Chapter 7

Kayla, unable to wait any longer, reluctantly hailed a taxi to return home.

"Hello, Dad, why are you calling so late?" Kayla asked, arriving home around one in the morning, feeling a dizzy spell wash over her.

"Kayla, I'm so overjoyed! I just received a call saying your father's company is saved. Be sure to thank David," Benjamin Harris exclaimed with excitement.

"Oh, I will," Kayla replied with a smile, though her head was spinning. She needed to sleep... sleep...

The next day, waking up to the sunlight streaming through the window, Kayla suddenly recalled the events of the previous day. David Bell hadn't deceived her; her father's company was safe. Grateful thoughts filled her mind, though naïve Kayla didn't realize how the contract remained in her possession and how improbable it was for the resolution to be so seamless. It was evident the man had played a trick on her.

When Kayla went to the office intending to express her gratitude, David Bell was nowhere to be found. She felt a twinge of absurdity—where had her husband gone, and how could she, his wife, be so unaware?

Days passed without sight of David Bell, with only occasional mentions from secretaries that he was on a business trip. In the office, Kayla’s duties were menial—running errands, cleaning up. There was no substantial work to engage in. Quinn was absent, dashing any hopes Kayla had of learning something valuable. Instead, she found herself merely a trophy wife, running errands. If others knew, she would surely become a laughingstock.

Kayla felt a deep sense of helplessness—how long would such days continue? Her musings were interrupted when David Bell returned, his face darkened with anger.

"..." Kayla’s words were cut off as David Bell stormed past, his perfect silhouette the only thing she could see. She felt a profound sense of pity for herself.

David Bell yanked off his tie in frustration. He had rushed to M Country upon receiving a call, only to come back empty-handed. Was Daisy truly missing? Yet, who was sending him those messages? His world, always turbulent, had become even more so with Kayla’s presence, each wave leading to another storm.

"David, you've been so busy lately; you haven't come to see me," a beautiful woman complained as she entered the office.

"Excuse me, miss, do you have an appointment?" Kayla quickly intervened, politely inquiring, but who was this woman?

With her fair skin, large eyes, and seductive figure, Kayla felt dwarfed in comparison. As a fellow woman, the difference between them was stark. Any man would be enamored with this woman, making Kayla feel an overwhelming sense of inferiority. She hadn’t realized that no unattractive woman would seek out David Bell.

"An appointment? I’ve never needed one. Get lost; David is mine," the woman declared arrogantly.

"I’m sorry, miss. If you need to see the president, I will inform him immediately. But please, wait outside," Kayla replied courteously, though internally she had cursed countless times. David Bell was hers? Then who did he belong to? This world was truly absurd.

Kayla, shut up, damned woman. Who do you think you are? What’s wrong? Are you new here? When I used to come, no one dared to stop me. Bitch, how dare you block me," the woman rudely pushed Kayla aside.

*Slap.* Kayla left a palm print on the woman's face.

"Let me tell you, this slap is what you deserve. There's no place for someone like you without manners. What qualifies you to scold me? Let me tell you, I am David Bell's lawful wife. You're just a mistress. Why so arrogant? No one stopped you before because David Bell was single. Let me tell you, he's mine now, legally. You better behave, or it won't be pretty for anyone." Kayla exclaimed passionately. Yesterday one woman, just one woman in bed, and now another woman? How many women does this man have? Damn man, damn woman.

*Slap.* Before Kayla could react, she was already heavily thrown to the ground. Kayla saw stars, her head spinning. What's happening?

"What qualifies you to hit my woman? Let me tell you, Grace was right to scold you. You're just a bitch. Do you really think you're the Bell family's lady? You're overestimating yourself. Let me tell you, you're just David Bell's plaything. I slapped you for Grace. Dare to touch my woman again, you better watch out." David Bell said sternly.

"Heh, David Bell, are you even a man? You dare hit a woman? What's on your mind? I... I really don't understand. Since we got married, why do you treat me like this? I, Kayla, don't think I've done anything wrong. Why do you hurt me like this repeatedly? Don't forget, I'm your wife. Yes, my father's company is in trouble. I need your help. You're my husband; it's your responsibility. What have I done wrong to deserve this treatment?" Kayla questioned, covering her face, never knowing men could be so unrefined.

"Well said, but listen carefully. You're just my plaything. I've never seen you as a person. Remember this; if you dare touch my woman again, I will make you pay twice over." David Bell said triumphantly, leaving with a satisfied Grace.

Kayla, what's wrong with you? Why did you marry such a man? Thought he was an angel, only to realize he's a demon. Kayla held herself, for the first time feeling she made the wrong choice. But who could she tell about this injustice?

"Master's back?" the maids said.

"What are you doing?" Kayla asked excitedly. She was just eating. Why did he dump all her food?

"What qualifies you to sit here? Listen up, from now on, this woman is just a maid in our Bell family. Butler, take good care of her." David Bell said as he turned to leave.

"Hey, hey? What do you mean by that?" Kayla asked in confusion.

"I told you, you're just my plaything. Now I want you to be a maid. Behave and don't think you have any chance to resist. Take good care of her, all of you." David Bell finished, walking away.