Alex's POV

I drove in hastily, pulling up into the parking lot of my mansion. Only God knows how impatient I was, my mind still reeling from Bella's outrageous behavior tonight. I couldn't wait to hear what she had to say, cos she had some explaining to do. Where did she get the guts to embarrass me like that, in front of everyone?

"Welcome, sir," one of my male servants bowed in respect as I stepped out of the car. My mind was too occupied to return the gesture, so I flung the car keys at him and hurried in.

I made for our master's bedroom, where I was sure to meet her, coiled up in self-pity. A troupe I've become accustomed to after monthly family gatherings like this.

I flung the door without hesitation, but the emptiness my eyes met, was a cold welcome. I headed for the restroom, yelling her name.

"Bella!"

My voice and the sharp clicking of my shoes on the marble floor were the only response I received. My steps faltered the farther I went when it struck me. Something was definitely off.

My two hands met my waist in a firm hold, as I looked around me properly, trying to take everything in detail. There was this darkness and gloom that clouded the room, despite the bright light doing justice to every nook and cranny. The scent was odd. Everything was different. Something was missing. I studiously narrowed my eyes to make sense of the situation.

As if to answer my question, my head motioned my eyes to the bedside clock, the wall, and the flower vases, which contained rare flowers that diffused heavenly scents around the room. Shit! It was all gone. The sparks of color and homeliness Bella brought to the room when we got married were all gone. And the room returned to its old self, dark and void.

I fought so hard to push aside what my mind was projecting. Could it be that she's -

I walked straight to her collection and flung the doors to her closet open with so much speed as if I was eager to shame my instinct and prove it wrong.

It was empty.

"Bella!" I called out faintly, saying the name more to myself this time. I rushed downstairs. Spotting a chef, "Hey you!" I halted him, with my eyes still roaming to sight as many housekeepers that were passing by. "You, you, and you come here right now! Where is my wife?"

They shared confused gazes at each other before returning their gaze to me.

I shook my head in disagreement, "Hey don't give me that pretentious look". I warned, under gritted teeth. Where is she? If you don't tell me right this minute, you are all going to lose your jobs. Where the hell is Bella!?"

Their expression turned fearful as they stared at each other intentionally, each one's eyes begging the other to give out any information they had to save their jobs.

"She came home and went up to the room. That was the last time we saw her, Sir". One of them explained.

I couldn't believe my ears. That was such a flimsy excuse. "What? So you're telling me she disappeared with all her things, just like that? You are all liars. I'm -"

My official driver walking into the house caught my attention. "Hey, Dune!" I switched over, ignoring the ones before me like an enraged bull. "Bella is not at home. I need you to take the car keys right now and search for her. Anywhere. She shouldn't have gone far. Make sure you find her. Did you hear me!?"

"Yes sir!" He bowed and, with that, left to do the needful.

I trudged back to the room, slumping on the bed. Questions invaded my mind. Why all this fuss Alex? I couldn't understand if it was just mere anger, that Bella had taken a decision, which was leaving the house without informing me, Or was it something more....fear?

I shrugged at the thought. Nonsense! Why would I be afraid of losing-

Losing Bella?

My breath hitched at the thought. Bella had become a part of my life these past years. Her presence, her scent, and her duty as a wife marked a territory within the confines of this house. One too hard to erase. Despite the numerous housekeepers scattered all over the place, she made sure my things remained sensitive and were personally handled by her. She was that rare part, I was not willing to let go. Not yet.

*************

My eyes were fixed intently on my phone with my fingertips, tapping hard on the desk while I oscillated on my office chair. It was already 10 AM and still no call from Bella. No call from home that she had returned.

A heavy sigh erupted my lips and I sat up. It was odd. Bella would always be the one to call no matter the situation, to save me the stress of worrying. The cracking sound of my bones as I stretched my fingers and neck, was me strategizing to start a countdown. I wished in all my elevens that Bella was going to call on the last count. And rubbing my hands, I began, staring so hard at the phone as if, for some reason, it would help.

"1....2.....3....4....5....6....7...." My face twisted into a frown as I worked to loosen the knot of my tie.

".....8....9- oh come on!" I banged the table so hard that my hands regretted the impact the next minute. Damn! I sank into my chair pinching the bridge of my nose in disappointment.

"Sir?"

I threw my head up to find Mr. Tristan, my personal assistant, peeking through the slightly open door. I motioned him to come in.

"Something arrived at the office right now" He stated with a look I couldn't quite place my hands on. My eyes dropped to the file in his hands and I sensed that was what he was referring to. I reluctantly stretched my hands to receive them.

The opening message was a start, which provoked a sense of urgency in me. I flipped through the pages. My eyes scanned through the legal jargon. "What?" I blurted out, my eyes gleaming with confusion and anger all rolled into one, "She wants a divorce!?" I asked. But it was a question I directed to myself. Tristan just stood there looking as confused as I was.

What in God's name is Bella driving at? Yesterday's drama was not enough for her and now....this?

My fingertips struck my desk, this time with a louder thud. Bella was trying my patience, too far than she should. I was the one who made the rules here not her. I was not going to let anything that was truly mine getaway. Not until I say so!

"Track her fucking location now!"

Bella's POV

"And yes, let's welcome to the show... BIG MAN!" The crowd live at the show screamed in cheers and jubilation as their favorite actor came into view to join the show.

"Awwwrn", I exclaimed in awe, my eyes glued to the TV as I watched the show electronically in the comfort of a five-star hotel where I was lodged.

Knock! Knock!

I shot my head at the door. "Who is there?" I queried, pressing the remote control to shut down the TV. There was no reply from the other end and I walked over to see for myself.

I saw a hotel attendant with a broad smile playing on her face and a bouquet of flowers in hand from the tiny security hole embedded in the door to my room. My face plunged into a skeptical frown.

I creaked the door open, curiosity getting the best of me. And with a swift movement, another hand snatched the flowers from the attendant, coming into view from the side of the door, that wasn't visible from the security hole.

A face I know too well, wearing a cute smile stood before me. Alex. How in God's name did he find me, and what was he doing here?

"Hey, babe," He greeted me with a wink, holding the flowers to my face as a loving husband.

He turned to the attendant, who was still smiling so happily like she was the one the expensive flowers belonged to. "Thanks. The surprise was a success". He told her, dragging her back from reverie. She nodded in agreement and walked away, leaving just Alex and me in the room.

I get it now. He had sought her help, pretending he wanted to surprise his wife cos he knew I wasn't going to open the door if he came in person. I snickered, somewhat impressed. Nice acting, Alex.

He flung the flowers across the room and started taking off his coat without a word. I became pissed. Why was he here in my space and still behaving like the boss? He just invaded my privacy and is silent like it's his right.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out, furious.

"What does it look like I'm doing? He questioned with raised brows, backlashing my question with another question. "I'm here to take my wife home of course".

I was stunned and opened my mouth to speak but he added swiftly. "Listen, I forgive you for going way overboard and sending that trash to my office. But I won't tolerate you bringing it up again!"

Oh great! He thinks I'm just fooling around with him? I made to laugh but covered my mouth and smiled instead, still battling to stifle my laugh.

He looked at me quizzically, and his facial expression all the more tickled me, and I roared in laughter, unable to suppress it anymore.

"What's funny?" His face turned red with rage, seeing I ignored him and laughed the more. "Can you just stop!?" His phone blared in his pocket and he retrieved it still not breaking his gaze. He cut the call without even confirming who the caller was.

"Get your things we are going back to the house now!" He ordered, slumping on the couch beside him, to wait while I packed. "Dad's memorial is tomorrow and you wouldn't want to miss it for anything. You owe him that as his only daughter-in-law".

It pained me that he was trying to use his father's memorial to get to me because he knew how much I respected the old man. The only person who didn't behave like the proud Hayes. Sometimes I wondered how a calm man like him got married to a woman like Mrs Caroline. A complete contrast.

"Is this a joke to you, Alex? Didn't you get the divorce papers? I AM DONE! I'm not going anywhere with you. We're getting a divorce!"

He sprang to his feet with a speed that could be likened to that of light. "And who said so?" He demanded, looking deep into my eyes.

My heart dropped to my stomach. What is this? For a moment none of us spoke as we played the staring game. I couldn't understand where all this resistance was coming from. Why wouldn't he let me go...why?

"Isn't that what you've always wanted? And besides, Linda is back, and you-"

"Linda doesn't change a thing". He cut me off. "You are my wife, Bella. And it's your name that sits signed and stamped on our marriage certificate, not Linda's".

His declaration caught me off guard. "So you know I'm your wife, Alex?" I asked, with a calm, soft voice. "Yet you allow your family to treat me like-" My words were trapped by the burn in my throat, caused by the emotional strain memories of my three years with the Hayes brought me. ".....a piece of shit" I added, forcing the words out.

"I'm done, Alex. I don't want to be a part of your life anymore. Just go away!" I said, turning to walk out on him but he gripped me by the hand.

"I make the rules here, Bella. You're not going anywhere until I say so!"

I yanked my hands free from his grip, my morale rising. I mean who the hell does he think he is to tell me that? Even in a situation like this, all he cared about was his ego.

"And who are you to tell me that? I walked into this damn marriage on my own because I loved you. I wanted to save your family's name from being dragged in the mold; that

the...."I threw my two hands up in a gesture of exaggeration. "...almighty Hayes were ditched on their son's wedding day. But what did I get nothing but rejection".

He looked at me unfazed. "I don't know what you're talking about Bella. You're not rejected and you've never...been rejected. It's just that you're too blind to see that Mother loves you. She only corrects you because she loves you". He paced around flickering his nose with impatience. "I mean what else do you want? I always take care of your needs. Every fucking thing you need, Bella!"

My eyes and brows narrowed instantly in anger. "I wanted more, Alex. Why was it so hard for you to be that husband who stands by me when your mum says those hurtful things to me that you claim to be corrections? The husband that comes back home and appreciates every single thing I do for him!"

For a moment he stared at me. Something in his eyes told me I had hit a spot in him. "I wanted you to look at me with love and not those cold, soul-piercing eyes of yours that take sleep away from my eyes. But you did none of those". Leaving him in his state of self-reflection, I walked over to the bed and sat down.

I sighed shakily, "The damage is already done and I don't need them anymore. Let's just get a div-"

"We are not.... getting a divorce! Be careful what you wish for, because if you walk out of this marriage, you are going to regret it!".

I sprang to my feet, determined to make things clear to him. "No. You are the one that's going to regret it".

"I am not sparing any of my properties to you, Bella. Just so you prepare your mind for life on the street".

I scoffed, "To hell with your money, Alex. I'm only leaving this marriage with what belongs to me. And all I need are my artworks".

He was taken aback, "Your what?" He asked, feigning deafness.

"You heard me. My crazy miserable arts are going with me, Alex!"

Alex's POV

I sat behind the wheel barely focusing on the road before me. My mind was a mess. What I saw back there scared me to my bones. I felt like there was an exchange somewhere because the Bella back there, with all the determination and audacity, was definitely not the one I married.

"You should have just calmed your fucking nerves down man!" I cursed under my breath, banging the steering for emphasis. I had messed it up again as always. I should have been gentle with her in my words and approach, but I let my emotions get in the way. Now did that solve the problem? I've only scared her the more, straightening her resolve to divorce me.

I drifted my eyes lazily to the side of the road as a sigh escaped my lips. I needed to do something, anything to keep Bella from leaving. Because if she did it was going to be a disaster for us.

Mother had always cursed Bella's artwork as unrealistic and worthless fantasized images. But the truth is, she has surreptitiously made billions from them weekly. Her fashion hub bloomed with greater recognition and fame after my marriage to Bella, because of them. She had extended it into a full-fledged gallery and made it a brand in her name, clearly taking the glory for Bella's sweat. Only the family was aware of this. And over the years our name reigned high and supreme. But now, she wanted them back. If Bella cut ties with us, the truth will be revealed to the world. Mother and even the entire family could be to be charged for pure impersonation!

I raked through my hair vigorously as if trying to shake off a solution that was tangled between the strands of hair. How am I even going to break the news to Mother?

I pulled up in the parking lot of an exotic spa. It was Friday, and of course, Mother and Sophia would be here for their weekly pedicure and manicure routine.

I headed for the VIP room where they were always attended to.

"....and yes that sluggish little brat of the Grey's family would know her place. Once I arrive at the ball with the latest edition she had searched for her entire life, she will know that the Hayes are not of their class!" I overheard Sophia titter meters away as I approached the VIP.

"The Grey's think-" Mother made to say but paused on sighting me.

"Oh! Look who we have here!" She exclaimed. She was seated, wearing a white robe with a glass of champagne in hand as her toes were meticulously messaged. Sophia who was seated at the other end, flashed me a smile.

"The most handsome man there is! Look at all the freshness of the Hayes you exude" She praised, playing along with dreamy eyes I would have mistaken for something else if she were not my sister.

They always did this no matter how many times I've been to this place and I'm not sure they were ever tired of it cos every damn thing they said was true. I was perfect. I'm a Hayes after all.

But today the energy was different. I simply paced around the room with my hands tucked into my pocket, not giving the affirmation or attention they needed. Their expression softened.

"What's wrong son?" Mother asked, with a concern etched face.

They both stared curiously at me, waiting for answers. Sophia's brows knitted together when an idea struck her, and she jerked her head backward. "Wait. Don't tell me you....you lost the billion-dollar contract with the L&B group!?" She asked wide-eyed as she retracted her legs from the grip of the attendant who was servicing her.

"It's not that" I mumbled. I stopped pacing and held the bridge of my nose with closed eyes. How am I going to say this?

"Whoosh!" Sophia exhaled with her hands resting relievedly on her chest. "Well, big brother..." She stood to her feet and grabbed her glass of champagne. "If that's not the problem, then there is no problem at all. We can talk about whatever later. I'll be back mum" She said, perking mother as she exited the room.

"Okay you're getting me nervous now, son. What is wrong? Talk to your mother". She queried. Seeing the attendants littered all over the place made it all the more difficult to say a word cos you never know the gossip mongers among them.

Mother sensed my hesitation and, with her eyes, urged them all out. "Can you talk now?"

"Bella wants a divorce!" The words jumped out.

Her eyes flickered with unbelieve. "Really?" She scoffed. "Don't tell me that's why you're so worked up".

My face folded in confusion. I didn't see this coming.

"Why wouldn't I be mum? It's my wife we are talking about here".

"That is not a problem. Listen, it's about time you let her go. She was never the right one for this family". She stated. "And besides Linda is back now". She added. I felt a burden in my heart weighing me down like I was going to drop from its weight any minute.

I always gave excuses for my mother's actions towards Bella, feigning it was mere corrections. But I knew better. She never held even the thinnest of affections for Bella.

No matter how mother felt, I still wanted Bella in my life. She had become a part of me these past years, and her leaving would create a huge vacuum in my life. And the truth is, Linda would never fit in. Not as a wife, nor in playing the role Bella was playing for the family.

Lost in my thoughts, mother's voice pierced through, sharp and venomous, "But come to think of it, that little tit-wit has grown wings, I see. Who told her she is the one to make such decisions for us?"

I dropped my shoulders, my frustration mounting. Mother was certainly not getting the point. This wasn't the time to apportion blame. I still need Bella. We need her. "Look, mum-"

"Your father's memorial is tomorrow, and I'm sure she won't miss it because she respected the old man. Don't sign the divorce papers yet." She ordered with an icy tone. Her eyes narrowed, "I want to see if she has the guts to look me in the face and talk about divorcing my son. She is not going to have the luxury of dumping us. We are the ones to do so and I will make sure she comes crawling and begging to be accepted again!"