TWISTED PASSION/TAINTED LOVE

Bella tried her best to hold in the tears that threatened to drop from the corner of her eyes, while she lay in bed thinking of everything that had been going on in her life. She was getting older and had began to understand some things happening around her. She knew that her parents were doing the best they could do for her as an only child, they made sure they provided everything she needed. Once she suggested that she should get a job to assist them, they refused saying that, she should leave everything for them to handle and just focus on her studies.

Few days ago, she found out that her dad told his younger brother, Noah, to help him borrow some money from the bank for her college tuition, her uncle was the only sibling her dad had and he trusted him with his life. She overheard their discussion in her Dad's study, but pretended not to know anything about it.

Bella's family was a middle-class family living in the city of San Francisco but her parents made her go to an elite school for the rich, and her dad insisted that she studied business education in college, because he planned to open his own company and was going to hand it over to her once she graduated from college. Her dream was to be an engineer, but her dad discouraged her, saying it was a man's job and not meant for women. She complained to her mom once but she told her that her dad was doing his best for her, so she would have a bright future. She never questioned their decisions anymore because she knew that they had her best interest at heart.

Her dad worked in a small hospital as a manager and her mom owned a bakery just across the street from where they lived. Bella was closer to her mom than her dad because her mom was carefree, and always ready to listen to whatever she had to say. Her dad on the other hand was a bit distant, he was a man of few words and only talked when necessary, like during a meal or when he needed to ask her a question, but he always provided for her, that was his own way of showing that he cared for her.

Bella was in her room, sprawled out on my bed, I couldn't seem to focus on anything. Just then, she heard a soft knock on my door. "Bella?" Her mom called. "Dinner's ready. Come on down." She took a deep breath, trying to push away her worries. She got up and went to the door. As she opened it, she gave her mother a weak smile. "I'll be down in a minute," she said and her mom nodded and walked away, but she could tell that her mom was worried about me.

As she took her seat at the dinner table, she could feel her heart racing and she didn't know why. Her father sat at the head of the table, his expression was unreadable as usual. Her mother looked at her, but she just shrugged, trying to pretend that everything was fine. Her dad cleared his throat and said, "So, Bella, how was your day?" She tried to sound casual as she replied, "It was okay, nothing too exciting." She knew she was being evasive, but she didn't want to give anything away.

As they began to eat, her mother began to talk about her day at the bakery. She was always excited to share her stories about the customers and the cakes she made. Bella could barely focus on what she was saying, but I could tell her mom was happy.

She kept an eye on her father as they ate. He barely spoke, only grunting in response to her mother's stories as usual. His face was unreadable, and she couldn't tell if he was angry or sad.

Her mom had been talking animatedly about her day, but suddenly, she stopped mid-sentence. A deep, hacking cough erupted from her throat, and she reached for her water glass, her face turning red. Bella jumped up from her chair, her heart racing. "Mom, are you okay?" She asked, with a trembling voice. Her mom managed to take a few sips of water, but the coughing continued. "I'm okay, I just swallowed wrong," she said, but her voice sounded strained.

Her mom coughed again, and she saw a small splatter of red on her hand. Bella's blood ran cold, and she began to panic. "Mom, you're bleeding!" She cried. "We need to call a doctor!" Her mom waved her off, still coughing. "I'm sure it's nothing," she said, with a weak voice. But Bella could tell her mom was in pain, and she was terrified.

Her dad helped her mom to her feet, supporting her as she leaned against him. He looked at her eyes full of regret and sadness. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, "I should have gotten you help sooner." What was he talking about? Bella thought. But her Mom waved him off, her breathing labored. "It's not your fault," she said in a barely audible voice..

"Hannah dear, it's okay, you're going to be fine we're taking you to the hospital okay," her dad said to her mom as he picked her up and carried her in a bridal style to the car.

Hannah, managed to touch Bella's face with difficulty "I love you, my angel, just know that anything we do for you is for the best, Listen to your dad and be a good girl, okay?" She said forcing a smile. "Mom, don't say that, we're almost at the hospital, the doctors are going to take care of you, you'll be fine," Bella said hugging her.

My father was driving as fast as he could without breaking the speed limit. We pulled up to the emergency room entrance, and he threw the car into the parking lot. He raced around to the passenger side, opening the door for my mother. "Come on," he said, his voice tense. "We need to get you inside." He helped her out of the car, supporting her as she took a few wobbly steps toward the entrance.

We sat in the waiting room, the minutes stretching on like hours. My mother was struggling to breathe, and my father kept asking the nurses when the doctor would be there. They kept assuring him that they were doing everything they could, but it didn't feel like enough. I felt like I was in a nightmare, and I just wanted to wake up. Finally, a doctor in scrubs appeared, his face grim. "Is she your mother?" he asked, his voice businesslike.

The doctor's words hit me like a punch to the gut. "I'm so sorry," he said, his eyes filled with compassion. "We did everything we could, but the cancer had already progressed too far." My father's face crumpled, and he let out a sob. I felt like the world was ending like I was never going to be happy again. The doctor gently placed a hand on my father's shoulder. "I'm so sorry for your loss," he said.

I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I couldn't believe that my mother had been sick, and I had no idea. How could they have kept something like this from me? I felt betrayed and confused like the ground had been pulled out from under me. I looked at my father, who was staring at the floor, his eyes red and puffy. I wasn't sure what to say or do. I felt numb like I was in a dream.

"Dad, what does he mean? Mom was okay this whole time, wasn't she? She was always smiling and happy, she can't just leave me like that" He didn't give me a response

I took a deep breath, trying to get a grip on my emotions. I looked at my father again, and I felt my anger boiling over. "Why did you lie to me?" I asked, my voice shaking. "You should have told me. I deserved to know." My father looked up at me, his eyes filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I just didn't want to worry you. I thought I was protecting you." I felt a wave of resentment wash over me. "How could you think that?" I asked, my voice rising.

My father's voice was soft, his words carefully chosen. "Your mother was very private about her illness," he said. "She didn't want you to worry about her. She thought you had enough on your plate already." I felt conflicted. I understood what he was saying, but I still felt betrayed. "I still should have known," I said, my voice breaking. "I'm your daughter. I deserved to know." He reached out and took my hand, his eyes full of sorrow. "You're right," he said. "I'm sorry."

As my father spoke, I felt my resolve break. Tears started to flow down my cheeks, and I felt a sob rising in my chest. I leaned into my father, and he wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face in his shoulder, and I let myself cry. I felt like I had been holding everything in for so long, and it was finally breaking through. I cried until I had no more tears left, and my father held me the entire time.

BELLA'S POV

I couldn't bring myself to accept the fact that my mother was gone. I kept thinking that maybe she had just run away, or maybe she had been kidnapped. I clung to these thoughts, even though they were far-fetched and unlikely. It was easier to believe in these fantasies than to face the truth. The grief and the pain were like a weight on my chest, crushing me from the inside.

The funeral was a blur. I watched the proceedings with a numbness that I couldn't shake. It all felt like a terrible dream, and I kept waiting for someone to wake me up. But as I watched my mother's casket being lowered into the ground, I knew that this was real. And it was too much to bear. I felt like I was shattering into a million pieces, and I didn't know how to put myself back together.

As I watched the casket disappear into the ground, I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. I sank to my knees and the tears came in waves. The sobbing was uncontrollable. The world seemed to be spinning around me, and I couldn't find my footing, as the tears fell, I knew that I would never be the same again.

My father's arms were around me, and he held me as if he were afraid that I might crumble into dust. He said nothing, but his presence was a comfort. I clung to him like a life raft, trying to find some solid ground. And as the tears finally subsided, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I had no more strength left, and I leaned against my father's chest, spent and empty.

As the funeral attendees began to disperse, I felt a profound sense of isolation. I didn't want to talk to anyone, and I didn't want anyone to talk to me. I just wanted to go home and be alone. I tugged at my father's sleeve, and he looked down at me, his face etched with sadness. "Please, Dad," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "Can we just go home?" He nodded, and we made our way to the car in silence.

I rushed up the stairs to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I could hear my father calling my name, but I didn't want to talk to him. I just wanted to shut out the world, to escape into my head. I threw myself onto my bed, burying my face in my pillow. I let the darkness envelop me, and I tried to shut out the grief and the pain. But it was still there, like a shadow that I couldn't escape.

I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling, I realized that my 20th birthday was just around the corner. I had been looking forward to it for so long, but now it felt like a cruel joke. How could I celebrate without my mother by my side? The thought was too much to bear, and I began to sob again. I felt like a child, lost and alone, with no one to turn to. The thought of spending my birthday without my mother was unbearable, and I didn't know how I would get through it.

I woke and realized that I had slept off while crying. I heard muffled voices coming from my father's study, and I tiptoed over to the door. I pressed my ear against the wood, straining to hear what was being said.

"I can't believe you would do this," my father said, his voice laced with anger and hurt. "You know what the mafia is capable of. You put our family in danger!" There was a long pause, and then my uncle's voice came through the door. "I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do," he said, his voice sounding defeated. "I was desperate." My father let out a long sigh, and then his voice softened.

"You took out a loan from the wrong people, and now they're demanding payment, Noah!" I froze, my mind racing. My uncle had always been a bit of a gambler, but I never imagined that he would get involved with the mafia. I listened intently as my father continued.

My father's disappointment and anger were clear in his voice, but underneath it all was a sense of sadness and regret. He had always trusted his brother, and now he was faced with the reality that his brother had made a terrible mistake. "I don't understand how you could be so careless," he said, his voice breaking. "What were you thinking?" I felt a knot in my stomach as I listened to their conversation.

My uncle's response was callous and uncaring. "That's your problem to figure out," he said, his tone dismissive. "I can't help you." My father's voice was full of anguish. "You put us all in danger," he said, his voice rising in frustration. "You need to take responsibility for your actions."

My uncle's reply was curt. "You're on your own, brother," he said

"What's done is done. You just have to think of a way to get out of this, from what I've heard he's not someone you'll want to mess with, he is a very dangerous man. I haven't met him, but I heard from people around that he'll do anything to get what he wants, it's too bad the investment I had in mind failed, I had big plans for us. We were going to make a lot of money, pay him back, and enjoy the rest" Uncle Noah told Dad looking calmly.

"Stop lying, Noah!, I know you better than anyone and you're only here because you lost all of that money even if the investment had gone through you wouldn't have come back here"

"I just lost Hannah for goodness sake where do I get fifty thousand dollars in the space of one month? I told you I needed five thousand dollars which I have already repaid and I specifically told you to go to the bank".

"Were you looking for a death wish or something? You better find a way to fix this mess without involving my family, or else you'll have me to contend with, now Leave my house!" I heard Dad say.

I felt sick to my stomach, and I slunk back to my bedroom, my mind reeling.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and I barely recognized the person staring back at me. My eyes were red and puffy, and my skin was pale and wan. I looked like a shell of my former self, and I felt hollow inside. I sank onto my bed, feeling overwhelmed and lost. I had no idea how to go on without my mother by my side.

I took my bath and left the room. I was about to lie on my bed after dressing before the door opened and Dad came in. "Hi Dad," I said softly "Hi Bella, how are you feeling," he said coming close to me to hug me. "I'm fine, we'll get through it," I said with my face on his chest. I didn't expect what he was about to say next.

"I'm thinking we should get out of here," my father said, his voice sounding far away. I looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?" I asked. "We can't stay here," he said, his voice urgent. "It's not safe." He didn't elaborate, and I felt even more confused. I could tell that he was holding something back, but I didn't know what it was. "But why?" I pressed. "I just think it's for the best," he said, avoiding my gaze.

I nodded, even though I still had a million questions running through my mind. I could tell that my father was stressed and worried, and I didn't want to make things harder for him. "Okay," I said, my voice quiet. "I trust you." I could see the relief on his face, and he pulled me into a tight hug. "Thank you," he said. I leaned into his embrace, feeling a small sense of comfort. But underneath it all, I still felt a deep sense of uncertainty and dread.

I woke up the next morning with a strange mix of emotions. I felt energized and ready to face the day, but there was also a deep sadness that I couldn't shake. I looked around my room, my eyes falling on the familiar objects that I had known my whole life. I suddenly felt a strong sense of nostalgia and loss. I would miss this place, even though it was the site of so much pain. The realization was almost too much to bear.

I got out of bed and made my way down the hall to my father's study. I heard the murmur of his voice on the phone, and I hesitated in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt. But then my stomach growled, and I remembered that I hadn't eaten breakfast. I quietly backed out of the room and went to the kitchen to make myself something to eat. As I scrambled some eggs, I couldn't help but think about what the future would hold.

I took my breakfast to my room and sat at my desk, eating slowly and methodically. But my thoughts were racing, and it was hard to focus on the food. Suddenly, I heard raised voices from downstairs, and I knew that my father was arguing with someone. I strained to hear the conversation, my curiosity getting the better of me. But I couldn't make out the words, and I felt a sense of anxiety.

I tiptoed down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. I peered around the corner and saw my father in the living room with a group of men I had never seen before. They were all tall and muscular, with an air of menace about them. My father was talking to them in a low, intense voice, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Who were these men, and what did they want?

As I looked at the group of men more closely, I noticed that one of them had a tattoo of a snake on his arm, and another had a menacing-looking scar across his face. I felt a chill run down my spine as I noticed that one of the men was holding a gun. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I had to know what was going on, and I had to do it without being detected.

I noticed another man in the group who was strikingly handsome, with chiseled features and dark hair. But there was something about him that gave me the creeps. He was lounging on the couch like he owned the place, a self-assured smirk on his face. I felt a sense of unease as I took in the scene before me. I didn't know what was happening, but I knew that something was very wrong.

"This is my house," my father said, his voice shaking with anger. "And you are not welcome here. I want you to leave, now." The men looked at each other, a look of amusement on their faces. "I don't think you understand the situation," the man with the scar said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "You are in no position to make demands." I felt a wave of panic as the situation began to escalate.

The handsome man stood up and walked over to my father, his eyes cold and calculating. "You owe us money," he said, his voice low and threatening. "And we're going to collect, one way or another." My father stiffened, his jaw clenched. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "You're mistaken." But I could tell that he was terrified. I felt a sense of dread as I watched the scene.

"If you don't behave, we'll take your daughter and make you watch," the man said, his eyes fixed on my father. My heart leaped into my throat, and I felt a rush of terror. I had been caught eavesdropping, and now I was in danger. I was frozen in fear, unable to move. My father's eyes met mine, and I could see the fear in them. He knew what was at stake.

I took a step back, trying to make myself as small as possible. I didn't want to be noticed, I just wanted to disappear. But then I heard one of the men say something that made my blood run cold. "I think the boss will like her," he said, his voice leering. I felt sick to my stomach, I was trapped, with no way out.

Another man spoke up, his voice hard and unyielding. "Our boss hates blondes," he said, his eyes never leaving me. "She's useless to us." I felt a wave of relief wash over me. At least I wasn't what they were looking for. But I was still in danger. I looked around, trying to find an escape route. But the men were blocking the only exit.

"No, please," my father pleaded, desperation in his voice. "Don't take her." But the men ignored him, advancing towards me. I was frozen with fear, unable to move. My heart was pounding, and I could barely breathe. I was trapped, and there was no way out. "She's coming with us," the man said, grabbing my arm. I tried to pull away, but his grip was like iron. My father tried to intervene, but it was no use.

"No!" my father yelled, trying to stop the men from taking me. The handsome man backhanded my father, sending him sprawling to the ground. My father tried to get up, but the man kicked him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. I felt sick as I watched the scene unfold. My father was defenseless, and I was powerless to help him. I felt like I was going to be sick.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my neck and I felt a wave of dizziness, the world started to spin. I tried to stay upright, but I felt my legs give out. The last thing I saw before everything went black was my father's face, his eyes filled with anguish. Then the darkness claimed me, and I knew no more.

Bella's POV

I opened my eyes, to an unfamiliar ceiling above me. I was in a large, dimly lit room, and I couldn't remember how I got there. The last thing I remembered was a sharp pain in my neck. I wasn't sure where I was or what had happened to me.

As my senses returned, I remembered that some men had come to my house and taken me away. I couldn't recall their faces, but I remembered the terror I felt when they grabbed me. And then I remembered the pain in my neck before everything went dark. I sat up, my heart pounding in my chest. I was in a strange house, and I didn't know where I was. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I had to get out of there, but I didn't know where to go or what to do.

I stood up, my legs shaking underneath me. I took a step forward, and my eyes fell on a man sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. He was staring at me with a smirk on his face. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. I didn't know who he was or what he wanted from me. But I knew that I was in danger. The man stood up and started walking towards me, his eyes never leaving mine.

Despite my fear, I couldn't help but notice that the man was striking. He had dark hair and piercing green eyes, he was tall and muscular, and dressed in a dark suit, He looked like he was someone of importance. But his eyes were cold, and they sent a chill down my spine. I backed away from him, trying to put as much distance between us as possible.

The man's smile sent a shiver down my spine. It was a smile of pure malice, and it made me feel sick to my stomach. He didn't say anything, but he kept walking towards me. I pressed myself against the wall, my hands shaking as I tried to stay calm. But my heart was racing, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I had to do something, but I didn't know what.

"Staring is impolite." the man said, his voice soft and smooth. I swallowed hard, my mouth dry. I didn't want to talk to this man, but I knew I had to say something. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice trembling. "I didn't mean to stare." The man's smile widened, and he took another step towards me. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"Why are you keeping me here against my will? I need to go home, let me go or I'll call the cops" I managed to say trying to sound confident.

"You're in no position to ask me questions, I decide what to do with you, and did you say the cops?" He laughed and became serious again "I bet you don't know who you're talking to." He said, his tone stern. "I'm in control here, and you will do as I say." I felt a surge of panic as I realized that this man was dangerous. I had to get out of here, but I didn't know how.

"Please let me go," I said as I looked at him in his eyes.

He took another step towards me, and I could feel my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. I was frozen with fear, unable to move, I began to panic.

"What a smart mouth we've got here huh, Listen, I don't repeat myself," he said grabbing me by my neck.

"From now on, you belong to me and you'll have to do whatever I say without questions, Is that understood" I nodded while shivering in fear "Words," he said glaring at me "Yes" I managed to say.

"You have an hour to get ready," the man said, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Be on your best behavior tonight, if you want to see your father alive."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room leaving me alone and trembling. I stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. I knew I had to find a way to escape, but I had no idea how to do it. I was trapped, and I didn't know what to do.

I took a deep breath to calm myself after he left. I shouldn't let him know that I'm scared of him.

I rushed to the door trying to turn the handle, but it was locked. I jiggled the handle, over and over again, my heart pounding. I was trapped, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I started to cry, my hands trembling. I felt like I was going to be sick. I had to find a way out, I looked around the room, searching for any possible escape route. But there was nothing.

My thoughts turned to Dad. I wondered if he was okay and if the men who had taken me had done anything to him. I felt a surge of worry and panic as I imagined the worst. I had to find a way to get to Dad, to make sure he was okay. But I was trapped in this room.

As I paced around the room, I began to notice the details of my surroundings for the first time. The walls were painted a soft blue, and the furniture was ornate and expensive. A vase of flowers sat on a table, and the scent of lavender filled the air. I was struck by how beautiful the room was, despite the situation I was in. I found myself drawn to the window, and I looked out at the view.

As I looked out the window, I heard the door click, and I whirled around to see a woman standing in the doorway. She was dressed in a simple black dress, and her hair was pulled back in a neat bun. She gave me a small smile. "I've brought you some food," she said, her voice soft and kind. I looked at the tray of food in her hands, and my stomach rumbled. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

I hesitated, what if the food was poisoned? What if this was all a trap? The woman must have seen the doubt on my face because she spoke again. "I promise, it's not poisoned," she said, her voice gentle. "I would never do anything to harm you, if not the boss won't spare me. You must be hungry." She set the tray down on the table, and I stared at the food. I was so hungry, but I was still afraid.

"I'm sorry ma'am but you'll have to eat, the boss ordered you to be brought here and you can't leave without his permission, you'll just have to be obedient if you want to leave here soon, that's all I can say".

The woman's words hung in the air, and I felt torn. I was starving, but I was also scared. I knew that if I disobeyed the boss, there would be consequences. I didn't know what those consequences would be, but I didn't want to find out. The woman was still standing there, waiting for me to make a decision.

I reached for a piece of bread and took a small bite. The woman watched me, a look of relief on her face. "Thank you," she said giving me a phone and my eyes widened. "We'll need to get you ready for the event, so we should start now." She gestured to the door, where I could see three people waiting. I took a deep breath and followed the woman out of the room. I felt nervous and scared, but I knew I had no choice.

"Please give me a moment, I'll be right behind you," I told her and she nodded leaving the room.

I quickly sat on the bed dialing Dad's number but he wasn't picking up.

I tried calling Liam my only friend and he picked up on the first ring. "Hello," he said as soon as he picked up the call. "Liam" I managed to say between tears "Bella! Is that you?"

I couldn't answer him as the door to my room flung open and Moreno came in. He quickly took the phone from me and smashed it against the wall. I got up from the bed shaking, scared of what he was going to do to me.

"How dare you" he growled and I shook in fear "You dare call your little boyfriend huh? I told you that you're mine and you can't escape from me, Just one test and you already failed," he said standing in front of me weighing me with his eyes.

He brought out a gun I didn't notice he had with him and sat on the bed, this was the second time I was seeing a gun in real life.

"Strip" he commanded. Was he crazy or a psychopath? There's no way in hell I was going to strip for him.

I watched as he stood up, towering over me as he approached. My heart was pounding as I scrambled backward, only to find myself trapped against the wall. I felt a rush of panic as he loomed closer, his eyes fixed on me. I knew I had no choice but to face him, and I braced myself for whatever was to come.

"Open your mouth" he commanded cocking his gun. Is he going to kill me?

I slowly opened my mouth and he forcefully put the gun in my mouth, I felt like I was going to gag.

"Suck it whore, before I blow your brains out," he said. I couldn't do it, I cried helplessly. "Now strip and don't let me repeat myself," he said sitting back on the bed.

As I stood there, frozen in fear, I couldn't help but close my eyes and wish for a miracle. I wanted so desperately for this all to be a bad dream, but it felt so real. I could feel the wall against my back, and I could smell his cologne. I knew this was happening, and I had to find a way to survive this. I just had to do what he wanted as I had no other choice.

My eyes fluttered open, and I saw him sitting on the bed, staring at me intently. I felt his gaze burning into me, and I knew I had to say something. But I couldn't find the words. I tried to speak, but my voice was frozen in my throat. I felt trapped, like a butterfly caught in a net. And he was the one holding the net.