I let out a disappointed sigh as he proves me wrong. He’s exactly like my father—only out for themselves, no matter thedamage they do to others around them, especially their own children.
“I don’t think you’re in a place to make any demands of me, Arthur.” I lift a brow. “Do you?”
He lifts his chin. “Maybe not, but it’s for my Arabelle’s protection.”
Do I believe the concerned father act? Fuck no. Not for one minute. When it comes to Arthur Williamson, I’ll keep my eyes open because I’m sure, somewhere down the line, there’ll be some type of ploy.
I motion for him to continue.
“If you aren’t faithful to my daughter or don’t give her the life she deserves, then she’s allowed to get out of the marriage without a fight from you, and my company will remain mine and my debts will remain clear.”
“Agreed.”
He stares, complete surprise on his face as I agree to his demands. Did I have to? No, I didn’t have to agree to any of his shit demands. But I’ll never mistreat or be unfaithful to Arabelle. She’s the only woman I want and will ever need. So, it’s easy to agree to his terms, especially if it gets me closer to having her in my life. I’ll do absolutely nothing to mess up this opportunity, including being the asshole I know I can be.
“Well, if I can get Arabelle to agree, then you have yourself a deal.”
“Like you said, Arthur, she’ll do anything for her family, right?”
He nods, but I don’t miss the uncertainty in his eyes. He’s asked a lot of his daughter throughout the years, but this just might be the first time she puts her foot down and says no to him. I won’t blame her if she does. She needs to stand up for herself, especially against her family. She’s taken enough of their abuse. If I lose out on my chance to be with her because shefinally does something for herself, I can’t be mad. I’ll definitely be disappointed, but it will be what’s best for her.
“Will she be in town soon?” I ask, although I already know the answer. According to Hugo, she’s already boarded her plane. That puts her touching down in about an hour. “I’d like to get this done as soon as possible.”
“Today, as a matter of fact.”
“Perfect. I’ll have the papers drawn up immediately and delivered within the hour. I expect them to be returned to me within forty-eight hours, Arthur, and not a minute past that time.”
Standing up from behind the desk, I extend my hand. Knowing he has doomed his daughter to the Devil, he reluctantly takes hold of it.
“It was nice doing business with you, Arthur.”
He grunts and leaves as quickly as he can. I grab the office phone and call my secretary. “Lilian, have Roger come to my office. I need a contract drawn up as soon as possible.”
After I hang up, I place my hands on my desk. I lower my head and exhale, attempting to soothe the mix of anticipation and nervousness within me. I finally get to have the one thing I can’t get out of my mind. The one thing I long for. The one thing I don’t deserve in this life or the next.
“I finally get to have my beauty.”
That’s if Arthur can convince her to sign the damn contract.
10
Arabelle
Exhaustion. I can’t escape it.
My life revolves around rehearsals, performances, after-parties, and photoshoots. It’s not a complaint because I love to dance, and I work hard to do the one thing I love to do. My mom used to say that there’s always a downside to the things you love to do. With age comes understanding, and now, I get it.
At three, I put on my first pair of ballet shoes. Dance comes naturally to me, which has led some to call me a prodigy. The stage is where I find peace and feel at home. Even now that I’m older, the excitement of performing remains.
Dance is everything to me. It’s in my bones. It’s the very air that I breathe. But I can admit it gets lonely.
I’m lonely.
I have nothing outside my life at the theater. The women around me are untrustworthy because they are always looking for any weakness so they can take my place. So, I have to be conscious of that fact anytime anyone tries to befriend me. I learned my lesson a long time ago when it comes to my colleagues. They are not my enemies, but they are not my friendseither. This career is cutthroat, and I have to always remember that, especially with the more fame I gain.
So because my life centers around the theater, I have no friends to hang out with, and I have never had a real boyfriend. Not even my family comes around unless they want something.
I lost my mother at a young age, and it’s hard for me to recall much about her. The memory that always stays with me is her guidance toplié, her knees bending perfectly, and her arms extended gracefully. Despite her small size, her voice remains firm yet proud, offering words of encouragement as I follow her guidance, saying, “Great job, my lovely Belle.” Her words of praise always echo in my mind whenever I achieve something.
