18 Bella’s Departure

Fred was not happy with the way he had treated Caleb. The guy had wanted to help him with his

problems but little did he know that the situation was already beyond remedy. He had forcefully pushed him out two days ago, arousing suspicions. Every time he stepped out of the house to either buy some things or settle things, he walked like someone who was being chased, looking over his shoulder at the slightest sound. His life had transformed to a nightmare just because of a stupid act.

He sat on the bed in his room, drinking a bottle

of beer. Lucy had been so beautiful that night and the jealousy of the fact that she had dressed up for another man had added to his anger. He did not have any right to be angry but the mere fact that she could accept someone else when she had not accept him made him too furious. He opened his HP laptop and powered it. After letting it booth for some minutes, he connected to the internet. If he wanted to come out of this mess, someone else would have to be found responsible for Luciana's death. Sooner or later, her body would be found and the case would move from a kidnap case to a murder case. He swallowed, opened his bag and took out a small jotter where he wrote the name of his worst enemy. Since someone else needed to be

implicated, he knew the best person to implicate. How he would achieve his aim was still unknown to him. He stared at the name.

"If God helps me to find a way, I promise you; you

will be spending the rest of your miserable life in jail" he said.

Raymond arrived home to meet something really shocking. Of all the things that coerced through his mind as he drove home, the movie playing before him was not included.

"What is going on Bella? Where are you going

with this luggage?" He yelled, as he approached

her.

Bella wiped her tears as she swallowed painfully.

"I can't stay here anymore sir, I'm sorry" she choked.

Tinka had made her life a living hell ever since she stormed the house, about two hours ago. Bella knew that Tinka was there to stay, due to the heavy bags she had brought with her and she could not imagine another day with Tinka in the house. She also would not be able to cope with seeing Raymond and Tinka play the loving duo while she suffered from the love that can never be returned.

Raymond stared at Bella with his mouth agape. He could not fathom why she was doing this.

"It has not reached this level Bella. Come inside, let

us talk about this."

"No sir I can't" Bella said, shaking her head in denial. "I am sorry sir; I never wanted this to happen. Why would I want to leave this house when you have treated me so kindly? Thanks to you and your generous siblings, I am somebody today" she sniffed. "I have enough money to start a small business, I am now educated and I also have self confidence. You have been so kind to me sir. You treated me like your sister. What more can I ask for?" She paused, allowing everything she had said to sink in.

"But I fear, I will not be able to stay any longer. I never wanted to confess my feelings to you today."

"And I am sorry I made you do so" Raymond cut in.

"Yes sir, I understand. But I am not leaving because of you; I am doing this for me. I know you don't love me. If I stay here, I will eventually become bitter. Please let me go sir" she pleaded.

Raymond was deflated. Going to the club tonight

would definitely be a brilliant idea. He never

imagined that Bella would cry because of him. He

did not want to let her go but, making her stay

would be very unfair as well. She deserved to move on with her life, forsake the lowly life of a servant

and be an independent woman. If she would also

be able to forget him, she needed space. That very

minute, he saw a woman – a very beautiful woman that could sweep the heart of any man; but why couldn't he see her that way?

"I will miss you Bella" he said softly, from his heart.

"Who will prepare those delicious meals? Who

will keep me company in this boring house? Who will advise me when I am lost? Tell me?" He questioned.

"Your fiancée will do all that. Goodbye sir" she quickly said.

She wiped her face and picked up her bags.

"But where are you going this time of the night? At least stay until tomorrow morning and I will drop you off to wherever you want to go.

She looked thoughtful for some seconds, glanced at the building and shook her head.

"I have called a cab to convey me to my friend's

house. Your food is inside the cooler, in case you

are hungry. Bye sir. And thank you for everything" she said as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.

Raymond stood still as Bella stepped out of the

house into the compound and he watched her as she unlocked the gate and stepped outside, closing the gate behind her. He could not explain the pain he felt at that moment. Why did he ask her that question anyway? If he hadn't asked, she would still be in the house now, probably preparing one of his favorite meals. He walked inside slowly with the intention of changing his clothes and storming the club. The quilt he was feeling could only be relieved in a club where he would drink himself to stupor. He entered his bedroom and met the second horror of the day. What the hell! He swore.

"Tinka… What are you doing here?"