THE MODERN BELLE

Flashes of the camera nearly blinded my eyes as soon as my steps landed outside the extravagant building where the party was held. Men in black were now busy protecting me from the hungry paparazzi. One of the men in black guided me to the limousine and carefully secured me inside. When they think that everything is secured, they go inside the car and give a signal to the assigned driver to start the engine and go. "Boss, she's already with us. I made sure that she's safe and does not have a single scratch." said the leader of the men in black named Gustav. I just made a face and scrolled my phone instead. "Yes, boss. Right away." I hear him say, "Ma'am, the boss wants to talk to you," he says as he hands me his phone which I only ignore. "M-ma'am, the boss wants to talk to you." he repeatedly said in a nervous tone. I arched my eyebrow and glared at him. "Tell him, I don't want to talk to him. He's an ass. Why would he leave me on that suffocating party?" I said in an irritating tone. That's his freaking party! Dimwit! I jumped off in my seat when my phone rang after a moment. And when I saw who the caller was, I didn't have a second thought to decline it. Take that bastard! I turned my phone off and tossed it in my bag. Gustav was about to protest but when he saw me crossing my arms over my chest wearing a sour expression as if saying don't-ever-try, he didn't dare. "B-boss, s-she said she doesn't want to talk to you and that you're an a-ass for leaving her at that f-freaking party," he said over the phone in a very nervous manner. Hmm, obedient eh? I saw him wince and distance the phone from his ear. By the way, we are traveling back to the place where I am currently residing. Thirty minutes had passed before we arrived in an exclusive village where the beast resided. The two bodyguards who were always on the front line hadn't entered the door yet when we heard a shattering of glass. They were horrified but even so, they continued entering the beast's territory. I also can't deny the fact that I'm a little bit nervous. I think the beast is already on the verge of killing someone. So help me Gods and Goddesses of Olympus! When I entered, I saw a broken antique vase scattered on the carpeted floor. The house helps are on the far side of the corner trying to cover themselves from the wrath of their master. And there I saw the disgustingly handsome beast standing on the stairs wearing a tuxedo. I really can't deny the fact that he is gorgeous. He is looking directly at me like he's a goddamn prince and I'm just a freaking mere commoner. How unfair! "What a stubborn hard-headed lady you are," he said in a very serious manner. This time, he looks like a menacing dark prince. I felt chilly all of a sudden. Jeez! I think it's better to run away and hide! "Put her in her room. And don't ever let her roam outside the mansion or else, you'll pay." he ruthlessly added as he turned his back on me. Beast! Now, what? Immediately, a house help leads me to my designated room upstairs. I didn't have a second thought to follow the beast's command when I saw how serious he was. I don't want to awaken the beast inside him. What he did a while ago is still his normal state. He is the most hot-tempered man on earth I've known so far. The house helps turn on all the lights inside my room and ensure that all the blindfolds inside are closed before she leaves. Then, I decided to take a warm bath. I badly need it right now. The bathroom is twice larger than on my own back in our house ranch. Hayys! I miss the ranch, the smell of the wildflowers during my morning walk, and of course, my horse named Panda! I am living freely on our ranch. Even if my papa always left me under the care of our house help, it was fine with me because I knew they wouldn't abandon me. Now, I wonder how my papa copes without me in our home. This is the first time that we've been away from each other which lasted for a month. I still remember how a trusted man of my father knocked on our door soaking wet because of the heavy storm. I am currently drinking a cup of hot chocolate in our living room while waiting for my papa to arrive when suddenly, the door burst open revealing not my papa but someone I know. "Arthur! What happened to you? And where's Papa?'' I ask confusedly while trying to look at his back silently hoping for my dad to show up. The car that they always use during business transactions is out of sight. I don't know why but I feel uneasy. "T-there's a problem B-Belle. Your f-father.." he stated while shivering. I let him in to have a cup of coffee but he refuses. "He needs your help right at this moment." I am confused as hell as to what exactly happened but then, I immediately change my sleeping clothes into a dark fitted jeans and a turtle neck long sleeve without thinking what would happen. Using my Raptor, we drove off to where my papa was. "What exactly happened, Arthur?" I asked as I busied myself in maneuvering the car while he was busy drying himself from the towel I lent him. Arthur sighed and told me the story. "Your father was being framed up by a businessman who felt threatened." "What do you mean framed up? How? Do you have an illegal business?" I frantically asked. "Relax, your father did not engage in any illegal business, Belle. You knew him," he said. I nodded in agreement after hearing his reply. "But why would someone frame him up? I mean, how?" "He was being accused of being a traitor and for stealing millions from the company he belonged to." "What? He won't do that! Papa won't steal even a single dollar! How stupid are those people to believe it!" I spat angrily. "I know but there's solid evidence that would point out that your father did it which made me confused. Someone made it meticulous. And no one could ever do that scheme aside from Mr. Chang who always opposed your father. Chang wanted to eliminate your father so that he would monopolize the supply of meat products all over the region. The two of them were the great rival when it came to that field." "And what do you think could I do to help my papa?" I asked him eagerly. He sighed and nevertheless said. "We will try to talk to someone I know. Honestly speaking, we only have one percent chance to persuade him to help us but he's the only one I know who surely has the means to help your father," he said with strong determination. I nervously nodded in response. I silently hope for a better result. A towering wall and a group of black men who surrounded the mansion welcomed us after a long drive. I stopped the car when some of the black men prevented the passage. I can't hide my uneasiness about the situation. I glanced at Arthur who was now swallowing nervously as he opened the car's window. He then showed them a card with a color combination of black and gold. "We need to talk to your boss. I already called him one hour before," he said as he tried to maintain his deep and strong voice. The man turned his gaze at me and signaled to show off my face which I nervously obliged. His scrutinizing eyes bore deeply on me before he tapped his phone and called someone over it. This is seriously scary! Never in my wildest dream to have an encounter with this kind of man! "Open the gate." I heard him order the other bulky man. I sighed in relief when we finally entered the premises. And much to my surprise! Not even a single black in men is being scattered on the lawn of the mansion. But surveillance cameras are everywhere! Well, what should I expect? Jeez! I parked my Raptor in the front yard of the extravagant mansion. "Let's go, Belle," Arthur said. He tried fixing his appearance. I exhale before I get out of the car. A house help surprisingly came towards us and guided us to the exact room. I secretly looked at the inside of the mansion. There I saw the most elegant and grandiose chandelier which was located at the center top of the hall. And there's an opposite staircase upstairs! I couldn't see any other things other than the antiques and expensive figurines that were being displayed. And of course, the grand piano which is located in the right corner. The house help came in first after she knocked three times. We waited until she signaled us to come inside the room. Then, she left us without further notice. We gave our thanks, but I doubt if she heard it. "We can do it." I cheered. Arthur nodded and eventually came inside. I immediately followed him inside and hid behind his back. Good thing he's tall and macho! I can hide forever at his back! Oh, how I wish! "Good evening, Mr. Cavanaugh." Arthur greeted. "Let's skip the formality. What can you offer in exchange for Mr. Magno's freedom?" someone interrupted directly. What a deep voice he had! "And why is that little Miss hiding at your back?'' then there's a menace in his voice when he asks. I don't feel like showing up but I know I need to! I gulped and slowly showed myself. I tried to hide my facial expression after seeing his face. He's a gorgeous man! He had thick eyebrows, a striking nose, and sensual lips paired with his squared jaw. He's so tall that I think I did not reach his shoulder level! He's the epitome of a freaking Greek god! He's more like Hades of Underworld or he can also be a prince! A prince who turned into a beast in the The Beauty and The Beast fairytale. Jeez! What am I thinking? "G-good evening." s**t! Did I just stuttered? He looked at me from head to toe like he was examining a species under the microscope. Those scrutinizing eyes made me flinch. "My bad. I forgot to offer you the seats," he said as he motioned the couch which is facing his very own table. I stayed silent while occupying the big couch. I feel like we're in a freaking principal office that awaits severe punishment! "She's Belle, the daughter of Mr. Magno." Arthur introduced. "U-huh." "Mr. Cavanaugh, I know that we only met twice and I know that those are not enough to ask you for a favor but I am trying my luck. You're the only one I know who surely has the means to help us. I already talked to Sir Magno and he agreed. He compromised a partnership with all his business to you. And here's Belle his daughter to sign the contract, he's the only daughter and the sole heiress of Mr. Magno." Arthur in his pleading voice. I tried to take a glance at the man in front of us. His expression didn't change even for a bit. He still wearing his stoic and serious expression. What should I expect? "M-Mr. Cavanaugh." Arthur's nervous tone can't be hidden. "Do you think that would be enough?" the man asked seriously. Arthur was kind of surprised by his sudden reply. He remained silent and couldn't find the right words to say. What should we do?? "Hmm, since cat got your tongue, I have a proposition to make with Miss Magno." I immediately turned my gaze at him while wearing my curious look. Proposition? What kind of proposition? "You may leave now." Mr. Cavanaugh added. Arthur looked at me like it was a big problem. The worry on his face is obvious. He shook his head in protest trying to make a point. "B-But Mr. Cavanaugh." Arthur protested. "Leave or you both gonna miss this chance." the cold and dismissive voice answered him. "It's okay, Arthur. Just wait for me in the car." I said before Arthur could make any other protest. He hesitated but then went outside. I don't want to miss this chance! Even if I would deal with this beast in front of me, I don't give a damn. I'm not scared! Hell, yeah! I'm not sure but I think I just saw the man in front of me smirk knowingly. Creepy! "He's a good actor." I drastically glared at the man after hearing him say that. "I should ask him where he learned that acting skill," he added while pouring a wine into the two goblets. He handed me the other one which I accept hesitatingly. "Let's get married Miss Beatrice Lleigh Coron Magno."