The Devil's Bargain: Blood and Betrayal

Anger boiled over. I snatched the teacup and, without a second thought, splashed it on Briana's face. "Shameless!" I screamed, my voice trembling with fury. Leo roared at me, striding towards Briana. "You're out of your mind, Bela!" Brianna, feigning sadness with glistening eyes, said, "I'm fine, Leo. I should just go to the hotel." She stood up, ready to leave. But Leo's hand stopped her, "Wait. Stay here, Briana." I felt like a discarded doll, replaced by a newer, more appealing one. Brianna had stolen my place in Leo's heart. Tears welled up, not tears of anger, but tears of despair. "Let's talk inside," Leo urged, pulling me along, half-dragging me. Inside the room, Leo let out a frustrated sigh. I stood there, my face set in a stubborn line. "Bela, please… please don't act childish," he pleaded, his voice softer now. "Forgive me for yelling at you, it's all for your own good," he continued, his tone laced with manipulation. I remained silent, keeping my distance. Leo approached and pulled me into a hug. "Let Briana stay with us. It won't be long, give me a week," he whispered, his voice a persuasive murmur in my ear. My tears fell freely, my heart aching with a pain that ran deep. I wanted to ask why he was doing this, but my tongue felt heavy, my lips locked shut. Six years of our life together, stained by his unreasonable request. "Just one week, no more," I pleaded, my voice trembling as I fought back tears. "Of course, darling, you finally understand what I mean," he said, kissing my forehead. Leo and Brianna left the house, claiming to continue their work. Then, the charity party invitation arrived. A party filled with important figures. Leo sent me a message, urging me, "Isabella, you have to come soon. Bring the invitation for me." My heart pounded, Brianna's words from earlier that day still echoing in my mind. But when I remembered our six years together, filled with sacrifice, I finally replied with a heavy, empty "okay." That night, amidst the party's boisterous energy, Brianna arrived like a haughty queen. Her beauty, if it could be called that, was merely a mask for her wickedness. When I was separated from Leo, she clung to him like a snake, her hand never leaving his arm, her gaze filled with a lust that made me sick. Leo, foolishly, could only grimace awkwardly, as if hypnotized by Brianna's false charm. I wanted to vomit. Their closeness, so blatant, was a harsh slap to my still-hopeful heart. After she was satisfied playing with Leo in public—as if she wanted to make sure I witnessed every touch and loving look—Brianna approached me. Her sarcastic smile felt like a razor slicing through my heart. "You know? Starting tonight, we'll be living together," she whispered, her voice dripping with mockery. I swirled my drink, trying to keep my hands from trembling. "Yes, congratulations Brianna. One week, right?" I replied coldly. Brianna's eyes widened. "That's just Leo's trick. Do you believe it?" she whispered, her voice sharp and laced with venom. "What do you mean?" I asked, the question tumbling out of my mouth. Briana's lips curled into a smirk. "Get ready to be kicked out. Because I'm going to be the lady of the house," she said, her words like a poisoned dart. Fearing that her playing victim act would happen again, I pretended not to care. However, I knew, those words were like a virus that slowly gnawed at my soul. I turned to leave, wanting to escape her presence. But Brianna, that cunning woman, seemed to have planned it all. With a quick, deliberate movement, she threw herself down, screaming hysterically, "Ouch!" Cheap theatrics. I knew it. However, Leo, foolishly, immediately fell for her drama. "Isabella," he called out, Brianna's voice full of fake concern. "Why did you push me? What did I do?!" Brianna screamed again, her voice dramatic. I could only stare at her in disbelief, boiling with uncontrollable anger. "What's wrong with you, Isabella? Have you lost your mind?" Leo's voice made some people fall silent. "Leo, are you blind?" I asked, my voice laced with shock. "No. I saw it, you deliberately pushed her," he said, his words unforgivable. He believed her more than me. "It's okay, Leo, I'm fine," Brianna said, grimacing falsely. "No, we need to straighten this out. Tell me, Brianna. What did she do to you?" Leo demanded an explanation in front of everyone, seemingly unconcerned with the pain he was inflicting on me. Brianna, still pretending, seemed reluctant to answer Leo's question. But eventually, that unfounded slander came out of her poisonous mouth. "She didn't accept me living in your house, she wanted to kick me out, she also called me a slut," she said, the words flowing smoothly from her sweet mouth. Before I could defend myself, before I could explain, Leo slapped me. A hard slap that sent me staggering, silencing the room. All eyes were on me. Leo, the same man who hugged me this afternoon, kissed my forehead, and apologized for the trouble he caused - now he believed that stranger's lies without hesitation. Six years of our life together, now shattered into pieces. "You're sick, Bela," he said, his words more painful than the stinging wound on my cheek. People started whispering, some laughing, insulting me, even some openly mocking me by saying that the country girl with the cheap dress I was wearing tonight was not worthy of such a grand event. "Stop it, Leo. Don't blame Bela. Please, just take me home," Brianna whined. She was still acting like a delicate flower in the eyes of the crowd. Leo obeyed like a dutiful dog, supporting Brianna's body as she pretended to be sad while limping. As for me... he just left me there, like a worthless piece of garbage. Brianna and Leo's departure began to cause a stir. The guests blamed me for the tarnished event. Unable to bear the shame, I immediately left the building.

The rain was still drizzling when I arrived home. The pain in my chest felt damp, like a fresh wound that wouldn't stop bleeding. In the living room, Brianna was sobbing in Leo's arms. Tears streamed down my face, not out of jealousy, but from a deeper pain: betrayal, being belittled, and ignored. I turned and went to the bedroom, leaving them alone. Leo soon followed. "Make her some food," he ordered, his voice flat and devoid of guilt. "You brought her here, why should I cater to her?" I asked. "I'm not her maid, I'm your wife!" "Please, Bela..." Leo sighed. "She's not feeling well." "Not feeling well? What about me? Who cares about me?" I snapped, tears spilling over. Six years together, I took care of him, nurtured him, supported him, and now this? Leo shook his head. "Bela, you need to see a psychiatrist. You're too sensitive." His words pierced me deeper than the pain of betrayal. He was questioning my sanity, my health. "You're the one who's sick, Leo!" I retorted. "Six years we've been together, and you believe her more? Who is she? What does she have that I don't?" Silence enveloped us, only the sound of the rain. Then, I said, "I want a divorce." The words struck me like lightning. I was shocked, myself. I never imagined I would leave him. "What? Divorce?" Leo asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're just a housewife, with no career or income. How will you survive without me?" His words were meant to belittle me. The words caught in my throat, a knot of pain, anger, and despair. Tears streamed down my face again. "Are you sure about this, Bela?" he asked, his voice like a serpent's whisper, trying to lure me back into his web of betrayal. His question was a challenge, a last attempt to test my resolve. I held his gaze. The eyes that were once peaceful, now held a glint of cunning. I saw a reflection of my former self, foolish and trusting. But this time, my eyes were open. "You and Brianna should find another place," I said, my voice stronger than I expected. "This is my house. I can earn money later." Leo was taken aback. "You dared to say divorce. Now you're also daring to kick me out?" he asked, stepping closer and shaking me. "Snap out of it, Bela, this isn't like you." The air was thick with tension. Leo tried to calm himself, his breaths heavy. "Take back what you said. I told you, Briana and I are nothing." His voice begged, but still carried an arrogant edge. "Fine, get her out of this home," I challenged him. He slumped, defeated. I sighed. A bad feeling started to solidify. "I got her pregnant," Leo said. The confession shattered the last of my hope. Simple words, but deadly. The words caught in my throat, a knot of pain, anger, and despair so deep it threatened to consume me. Tears streamed down my face again. A scream ripped through the silence. Six years with Leo, shattered into a million pieces. Tears flooded my face, burning away the last vestiges of trust. The swelling on my cheek throbbed, more painful than any physical blow. "Are you sure it's your child, Leo?" I asked, my voice a mere whisper. The question was a last-ditch effort, a glimmer of hope in the ruins of our relationship. Leo's secret, a secret known only to me, had become a double-edged sword. His eyes blazed with hidden anger. His hand shot up, the unspoken threat more chilling than any physical strike. He didn't hit me, but the gesture was a suffocating vise. "Yes, I'm sure," he said, his voice low, laced with a pathetic resignation. "But we're not planning to get married. She knows I can't divorce you." My laughter erupted, a broken sob escaping my lips. How foolish he was! "You can't have two queens in one house, Leo!" I shouted. "I'll buy her a house. You won't be bothered," he replied flatly. Love, loyalty, six years together, all a cheap joke. I searched his eyes, seeking the embers of the love that once burned there. All I found was emptiness. He had made his choice, and I, the victim of his selfish decision. Tears continued to flow, soaking my cheeks, the floor, my shattered heart. "So, is this the end of us?" I asked, my voice barely a murmur. His answer would determine my next step. Rise from the ashes or sink forever in sorrow? "No, I won't divorce you," he said with an air of confidence. Silence descended, more agonizing than any words. The loss of trust, love, and a future we once dreamed of together. I had to let go of him, the man who had destroyed my world. I had to start a new life, a life without him. "I'm leaving tonight. Tomorrow, when I return, this house must be empty." My decision was made, unyielding. My words pierced, sharp as shards of glass. Leo just mumbled, "Go. I'll give you time to think. Don't bring up divorce when you come back." He left, leaving behind a suffocating silence. A silence more piercing than any words. I followed him. In the living room, Brianna sat calmly, a sly smile plastered on her face. There was a sickening satisfaction in her gaze, a victory achieved through betrayal. "Please, stop fighting," she whined, her voice like poison that made me nauseous. “Let me take the blame and leave," she said again, her voice muffled by a guilt so cliché. I ignored her. I needed to settle this with Leo. "You made your choice. You hurt me, betrayed me, and now you try to control me with empty promises!" "I deserve respect, honesty, and unconditional love. Leo, you can't give me any of that!" My voice trembled, but it was firm. "I want a divorce!" I repeated, loud and clear. The words were like a spell, breaking the chains.

Leo's face tightened. "You can't do this, Bela! We're a team, we're supposed to be together forever! Think about our future!" I pointed at Brianna. "That future ended when you chose her, Leo! Everything is shattered because of your betrayal!" My voice didn't waver. "Don't try to make me feel guilty. This is my life, and I'm in control!" He stood there. His arrogance and confidence crumbled. The man I loved, the man I trusted, collapsed before my eyes. But in his collapse, I felt freedom. Brianna sobbed, stroking her stomach while giving me a cruel smile. Her cruelty made me shudder. "She's yours, you bitch!” The words hung in the air. Sharp and cruel, they mirrored the pain that tore through me. I left the house and drove my car aimlessly. The engine's hum was a dull counterpoint to the storm raging inside me. ... The world seemed to stop. Dust flew everywhere. A loud crash echoed in my ears, making my heart pound. In front of me, a Ducati Panigale V4 S lay mangled, badly scratched. The rider was pinned beneath the bike, having fallen. I trembled, unable to speak. The accident happened so quickly. But his hateful gaze... made me feel guilty. He threw his helmet angrily to the ground. "Damn it! Can't you drive properly?" His voice rose, attracting attention. "You have to take responsibility!" He accused me, with an annoying arrogance. It didn't make sense. He hadn't even threatened me, yet I must be responsible. "Sorry... I didn't mean to..." I said softly. "Didn't mean to? Do you think I believe you?" He moved closer, his shadow blocking me. "Are you one of them? If you are, you'll pay dearly!" He was about to choke me, his threat was clear. Even though I shook my head helplessly, I was still processing his words. The next second, the world turned into chaos. Several black cars stopped in front of us, blocking the road. Black-clad people poured out, armed with pistols and rifles that gleamed under the moonlight. They surrounded us. The guns were pointed at us. I innocently raised my hands, fear piercing my bones. This wasn't an ordinary fight. This was an organized, planned attack. “You're going to die today, Alexander!” One of them threatened the man next to me. The man - Alexander, as the one who had pointed a gun at us called him - moved quickly, placing himself between me and the impending attack. "Who are they? Why do they want to kill me too?" My voice trembled, directed at the stranger. Fear gnawed at me. He just shrugged. "Wait... this is a movie, right?" I looked around, trying to find clues. This was too real to be a movie. "Dumd! Do you see the director?" His rough snort echoed. "Roberto, put your gun down! Let this girl go!" The man, Alexander, still had a little mercy in this dire situation. I glanced at him, a moment of gratitude warming my chest. But it vanished instantly. "Sorry, Alexander. In my dictionary, there's never room for witnesses," Roberto replied, his laughter mocking, accompanied by the sadistic laughter of his men. Alexander sighed deeply. "Looks like you're going to die tonight." His words were cold, piercing my heart. "God... are you heartless? The man I love is taken, now I have to die tragically like this?" Tears welled up, my sobs stirring up the sadness that was hidden. "Believe me, there's no God here. Dying by gunshot is better than seeing that man with another woman," Alexander mocked, his words sharp as knives. How could he joke at a time like this? "Hand over the flash drive, Alexander! And I'll speed up your death!" Roberto's threat pierced my ears. I was frozen. While Alexander remained unmoved. “You choose to die slowly, Alexander?” Roberto asked again, this time preparing to pull the trigger. I huddled behind Alexander, his body becoming my shield. My only hope was to survive. “Alright… die you Alexander!” Roberto shouted. "Take cover!" Alexander yelled suddenly, his voice firm amidst the commotion of gunfire. Before I could react, the sound of gunfire echoed. The world seemed to explode in loud noises and plumes of smoke. I closed my eyes, my body trembling violently. When I opened my eyes, I saw Alexander staggering, his shoulder covered in blood. A bullet had pierced his leather jacket. With a trembling body, I pulled him to the side of my car, taking cover behind the cold, hard body of the car. Fresh blood flowed profusely from his wound, soaking the black leather jacket he was wearing. "We have to get out of here," he whispered, his voice trembling. With quick movements, I helped him into the car. Ignoring the fear that was gnawing at me, I stepped on the gas and drove the car as fast as I could, leaving the scene of violence behind. Behind, the sound of gunfire could still be heard, but I didn't care. I had to save him, this man I had hit was the man who had saved me from death. I had to get him to safety. I didn't know who he really was, or who was trying to kill him, but one thing was for sure, I wasn't going to leave him behind. My heart was pounding, not just because of the speed of the car, but also because of the man lying next to me. Fresh blood was still flowing from his wound, soaking the white shirt that was now red. Alexander. The name still felt foreign, but his face, a handsome face full of scars, was now etched clearly in my mind. My phone rang, displaying Leo's name on the screen. I hesitated to answer it, but the ringing continued, urging me. Finally, I answered. "Bela, where are you? I'm so worried! It's all my fault," Leo's voice sounded panicked. "Come home, Bela. Please." I sighed deeply, Leo's voice only added to the burden on my shoulders. "I can't go home, Leo," I said, my voice trembling. “What? You can't go home? How can you live without me?” a question that tickled my heart. “It's not like that Leo, right now I'm… in trouble,” I replied hesitantly. "Look, without me, you're always in trouble, divorced? Sure you can live without me?” His voice was full of mockery, as well as concern. I knew, it was just a fake concern. I turned off the phone, not wanting to hear his words anymore. I had to focus on Alexander's life and our escape.

My car stopped in the woods, I immediately checked his wound and cleaned it as best I could. I pried out the bullet that was visible to stop the bleeding. Luckily, I know a little bit about medicine, so I did what I could. After a few hours, Alexander started to regain consciousness. He groaned softly, his eyes slowly opening. "Where are we?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "Safe," I whispered, more to myself than to him. Alexander seemed dazed, holding his injured shoulder, his face pale as death. His eyes, once sharp, were now dull and empty. "This..." he said, his voice broken, like a gasping breath. I continued, trying to sound calm, "I've removed the bullet and stopped the bleeding. As best I could, at least." I emphasized the 'as best I could' to lower his expectations. Shock was evident on his face. He looked at me, incredulous. "You... a doctor?" he asked, his voice still weak. I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "No." He paused, his voice rising with annoyance. "Then what right...? To remove the bullet?" he finished, his tone more apparent. I snorted, unable to bear his arrogant attitude anymore. "Ungrateful," I said, my voice sharp. "At least you're still alive, right?" "Listen, Alexander…" I tried to start an explanation, but… "...How do you know my name?!" He cut me off, his voice rising to a shout. He glared at me suspiciously, his hands clenched tight. His defensive and suspicious attitude made me a little annoyed. I sighed, trying to be patient with this man who was clearly in shock and pain. "I know your name from the person who shot you," I said, carefully choosing my words. "And, even though I'm not a doctor, I saved your life, didn't I?" He sighed, enduring the lingering pain. He looked at the stitched wound on his shoulder, his eyes blinking slowly. "Did you stitch this up too?" he asked, his tone a little softer, but still wary. I answered briefly, "Hm." "Ugly," he said, his voice flat, but his eyes showed a hint of amusement. "Carlos would have laughed at it." He added with a hint of mockery, making me want to punch him. "Carlos?" I furrowed my brow, keeping the question in my mind. Maybe his brother? His friend? Alexander suddenly snatched my phone from my hand. With trembling fingers, he typed a message. "Thank you," he said, his voice still weak, but sincere. "For the phone, or…" I asked, half-jokingly. "For taking the bullet out, and saving my life," he cut me off, his voice firm. He groaned softly, enduring the pain. "You'd better go. I don't want to involve you in my problems." I snorted, unable to contain my annoyance. "What a selfish man," I said, my voice a little sarcastic. "I'm already involved, since you saved me." "We're even," he said coldly, his gaze showing no sign of gratitude. "I have to get back to my place too," he continued after a moment of silence. "And so do you." "Back? Where?" I asked, confused. Leaving Leo meant losing everything. Even though there was a home to return to. He looked at me, his deep blue eyes seemed to read my mind. "Don't tell me you're... homeless?" His voice rose again, but his expression wasn't as harsh as before. There was a hint of concern in there. I shrugged, not wanting to tell him about the misfortune that had befallen me. The story was too embarrassing. If he knew, he would surely mock me even more. “Wait, I remember something… you were just dumped, weren’t you?” His question pierced me, making my cheeks burn. “No, I left him.” I replied firmly, trying to hide my nervousness. “Really?” He looked at me sharply, doubt etched clearly in his eyes. I turned away, annoyed by his suspicion. “Alright,” he said, his voice softer, but still cautious. “I can offer you shelter and protection. If you want.” I was stunned. His offer was tempting, but I still had doubts. "With conditions?" I asked, alert. He smiled faintly, a smile that was both mysterious and slightly threatening. "The condition… you have to be my girl.” His offer made me gasp. This man was a hothead, a threat, and incredibly suspicious. But it turned out... he was also a lech. I fell silent, thinking hard. "Just accept it, you don't have any other choices, do you?" His voice was challenging, laced with a hint of mockery. I snorted. "Of course I have choices. It's just..." My sentence hung in the air, filled with dilemma and doubt. I need a new place to live if I want to escape Leo and that bitch. But... if I agree, what does it mean? Am I going to let myself be exploited by this bad-tempered man? “Why are you silent? Don't you want to?” he asked, preparing to get out of the car. Dilemma. I quickly grabbed the edge of his jacket. "Wait. Come home with me, what's your address?" I hoped to buy some time to think about his offer. "Too dangerous. Go home separately," Alexander replied. Before I could answer, several black cars approached us. I thought it was the cars from last night, but Alexander calmed me down. "Don't be afraid, they're here to pick me up." Alexander got out of my car, the burly men in black suits seemed respectful towards him.They chatted for a moment. "Get out, Miss. It seems you're the one who needs a ride home." His voice, heavy and cold. The selfish man was back to his grumpy self. "My car?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Forget about it. I can replace it with a thousand cars like that." "Arrogant!" I muttered. My annoyance was cut short when the shadows of the burly men, their faces like masks of death, surrounded me. I quickly took shelter behind Alexander's back, my body shaking violently, like a lamb waiting for the slaughter. We got into the luxurious car, Alexander asked for my address. As the car sped off, my heart pounded like a war drum, a cold chill piercing my bones. A few hours later, the car stopped in front of my house. As I got out, my world seemed to collapse.