Chapter 143
Chapter 143:
Donna’s features softened as she watched Yelena eating, the fondness in her gaze unmistakable. “If you like it so much, Yelena, I’ll have the chef prepare more tomorrow p>
“Thanks, Mom p>
Yelena’s warm smile felt like a dagger twisting in Bella’s chest. The scene unfolding before her—Donna’s glowing approval, Yelena’s effortless charm—was unbearable.
Before Yelena’s return, Bella had been the center of her family’s world. Cherished. Adored. Their little princess.
But now, it was as if she had been pushed aside, reduced to a supporting role in her own story. Bella’s nails dug into her palms as the painful reality sank in. Yelena had effortlessly claimed what had always been Bella’s—Donna’s attention, her warmth, her love.
Bella’s heart twisted with the injustice of it. Yelena wasn’t better than her, yet she had somehow stolen the spotlight. This couldn’t go on.
Bella wouldn’t let it. She needed to act, to regain control, to reclaim what was hers. A name floated to the forefront of her mind—Jacob Natt. He was powerful, influential, and, most importantly, had once expressed an interest in her. If Jacob’s feelings still lingered, he could be a valuable asset.
Bella’s lips curved into a slow, calculating smile. She hadn’t wanted to associate with someone like Jacob. People from his world and hers were cut from entirely different cloth. But the weight of her situation had now pressed down on her. If she didn’t act, Yelena would fully take her place in the family, leaving her a shadow of what she once was. That was something Bella simply couldn’t allow.
After dinner, Bella retreated to her room, locking the door behind her. She retrieved her phone from the bedside table and stared at Jacob’s number in her contact list. Her finger hovered over the screen as hesitation crept in, a flicker of doubt. Then, the memory of Yelena’s smug smile fueled her determination, and she pressed the call button.
The line rang, each tone tightening the knot of anxiety in her chest. There was no turning back now. Finally, the call connected. Jacob’s voice came through, slightly sleazy but unmistakably enthusiastic. “Bella! It’s been a while! What’s up?” His excitement was thinly veiled.
F𝓲nd nєw 𝒸h𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇s 𝒶t g𝓐l𝓷ovєls.𝓬•𝓶
Bella winced at his tone but kept her expression composed. Channeling her sweetest, most innocent voice, she replied, “Jacob, I actually need a favor p>
Her soft, almost hesitant tone carried just enough vulnerability to pique his interest. Jacob’s reply came quickly, his curiosity evident. “Bella, didn’t I tell you before? You can come to me for anything. If it’s within my power, I’ll do my best for you p>
“Jacob, you’re the best,” she replied, her voice sugary enough to melt his suspicions.
“Of course. I don’t do this for just anyone, you know,” Jacob said, his confidence brimming. “Only for people I like p>
Bella bit her lip, pretending to wrestle with a difficult decision. Finally, she added, her voice soft yet enticing, “I know. And if you can help me with this, I promise I’ll make it worth your while p>
Jacob’s laugh on the other end was filled with delight. “Well then, you’ve got me curious. What do you need p>
One morning, Yelena rose with the sun, enjoyed a quiet breakfast, and set off on her way. Upstairs, Bella lingered by the window, watching Yelena’s figure fade into the distance. With a smirk playing on her lips, she grabbed her phone and tapped out a message. There was no turning back now.