First meeting

Author's POV

Bella took a deep breath when they reached to the venue.

"Listen old man, if he killed me then my ghost will haunt you your whole life."

She said to Valentino.

"They won't kill you"

He assured.

Bella looked outside from tainted window. It was huge building and there were many people's outside, mostly media. It was looking like a red carpet.

Bella fixed her dress, it was Golden shimmer long mermaid gown with long slit, it was backless and had deep neck. She was looking sexy in it.

"Just don't fuck up okay... And don't open your mouth in front of Alexander... He is already very angry."

He warned and she nodded.

"I am not fucking around Bella... You can't escape from here, I will kill your sister and forget about the money... You are lucky that i am giving so much money for this work."

"Fine... Don't touch my sister."

She sighed.

Valentino got out of the car and opened the door for her. Bella got out and took his hand. She closed her eyes when flashlights blocked her vision.

She finally opened her eyes and looked at the man who was going to be her husband for few days, Alexander Marino.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him face to face. He was looking deviliously handsome in black suit. His amber eyes were glowing under bright light. Sharp jawline and coal black hair. He was incredibly handsome and Bella couldn't take her eyes off him. She was starstruck for a moment.

'He is a Married man Bella and don't forget he is a criminal... Don't be stupid'

She warned herself.

She walked towards him with Valentino.

"Here I return your lovely wife to you."

Valentino said with smile.

Alexander faked a smile, he was fuming in anger from inside. For him she was just his evil wife.

But didn't do anything in front of media, they have to play nice couple.

Bella's whole body filled with sparks when he wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer. Her eyes widened when his lips landed on hers. He kissed her and her heart forgot beating.

"I missed you"

Alexander said breaking the kiss.

Bella knows that it's for media, he doesn't care about Amanda. She smiled at him just like they have told her.

"I missed you too."

'so, Mr. Marino... the rumour of your wife running away is not true... What's your opinion on these rumours.'

One of the reporter asked.

"I don't care about rumours... I like to keep my life private. We don't need to explain people about it"

Alexander said but his grip tightened on her grip.

'Mrs. Marino there are so many rumours about your affairs, what do you have to say about it'

He asked.

"Bullshit... People now a days don't need a reason to ruin others life... I love my husband and i don't think any other man can take his place in my life."

She answered and Alexander internally scoffed.

"I think it's enough for tonight, please excuse us"

Alexander said and led Bella inside.

His hand was still resting on her back as he led towards the empty hallway. Bella gulped when she saw his face turning angry and no one was there.

She gasped when he pushed her away harshly, she looked at him but her head snapped aside when he slapped her. Her cheek stung and she quickly covered it. She looked at him with glossy eyes. She wasn't expecting this.

Alexander glared at her.

"You fucking bitch..."

He stepped forward angrily and she quickly stepped back in fear.

"I told you, do anything you want but don't fuck with my reputation... Don't you understand this one simple thing..."

He spat madly.

"You are lucky that i can't kill you"

She looked at him with watery eyes as he threatened her.

"Enough is enough... You have fucked up my life... Try anything again and I'll forget about the deal which I have did with your good for nothing father..."

He warned.

"Fix your fucking face and come out... You have already given them many things for gossip..."

Saying that he walked out.

Bella gulped down her tears, it's not like this is the first time she is getting slapped. Her father has slapped her many times but getting slapped by a stranger hits hard.

She went to the washroom and fixed her face.

"It's okay Bella, he didn't slapped you he slapped his evil wife. Man must be very much frustrated because it's hurting like a bitch..."

She rubbed her cheek.

"Just few days and it will be fine... If you want to live a free life then you need this money and you have to do it for that. For Jasmine..."

She took a deep breath and grinned looking at the mirror.

"You are looking damn sexy"

She complimented herself trying to cheer up.

"This slap is nothing, you have had worst... You are a strong girl..."

She said to herself. She always does this whenever she is about to cry. She tries to find positive side. But deep down it hurts.

This poor girl has endured many things but It didn't break her spirit. It made her stronger and rebellious.

She walked out with bright smile while hiding the pain behind it and approached Alexander.

He was already talking to people with smile, she stood beside him and looked at him with sad smile. Will he ever knew that she is not his real wife?

Bella stood there like a doll while Alexander was dealing with his friends and business partner. That time she realised that Alexander is seriously not interested in Amanda. He didn't even glanced at her and she was following him like a lost puppy.

She was amused by the royalty of people present there. Sparkling jwellery, expensive dress and rich perfumes. She was feeling foreign.

"Ohh, Hallo Mr. Marino..."

Some man said and Alexander looked at him.

"Myself Charlie... From UB glamorous... Your wife knows me."

He said and Alexander looked at her, Bella had no idea who this man is but she smiled anyway.

"Offcourse Mr. Charlie..."

"I thought you were in Paris... Anyway glad to see you."

He kissed her hand and Bella internally scowled.

"I hope you are ready for the project... Thank you so much for saying yes."

"What project."

Alexander asked and Bella gulped, she has no idea what Amanda has done.

"We are going to do a nude photoshoot."