Deprived Love - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Third person's pov
“Liam.”
“Bella?”
Chris starred both of them with confusion. How does Bella knows his best friend. She smiled looking at Liam and this is the first time he saw her smile. She still had the same beautiful smile.
Nothing changed about Bella. She still radiates positivity, on the contrary Chris radiates darkness.
Oh. How unlucky is Bella to be trapped in the devil's mansion.
“Why are you here, Bella?”
“She is my slave.” Chris muttered with a smirk.
Liam's expression changed from shock to a concerned one. He cleared his throat and turned towards Chris.
“Chris, Can I talk with Bella for a moment?”
“No. We are here to talk about the meeting.”
“Please, it won't take much time.”
He gritted his teeth in annoyance but he can't argue with his best friend. Liam helped him a lot when he was struggling. Liam is not only a best friend but is like a big brother for Chris. He really respects the older male.
Chris took the cup and got up, leaving them alone.
“Bella, what are you doing here?”
Bella lowered her head and explained everything to the mint haired man.
Liam was shocked to know that Bella was Harry Smith's daughter. He knew how much Chris suffered because of Bella's dad. It took away Chris’s childhood dreams, his unborn sister, his father and now his mother is admitted to a hospital because of her mental illness.
Liam is Aria’s brother. Whenever Bella used to visit Aria, Liam prepared snacks for them. Bella was like a sister to Liam. But he was not aware of her family background that much. Bella rarely talked about them. When he brought gifts for Aria, he used to give one to Bella too. The girl always seemed lonely.
But Liam knew that Bella is not at fault though. She is not responsible for her parents' actions.
“It's okay, Bella. Chris is just angry. He lost everything because of your dad.”
Bella stared confused. She was unaware what her parents did to Chris and his family.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your father betrayed Mr. Wilson, left him bankrupt. Chris’s father was an innocent man, Bella. Chris's father was forced by his father to take over this business so he always persuaded Chris to do whatever he wanted. But because of your dad, Chris had to come in this mess without any choice. He despised the mafia organisation but he was left with no choice.”
Bella's eyes glistened knowing how evil her dad was. And moreover she ignored Chris too when he needed her the most.
“His mother was pregnant with a baby girl too, but because of this mess, she suffered a miscarriage. He was so excited for his baby sister. His father was murdered and his mom went into depression, unable to take care of Chris. He was alone.”
Bella felt sad for Chris but she still hated him. Bella didn't deserve this, though. It was her parents fault not her. Why is she suffering?
“Bella, I know you don't deserve this. But Chris's heart is like ice but the right amount of warmth can melt it. He has just built a wall around him. Deep inside he is still a puppy waiting to be patted.”
Bella nodded and Liam caressed her hair.
John cleared his throat.
“Sir has ordered to take you shopping. To buy you clothes and anything you need.”
Bella nodded.
John took Bella near the shopping market.
“Don't try to run or Boss will punish you. Take this card and buy whatever you want.” he said with a blank expression.
Bella wondered that if this was the man's personality of he was trained to maintain a blank expression always.
She nodded and chose simple, comfy clothes because she didn't want to spend her kidnapper's money.
After choosing some clothes, she bought some undergarments and slippers. She decided to buy a cute dress for her little sister, Stella. A smile crept to her face when she thought of the cute girl.
Her thoughts were interrupted when someone cleared his throat.
A male with dark eyes, dressed formally with glasses looked at her with an amused expression.
You dropped something, he said with a smile.
Bella's eyes widened, as the bra, she chose to buy had fallen to the marbled floor. She quickly picked it up and looked away to hide her embarrassment.
The male smiled and said,
“It’s okay.”
And he went to the cashier corner to pay his bill.
“Are you done?” John asked with a blank face.
Bella nodded and they paid the bill.
“How did you know Bella? '' Chris asked Liam with his eyebrows furrowed.
“She is my sister's friend, buddy.”
“Oh.”
“Isn't she your first love, bro?” Liam asked with a teasing expression.
“It was just a childhood crush, Liam. Love as such doesn't exist.”
“You know Chris, the people who don't believe in love are the ones that fall deeper into it.”
“What are you talking about Liam? Just cut the nonsense and let's continue with our work.”
“Bella doesn't deserve this, Chris. Let her go.”
“What are you talking about? Did she just manipulate you against me? Such a manipulative bitch, turned you against me in sone minutes!”
“I am just telling you the right thing. Why are you punishing her for her parents deed?”
“She is responsible. She being their daughter is her biggest mistake. Her existence itself is a mistake. And I don't want to talk about this, Liam. Let's just meet next week.” Chris turned and walked out of the garden leaving Liam alone.
“You bought this for me?” Stella asked with a wide smile holding the cute dress.
Bella nodded, being more happy by seeing the girl's reaction.
“You should've brought a pretty dress for you too, Bells. All of your clothes are boring.”
“These are enough for me-”
Someone knocked on their door. Bella stood up from the bedside and opened the door.
“Sir needs black coffee.”
Bella nodded and started making coffee in the kitchen.
She walked through the hallways and finally reached the office. Their last interaction in the office haunted her. She glanced at her burn marks which now are purplish.
She gently knocked on the door but no one answered.
“Is this a deja vu!?”
She was relieved that no one answered and she didn't have to meet the mafia boss. She was about to leave when her steps halted.
“Come in, Darling.”