Chapter 22: Chapter 22

**THE HOSPITAL**

The door of the room opened slowly,Beauty's mom and dad stood up like they have seen a ghost.

Her mother was resting her head on the husband's bossom her face wrinkled and wet with tears.

It has been hours since they ran into the hospital after the information gof to them.

Her dad gazed at Beauty's body ,which was placed in the life support machine and back to Shell ,standing by the door"

"Who are you?"Beauty's mom asked with her throat dried from crying.

Shell was swimming in tears,she rushed and knelt behind Beauty

"What happened to my sister,mom ?,dad?"she asked ignoring their doubts about her.

Beauty's mom was now certain this was her baby,she intentionally allowed to be taken at birth by the woman who lost her baby same day,she took pity on the woman who has lost all six of her bairs at birth after she shared her story,and attempting suicide to end her miserable life.,the woman promised to tell the baby about her real mother when she's of age,the kind woman returned the favour after many years and did as she promised.

She cried and hugged shell tightly.

"Oh my dear!,my baby girl!"

Her husband was confused but same time ,he knew this is another Beauty,so she is his daughter.

Shell peeped at him from her mother's shoulder.

"Dad?"

He giggled and hugged her too.

"So sad you have to meet your teen for the first time in this state"Her father stated.

"What happened to my twin?"Shell asked.

"Sucide attempt".

Her dad answered consoling his wife

"I felt it,a bus hit my car and I was unconcious for minutes,I drove out of my lane ,I wasn't doing it intentionally it was because of her,she will live I know ,i can't meet my twin for the first time and she's gone"Shell cried out.

"Hey she will be fine,don't cry"

Her parents consoled and hugged her.

"Put yourself together,your faith with mine and your mom's,Beauty is going to live, am sure of it"Her father assured.

The family hugged in tears praying silently ,minutes later the door opened,Jessi walked in and confessed.

She knelt down beside Beauty's body and was pleading to her suprise,Beauty's family didn't react as hostile as she thought towards her.

Beauty's mom hugged Jessi and cried more.No point being angry ,they're so sad to be angry ,besides she would never hurt beauty intentionally,she had saved Beauty from many sucide attempts in the past too,she thought.

"Is her fiance aware of this?"Shell asked Jessi

Who nodded slowly,she was suprosed to see Shell but she have no right to ask questions.

The doctor arrived shortly,everyone stood up alerted as they waited in expectation

The nurses surrounded Beauty and he started examining her and checking how good or bad she was doing.Beauty was still in her unconcious state but yet her tears were still flowing repeatedly.

**BRUNO'S POV**

"Mr Hathaway!!!"I called out loudly, as I alighted from my car,heading inside the house.

My fist folded and my blood boiling.

"Where are you old fool!"I shouted running up the stairs,impatiently.

I cracked the door open and saw him talking with his brother and Granny,they gazed at me in suprise before he could say anything,I rushed and grabbed his neck straggling him with all my might,my hand strong and tight on his neck.

My grandma screamed terrified at my act,my uncle hit me like a thief and finally his guards came to his rescue.he dropped on his knee ,gasping for air,his hand on his neck ,he looked up at me with hatred and anger ,his brows arched.

"Are you okay son?"Granny asked him,helping him.

"I will kill you fool!,you rotten old fool, am going to kill you I swear with my life!!"I kept screaming ad loud as I can.

They wanted to take me and lock up but Granny stood her ground and told them to let me go,she Hughes me as I was shivering ,crying, my heart was heavy and my blood cold.

"What is it darlimg"she tried to settle with me.

"Mother what are you doing!, supporting his act,came out of nowhere and tried to strangle me!!"

I got out of Granny's grip and rushed to him again,the fear in his eyes was so much,he knew he would be at his limit anytime soon.

Unknown to me he had a weapon ,he had to save himself and cut through my stomach

I fell to the floor and groaned loudly.

"What have you done!!"Granny yelled out ,my mother and sister entered the room,seeing me on the door with a dagger stucked in my tummy,my mom was alarmed,she cried loudly.

My sister and uncle too

"What the hell is happening dad!!"my sister terrified voice sounded.

I was laughing sadly ignoring my bleeding tummy.

"I will kill him,I swear I will kill him"I kept saying hysterically.

Granny knelt down beside me holding trying to stop my bleeding tummy crying for my sake.

"Stop it Bruno what has come over you"my sister cried out loudly.

Dad was catching his breathe holding his neck staring at me like the devil he is

I managed to tell them all that happened between the two with all the strength left in me.

"Hope you are happy now mom,you all are happy,I killed her,she was trying to convince me aboyf her innocence but I stupidly was blind to see that"I cried loudly

"Call the medicals!"My sister cried out to the securities but they ignored her.

They only had to obey dad's instructions at this moment,since they saw what happened,they ignored us,unless Dad instructed them to do so.

Quickly she brought out her phone and made a call.

"Please be fast,he is bleeding alot"she said on the phone and ended the call.

She went started fighting the securities to move out of the way.

My uncle was dumbfounded watching everything.

"Is this true?,you did this that girl,and now she's dead?how could you!"his brother yelled at him.

The doctor arrived but dad ordered the gate to remain shut.

"He will pay for ever trying to lay a hand on me"the devil stated.

"How could you be so wicked!,you of all people know how much he loved her,and you went ahead to hurt your son this much,you foolish child will learn the hard way"

My granny left me and attacked him.

"Let the doctor in and leg him attend to my grandson you bastard,I regretted giving birth to a monster like you,tell them to open the gates"Granny fought with him.

My mom was still shocked and terrified at everything,with tears flowing down her cheeks.

I started feeling dizzy.

"Hold on Bruno!!! please don't black out yet,hold on a little longer,Bruno!!"

My sister screamed at me in fear,the lights fading from my eyes.

********************

**AUTHOURESS'S POV**

Beauty was unconcious for days before she finally recovered,it seemed to be miracle how she managed to obtain just minor injuries after that hit from a moving vehicle.

The doctors and nurses too were also part of her survival.

That day her twin sister Shells was there with seated beside her silently comparing their similarities,she finally was able to come to a conclusion that Beauty was the chubby version of her with nothing else to differentiate between both of them.

She could be thinking of her sister's condition but the past two days her heart rate gradually normalized so she was breathing without the life support machine this time,it was a great moment fit them,her parents finally were relieved and free from their heavy heart,since shell sqore never to leave her side. Their parents visit from home,while shell stayed with Beauty in the hospital together with Jessi.

"How I wish I was there to prevent this from happening sis"Shell mumbled staring at Beauty.

The door opened it was Jessi.

"You are back"Shell said

"Yeah..I..bought some fruits for her,and energy drinks too"Jessi said nervously, it was her first time,being with just Shell.She felt so guilt looking at her ,it was just like Beauty but slimmer and tougher,making it even harder for her.

"Thanks"Shell said and collected the bag of gift from her,she put it on the table beside Beauty's bed.

Jessi slowly sat down on the visitors couch,fighting with her kind,her fingers vibrating in nervousness.

"Emm Shell..

Shell looked at her curiously.

"About Beauty,am so sorry it is all my fault,i... messed up ,I don't if she will ever forgive me but i..won't forgive myself ever for betraying my best friend (cries),I was so stupid and I got brainwashed by that evil man to do thsi to Beauty,I..just ..(cries).I just can't stand it anymore,if only I can turn back the hands of time"

Shell only stared as sh ehreak down crying without any remorse,she was more cold hearted compared to Beauty.

"I don't really know how close you two were,baby girl but you messed up big time,you could have sensed it earlier enough,since the Boss hated her and won't let her marry his son. You shouldn't have trusted him with what ever plan he was trying to get into with you not to talk of asking to drug your friend, even if it was a truth serum"Shell stated.

"I know ,I am the worst, I was so stupid not to see clearly that he was only messing with my mind,but I know what to do to make it up to her"Jessi said consoling herself since Shell doesn't seem ready to do that.

"What are you going to do about it?"Shell asked glancing at her curious.

I have to everything possible to bring Beauty and Bruno back together"i replied

"Beauty and Bruno back together?,you mean the bastard that broke up with her ,making try to kill herself "

"It wasn't Bruno's fault Shell!"Jessi snapped trying to defend Bruno so that Shell won't hate him too much.

"So it was Beauty's fault Jessi?"

"No that's not what I meant,Bruno loves Beauty as much as she loves him,and believe me ,I think he even love her more than she does,Bruno wasn't himself ever since that day,he is a complete shadow of himself. I saw him yesterday, he seem to have completely lost himself, eachtime he sees me,his eyes were dark and furious then sad,I knew I reminded him of Beauty and also as the betrayer, he wanted me with passion".

"And so what,if he loves her that much why didn't he believe her but no he choose to believe that stupid video,he is no dummy,looking at video he should be able to tell ,she was on drugs but no ,all he wanted was a chance to get rid of my sis just like other selfish guys in her life before him!!"

"Shell ...he is not like the others..

"Really well they all have one thong in common,they ended up killing Beauty one after the other

"Believe me Bruno is different"

"Oh please..

Before they could continue with the argument,Beauty coughed and break down in tears as sh regained her consciousness.

Jessi rushed to get the doctor while Shell rushed to Beauty

Staring at Shell's blurred image

"Who are you?,where am I?"she mumbled ,sobbing while gazing from one corner of the room to another,her eyes weak and her lips dry.

Jesai returned with a nurse.

"You are safe miss Beauty,you are in the hospital with your family and a friend"the cheerful looking nurse said and she tried to calm her down while checking her medical status.

Beauty gazed from Shell to Jessi then back to Shell.

"I know you have lots of questions,don't worry I will answer it all"Shell said and took her hand squeezing them softly.

Beauty took a deep breathe, even though she was still confused since she was just gaining her consciousness, she was abit calmer than before.

"Where is my mom,daddy..where is Bruno?"Beauty mumbled feebly.

"Really you are still going to talk about him after everything he did to you?"Shell snapped annoyed with her.

"Shell let her rest first ,you can explain to her later"Jessi said and walked over to Beauty's side.

"Bea?"she said calmly to Beauty,who turned to the wall crying silently.

Jessi bite her lower lip,disgusted at herself.

"What are you doing, are you leaving?"Shell asked seeing her ,all set to leave.

"I must be so stupid to show my face in the hospital after everything I did to my friend,I can't stand it,I am so stupid ,I can't stay..please take good care of her".

She turned to Beauty.

"I never knew things will turn out this way,please forgive me Beauty,I understand if you hates me and won't love to see me anymore"

She sobbed and left the room.

Shell sighed deeply,she looked over towards Beauty.

"She was here with you for days now,she also confessed to me about what happened,she maybe stupid by taking that bait set for you by Mr Hath..fool man,I forgot his name, but...believe ne she do care about you".

Beauty was beauty till looking at the wall,swimming in tears.

"I have to confess am jealous you are really good looking"Shell said trying to cheer her up.

Beauty slowly turned her face to Shell,who smiled softly at her.

"You are like me..."Beauty said suprised her eyes checking all Shell's facial features out.

Shell walked to her and took her hand ,that's because we are twins,sis,it's a long story but I am here now".

Beauty smiled back weakly.

"Thanks for everything".

"But I did nothing"Shell said with a soft giggle smiling with her eyes. Then she brought out her phone from her pocket and dailed their parents number.

"Hello ...is she awake?"their mother asked curiously over the phone.

"Yes mom,she is"

Shell placed the phone on Beauty's ears.

"Mom.."Beauty said feebly.

"Oh my sweet baby,you scared us!".

"Am so sorry!!"Beauty broke down crying.

Shell removed the phone from her ear and placed on hers.

"She is crying ,I will take care of her, bring some veggies too,doctor said she needs alot"Shell told her and hung up.

Well about ruthless shameless billionaire, Late Mr Hathaway.......... yea you heard that right "late"...

Bruno's family are presently going through the court trials for murder of Mr Hathaway.

Days back,then at his house when he was confronted by his son Bruno ,for drugging his fiancee and making her his sex doll,Mr Hathaway attacked Bruno and ordered the guards to avoid letting him gain access to medical help.

So therefore all the medical specialists and doctors that his sister Abigail called on tmher phone for the emergency, one by one were shut out by Mr Hathaway's orders.

During the internal conflict ,Mr Hathaway was artacked by his younger brother and also Bruno's uncle after Mr Hathaway tuened out to be an insane and shameless devil.

He attacked ,his own mother who went all over him because of his behavior towards Bruno.

"Stop you fool what are you doing!!"hwo date toy lay your dirty hands on mother!!"

His brother screamed and threw a punch at him,

Bruno's mother and sister were lying beside him crying, Bruno was lying there cold and his blood dry.

"Bruno please stay here with me"Abigail cried,trying any possible means to revive him

"Get this fool out of here!!"Mr Hathaway shouted angrily.

The guards were all afraid of Mr Hathaway, but they have the heart to understand who was at fault and who the devil os,they hesisted before forcing to take Bruno's uncle away as he had ordered.

"Stop it,what are you doing!!,why are you hurting your family Hath?"his wife yelled out in tears.

"Shut your dirty mouth bitch!!,snitches!,your useless son caused all this!"he snapped back at her.

"You will regret this I swear"His brother yelled out ss he fought from his freedom the grips of those security me.

Abigail was so angry ,that she went fury,out of terror and fear,she slowly picked up the dagger, he used on Bruno ,couldn't endure it anymore,she rushed to her father,who was still distracted by his brother being dragged away by the insecurity.

She stabbed him unaware,right at the back of his neck with the same weapon he used on her brother Bruno. As soon as she did that,non of the guards seem interested to save him,they all left Bruno's Uncle and rushed to Bruno.

"Open the gates!!"Bruno's mom ordered,and they did exactly and carried Bruno to the health section their mansion,there the doctors attended to him before he was transferred to the hospital for proper treatment. .

Abiagil stood still,terrified by her own action,seeing the blood gushing out of her father's neck and his almost lifeless body lying on the ground ,she fell on her knee and dropped the knife like a hypnotized person.

Bruno's uncle went and consoled Granny,who was shivering and crying after all the drama.

"Are you okay baby?"Bruno's mother said to Abigail,who gazed from her father's corpse to her mother's face like she just saw a ghost, her eyes widened and her muscles tremble,beats of sweat streaming down her neck.

She buried her face inbetween her thighs and cried loudly.

"I..I..killed dad"she mumbled ,shivering in shock.

Her mother crawled to her and hugged her tightly.

"It's okay,don't balme yourself honey"she sobbed consoling her.

"Am sorry mom"she continued crying.

Afterwards Abiagil turned herself up to the police while Bruno was hospitalized. After many trials her family fought and won the case ,with the plea term of self defense,she got acquainted after few days in the police custody.They all visited Bruno during his short time at the hospital.

**BRUNO'S POV**

I have been hospitalized for weeks,all this time,I thought I would die ,or should I say I prayed I would die atleast to be with Beauty, the woman I loved so much yet I abandoned her when she needed me the most.

But I somehow managed to survive,not just that,Jessi told me that Beauty survived the accident too,I guess it's destiny.I have to put things right this time for good.I was overjoyed when she informed about it and my whole me was itching to have her in my arms again and kiss her lips once agin but how am I supposed to approach her after all the pains I put her through,after all the pains my father or should I say my whole family and I put her through.

"Oh Beauty,how I wish I had believed you back then"i mumbled looking out of the window from my hospital bed.

"Talking to your self again?".

I groaned holding my tummy,as i felt a sharp pain in my wound area as I tried to turn to Granny.

"What am I supposed to do now granny?"I asked with wet eyes.

She was the only one I allowed to be with me,my mom and sister always come with apologies but I just can't stand them

Their words back then about Bea made me think how much hate they had for her

Not minding how much I love bea,yet they swore not to accept her.

Grandma patted my hand and pecked the back of it,warming it with her hands

"You know,lots of challenges do come through with love but be happy that you won over everything, it's the most important thing,and also she is alive and healthy so you two can still be together".

She smiled but I can't find the heart to smile back.

"It's not as easy as you said Granny ,I don't think ,she would ever love to get back together with me after everything that happened".

Grandma sighed.

"When you have recovered totally ,I will follow you to her place and talk to her,maybe it can help"Grandma suggested.

Then the door to the room opened slowly,Jessi walked in.

"Jessi?"

I turned to Jessi,she went and sat down on the other side of the room

"I have to go and apologize to beauty"

She dried her face and shook her head

She been crying everytime since the incident

"I went to her house, the neighbors said they parked out two days ago,I have been trying the family line, and even Beauty's line but none of them was helpful"she sobbed.

"What!.what do you mean they moved out ..to where!!,you are her best friend Jessi ,please you must kno something! about her whereabouts"I snapped in frustartion.

Jessi laughed sadly.

"Friend?,indeed I was her best friend but not anymore,i lost our friendship and I deserved evey pain of that,so i absolutely have no clue where her family relocated to"Jessi replied.

I sat on my bed ,weak and grieved,i really don't know what to do anymore,why don't they understand that am only human,I reacted like a human,I never wished for us to end up this way.

I covered my face with my plams and cried silently.

"My darling,that's enough,man up,if she wants to move and restart her life afresh,let her ....you have to let her decide on her own then please learn to forgive yourself and move on too"Grandma stated.

"How can you say that Grandma?,you know there's no possible way for me to ,i love Beauty and I can't just forget her,I have to go look for her"

I tried to get up from the bed but the pain from my tummy was severe,I backed down.

"You are going to hurt yourself more Bruno!"She snapped back angrily.

"I don't care,I will look for her and make things work again".

"Look for her where exactly sir Bruno, she's certainly not in this city anymore,or even in the country,it's hopeless I tell you"Jessi stated.

I tried to conceal my tears

"So.. what about you?"I asked her.

"Me..(chuckles sadly),am still breathing I guess,since Beauty's family totally cut off all ties with me,by not informing me about their location and I lost my friendship with Beauty,friendships built for years,I brought this upon myself sir Bruno"

She said with a forced smile,even though she was one that attributed to my problem with Beauty,I can't but took pity on her,Jessi was a strong lady,she is also going through alot.

"Those men ,I promise they will pay for what they did ,you have to indicate and point them out"I said angrily.

"I appreciates your concern and care for me sir Bruno,but ,it will only curse me morepain ,I was only infected,it's not a death sentence"

Her lips shivered as she said those words.

"I insist you do as he said my dear,I know it will make you feel better,they're are monsters and I won't let them be around my family"Grandma contributed.

Jessi nodded sadly while Grandma consoled her.

"Bruno how do you like the necklace on your neck,we found Beauty's ring in your office and made that for you,well you can wear it in her remembrance,untill you are strong enough to throw it away and let go of her"

I gazed at the ring on my necklace and forced a smile.

"Thanks Granny,I will keep it close to my heart,I will return it to the owner someday I won't stop trying".

I tried to get on my wheel chair,Jessi and Granny helped me,for now ,I had to support my self on with it.

"Thanks" I muttered and pushed wheels by myself to the window ,I looked out of the window and held the necklace round my neck,staring at the diamond ring once worn by Beauty,I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe in.

Where are you Beauty?,at least hear me out,why always doing this , everytime we had an issue,you always move away from me and disappear,do you know how that hurts,I guess not,I guess am the one that loves that much to feel this way,am sorry Beauty,please come back,we can work things together,my fingers were shaking as I let my tears flow freely.

**JESSI'S POV**

After hours of driving

The cab stopped me at the exact location.

"This is the place ma'am,it's sixty bucks"the cabbie informed,I gazed out of the window in awe.

"Thanks".

I paid him and got out of the taxi.

The place was a step up from the former residence,I was full of excitement yet very anxious of what would happen next.I walked to the door and pressed the button on the door and she'll opened the door.

"Welcome twinkle star!,betrayal star".

She teases alot,it was Beauty's twin sis Shell,i smiled a little nervously.

"Just in time dear, Beauty's on the phone"she stated.

I entered the room and admired the whole room decoration,it was classic yet cute,yes before I was invited to this place by Shell,she had informed me that Beauty left the country to get away from her pains and past emotions but the best part of the information was that Beauty hold no grudge against me and would love us to be friends again.

I cried happily after she said those words to me,and was even happier when I was given the address of their new residence, I have not informed Brubo yet but I would do that anything from now.

I sat on the couch beside Shell,she was carrying her laptop on her laps ,she tapped on the keyboard and the image of Beauty was bold on the monitor.

It was video call with beauty.

"She left the country 2 months ago"Shell informed.

Right there she made me promise never to tell Bruno her wellabout and that of her family,I tried very much to make her understand that Bruno really need to see Bea but she would always said

"Let her move on Jessi,he will probably do great without Beauty".

Even though I felt bad about failing my promise of bringing those two together,I was so happy and glad that Beauty is gradually getting her life back and also now getting back her natural smile than faked one which she always use to cover up her pains.

I will never stop fighting for Beano, it's my duty to fix them back.

"How is Thailand Bea?"I asked excited.

"I loooove their dishes,hey meet Drew"

A Thailand guy waved at us and Bea put back the camera it's position,her background shows she was in a restaurant.

"He is hot!!,a new catch?don't lie to me you two look good,couple huh?"Shells snapped with a grin settled on her lips.

"Shell!".

I called out unbelievably suprised at her statement.

Beauty seem really happy,she cracked up and told the guy what her twin sis said,in thai language.

"You can also speak thai?"I asked suprised,she must be a fast learner.

"Well thanks to Drew ,he is a good teacher,he's been the one helping me so far with some basics,thai is a really complicated language but with the help of a good friend and definitely not a catch." she paused and gave Shell a warning gaze,we both chuckled at her expression then she continued.

"with him,learning was made easy"she concluded

"I don't think thai is..emmm complicated language".Drew said in english.

Beauty must have been his teacher also,even though she denied that they see couples or not,Drew seem nice but I want her together with Bruno and no one else.

"His English is so cute....how adorable...is he single?"Shell snapped. .

"Shell!"I snapped again.

"What now!,am just asking ,am single and searching,ready to mingle,what about you Jessi?"

"Am perfectly fine thanks"i sneered.

Beauty chuckled lightly.

"I have to go,I have an appointment with a fashion company,by 3pm"she said .

"Oh wow! here is 10 am"I replied, suprised at the time difference.

"That's right"Beauty replied.

"Alright then, tell Drew all about me,i will be glad if you van give me his mobi..

"Bye love you all"Beauty snapped abruptly, interrupting her sis.

"I am the older one here!"furious Shell yelled.

Beauty laughed again and wanted to hang up.

"Hold on!,Bea!"I snapped out.

"What is it Jessi?"she asked calmly.

I wanted to talk to her Bruno but I guess this will be a bad timing.

"Am happy you are having fun over there and..i..I want to thank you again for accepting me back".

She smiled softly.

"I do miss miss our moments, alot Jessi,am also happy you are doing great ,good bye ,we will talk later"

She said finaly and kissed the camera,before the call ended.

"I am going to miss her really"I mumbled sadly.

Am sure everyone felt same but they were silent

"Did her boyfriend Bruno ask of her?"Shell demanded.

"Yes he did ,he lovea her so much and it's affecting him but I will do exactly as you instructed,I will yell him that I can't reach out to her and also that I know nothing about her location eachtime he asked about any formation abour Bea".

"Good that will help both of them heal but also I have to find out ,how much he loves Bea"

I stared at her for sometime and wondered what she meant by that

"I will replace Bea at the company".

"What ...but....wait you are going back to the company?"I asked superised.

"Just temporary,i will act as Bea,but a slim version of her ofcourse"Shell stated confidently walking to dining,I stared as she went to the refrigerator and got some refreshing drinks for the both of u then walked towards me.

"What's the purpose of this Jessi,this can be dangerous you know,did your parents agree to this?"I asked ,hesitated before taking the glass of wine she offered to me.

"My parents already tried to talk me out of it,but I insist I want to get back at every asshole that made my sister's life miserable but most importantly I want to test Bruno,don't worry i won't mess up".

"I don't think ,this is a good idea Shell,the last test of a thing made us to end up here"I countered.

"Well you will see,I just want to slap back at everyone of the that bullied my sis and made her life horrible ,am going to be announced face of the company soon..mor should I say Beauty will be announced the face of the company"

"I know you two are identical but Bea is not this slim you know,and impersonating your twin?,what if Bruno started developing feeling for you?"I asked ,my hands spread out in the air.

"Well for the body, let's call it surgery and for Bruno,then we will know he doesn't love Beauty enough"

She said and winked.

I was disturbed ofcourse,this is the lamest revenge game ever ,though they're very identical in appearance,I just hope this doesn't cause more problem in the future.