Bellatrix

Barrier

CHAPTER 45

Bella

Athena had started to cry for attention, and I rushed off to her. Once I had calmed her down, I brought her out, and Gabriel who’s face automatically lit up at the sight of her, reached out to take her in his arms. She was full of smiles as she went to him. Her tiny hands made its way to his cheeks as he spoke to her lovingly and waltzed around the room with her. While father and daughter were having their bonding session, I excused myself and went to my room and called up Erica. She, too, was just as worked up as me about what had happened earlier.

Neo did explain his side of the story to her after we had left. He told her that the reason why he didn’t bother defending himself again when Crystal and her lover, painted him as the number one villain, was because he was hurt and disappointed that Gabriel already doubted him and didn’t believe him when he first denied the accusations. They had been so close that people mistook them for siblings, and that was how they behaved, too. He had never given Gabriel any reason to question his loyalty to him and the business. He had always given his best for the betterment of both, and yet he chose to believe Crystal’s lies over him even after what she did to him! Crystal is his sister, but they never got along, and she didn’t even think twice about throwing him under the bus. Even Alex had tried to reason with Gabriel on Neo's behalf, but it made no difference, so he chose to let Gabriel think whatever he wanted and gave him what he asked for. He didn’t show his face again!

I knew it! There’s no way Neo could have done something so cruel. He’s one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve met. I told Erica that we had to get them both together to make peace. She then said that perhaps, Gabriel may have vented out the hurt and disappointment he felt finding out about Crystal’s affair and the issue with the business deal going wrong on Neo unintentionally, end of the day he was her brother and would be a constant reminder of her and another way to look at it, he was closest to him, and for some God forsaken reason, when sh*t hits the fan, people tend to hurt the ones closest to them without really thinking things through! I decided to go speak to Gabriel about my conversation with Erica.

I was about to leave my room when I noticed something looked different. My mind was so preoccupied with everything that happened earlier, and I was so caught up in my call that I didn’t even notice my surroundings. A new, massive bed and new accessories took over most of my room space. I went to confront Gabriel and I didn’t waste my time and ask why he bought me a new bed cos of how he reacted earlier but instead asked him if he had ulterior motives for getting me such a BIG bed? He looked at me all innocent and said that he had no clue what I was on about. Yeah, right! And I’m the next Pope!

Still maintaining that innocent, doe eyed look and speaking in such a sweet tone, he said “Its only for your comfort, my love, I don’t mind the couch. Hopefully, this one is better. My back is a bit sore from last night though” He knew me well enough to know that I would not sleep comfortably on a bed that size while he continued to sleep uncomfortably on the couch! I was not so cold-hearted! I just glared at him, admitted defeat, and said that we could share the bed! I saw a mischievous spark in his eyes and the look of victory on his face and he then said, “ If you insist, how could I refuse such an offer” I told him to wipe that smug grin off his face and not get any ideas!

I had completed Athena’s night routine, and she was sleeping peacefully. I then asked Gabriel for Arianna’s number, I wanted to call and check up on how they were doing and also speak to Jacob. He reminded me how late it was, and besides, he had spoken to her earlier today, and they were all doing well and would be visiting soon. I handed him my phone and asked him to load all their numbers on it while I took a shower. Once done, I went to check on Athena and then went to get my phone from him. I went to my room, and Gabriel headed for the shower. I created a pillow barrier between us. We each had more than enough space on our sides and would not have to be all over each other.

When Gabriel walked into the room, he looked at the barrier and burst out laughing, and said “Like seriously my love? Do you think that thing would stop me from doing whatever I wanted to? There’s no need for it, I promised to be on my best behaviour didn’t I? And besides, when you do decide to let me have you again, it’s going to be so worth it! I am going to punish you so badly for torturing me and starving me for so long that the entire city would most probably hear you screaming out my name!” I took a pillow and flung it at him and called him an Egotistical Pig!

After he settled in his side of the bed and I calmed down a bit, I started to make small talk and was trying to subtly mention my conversation with Erica. But I decided to rather leave it till the following day, when he leaned over my barrier, gave me a peck on my lips and told me that we should get some rest while our princess was still asleep. The excitement of the day sure was exhausting!