DUMP THE EX, THE BILLIONAIRE'S NEXT.

Bella's pov.

My eyes sparkled as I put on my favorite dress for my birthday dinner party. Jake had planned a special night with our friends, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with him. Maybe just maybe he would propose today,I smiled in Excitement expecting him to be extra loving and attentive.

As we drove to the party, I leaned in close to Jake, hoping he'd take my hand or whisper something sweet in my ear. But Jake just focused on the road, his eyes fixed on the traffic ahead.

"Hey, are you excited for tonight?" I asked, trying to sound playful.

"Yeah, yeah, it'll be fine," Jake replied, his tone dismissive.

My excitement started to fade, replaced by a growing sense of annoyance. Why was Jake being so distant?

At the party, things didn't improve. Jake barely came close to me or looked my way, I felt so invisible. When I tried talking to him he cut me off, his words dripping with condescension.

"Jake what's wrong,you have been acting like am invisible,Did I do anything wrong?"

"Oh, Bella, you wouldn't understand," he said, rolling his eyes

My anger simmered just below the surface.

When we finally got home, my frustration boiled over. "You barely noticed me all night," I let out, my voice shaking with hurt.

Jake sneered, his eyes cold. "You're being dramatic, Bella. It's just a party."

My anger turned to rage. "You only care about yourself!" I threw at him

Jake's face twisted into a cruel smile. "Maybe I do," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "And maybe you're just not worth my attention."

In a flash, Jake's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around my arm like a vice. He yanked me close, his eyes blazing with anger. "You need to learn to shut up and be grateful," he hissed.

I tried to pull away, but Jake's grip only tightened. He shoved me against the wall, his fingers digging into my skin. My head spun as he raised his hand, his palm connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap.

The next morning, My eye was swollen and black, a painful reminder of Jake's cruelty. I gazed at my reflection, my heart heavy with fear and uncertainty.

I stood in front of the mirror, my eyes fixed on the dark bruise spreading across my cheekbone. I winced, remembering the sting of Jake's hand connecting with my skin.

I took a deep breath and reached for my makeup bag, determined to cover the evidence of Jake's cruelty. As a secretary, I couldn't afford to show up to work looking like this.

I carefully applied a thick layer of foundation, trying to blend the edges of the bruise into my skin tone. I added a dusting of powder, hoping to set the makeup in place. But no matter how hard I tried, the black eye still seemed to stare back at me a constant reminder of Jake's abuse.

I put on my most professional outfit, a crisp white blouse and a pencil skirt, hoping to distract from my face. But as I headed to the kitchen to grab her coffee, I caught a glimpse of myself in the window reflection. The bruise seemed to mock me.

I felt so broken thinking on how I was going to face my colleague's, not to talk of having to see that monsters face at work today.

Jake was the CEO of J's Automobile, the company I worked at and I wasn't just a worker I was his secretary so there was no way I was going to avoid him.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, steeling for another day of pretending that everything was fine. Getting to the company compound I tried avoiding eye contact with anybody as I tried using my hands to cover my face as I walked into the company's building dropping my head .

But as I walked into the office, my coworkers couldn't help but stare, when I sensed the stares of people piercing through me I knew there was no need hiding it was already obvious. The dark bruise spreading across my cheekbone complementing the swollen eyes, whispers circulated around the room, and soon, people were gathering around my desk, concern etched on their faces.

"Bella, what happened?" My colleague Emily asked, her voice low and gentle.

I forced a laugh, trying to brush it off. "Oh, I just ran into a door. Clumsy me!"

But no one believed me, it was too fake to cover for the wound, They exchanged skeptical glances, and I knew I had to think fast.

"Okay !okay! ,you got me. I was trying to get a book off the top shelf and lost my balance," I added, trying to sound convincing as I turned looking at Jake through the blinds by the side of my desk, when his eyes met mine, I immediately looked away.

Almost immediately Jake appeared at my side, his smile charming and reassuring.

"Hey, Bella, how's it going? I see you're getting a lot of attention today."

He placed a possessive hand on my shoulder, and I felt a surge of unease. I knew he was just trying to save face in front of his employees deceiving them into believing we were a loving couple. Fake!

As the day went on, Jake continued to act sweet and attentive, but I wasn't ready to give him the attention he needed, I was so angry at him to the extent of ruining his reputation but I loved him, if I didn't, a report saying 'The CEO of J's Automobile is nothing but a monster who beats women' would have made the headlines.

Later that day my phone buzzed with a text from Jake.

"Hey, I'm so sorry about last night. I was stressed and took it out on you. Can you please forgive me?"

My eyes narrowed, her anger simmering ,I knew his apology was just a way to control me to keep me from speaking out against him. I didn't reply his message, ignoring him completely.

It was almost time to close so I hurriedly finished whatever I was doing and hastily gathered my things and left the office as soon as the clock struck five. I was tired of the pity stare I had been getting from my colleague's.

Getting home I had no expectations at all ,I opened the door and I was greeted by the aroma of cooking food and the soft glow of candles. Jake stood in the kitchen, a charming smile on his face.

"Hey, I'm glad you're home," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity. "I made your favorite dinner. I know I messed up, and I want to make it right."

My defenses faltered slightly at the effort he put into apologizing. Maybe, just maybe, he was genuinely sorry.

Over dinner, Jake poured on the charm, telling me how much he appreciated me and needed me in his life. I found myself softening, my anger melting away.

As we finished our meal, Jake took my hand, his eyes burning with desire. "Let's put the past behind us and start fresh," he whispered, his warm breath gracing my ears leading me to the bedroom.

Bella 's pov

The night was steamy and passionate and I enjoyed every bit of it , I had even forgotten the pain I had gone through the previous night. Jake was toxic but he had a sweet side to him that kept me wanting more, this thought went through my mind as I turned to look at him going in closer for his warm embrace .

As he drew me to himself wrapping his hands around me ,I thought to myself maybe he actually didn't mean what he did yesterday.

"I love you baby"

I let out as I drifted off to sleep and Jake warm lips brushed against my forehead, his warm breath whispering 'I love you too ' in my ear. The softness of his breath and the gentleness of his voice served as a reminder of the hold he had on me .

As the morning sun spread across the room and the sounds of birds singing soothed my ears ,I opened my eyes slowly feeling very pumped from the night.

I turned to where Jake was but the bed was empty, the sheets still warm from his presence. I stretched, feeling a mix of satisfaction after our steamy night. But as I reached for my phone, I saw the time - 8:30 AM. Jake was already gone, off to work without even a goodbye.

I quickly got dressed and rushed to the office, my mind racing with the presentation I had to give Jake today. As I arrived, I saw him sitting at his desk, his eyes fixed on his phone.

"Good morning," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Morning," he replied with a light smile, not looking up. "I'm busy right now. Can you just file these papers for me?"

I felt a surge of annoyance. This was the meeting I had been preparing for all week.

"But I thought we were going to discuss the marketing strategy?" I asked, trying to hide my disappointment.

"Not now," he said, his tone curt. "Just file the papers, Bella."

I hesitated, sensing something was off. But I didn't push the issue, instead taking the papers from him and heading to the filing room.

As I walked away, I saw Jake's eyes flicker to his phone, a hint of a smile on his face. I wondered who could be texting him, and why he was being so secretive but I waved the feeling off .

As I filed the papers, my mind wandered to the girls' night Camilla and I had planned for this evening. We were supposed to try out that new wine bar and catch up on each other's lives. I pulled out my phone to send her a reminder text, but as I scrolled through our conversation, I saw a message from her sent an hour ago.

"Hey, something unexpected came up. Can't make it tonight. Sorry!"

My heart sank. I had been looking forward to this all week. And now, Camilla was cancelling on me? I felt a pang of disappointment and wondered what could be more important than our plans.

I tried calling her, but it went straight to voicemail. "Camilla, it's Bella. What's going on? You cancelled on me without even asking. Is everything okay?"

I left the message, feeling a bit frustrated. Why would Camilla do this to me? We had been friends for years, and I thought we were closer than this.

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. And then, a nagging thought crept into my mind - was Camilla's cancellation somehow connected to Jake's strange behavior earlier? But I pushed the thought aside.

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my stomach churning with a sudden intensity. I tried to focus on my work, but the sensation only grew stronger. I knew I needed to get up and move around, hoping to shake off the queasiness.

I pushed my chair back, the nausea hitting me . "Excuse me," I murmured to my coworkers, trying to make a quick exit.

In the bathroom, I splashed water on my face, hoping to calm my stomach. I took slow, deep breaths, willing the upset to pass. It was probably just stress or a side effect of the coffee I'd had earlier,I thought to myself.

As I returned to the office, I scanned the room for Jake's familiar figure. But his chair was empty, his computer screen dark. I frowned, wondering where he could have gone.

I approached his desk, looking for a note or some indication of where he'd gone. But there was nothing,even his car keys were gone .

"Has anyone seen Jake?" I asked my coworkers, trying to sound casual.

They shook their heads, oblivious. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to Jake's sudden disappearance.

Where had he gone? And why hadn't he told me?

I tried to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me, but I wasn't feeling myself really .As I stared at the numbers blurring together on my screen , a wave of dizziness washed over me. I felt lightheaded, like I might pass out at any moment.

"Need to get out of here for a minute."I muttered to myself , pushing my chair back.

I made my way to the break room ,hoping a chilled soda would help calm my stomach and clear my head. 'Maybe I was just lightheaded because I hadn't eaten anything yet' I thought .

As I opened the fridge and grabbed a cold can , I felt a slight sense of relief . I popped the tab and took a long sip, letting the coo liquid slide down my throat

"Ah that hit the spot." I let as I gulped the drink down.

I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Only 30 minutes to lunch , maybe some food will help settle my nerves." I mumbled to myself .

Then I turned to return to my desk , but on my way, I staggered losing my balance , the whole room began to spin around me then i felt a wave of dizziness hit me . I tried to take a step forward, but my legs felt like jelly beneath me.

The chilled soda can slipped from my fingers, clattering to the floor as I stumbled . I reached out to the wall to steady myself but it was too late. My vision blurred and I felt myself falling, weightlessly ,through space .

The last thing I remembered was the sound of my co-workers' voices, distant and concerned, as I hit the floor with a soft thud,

Everything went blank .

Bella's pov.

Few moments later I slowly opened my eyes my head cradled on someone's lap, I blinked up the concerned face of my colleague, Sarah.

Bella, oh my god, are you okay?" She asked, her voice trembling.

I tired to sit up but a wave of nausea washed over me, forcing me back down .

"What...what happened?" I stammered.

You passed out," Sarah said , her eyes wide with worry. "An ambulance is on their way." she assured.

"No, no, I'm fine , just .. ned to get some fresh air." I shook my head trying to clear the fog.

I tried to sit up again, but the room spun round me, I felt like I was floating, my head disconnected dorm body.

"Okay, okay," I muttered, lying back down. " "Maybe not sitting up just yet."

I reached for my phone , trying to focus on the screen as I scrolled through my contacts. I messed to call Jake, let him know what was happening.

But as I dialed his number, my vision began to blur, I felt myself getting lightheaded again, my head spinning.

Jake please pick up." I whispered.

But the phone rang and rang, going straight to voicemail. I tried again, and again, but Jake didn't answer.

Panic set in as I scrolled through my contacts looking for Camilla's number. I had left her a voicemail earlier, but she hadn't responded.

I dialed her number, my heart racing with every ring. But it went straight to voicemail again.

I stared at my screen, my vision blurring as I felt myself black out. At this point I needed someone close, I didn't know what was happening to me I was scared, I needed Jake or Camilla at least at this point.

" Jake...Camilla..."

Their names fell out as I blacked out finally, my phone slipped off from my fingers, landing with a soft stud on the floor beside me and everything went completely empty.

After a while I regained consciousness,slowly opening my eyes, blinking away the haze. The hospital room came into focus, with it's sterile smell and beeping machines. A nurse smiled beside me.

"Welcome back, Bella. You've been asleep for a while."

I tried to sit up but a wave of dizziness washed over me forcing me back into my pillow.

"Not so fast, you need to rest."

As I lay there l, fragments of memories returned passing out at work...calling Jake...blackness.

The nurse checked my vitals, then nodded to a doctor standing in the door way .

"Dr lee she is awake."

The doctor approached me with a kind smile. "Hello Bella. We've been taking care of you. You've had quite an ordeal."

I stared still trying to clear the fog

Dr lee hesitated before a speaking again. "We've run some tests and found out you are pregnant, your 3 weeks gone already."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Pregnant? Me!

I felt like I had been punched in the gits, how could this be? Jake and I had been careful...

Dr lee continued, "we're not sure why you passed out but it could be related to your pregnancy. We'll need to run more tests to determine the cause."

I lay there, stunned as the news sunk in. Three weeks gone. pregnant.

Jake's face flashed my mind. We had been careful...or so I thought.

A mix of emotions swirled inside me: shock, fear, uncertainty.

The nurse and Dr lee exchanged a glance, as if sensing my distress.

"We'll take good care of you, Bella," Dr Lee said. "But we need to discuss your options..."

I nodded numbly still trying to wrap my head around the news throwing my eyes down to my belly giving light strokes with my hands.

"A baby was growing inside me."I mumbled.

The doctor left, leaving me to think about if I want to keep the baby or otherwise. At first, I thought about all the all the reasons I shouldn't keep the baby . My career, my independence, Jake's aggressive nature.

But as I thought about it more, I realized that this could be a one in a million opportunity. A chance to build a life with Jake, to create a family together.

I imagined his face lighting up with joy when I told him the news. I pictured us holding hands, excitedly waiting for our baby to arrive.

This could bring us closer together, I thought. This could be the start of something beautiful

As I thought about Jake I realised he hadn't returned my call I checked my phone realising I had already spent a day at the hospital and I didn't receive any calls from Jake, didn't he go home yesterday?

I sat up checking if I felt okay so I could get discharged. Sitting up I no longer felt dizzy not nausea, I felt so much better.

I threw off the covers and got out of bed, determination coursing through my veins. I accompanied with worry .

"I need to go home and check on Jake. He would be so happy to hear this news" I smiled mumbling to myself.

I took a deep breath steeling myself for the journey ahead. I would do this. I would be strong. For myself, for Jake, for our baby.

I got into my clothes, my mind racing with excitement as I headed to the pay point. On my way o met Dr Lee in the hallway. It looked like he was headed to my ward.

"Bella! Your leaving already! I was thinking you would stay till tomorrow so we could make sure everything truly was fine."

He said concerned,

"Oh doctor. I have something to attend to, quite urgent. But doctor I'm fine as you can see."

The doctor nodded giving a light smile. "Remember, bella, it's crucial to stay stress free for the sake of your baby. Try to avoid confrontations and take it easy, okay?"

"Yes doctor." I assured.

Dr lee handed me the pregnancy test result. "Here take these with you and do t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns."

"Thanks doctor." I took the result shoving them in my bag as we parted ways.

I headed to the pay point payed off my bills and headed home. On my way home I kept trying Jake's phone but he wasn't picking up, it kept on redirecting to voicemail. I was so worried.

On getting home Jake was no where to be found "where was he?" I mumbled to myself

As I stood there worrying, I heard the door open. Jake walked in, giving off a guilty smile.

"Hey Bella baby, sorry I'm just coming home and didn't call you all day or told you where I was going yesterday."

He said being all sincere.

"No problem, the good thing is you are okay. So my love guess what!"

I said feeling enthusiastic about the news,

"What?" He asked.

"I'm pregnant Jake, 3 weeks gone. Good news right?"