Chapter 168: You will be mine soon.
Zack’s heart pounded at the implications of Gina’s words. He had already seen how Theodore’s possessiveness toward Bella had begun to surface, hinting at feelings that were slowly developing. It was a situation Zack couldn’t afford to ignore any longer. He had to act soon before it was too late.
Zack resolved, feeling a surge of determination solidify within him. He had been on the verge of giving up, but now, the embers of his love for Bella flared back to life. She was the one person who could fill the void in his heart, the only one who could heal the wounds that had long festered within him. He couldn’t—he wouldn’t—let her slip away.
Gina’s voice broke through his thoughts, laced with almost convincing sorrow. "It’s unbearable to see him with another woman. I’ve loved Theo since we were children. I can’t lose him. If you truly want Bella, then take her away from him. Otherwise, I’ll make sure she suffers."
Her final words hung in the air, icy and menacing. The threat was unmistakable, dripping with malice. Zack could see the desperation in Gina’s eyes, the dark determination that drove her to claim what she believed was hers. But what she said next struck even deeper.
"No one in the family accepts her. They believe she doesn’t deserve to be part of the Reid family. That’s why their marriage remains a secret."
Zack couldn’t argue with the truth of her words. Bella, despite her marriage to a powerful man, was still relegated to the shadows, working in a small company as if she were nothing more than a common employee. The thought of her enduring such rejection and loneliness, while trapped in a loveless marriage, stirred a fierce protectiveness within him.
He couldn’t stand by and let this continue. Bella deserved so much more—she deserved love, respect, and a life where she wasn’t an outsider. As Zack absorbed the reality of her situation, his resolve only grew stronger. He had to save her, to show her that she was cherished and worthy of happiness. If that meant confronting Theodore and standing up to the Reid family, then he was ready. For Bella’s sake, he would do whatever it took.
"I’ll talk to her," Zack said with newfound resolve. ’Bella has suffered enough,’ he thought to himself. ’She deserves happiness.’
Gina’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, the triumph in her eyes evident. She had achieved what she set out to do. "Good. I’ll help you reunite with her," she promised.
~~~~~~~~~~
Days passed in a blur of activity as Willow and her team threw themselves into preparations for the season’s first launch. Their hard work paid off—when the collection finally hit the market, it was met with overwhelming demand from malls and clothing stores alike. The team was ecstatic, the success of the launch filling the office with joy and excitement.
Willow, beaming with pride, couldn’t stop praising Bella. "I knew it... The last time I launched your designs, they became the season’s best collection. Since then, I’ve wanted to work with you more closely. Bella, now you see how talented you are. You could become a sensation in the fashion industry. Just say yes and join my fashion house."
Bella felt her confidence bloom, a warm sense of validation washing over her. For the first time in a long while, she truly believed in herself and her abilities. Willow’s words were the final push she needed to make a decision she had been contemplating for some time.