explaining but she cut me out.

"You bitch! How about something good to learn?" She smirked and picked the burnt bacon with a picker and placed it on my left arm.

"Arrhhh..." I screamed, breaking free from her grip.

"This is what you deserve for trying to burn down the house and also for the stupid scream of last night." She stated with an evil grin before walking out leaving me in pain.

"Asshh..." I cried out staring at my arm which was already red from the burnt bacon.

Is this the danger, mother was talking about? If it is, then I'm never giving up even if Lora continues with it. I'll keep fighting until a miracle happens that I'll become so powerful and have my revenge on them.

"Less I forget, start making another breakfast and this time, nothing must happen again or you're going to face something worse than the one I just did." She said from the door, smiling devilishly.

"And make it fast. I'm famished that I can kill someone." She added and walked away.

I'll never accept defeat no matter what happens. I'll continue to stay strong and fight all the pains until it is my time to seek revenge for all they made me go through. I'll make them pay dearly to a point they won't be able to stand in my front with any courage to fight back.

I set to make another breakfast and in a couple of minutes, I was all done and set to dish it out.

Once I was done with everything, I took it to the dining room where I saw mother and daughter seated like hungry lionesses with full eyes.

My uncle was there with them because he left even before I got up so I was lucky I didn't get some lashes on my body but I know I can't escape it because Lora will sell me out to him for trying to burn down his house.

"Are you going to keep standing or dish out the food already?" She barked.

After dishing out the food for them,I left for my room since I wasn't feeling hungry.

Throughout the way to my room, the words my mother revealed to keep clouded my head which I think this burnt Lora did to me might be the danger or perhaps not.

I hope I can handle the bigger one of all when it comes my way.

TWO HOURS LATER

After taking a short nap, Lora assigned chores for me to do and after that I am going to run an errand for her at her twin brother's house.

At first , I found it very suspicious of her, because she never sends me to Larry's place knowing my uncle would never allow it and the worst part is 'I HATE HIM SO MUCH'.

Each time, he comes visiting for days, he always makes sexual gestures at me and sometimes calls me unspeakable names just like his sister so there's no difference between Lora and him.

It not like I don't know why he calls me unspeakable names, I know he's trying to lure me into having sex with him which can't ever happen no matter how he tries. I'm no cheap lady to use for his sexual benefit.

"Are you done with the chores?" Lora asked out of the blue.

"Yes but I want to take some rest so I can't run the errand for you. Why don't you send Annie instead."

"You must be joking. You will go and that's finally. Larry is already waiting for your arrival." She uttered sheepishly.

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you planning something against me? Well, if you're then sorry to burst your bubbles, it not going to work on me." I said to her face, with confidence.

"That's your problem, just go pick up the stuff and be fast about it."

Dear lord! Please protect and keep me safe from any evil plot from anyone, most especially against Lora and her brother.