Chapter 2: The Night Everything Changed
BELLA POV
I always heard people say life goes as planned… well, mine clearly doesn't. They also say, life outside is a soup, and you are the fork. But my life isn't outside, it's inside. Inside a world I never asked for. A life shaped by a bad lifestyle from childhood.
My name is Anabella Jane Goodchild. I'm 5'6" and chubby. I lost my parents twelve years ago in a car accident. Since then, I've been living with my uncle… who abuses me every now and then.
I've never had a boyfriend. Never. And yes, I'm a virgin. Lol. Honestly, no man has ever looked my way.
I'm a medicine and surgery student , a doctor in training and this is my last year in college.
Enough about that. It's time for work.
I get up to dress. After my bath, I throw on my old blue jeans, a blue shirt, white shoes, and a cap. I work at a bar, even though my family is rich. I need the money to survive living with my cousins.
My shift is 7 PM to 3 AM. My classes run from 8 AM to 4 PM. It's stressful… but I'm still "fat," as they love to remind me. Thank God we're on break — I won't have to attend school for a month.
TIME FLIES — 3:15 AM
God… I just want to fall on my bed and sleep. The bar was so busy tonight — customers everywhere. But thanks to God, it's almost over. Just a couple more minutes, and I'll be home… finally, rest.
"Okay… last turn. You can do it, baby," I muttered under my breath. Self-motivation — my secret superpower.
It was my last turn when I heard it.
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
"Oh my God!" I panicked and dropped to the floor, crawling for what felt like forever.
Then I heard it — heavy, rapid breathing.
"Fuck!" a deep voice cursed.
"Are you okay?" I whispered, inching closer.
He looked at me like I was insane. Then I saw it… a hole in his chest, bleeding. My heart froze.
I dropped to my knees. "Can you lift yourself up? You're too big — I can't carry you."
He did. After what felt like hours, we finally reached my house. Thankfully, my cousins were on vacation otherwise, I might be dead too.
I helped him onto my bed and tried to stop the bleeding.
He went limp. Not breathing.
"Sir! Sir! Please wake up! I only helped you!" I shouted, tears streaming down my face. "O God… what have I done? I'm only 21… I'm not ready to go to jail!"
Time passed in silence.
"No, no, no, no!" I exclaimed when he tried to sit up.
"You still need rest. I'm just glad you're alive — God knows where I'd be right now," I murmured softly.
To my surprise, he chuckled. I buried my face, thankful for the dark skin that hid my blush. I stood, sat on the chair by the bed, trying to steady my racing heart.
"One bullet can't kill me, sweetness," he said, his gaze piercing mine. I looked away.
"Hun… do you want water… or something else?" I asked nervously.
"Vodka will do," he replied.
"Are you serious?" I asked, confused.
"No, nothing," he said, and I felt my cheeks heat up. Why would a handsome man like him even notice… let alone accept something from a big, fat, Black girl like me?
"Okay," I whispered, looking down.
"Do you want me to call your mom… or someone?" I asked quietly, trying to hide my bitterness.
"Are you trying to chase me away, sweetness?" he teased, a weak smirk forming.
"No, no… I just… don't want them to worry. And… why were you shot? I mean… by those guys? I didn't see them, but I know they were bad," I asked, worry tightening my chest.
"My brothers will be here soon," he said, avoiding my question.
Before I could reply, the door burst open.
"ON YOUR FUCKING KNEES NOW!"
I sank to the floor, shaking, almost crying.
"Christian, put the gun down!" the man I helped barked, his tone harsh.
"Get up, sweetness," he commanded. Hesitantly, I stood.
"Well, meet my brother, Christian. Christopher isn't here, and I'm Crystal. I apologize for my brother's behavior we'll leave now," another deep voice said, softer this time. My heart raced.
I tried to sound firm. "It's fine… you can leave."
Two huge men in blue suits appeared, taking Crystal with them. Before they could leave, I blurted out, "Bella… my name is Anabella."
Crystal looked back at me, eyes soft. "My… Bella," he murmured