Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 609

Belle was astonished by the sudden favor but quickly composed herself, not allowing the surprise to cloud her judgment.

She shook her head, "No need, I'll eat after you're done."

"Just come over here," Nathaniel commanded, his tone growing firmer.

It seemed like Belle's good nature was wasted on her.

Reluctantly, Belle approached, careful to not sit too close, settling into a seat at a cautious distance to his side.

"Go ahead and eat," he said.

Belle ate slowly, often waiting until Nathaniel had finished his meal before starting her own. The food would often go cold, but Belle, ever the frugal one, didn't mind as long as it saved reheating costs.

She was accustomed to this way of life, having lived it in her rural hometown for years, so it didn't strike her as unusual.

After dinner, as soon as Nathaniel put down his utensils, Belle hurriedly did the same.

He glanced at her. "Is that all you're eating? You full?"

"I'm... full," she lied.

"You need to eat properly. It's your health at stake. I knew someone who starved themselves so often, they ended up with stomach cancer."

Someone? Who was he talking about? Belle didn't dare to ask more.

"I'll wash the dishes."

"Wait," Nathaniel stopped her. "Sit down. We need to talk."

Belle had no idea what Nathaniel might say; his mind was always a mystery to her. But after all this time, his expression told her it couldn't be good.

Her heart raced, and she sat down gingerly, hands resting on her lap, awaiting Nathaniel's words.

"There's a place you need to go tonight."

"Where to?"

"Room 4503, International Hotel. Someone will send you the keycard later. There's a man named Brett staying there tonight. You're to keep him company."

Belle's pupils dilated in shock, her mind reeling. She listened to Nathaniel's words, each syllable clear, but when strung together, they were baffling.

Why would Nathaniel want her to spend the night with another man?

Reading her confusion, Nathaniel explained, "I've groomed you to be Izabella's double to keep Brett in check. What did you think I kept you around for all this effort?"

His words shattered her illusions, revealing a brutal reality. She knew she was a stand-in, but she thought it was for someone Nathaniel cared about.

Belle knew her place, she knew she was lowly, lacking ambition. Despite how much he hurt her, she couldn't help her feelings for him, even wishing...

Even if just a stand-in...

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