FALLING FOR A HEARTLESS BETA

=-Dale’s POV=-

On my way to Bradfordshire, I couldn’t stop thinking about the little girl. When I decided to keep Bethany and her child safe, I couldn’t help being drawn to the girl’s charms.

She was bubbly, and always made me laugh. Bethany’s daughter has the ability to make me forget about my problems, especially with Amber, and her impending marriage to Jacob’s brother.

I stepped on the gas so that I would get there on time.

As promised, I reached my property in Bradfordshire in less than thirty minutes. Keeping them in one of my properties was risky. Once Jacob would learn the truth that I helped Bethany in hiding, he wouldn’t be happy, or worse, he may decide to kill me.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Still, it was worth the risk. I couldn’t explain it but Bethany and I have a unique connection. Since that day when I saw her struggling in her dilapidated truck, I felt pity for the woman.

Since Bethany has expected my arrival, she kept the gate open so it was easier for me. As soon as I parked my car in front of the house, I sprinted toward the main door and pushed it open.

“Surprise!”

I stood frozen at the doorway to see the great room decorated with gold and black balloons. There was also a banner with my face and a greeting. Then, I frowned. Was it today?”

“Happy birthday, Dale!” Bethany greeted me.

“I thought your daughter is sick!” I exclaimed in surprise but before I could scold Bethany for lying to me, her little girl arrived in the great room with a round cake.

“Happy birthday to you…. happy birthday to you…happy birthday…happy birthday… happy birthday to you!”

I couldn’t help but smile at the little creature who tried her best to sing a birthday song to me. Actually, it has been a long time since I last celebrated my birthday. If I wasn’t mistaken, my adoptive parents were still alive at that time.

“Bethany, we need to talk later,” I told her.

“I know, Dale. I’m sorry if I lied but it was her idea,” Bethany replied.

“Really, pumpkin? It was your idea to tell me that you’re sick?” I asked and the little girl nodded happily.

“Happy birthday, Uncle Dale!”

“Thank you, pumpkin,” I said.

“What is your wish, Uncle?”

Oh God, I really couldn’t help but smile at Bethany’s daughter. Her dimples made her more adorable, and I wanted to pinch her chubby weeks.

“How about you, pumpkin? What is your wish?” I asked because we have the same birthday.

“I wish to see my Daddy, but Mommy won’t let me see him, Uncle. Is he dead?”

Both Bethany and I gasped for breath as soon as we heard the little girl questioning Jacob. I looked at Bethany and waited for her instructions but the woman just nodded her head as if she had no idea how to respond to her daughter’s inquiry.

“Should I tell you about my wish?” I immediately changed the topic when the situation seemed to be uncomfortable for Bethany.

“Yes! What is it, Uncle?”

“I wish that you will become as beautiful as your Mommy,” I said, and she smiled happily. She even wrinkled her cute, little nose before glancing at her mother.

As I watched them, I temporarily forgot about Jacob and Amber who were at home. My attention was solely focused on the little girl who seemed to be having fun because of our birthday.

Just like last year, the celebration was intimate, and Bethany didn’t invite anyone from her workplace. It’s just me, Bethany, and the nanny.

“I can’t believe you went all the trouble to decorate this place, Bethany!” I exclaimed. “But, anyway, I thought you have forgotten about it.”

“I am not like you, Dale. You don’t care about celebrating your birthdays, but you know what, you really have to. I mean, you have a lot of things that are worth celebrating,” she said.

“Next year,” I replied.

“I am sure you didn’t eat your breakfast yet. Come on, I prepared your favorites today since it’s your birthday,” Bethany said.

While Bethany was being genuinely nice to me, I felt a little guilty about her kindness. Initially, my reason for helping her was because of my plan to use her in the future. Just like Amber McBride, I planned to use her in the future.

“Wow, that’s nice of you, Bethany!”

“I know, right? So come on!”

On the way to the kitchen, Bethany held her daughter’s hand and for me, they were cute to look at. If only Jacob could see what I was seeing at the moment, my friend would become emotional.

“He’s been looking for you everywhere,” I casually dropped a little information, but it was enough for Bethany to stop walking.

“You can always tell him that the woman he’s been looking for has already died,” she answered.

“He had no choice about the marriage,” I tried to explain Jacob’s situation because it was the truth.

“Says who? He was a free man when I met him, Dale. He was lawless and reckless, so I don’t really believe you. Anyway, let’s not discuss the bastard,” she said while clenching her jaw.

“You heard your daughter earlier, Bethany. She wants to see him.”

“Over my dead body, Dale! I would never allow it! If I have to go back to my father to seek help or even protection, I would do that just to keep him away from us!”

“Bethany, too much time has already passed. Is your wound still not healing?” I asked while referring to her broken heart.

“It’s already healed, a long time ago, actually. However, just because it’s healed, means that I want to see him again. I already dealt with him in the past, so it will stay that way.”

“Bethany, will you please be reasonable? For the sake of your daughter?”

“My daughter will understand my reasons for being like this, Dale.  Look, if you are tired of helping me, it’s alright. I have other options,” she said. “You can always tell me to leave this place anytime,” she added.

“Stay, and don’t even think about leaving this place, Bethany. You will be safe here,” I cautioned her from doing anything stupid that may harm her daughter.