Chapter 11

After walking out of the bedroom, Bellatrix made her way to the kitchen. Grabbing a cup, she filled it with water and immediately drank it, washing down the medicine in her throat. As she was placing the cup back, the sound of vibration from the table caught her attention. Glancing over, her gaze landed on her phone which was ringing. She walked over and picked it, pressing it flat against her ear as she answered the call. "Hello?" She took notice of her voice as she spoke this time around. It was hoarse and low. Definitely as a result of the screams and moans from last night. "Good morning, Bella," Came Damien's cheerful response from the other side. "I hope you remember your promise and most of all, hope you've picked out a stunning outfit?" Her promise? For a few seconds, like a lagging computer, Bellatrix's fogged up brain found it hard to understand what Damien was referring to. And then, it clicked. "For the gala?" She asked, a bit unsure. "For the gala," Damien clarified. "I sent the details to your phone last night, did you get it?" No, she didn't, because at that time she had been quite busy committing a mistake she now found herself to be regretting. "My phone died early last night," She lied, moving from the kitchen to the outdoor garden. "But you can resend it now. I'll check the time and be there as soon as possible." "Alright. I'll text you the details," He said and shortly after, the call ended. The moment it did, Bellatrix exhaled slowly and with her free hand, she slapped her cheek hard. "No more mistakes, Bellatrix," She scolded herself. "What happened last night...can never repeat itself again." Her eyes stared vacantly at the beautiful blooming peonies in front of her as she said this. Those were her favourite flowers, she had the live–in housekeeper—when she had still been here—plant them for her. But instead of enjoying the beauty before her, Bellatrix's mind travelled to what had happened the previous night, ultimately settling on how Cillian had passed her the contraceptives just minutes ago. She frowned. If he was going to treat her like that, then, why did he sleep with her last night? As she turned to head back inside, she caught her reflection in the clean glass of the sliding door and like a slap in the face, she got her answer. Although she and Regina weren't biologically related, they looked alike. Almost like the keen resemblance between Megan Fox and Madison Beer. If one didn't know, they would've easily confused the two. And that was the case with Cillian. His actions yesterday, they had definitely been because he confused...no, rather, used her as a substitute for Regina. A subtle ache bloomed in her chest. But as quickly as it had come, she dismissed it, drawing in a calming breath as she reminded herself that Cillian's matters no longer concerned her. That day in the hospital, she had made up her mind to stop loving him. And exactly that she was going to do. There was no need for her to allow her heart to be affected by his selfish actions and more. With that thought in mind, she returned back inside and began preparing for the gala. ~•~•~•~ Meanwhile, after leaving the Laurent Residence, Cillian stood behind the glass panel of his office, watching the streets below, his gaze dark and distant. He was trying his best to keep his mind focused on his work and the company's upcoming anniversary, but, the events of the previous night kept replaying in his mind. The moment his eyes closed, he saw Bellatrix beneath him, her lips parted, her head thrown back, her hair a beautiful mess. The sight brought a frown to his face. Last night had definitely not been his plan, and yet, here he was, standing, reminiscing about the way her lips felt against his, the way her hands had wrapped around him, the way her body had moved against his own. That frown on his face deepened further when he remembered how Bellatrix had taken the contraceptives. Even though he was the one who told her to take it, seeing as she took it without an ounce of reluctance and her words that followed after, made his stomach churn in a way he didn't like. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his office door opening. He turned to see Kane walk in, but he wasn't alone. Beside him, dressed in a red, ankle length gown with a deep V-neck line and an exposed back, was Regina, a smile on her lips. The moment her eyes landed on Cillian, she strode towards him and wrapped her hand around him in a hug. "I'm so happy you allowed me to come with you. You know, back when I was living alone, I had no one to talk to and was very lonely. The doctor said that, coupled with the fact that I overworked myself and never ate homemade nourishing food, was part of the reasons why my kidney failed." She said in a sad tone. "But now that I'm here, I'm really grateful that you've given me a chance to socialize with people again after so long!" Hearing this, Cillian's frown deepened more than it already had. Regina had gone through so much and still was suffering from Kidney failure and it was all because of Bellatrix. Yet, he had allowed himself to be bewitched by her tricks yesterday. Thinking about it now made a way of repulse and self-disgust wash over him. Regina noticed this and gently placed a hand on his chest, flashing her usual smile. "Is everything okay, Cillian?" "Of course," He answered. "Everything's fine. Since you're here, dressed and ready, let go, shall we?” Regina nodded, a small, excited smile spreading across her face. Taking her hand in his, Cillian and her, accompanied by Kane and the driver, made their way to the venue. As a big time, multi billion dollar company, Aetherion was hosting its anniversary gala at one of the city's most luxurious five star hotels, the Hotel Le Blanc. When Cillian arrived, the event had already begun. The venue was crowded with all types of influential figures and affluent aristocrats. However, none of their presence could compare to Cillian's. The moment his car pulled up to the venue, reporters and journalists quickly surrounded his car, each of them hungry to get the first scoop. Cillian, however, didn't pay them any attention. With Kane and some other body guards keeping them at distance, he gracefully stepped out of the car and offered his hand to Regina. The moment the reporters saw this, all their brows furrowed in genuine curiosity. Cillian Alexander Laurent, the stoic billionaire of Miami who had never for once, been seen with a woman, even his own rumoured wife, was finally showing up with a lady. In curiosity, they all watched as Cillian gingerly led the woman out. The first thing they saw was a pair of stunning legs, clad in a gorgeous red gown. Then, the next thing that came into view was the beautiful face that they had all seen in the recent pictures with Cillian. In an instant, all the resorters began snapping pictures and taking videos of them. In the fame, Regina felt like a goddess. It felt good to have all eyes on her. However, instead of openly basking in the spotlight, she pretended to be overwhelmed by it. Moving closer to Cillian, she wrapped her hand around his arm and nearly nestled herself in it. The moment Cillian noticed this, he instinctively pulled her closer and placed his hand around her waist. "There's no need to be overwhelmed." He said softly, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I'm sorry, but I'm not used to so many people watching me. It makes me uncomfortable." Hearing this, Cillian's expression softened and he tightened his hold on her. "It's okay. There's no need to be afraid as long as I'm here." The reporters wasted no time in capturing such a tender moment. As their camera desperately shuttered, Regina's lips curved slightly upwards. This was exactly what she wanted. By morning, pictures of her and Cillian would be all over the city and Bellatrix would surely become more miserable when she sees it. Unlike Bellatrix, the unknown wife, everyone would know who she is. Becoming Cillian's wife would be a piece of cake. A smile threatened to break across her face at the thought of that. But, she kept it at bay, keeping her expression sweet and innocent as she followed Cillian at the side, basking in the pleasure she got from being in the spotlight. However, that joy was short-lived. Just as they were about to step into the venue, another car pulled up and the reporters, recognizing the familiar car, quickly rushed in its direction. The commotion caused Cillian to pause and turn his attention to the new arrivals. From where he stood, he watched as the door opened and Damien walked. Seeing him, Cillian instantly felt his mood sour. But the worst of it was yet to come. Instead of walking straight to the venue like he normally does, Cillian watched in confusion as he paused by the door and held his hand out. Everything around him seemed to fade as he watched a familiar hand place itself in Damien's palm, then, a familiar pair of legs appeared and in an instant, Cillian's whole body tensed up. Dressed in a stunning black and golden off shoulder mermaid gown that hugged her slender curves and flared out at the bottom, with a pair of stilettos strapped around her feet and her hair had been tied into an elegant high ponytail that exposed the long, slender neck that had been littered with bruises the previous night, was none other than his wife. Bellatrix.