Chapter 3 IT'S HIM

BELLE

~FIVE YEARS LATER~

"Jordan! Jamie!" I shouted for the hundredth time within the last five minutes. "Get back here!"

My goodness! Nobody said becoming a single mother was this stressful.

"Jamie... come on, you don't want to stress Mommy, right?" I sighed in defeat as I sat on the couch.

I looked around my little space, and there was hardly anywhere to hide, but somehow, those kids always managed to fit in somewhere invisible.

Just when I was on the verge of giving up, I felt a tiny hand on my leg.

"Sorry, mommy," Jamie apologized with her puppy face.

"We were playing hide and seek!" Jordan added, jumping out from behind the curtain like a little ninja.

"Okay. You win. But no more hide and seek till the weekend, alright? Mommy's got enough gray hair."

They nodded with guilty smiles when the front door cracked open.

"Kara!!!" They jumped in excitement as they ran into her arms.

"What's up, pumpkins!" Kara grinned, carrying in two bags filled with junks.

"Kara," I called, crossing my arms. "We agreed on healthy food for the week."

"We did," she smirked. "And then, your kids haunted my dream, so..." she squeezed her face to make a scary look, making the kids laugh.

"Here, go and play kids," she blow them a kiss after handling the bags to them.

I rolled my eyes as she shooed them off to play. "Thanks," I muttered.

"What? I am their godmother," she shrugged.

Kara has been the only one there for me since Laura and Faye abandoned me, and I couldn't be more grateful.

"Yeah... you should be with them more often," I teased. "Mind taking them away for a week?"

"No can do," she shook her head frantically, making both of us laugh.

"How is it going?" Kara sat next to me, her expression turning serious.

"Good?" I wanted to lie and act strong, but Kara was that one person that could see through me. There was no point lying. Stress is written all over my face, and I can't even take a damn break because how else would I afford to take care of my twins?

"Honestly, it's a lot," I confessed.

"I know," she whispered beside me. "Honestly, you are a strong woman. If I were in your position, I'd have lost my damn mind. I can hardly look after myself, let alone two kids at once."

I released a sharp breath as I leaned back on the couch. "Never in a thousand years would I believe that I'd end up in this position. No dreams, no aspirations, just doing everything to survive."

"Well, all of that ends now," Kara grinned beside me. I knew this was just her trying to lift my mood, but it's not working.

"Let's not give each other false hope," I chuckled.

"And why would I do that?" She said, pulling out her phone from her pocket. Her eyes lit up as she read a text before turning to face me. "I got you a job interview. Marlowe Corporation. You've got one hour. Go get a dress."

Wait. What?

"You're kidding," I chuckled nervously.

"The hell I am."

My heart dropped for a second, and it felt like time froze in space. An interview in Marlowe Corporation? That is impossible. They own the biggest fashion industry in the continent.

Business, entertainment, fashion, you name it. They remain the number one thriving company in the entire country, and Kara just secured an interview for me in the company?

"Kara..."

"One hour, Belle. Get your ass up," she cut me off before I could finish my words.

"Marlowe Corporation is a big company. They employ the best candidates, and I haven't even worked in the field in how many years?" I chuckled, dismissing the idea before I could even get excited over it. "They won't consider me."

"Another word, and I'm breaking your head," she hissed.

"What about the kids?'

"I bought enough chocolates. I am babysitting. You're going. No argument."

~ONE HOUR LATER~

My heart raced with fear as I stepped out of the cab. The towering glass building of Marlowe Corporation stood tall in front of me, and I couldn't help but think I didn't belong here.

Rumor has it that every single employee in the company came from an influential family. I have nothing to offer aside my skills, so what if they throw me out?

Dismissing the thought, I entered the lobby, clutching my resume against my chest, as I approached the reception.

"Hi, I'm here for the interview," I said with a small smile.

"Name?" The receptionist asked with a bored tone.

"Belle Anderson."

Her fingers paused mid way from her computer, and she finally raised her head. "Anderson?" She asked with a hint of distatse in her voice. "You're Faye stepsister?"

Shit.

"Yes," I replied through gritted teeth.

"Wait here."

With that, she rose to her feet and took the elevator to god knows where. A few minutes later, Faye stepped out with the receptionist behind her.

She looked beautiful as always. Only if I could say the same for her personality. She wore a pencil skirt, expensive heels and a smug smile I hadn't missed for five years.

"Well, well, look who finally rose from her coffin?" She chuckled as she approached me. I watched the receptionist go back to her seat, and I inhaled a deep breath.

I was hoping I'd never run into this bitch ever again, but looks like the universe is not really on my side.

"Glad to see you missed me too," I rolled my eyes.

She finally stopped in front of me, and I couldn't help but feel intimidated by her presence. She looked like a successful woman that has her life together, and well... I am quite the opposite.

"I thought I mistook you for someone else when I saw your resume," she folded her arms as she stared down at me in disgust. "Didn't expect to see you groveling here."

"I am not groveling. I came for the interview."

"Aw, so cute," she let out a sly grin. "Unfortunately, we only interview people who belonged here."

I knew she was right, but I couldn't allow her to step on whatever pride I have left in me.

"Thankfully, that is not up to you. Get out of my way, Faye."

She burst out laughing at my words, "What do you think? That I'd allow you to work here? Tell me, did you print your resume at a grocery store? Or is it the same printer you used for school projects in 10th grade? Oops, I forgot, mom sold the house," she grinned.

Tears pricked in the corner of my eyes upon hearing the news. That was the house my mother fought for with her last breath.

The house held a lot of memories. My mother's voice echoed in those walls. Every picture... every smile... they were all gone now. I tried to act unaffected, but it was fucking hard. Everything I endured was in vain.

I tried to step past her, but she blocked me.

"Running away again?" She grinned, and I swear, I hate the satisfaction in her eyes. "Let me make this easier for you. There is no job for a poor bitch like you here. Just save yourself from the disgrace and go home."

My throat tightened. Rage burns hot in my chest, as memories of the last time I saw her came rushing in my head.

There was no hint of guilt or remorse in her eyes. Just oppression.

It'd be so easy to swing first. To scream, but I had already allowed them to take too much from me. I wouldn't give them more.

"Whatever happens after the interview is not your business to worry about. Now, step out of my way," I hissed.

"I'm trying to play nice here. Don't push your luck," she snarled. I ignored her threats and walked towards the elevator since the receptionist wasn't willing to help. I guess I'd have to ask around.

Just then, I felt a sharp pain in my head. Faye grabbed a handful of my hair, pulling me back forcefully, making me cry out in pain.

"What the fuck?!" I screamed.

"I told you not to go inside," she hissed. "Security! Come and throw this trash outside."

Two security men rushed over to us and grabbed me from both arms.

"Let. Me. Go."

I tried to break free, when one of them pushed me hard, the same time the sound of the elevator dinged.

I tripped and crashed against someone, and everyone stiffed.

"What is going on here?" A cold voice echoed through the hall, sending chills down my spine. The voice was controlled, yet commanding, and I could feel the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

I stepped back instinctively, and looked up into the coldest pairs of eyes I've ever seen.

It was sharp. Unreadable and painfully familiar...

A memory I had fought for years flashed in mind, and my body jolted awake like it was happening all over again.

He was the man from that night and the way his eyes pierced into mine, he remembered me too.

Shit.