"Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding." - Diane Arbus

Markovich Palace, Russia

(Unedited)

[Clara Bell POV]

I slept the whole day and it was odd. I never did this in my entire 25 years of existence. So that night, when grandpa came to see me in my room he was worried that he called upon the presence of the Palace Doctor, Dr. Vandervon. As soon as he walked in, he was busy then checking my blood pressure, my chest, my tongue, probing everywhere of my body.

My Grandpa was watching at the bottom edge of the bed waiting for the doctor to be done. After a long and enduring waiting, the doctor finally was done and turned to face my Grandfather.

"She's 6 weeks along and I will give her a prescription for a vitamins she needed. She's low in iron." The doctor proclaimed smiling sweetly to me and then to my Grandpa. I was staring at my Grandpa with my head still wandering. I couldn't grasp what the doctor just said.

"I'm pregnant?" I mumbled audibly like an idiot. What would Rafael feel about this? I'm beginning to get scared. Grandpa was looking ecstatic with the news. The fact that it's going to be a big scandal brought by me to his grace, he seemed not minding it. Is that's how desperate he is?

Everyone was gone with only my grandpa left with me. He was sitting on one of the armchair on the corner while watching me.

"Have you talk yet to Rafael?" he asked. Smiles never left his face. He looks younger than his age.

"I haven't Grandpa. He was too busy. I don't wanna bother him." I replied nonchalantly.

"But he needs to know Tatiana." The Grand Duke voice out not noticing the changes in my mood.

"He will Grandpa. I was thinking to surprise him in New York." I blurted out thinking to go give Enna a surprise visit. I needed her now more than ever.

I don't know how am I gonna tell Rafael about it.

"Great! That's a good idea Honey! He will be happy. And when you came back, we will just arranged a simple wedding where not much of guest. Maybe only us and a witness. That would be safer for all of us. I don't want that incident happen again." Nikolai Markovich exclaimed making him grimace upon remembering that dreadful day of their wedding.

"I will ask Gannon to make a preparation for your journey to New York. I will leave you now Tatiana and take a good rest." He smiled and walk to my side, kissing my forehead before leaving my room. When he's gone I let the tears free falling on my cheeks. I felt so weak and empty.

Why is he not calling me?

——{{@}}——

[Rafael POV]

I woke up with the annoying ringing of my phone. I grab the phone from the bedside table and didn't bother to check it.

"Speak." I snapped exasperatedly, closing my eyes while my spare hand was massaging my temple. I just came back last night from India. It took several days before they got back the vessel but it needs a huge restoration of the Petroleum tanker. The pirates was arrested and paid the said damages. I'm glad every of my ships, tanker and fleet are insured, so the insurance had to pay for the restoration of my vessel.

I didn't sleep for this past days and nights trying to get this problem done and never had time to think about Bella and this goddamn caller just broke my peaceful sleep that I never had in a long time.

"Rafael.." her raspy voice woke me up completely and I sat up straight.

"Bella?" I murmured. I felt that tingles courses through my blood and realized I missed her so much. She sounded like she just cried and broken.

"Mio Amore, are you crying?" I asked worriedly. I wanted to hold her and comfort her. I could feel how she felt right now and fuck I couldn't do anything, I wasn't there.

"I missed you!" she croaked. I closed my eyes and imagine her beside me. Holding her soft body and kissing her soft plump lips. God I missed her terribly.

"I missed you so much Mio Amore. I'm sorry, I wasn't able to call you. I had to deal with this pirates in India." I explained uncomprehendingly. I was imagining her face, her eyes lit up whenever she's happy.

"What? Why?" her voice suddenly in a high pitch. She sounded worried.

"Relax Mio Amore. I'm fine. Everything is fine now. They got my vessel back. Now I'm back in New York. I'll just wrap things up here, then I'll fly back there." I explained happily. I can't wait to see her.

"But would you want me to fly now? I can. I missed you terribly Mio Amore!" I exclaimed.

"No.. Just finish your responsibility there. I can wait here." she replied. I felt rejected but I didn't voice out.

"Ok. But it will be a week before then." I asked hoping she will change her mind. She just confessed she misses me. She doesn't have any idea how much I have missed her.

I know she's my fall. My Helen!

"I could wait Rafael." she murmured. I felt disappointed but I tried to comfort myself instilling in my head that she misses me which means she care for me.

"Alright. I'll let you know when I leave New York." I uttered audibly. Then I heaved a frustrated sighed.

"I''ll let you sleep then Rafael." she said dismissively. "I missed you!" she exclaimed.

"Alright Mio Amore. I'll see you soon and I missed you so much.." I smiled. I waited until the phone ended but I could still hear her breathing. I grinned.

"Hang the phone Bella." I reminded her.

"No, you do!" she replied shortly barely audible.

I smiled. I know she still wanted to talk to me as much as I want to.

"No Amore, you hang up." I said huskily. She gasped. I heard her breathing harshly.

"Rafael?" she called out softly.

"Hmmm Mio Amore?" I purred sexily. She's affected and I'm going to regret this. I'm starting to feel aroused.

"Hang up please.." she uttered in her teasing voice. I made a guttural sound declining her wish.

"What are you wearing Bella?" I asked huskily. I was imagining her in her lacy undies.

"Nothing." she replied immediately, making me grinned deviously.

"That's so hot. I wish I could see you and hold you now.." I mused closing my eyes and hugging one of the pillow. It's really not me, but I don't care.

"Rafael!" she snapped. "When I said nothing, I mean I won't tell you!" she chided softly but I could feel her blushing.

I burst into a fit of laughters. I knew she's hiding her embarrassment. I love to teased her.

"Say it you want me to as much as I want you Mio Amore and I'll fly right now." I continued smiling like a fool.

"Go back to sleep Rafael. I'll talk to you soon!" she dismissed, sighing momentarily.

I felt disappointed but shrugged it off. I'm still happy she called me.

"Ok, Mio Amore. Talk to you soon." I replied still hugging the pillow. My erection was poking to the pillow and it's swollen.

I placed the phone back on the bedside table when the line ended and decided to have a cold shower.

Fuck!!! My whole body was still trembling with excitement. Just the mere thought of her really excites me tremendously.

It's fucking 5 in the morning. Why is she still up?

I swung my leg out of my bed and walk to the shower room and tug off my shirt and boxer short.

I climbed in the shower room and step under the cold streaming water. I shivered when the water touched my skin washing away the arousal I have felt just a seconds ago.

When I felt completely clean and my testosterone level drops down, I step out of the shower and pulled a towel from my towel cabinet and dried myself, then wrapping the towel around my waist after.

I pulled a white long sleeve and a black trousers. Shortly, I'm all dressed and ready to work.

I grab my laptop, keys and phone and headed to my office for my suitcase. Not long, I'm walking out the hotel and Roman was waiting for me beside the car, holding the rear side door for me.

I slide in and soon we are heading to the VSC headquarter.

Kristela did a really good job in decorating the office. I was greeted with the aroma of a coffee sitting in my desk when I walk into my large office room.

I settled in my chair and turned the Mac Desktop on. Within minutes, I was busy signing and rereading documents. After a while I felt my neck was getting sore. I put the pen down and stood up stretching my body and gingerly cracking my neck. I check on my time and it's almost lunch time. I walked back to my chair thinking to resume it later when there's knock in my door. I look at my door's direction as I settled back on my chair.

Katherine walk in with another folder in her hand and smiled warily. She looks flustered for some reason.

"Mr. Demakis is here to see you Sir." She blushed. So my dear friend was here that's why my secretary was gushing.

"Send him in." I nodded as I stretched my hand to take the folder.

"That's the documents Sir, regarding the insurance for the restoration of the vessel." She explained professionally forgetting about her actions minute ago.

"Perfect!" I replied coldly. Just as she walked out my door Stavros was walking in smiling wolfishly.

"You secretary is hot Valiente!!" He chuckled and I stood up to meet him. I gave him a buddy hug and motioned him to seat on the couch and walked with him.

"Shut up Demakis! Alessandra doesn't appreciate you admiring another lady!" I grinned mockingly. We both settled on the couch across each other in between the coffee table.

"So, how have you been?" I inquired as I cross my legs leaning my back on the couch comfortably, and so he did.

"Very happy and busy. And you? I'm glad everything went well on that secret operation you did?" He stated casually. Then we are both interrupted when Katherine walked in with cold beverages and some cookies in a tray.

Stavros was smiling sweetly to her and I'm shaking my head in disbelief. Katherine was blushing profusely. I wonder if Alessandra was here would he still have that smile in his face to others? I knew he was under Alessandra's spell. He stop sleeping around. The cold demanding Stavros was gone.

"Thanks Katherine!" He winked and my secretary batted her eyelashes gushing at his feet.

"So why the sudden visit Stav?" I wondered.

"Alessandra was with Lucy. Her sister in law was helping her to buy the crib just across your building so I thought to come by and see you. It's been a while. And I wanted to invite you for her birthday. I know you're dear to her so she will be happy to see you there, even though I'm not fine with the idea. Bring Clara Bell as well." He grinned.

"When is this?"

"The next day at 5 PM." He replied calmly as he grab a glass of Ice tea and a cookie.

"Bella is in Russia. I'll see if she wants to come here, I can arranged for her travel soon." I replied hoping she'll agree. The thought of her coming here was making me feel exuberant.

"That's great. I'm happy you truly found her Rafael!" He exclaimed happily as he ate the last bite of his cookie. "These cookies are good." He added while chewing.

"So when are you going to marry?" He probe raising his eyebrow.

"Still trying to find a way on how to encourage her to marry at the drive thru at Las Vegas." I grinned. "I can't wait. The proper one will soon be arranged." I added.

"That's a great idea. But do you think she will agree?" He asked curiously furrowing his forehead.

"I don't know." I replied shrugging my shoulder.

"That was my first plan before!" He confessed grinning foolishly. Then we laughed. I could see he was very happy. His eyes was twinkling with joy. No traces of his signature cold eyes. I grab a cookie when his phone rang. He excused himself as he took the call mouthing me it's Alessandra.

"Hi Babe!" He started. I was shaking my head still surprised how love really change a person. Judging by his reactions he's head over heels in love.

"I just went to see Rafael, to invite him personally." He explained anxiously. Then he paused, looking at me while listening to her.

"Ok I will put it on speaker so he can hear you!" Suddenly he exclaimed and tap on his phone and soon Alessandra's voice rang over the speaker.

"Hi Rafael! Is Bell with you?" She asked cheerfully.

"Hello pretty. No. She was left in Russia." I replied grimacing at the thought of her away from me.

"Ohh.. I want her to attend my birthday. Can you tried to find a way where she can come?" She asked sweetly.

"I can't promise her to come though. But definitely I will be there. Can't miss your birthday for the world!" I replied briefly grinning at Stavros. He was giving me his warning look.

"Ohh.. Anyway, that's great if your coming. Are you guys planning on something behind my back?" She suddenly pried. I thought it's time to get even with Stavros.

"Oh nothing pretty. We were just thinking to go to a bar maybe when Stavros gets time off. You know, just catching up! You don't mind that, do you?" I grinned mischievously at him. His eyes widened and snatch the phone on the table.

"He was just joking Babe!" He objected furiously with his eyes looking worried shooting me a warning look.

I was laughing hard when I saw how he was worried and trying to explain I was just kidding.

"Rafael has to go back to work. I'll be down shortly. I love you!" He smiled and shot me again a dagger look.

"Ok!" I chuckled raising my hands in silent surrender.

"I'll get even one day Valiente!" He grinned and smacked my shoulder.

"Well, thanks for dropping by." I smirked mimicking his tone. and walk him to the door. As soon as he's out, I was back at my chair resuming my work. I made a mental note to call Bella. I check on my time and it's almost 5. I haven't had any decent food yet since this morning. So I decided to finished reading the policies from the insurance company before heading out for dinner.

————-{{@}}————

[Clara Bell POV]

"Are you sure you will be ok here Grandpa?" I asked to my grandfather. We were out front the Palace. His driver was waiting beside the limo to take me to the tarmac where his private plane was waiting for me.

"I am sweetheart. I will be waiting for you here. I want you back and Rafael soon to settle this marriage before the news spread throughout the society." He smiled.

"I will Grandpa." I reluctantly promised.

"Are you sure you won't like to stay in an ensuite hotel?" My Grandpa asked for the nth times. He was so worried with me. I insist Rhea not to come either. It took a lot of explanation before he agreed. I reasoned out that Enna will be there to help. He was so worried about my state.

"I'll be fine Grandpa. I'll stay at Enna's place. Besides, she will be upset if I'll stay somewhere. She already knew I'm coming so you need not worry. Just relax and I'll come back home soon." I reassured, hugging him tightly.

"Ok. Go!" He smiled and I turned my heel to the limo where three guys waiting. A driver and two bodyguards. I rolled my eyes. I'm not still used being helped and with bodyguards. I'm glad they will just escorted me to the tarmac and when I reached New York, I will be on my own.

I quickly slide into the limo and one of the security closed the door beside me once I'm settled and they both climbed into the limo out front and not long, the limo started moving.

I don't know what time is it when I felt the plane landed with a thud. I slept the whole time. Since I found out I'm pregnant, my eyes was always sleepy and my body became too lazy. All I want is eat and sleep.

When the plane stop, the pilot announced our arrival and the time with the weather. It's 11 in the morning and it's a bit chilly according to the Pilot. We left Russia around 8 in the morning. It took us 10 hours to get here.

As soon as I embarked, I saw a black car waiting for me. The driver approached me introducing himself as Eric and was arranged to be my driver while I'm here. I called Grandpa to make sure. After a couple of rings he took it. I asked him about this guy Eric and he confirmed he was asked for his service.

Great! I thought I will be on my own!!

But I didn't utter any word. I just thank Grandpa and ended the call. I called Enna to let her know I'm on my way to her place. I gave the address after I settled in. The driver put my luggage in the trunk and shortly we are emerging in the busy highway.

I was agitated with my plan of surprising Rafael in his penthouse. I know where the hotel is, I used to work there. I hope he won't be mad after knowing the news. I saw his calls but I ignored it coz I don't want to spoil my plan. I might spill it out before I knew it.

I smiled anxiously.

————{{@}}————

[Rafael POV]

I woke up with a headache. I tried to call Bella's phone yesterday after dinner but it went through her voicemail. I waited for few more hours and tried it again but the same thing happened. I was so frustrated.

I called the Palace but Gannon said she left without elaborating where and who she was with. The thoughts of her with someone was driving me crazy. And I'm not at ease yet that she's wandering around after the horrible event.

So to shut my mind from thinking any negative thoughts I decided to stop by at the long beach bar. It was pack when I arrived. After like 5 shots of whiskey, Kristela suddenly appeared with someone.

Taking the stool beside me, she introduced the guy as Carter, an Engineer in the company she was working with. I sat there with them as I talk to Carter. Kristela was in between us. Just not to embarrassed her and Carter was an intelligent guy and he seemed to be very knowledgeable, so I found myself conversing with him and laughed sometimes.

I could feel my head getting heavy and feeling nauseous, so I excused myself. But Carter asked me to have another shot of tequila before letting me go.

I took it and swigged it in one gulped, just not to disappoint him and he seems harmless. Then I headed out.

As soon as I sat on the driver seat, everything gets blurry and my head is spinning. I leaned on my back and tried to diminish the dizziness before hitting the road.

I should have asked Roman to drive me, I thought. But it's too late and I don't want to bother his sleep.

Then I saw Carter in my window looking at me worriedly. I open my window on my side.

"Are you ok Rafael?" He asked.

"I think I'll be ok shortly." I replied a bit slurry.

"I'll drive him home.." Kristela exclaimed, but I cut her off.

"I'll be fine." I smiled to reassure them but I could feel my head getting heavier each seconds.

"Kristela can drive your car and I'll follow you both. Then I can drive her home when your settled to your place.." He suggested politely.

I know it's silly if I'll declined since they look both sincere. So I climbed out the driver seat and I stumble but Carter caught me before my face fell on the ground. I felt like an earthquake just hit within me.

Carter help me until I got settled on the passenger seat. As soon as my back touch the plush leather seat, sleep engulfed me completely.

———-{{@}}————

[Clara Bell POV]

"Are you sure you will be ok? I can skip work you know? Dad will be fine." Enna asked worriedly. She parked her car in front of the GLH where Rafael's penthouse is. It's 8 in the morning and she dropped me off. I told her my plan. I didn't ask for Eric's service since I don't want any reason for Rafael to be mad knowing his possessiveness.

I smiled and reassured her I'm totally fine. She nod reluctantly and I climbed out her car to the entrance of the hotel. I was still wearing my sunglasses to hide myself from anyone I know in the hotel.

Not long, I was in front of the penthouse door and punched the code in that I memorized with my heart hoping it would work, otherwise I had to rang the door bell.

I heard the door click and I heaved a relieved sighed. I let out a loud breath before twisting the door knob quietly and sneaked in. I walk tiptoed to his room.

I opened his door and I felt my whole body trembling. My feet was rooted on the ground.

Two feet tangled together, and both are half naked but not sure inside since the cover was covering half their body.

I felt my world collapsing with my heart gripped with a vice twisting it painfully until I couldn't breath.

As I was about to walked out when woke up looking at me surprised then his smile widened. I held the tears back as I look at him impassively. I was trembling with fury rising inside of me, jealousy, hurt, and betrayal..

When he pulled the sheets out of him, without realizing he has company, I just felt my body dropping and I felt a hard arms holding me before I completely unconscious.

———-{{@}}————

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