Chapter 2 Unexpected

Maxwell strolled into the expansive car garage, where Mr. Benson was carefully examining the sleek lines of his newest car.

"Hello, Benson. A moment, please?" Maxwell's tone was amiable, yet resolute.

Mr. Benson's eyes flickered with irritation. 'What's he doing here again? Always pleading on behalf of his daughter' he thought, silently seething.

"I don't have all day, Maxwell. What is it?" Benson queried, his voice sharp and impatient.

"It's about the increased rent. Don't you think raising it to $30,000 a year is excessive?" Maxwell questioned, his unease evident.

Benson chuckled impishly as he wiped his hands clean. "Maxwell, I don't have time for negotiations. If you and your daughter can't pay the fixed price for that shop, you'll need to find somewhere else. I need an upfront payment or I will rent it out to someone who is willing to do so. He stated firmly.

Mr. Benson's reply was rude and somewhat arrogant, but Maxwell remained composed. He wasn't there to fight.

"Could you please reconsider your decision? And besides the previous rent hasn't expired, that's so unfair." Maxwell complained.

"The rent was raised last year, and now it's doubled. That's really too much," Maxwell retorted.

"You heard what I said, and I'm not changing it. Pay the fixed amount or leave," Mr. Benson reiterated.

Without another word, Mr. Benson walked past Maxwell and retreated into his building, leaving Maxwell standing there, feeling like a fool.

Mr. Benson's change in character surprised everyone. He had once been a kind and passionate man, but after divorcing his wife a year ago due to her infidelity, he was never the same.

For over five years, he had been Bella's landlord, but his sudden shift in attitude made things difficult for her.

Mr. Benson took out his frustration on everyone around him, and Bella was no exception. But how much longer could she tolerate his behavior?

Bella felt an overwhelming urgency to gather enough money to pay the shop rent. As her sisters slept soundly, she stayed up all night brainstorming ways to cover the bills. Frustration gnawed at her, knowing Amelia's college fees were overdue and she couldn't figure out how to manage everything.

Then, she came to a conclusion. She gently retrieved a small box from her locked drawer. Inside it was the money she had saved for a long time.

Despite her dedication, Bella had always dreamed of traveling the world. The money she had saved was meant for that adventure.

'I think that will have to wait.' she thought.

Although she had intended to use part of it to settle Amelia's outstanding college fees, she never anticipated the sudden pressure of the shop rent.

Mr. Benson insisted on an upfront payment or threatened to rent the shop to someone else.

"I suppose my closeness to his wife is why he's taking it all out on me," Bella mused.

Bella counted the money in the box and found a total of thirty-six thousand dollars. It was enough to take care of her immediate problems.

She carefully placed the money back into the box and finally went to bed, her worries eased.

As the first rays of dawn illuminated her room, Bella was suddenly awoken by the joyful chorus of her two sisters and her father. They exclaimed in unison, "Happy birthday, Bella!" Their voices echoed in the quiet morning.

Although surprised, Bella jolted awake, with a wide grin spreading across her face. She realized it was her birthday and felt delighted. "Is it my birthday?" she asked, overwhelmed with surprise and excitement.

"How could I have so much on my mind that I forgot my own birthday? That's absurd." Bella thought.

"Happy birthday, sis!" Julian and Amelia shouted.

Maxwell chuckled, "And guess what, we have some gifts for you." He said as they presented some wrapped gifts to her.

"This is for you my dear," Maxwell gracefully presented a wrapped parcel to Bella.

Bella's laughter tinkled like crystal as she delicately unfurled the package. "Awwww...... a gift card! Thank you so much, Dad," she expressed.

"And now, my turn," Julian interjected. Bella was enveloped in an atmosphere of affection, her smile radiant. Julian bestowed upon her a set of high-quality salon tools, while Amelia bestowed upon her a ticket to an exclusive salon workshop.

Unexpected gifts and boundless love filled the air.

Bella's birthday was simply perfect, surrounded by her adoring family.

Bella was excited and grateful for her family's love. "I love you guys so much, thank you," she uttered.

"Julian, Amelia, we will be going out tonight! Bills on me." She revealed with excitement.

"Really?" Amelia exclaimed, ecstatic. She started contemplating what outfit to wear immediately.

Julian gently urged Amelia to calm down. "It's just a night out," she reassured her. "Take it easy. There's still time to sort your outfit."

They guided Bella to the dining table, her eyes covered with a blindfold.

Upon reaching their destination, Julian gently removed the blindfold. "Surprise!" they shouted in unison.

Before her stood a beautifully designed, creamy birthday cake. Bella was astonished, her eyes lighting up with delight.

"Wow! You guys are amazing! How did you guys manage to put up all this without me noticing it?" Eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.

They all chuckled, "Hope you love it," Julian asked, with sincere smiles. "Of course! I love it," Bella exclaimed.

Maxwell was thrilled to see his girls so united and happy. Tears of joy streamed down his cheeks as he said, "I want you girls to always love and support each other, no matter what happens."

They all turned to him, noticing his tears, they stood up and hugged him in unison. "Dad, we promise to keep supporting and caring for each other, no matter what life throws at us. We'll always be united," Bella said, holding back her tears.

"Yes, Dad, you can count on us," Julian and Amelia said, smiling.

Bella suggested they stop the emotional drama. "Hey, everyone, cheer up! It's my birthday, remember?" She giggled.

Bella cut the cake, and the celebration continued. As night approached, Bella and her sisters got ready for their girl's night out.

"Come on, Laura, put on something sexy. Who knows, you might fall in love with someone tonight," Amelia said, giggling with unrestrained joy.

Bella scoffed, "Love is not my thing, seriously. I'm only in love with my two sweet sisters and Dad," she said with a broad smile and sparkling eyes.

Julian smiled and told Bella that she would fall in love someday, and there was nothing she couldn't do about it. "I promise you," Julian added.

Bella shook her head and sighed deeply. "Are you guys ready? Let's go party!"

They left the house, and their dad, Maxwell, pleaded with them to be careful. "Don't worry too much, Dad. We'll be fine," Bella said as they left for the club.

Bella confidently strutted into the club, her stunning dress catching the neon lights of the dance floor. Her sisters, Julian and Amelia, trailed behind, turning heads with their dazzling smiles. The air was buzzing with excitement as they weaved through the pulsating beats, creating a trio of elegance that left a trail of admiration in their wake.

"Tonight is going to be amazing!" Amelia exclaimed, dancing to the rhythm of the music. "Let's have some fun, girls!" Bella shouted.

The three of them were laughing and dancing when Bella excused herself to get drinks for herself and her sisters. As she approached the bar with a smile, she ordered soft drinks for the three of them.

While she waited for the drinks, a boy nearby tried to strike up a conversation.

"Hi, can I have a word with you?" He said, but Bella said 'No'! Asking him to let her be, but the guy smiled. Bella ignored his attempts and walked away.

When the boy followed her, she firmly told him that she was not interested and to find someone else. However, he persisted and started touching her, which made Bella furious. She quickly put an end to it by slapping him.

Amelia and Julian rushed over to prevent the situation from turning into a serious fight. Bella made it clear that she didn't want him near her again, and he was eventually dragged out of the club by security.

Bella went to the wine bar, followed by her sisters. She ordered another drink and expressed her frustration. "That guy is lucky I didn't give him a piece of my mind!" she said in a firm tone.

"That guy was cute though, if only he had come for me." Amelia piqued. Bella looked at her and smiled, "Naughty girl!"

Her sisters advised her to let it go and enjoy her birthday celebration. "We're here to have fun, Bella," Julian said, trying to calm her down.

Bella took a deep breath and looked at her sisters. "You're right. Let's have a good time and forget about that guy," she said, relaxing a bit.

Bella and her sisters were completely exhausted when they took a cab from the club and arrived home. As they entered the house, they chattered about their experience, making fun of all that had happened. Their father Maxwell was lying on the couch in the sitting room, curious to know about their night out.

"Hope you guys had fun," Maxwell asked, to which they all chuckled.

Bella, concerned about her father not sleeping, asked why he was still awake. Maxwell replied that he couldn't bring himself to sleep when his daughters were still out there.

Amelia, with a raised eyebrow, firmly told Maxwell that they were not kids anymore and he should not worry too much about them.

Maxwell was happy that his daughters were home safe and sound, but Bella and her sisters were assertive in letting him know that they were responsible adults who could take care of themselves.

After a memorable night together, Bella suggested that they get some sleep. She had a special client coming to the Salon the next day.