"Fine, I'll cook for you. Thankfully, it's just a meal," Kayla said, turning away to wipe her tears. This was her choice, and she had to face it. No matter what lies ahead, she must persevere. David Bell, you may treat me this way today, but one day you will tell me you love me. I will make sure of it.
"David, your wife is quite the cook. This is delicious," Quinn said with a smile. She was speaking the truth. In no time, the table was filled with an array of delightful dishes.
"Eat," David Bell commanded, starting to eat hungrily. He never imagined there were still women who could cook so well. It was indeed rare.
Kayla watched the two devour the food and felt a sudden urge to laugh. Alas, today had passed just like that. Her wedding night had come and gone in such a manner. It was truly pathetic. David Bell had misunderstood her; she would have to find a time to explain properly, or how could they continue living together?
"If there's nothing else, I'd like to rest now," Kayla said, preparing to leave.
"David, your wife is truly unflappable. She can sleep after seeing us like this?" Quinn mocked. This woman was incredibly strong, able to watch her husband with another woman and still cook for them. If it were her, she would have exploded with anger. She couldn't help but admire Kayla in this aspect.
"What else should I do? You did what you did, ate what you ate. Am I not allowed to sleep?" Kayla retorted disdainfully and walked away. Damn man, damn woman. This had been a truly unforgettable and excruciating day.
As he watched Kayla's departing figure, David Bell's gaze grew more profound. This was just the beginning; there was much more to come.
The next morning,
"What? You want me to work at your company? No way!" Kayla had just woken up to this news. Working with David Bell, could it be...
"Yes, what did you think? Being a young mistress of the Bell family is not that easy. Money doesn't fall from the sky. Do you think you don't need to work?" David Bell said displeased.
"That's not what I meant. I meant that my profession has nothing to do with your company. How could I be of any help? I might end up causing more trouble," Kayla said, understanding that money doesn't come easily, but her specialty had no relevance to his company.
"Quinn, haven't you been feeling tired lately? Didn't you tell me you needed an assistant?" David Bell asked gently, holding Quinn's hand and kissing her face, all while casting a challenging look at Kayla. Quinn felt victorious; Kayla had fallen out of favor.
Kayla looked at the disgusting pair and was glad she hadn't eaten breakfast, or she would have thrown up. What kind of world was this where mistresses thrived?
"David, I'm afraid your wife won't agree. How could the wife of the illustrious David Bell be my assistant?" Quinn said with a smile.
"I decide what she does. From now on, you will be Quinn's assistant," David Bell commanded, leaving no room for Kayla to object.
"Fine, I'll go. Who's afraid?" Kayla muttered.
David Bell's refined manner of eating, he looked every bit the man among men. But why would the man she idolized treat her this way? Could yesterday have been a dream? But if it were a dream, how could it feel so real? Or had this man truly misunderstood something about her? Had he overheard her conversation with her mother and misinterpreted it?
David Bell suddenly raised his head, his cold eyes making Kayla quickly lower hers. She felt a chill run through her body, trembling with fear. Was this man truly so terrifying?
"What do you mean? How do you expect me to get there in this heat?" Kayla asked, bewildered, as the man drove off with Quinn, leaving her to fend for herself.
"Hey, wait!" Kayla called out, but they had already sped away, leaving her feeling helpless.
After a final effort, she managed to catch a taxi and finally arrived at Bell Group. Damn you, David Bell, you’re in trouble now.
"Hello, are you Miss Harris? The president is expecting you on the 28th floor," the receptionist said politely.
"Thank you," Kayla replied, stepping into the elevator. Miss Harris? Wasn’t she supposed to be Mrs. Bell? Apparently, she was just 'Miss' here. But at least he had informed the receptionist, or she wouldn’t have been able to enter.
Reaching the 28th floor, she found the entire level open. So, David Bell occupied the entire floor, with his numerous secretaries scattered around. As she walked in, she heard a familiar sound that made her blush. How could she forget it? This man was insatiable. Last night, this morning, and now at work? Was he a stallion?
As Kayla walked in, she saw him with another woman, caught in a passionate embrace. She was furious. Was this man truly so insatiable? After last night, he still wasn’t satisfied?
When Kayla pushed the door open, she saw him on top of the woman, their bodies entwined.
"You're here," he said, not even looking at her as he continued his rhythm.
Kayla was enraged. Was this man a pervert? Fiona was right, he was definitely untrustworthy. Could it be true?
"What do you want? What am I supposed to do? Where’s Quinn? Aren’t I her assistant?" Kayla asked, exasperated, not wanting to see her husband with another woman, and this wasn’t even Quinn. What a world.
"I'm out of condoms. Go downstairs and buy some," he said, continuing his actions.
"What did you say?" Kayla asked, eyes wide.
"You heard me. You have ten minutes. If you're not back by then, your father's company won't see tomorrow," David Bell said, irritated. Was she playing dumb? Condoms were not rare, surely she was familiar with them. She acted innocent, but he knew better.
Damn him and his threats. Fine, for her father's sake, she would comply. Reluctantly, Kayla went downstairs. She really needed to clear up this misunderstanding, or she would suffer much more.
"Here, this is what you wanted," Kayla said, blushing as she handed over the condoms. It was her first time buying such things, and they weren't even for her use.
It was mortifying, especially for a virgin. When asked about brands and flavors, she was humiliated. Damn that man.
"Your attitude isn't great. Don’t forget I'm your boss," David Bell said mockingly, finding her flustered demeanor amusing. Her presence brought some interest to his otherwise dull life.
"David, you're so rough, you hurt me," the woman clung to him, her voice saccharine.
"Get out," he said, handing her a check.
The woman pouted, but seeing the amount on the check, she quickly dressed, smiled brightly, and said, "Call me when you need me, David." She walked out in high heels, throwing Kayla a scornful look.
"David Bell, we need to talk," Kayla said seriously. She had to clear up this misunderstanding, or how could they continue living together? This was her chance.
"Discuss? Do you believe there's anything worth discussing between us?" David Bell raised an eyebrow.
"I think you've misunderstood me. You know, my father's company..." Kayla began, only to be interrupted by David Bell's impatient voice.
"I will help with your father's company, but your participation is still required," David Bell said with a smile that bewildered Kayla.
"Really? As long as it helps my father, I will do anything," Kayla replied, smiling.
Do anything? The Gao family even had their daughter marry for the sake of the company. David Bell despised such marriages of convenience. This woman claimed she married out of love, but it was clearly a lie. Such hypocrisy was intolerable, and he intended to treat her accordingly.
"Here is a contract. You are to go to the Crescent Coffee Corner in the east of the city. Mr. Guerra will be waiting for you there," David Bell handed Kayla a contract.
"Do I have to go now?" Kayla asked, holding the contract. It was raining heavily outside, and she didn't have an umbrella. Who knew when this downpour would end?
"You can also choose not to go," David Bell replied, returning to his work as if Kayla no longer existed.
Kayla watched the focused David Bell, bit her lip, and finally took the contract and left. What was rain compared to this? She could always buy an umbrella.
From the 28th floor, David Bell watched Kayla's diminishing figure braving the rain. Hmph, she deserved all of it.
Could her luck get any worse? There were no cars. Helpless, Kayla had to wait for the bus. Luckily, she bought an umbrella, or she would have been soaked.
On the bus, Kayla dozed off in the inclement weather. When she woke up, she was at the terminal.
"Huh? Where am I?" Kayla exclaimed in surprise.
"Miss, this is the end of the line," the driver politely informed her.
"No way." Kayla rushed off the bus, having wasted more time. Would Mr. Guerra still be waiting for her? In her panic, she forgot her umbrella.
After much wandering, Kayla finally found the place David Bell mentioned. She tidied herself up as best as she could and entered the coffee shop.
An hour passed, then two...
"Miss, sorry to inform you, but we're closing," the waitress said politely.
"Closing? What time is it?" Kayla asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Miss, it's already midnight. We are closing," the waitress repeated.
Darn, she had fallen asleep again.
"Excuse me, was there anyone else here while I was waiting?" Kayla asked hurriedly.
"Miss, we didn't notice. I think it's best you leave now," the waitress urged again.
Kayla walked out in despair. The rain had started again, and she sat at the coffee shop entrance, wondering whether to leave. Why was today so miserable?
David Bell glanced at the time. The woman still hadn't returned. Had something happened? But a phone call quickly erased any thought of her from David Bell's mind.