Not her fault!
Bella's POV
"You are Jordan's son, right?"
Luca glared at the Carl.
"How brave of you to put your father's everything on stake by insulting Mafia prince's Finance..."
Carl's face drained colors.
"I am sorry..."
He said embarrassed.
"Please don't tell dad about it..."
"No one should bully her... It's your responsibility from now on..."
Luca ordered.
"Get out..."
Carl walked away with his friends and i was going to do the same. I don't know why he is here neither i am interested.
"Bella..."
He called me but i didn't stop.
"Bella please listen to me..."
He blocked my way.
"What do you want Luca?... Don't tell me you are here to lawyer your friend."
I glared at him.
He shook his head.
"No, i am not here for Alex..."
"Your wife then"
I gritted.
"I am not interested... I have a class..."
I started walking away.
But his words made me halt.
"I forced Jasmine to marry me..."
Something cracked in my heart which i was keeping cold.
He did what? She said, she love him.
I turned and gave him confused look.
"You need to hear me out... Please... Just few minutes..."
He pleaded.
I nodded reluctantly. Don't know what other secret is going to shatter me again.
Luca drove us to nearest coffee shop. I kept my books aside and sat in front of him.
"Speak"
He released a sigh while rubbing his forehead.
"Jasmine is innocent... She really loves you... She lied when she said that she loves me..."
"Why?"
I asked keeping my emotions at bay.
"Because i manipulated her..."
He confessed.
Of course that's what these men do. Manipulate!
He continued...
"I liked Jasmine when i was digging your history for Alex... I wasn't going to interfere in her life because i knew she deserves better than me but destiny threw her in front of me..."
"Alex threw her in front of you..."
I corrected. He did this.
"He just told me to protect her..."
Luca said.
"But i couldn't win against the demon inside my head... I wanted Jasmine... So manipulated the situation and compelled her to marry me... In those circumstances she couldn't fight me... I told her that you love Alex and if she tells you the truth it will ruin your relationship with him, you will blame him... She didn't want to spoil your love life so she decided to lie so you can stay happy with Alex... Since that day she haven't slept peacefully... She misses you... She is innocent, I am the one to blame... She wants to stay with you but is afraid to face you after whatever happened... I can't see her in the condition..."
"But you can force her..."
I glared at him.
"I am sorry__"
He looked away.
"You and your friend has done nothing but destroyed our lives..."
He was looking at me until my hand collided with his cheek.
I don't mind the attention i got after this good fucking slap.
"Jasmine is safe with me... I am not caging her."
He replied caressing his sore cheek.
"She has all the freedom..."
"You are no one to give her freedom... She is an independent person.."
I argued.
"Who the fuck gave you men the right to give us freedom... You all are disgusting..."
I don't know what he is thinking but he kept his face calm. Either he was expecting this reaction or may be he doesn't want to act in public to save his so called reputation.
"We are coming to Party which Anamika has hosted... Please talk to her. Hate me, i am the culprit not her... She needs you..."
With that he left.
I grabbed my head and sat there in disbelief.
Jasmine didn't betray me, she was trying to save my relationship. I was wrong to judge her. I should have seen her eyes instead of believing her words.
I can't imagine what she has gone through all these days. How this monster has treated her. She is so naive. How can she let him manipulate her so easily.
God! She doesn't deserve this.
It's all my fault. Because of me she got dragged in this shit. If it wasn't for me Luca wouldn't have meet her.
She should be the one hating me not other way around. I have to meet her. I fucked up. I should have dig in more. How did i even believe that Jasmine can do something like that to me.
Headache which was setting down came back with full force.
Should I call her. I don't want to talk it out on phone.
I should meet her in the party, that's the best way. Face to face is better.
I don't think i can sit in the class after this, i better go home.
I went back home and freshen up.
"You are back early"
Valentino asked when i went to the kitchen to fetch water bottle for myself.
He was making something in the kitchen.
"Coffee?"
He asked.
"Coffee will do... Thanks"
I sat at the table.
He handed me the mug and sat infront of me.
"You are in the office today?"
I asked.
"I took a break..."
He grinned.
"Mona is coming isn't she?"
I asked and he cleared his throat awkwardly.
"She is just a friend okay?"
He trailed off.
I really don't know but he sometime talks about her. From his perception she seems to be a nice woman.
I cocked my eyebrow at him.
"Okay, we are going out tonight so i decided to take a break before going out..."
He confessed.
"That's good"
I smiled.
"Actually i came here to tell you... Umm... I think you have heard that Marino's are hosting a party..."
His smile disappeared.
"And you are not going there"
He declared.
I sighed. I understand his concern.
"I need to... There is something i need to do... I understand your concern but it's important..."
"Bella..."
He shook his head.
"I can't allow you that."
"I know what i am doing... Okay!... Don't worry i am not that stupid and naive Bella anymore..."
I assured.
"Valentino you said you won't control my life..."
"I am not trying to do that... I just don't trust those people..."
He replied.
"You know what happened to Amanda."
"They won't kill me... I'll be fine..."
I sighed.
"Okay but Mika will go with you..."
He is really giving me his bodyguard.
"In fact take Michael and Larson too..."
"There is no need..."
I shook my head.
"You need them... They will be there for you..."
He said dismissively.
It will be so awkward and irritating to be followed by his three mountains.
"Either take them or i am coming with you..."
"I'll take them... Things won't be good with your presence there..."
I replied. Marino's hate him, he hates Marino's... He better stay away from them.
"Okay..."
He gave me hesitant and worried nod.
"Please take care of yourself... I can't loose you..."
"You won't..."
I squeezed his hand assured.
I went back to my room but i doubt Valentino will have good sleep tonight. He seemed really worried.
But i can't hide in the room my whole life. I have to face him. Still i hope that he won't be there as His mother said.
My closed my eyes and tried to control my breathing which has increased with the thought of seeing him again.
I shouldn't think about him... Think about Jasmine.
