The CEO'S Innocent Wife

Bella.

“Welcome back, students. It’s the first day of school. Please study well,” the principal cordially welcomed all the students. His voice echoed through the microphone, filling the entire hallway with warmth. He stood tall and smiled at everyone, making it clear that he was excited for this new school year. The students listened quietly, some looking thrilled, while others seemed a little sleepy. “This year is going to be great,” he added. “Work hard, and make the most of it.” His words were simple, but they carried a lot of encouragement.

“It’s our first day. I didn’t have much fun in summer,” Tessa, my best friend, muttered. She looked down, her hands fidgeting with the straps of her backpack. Her voice was low, and I could tell she wasn’t happy talking about her summer. “I mean, don’t get me wrong,” she continued after a pause, “I did a few things here and there. But mostly, it was just boring. Same old stuff. Nothing exciting ever happens to me.” Her words trailed off as she sighed loudly, clearly frustrated about how uneventful her vacation had been.

“But I did,” I snickered. “And I do cherish high school.” My voice was full of confidence, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Summer was amazing for me. I went to the beach, hung out with cool people, and even did some shopping. And now, being back here makes me happy because I love this place!” I looked around at the familiar hallways and classrooms, feeling proud to return. “High school is where all the fun happens,” I added, flipping my hair dramatically.

“Yes, sure you do. Because you are the most popular girl at school. Every student here dreams about you, craves your attention, and every girl fears and envies you. Although you may not be opulent or wealthy, you earned a scholarship because of your high grades, and you are privileged,” Tessa frowned, trailing off. “Seriously, I wonder how you get full marks! I’ve never seen you reading a book! You keep pestering, nagging, and fretting over other students, yet you help them too!” Tessa’s tone was sharp, but I could tell she wasn’t trying to be mean. “It’s like you have some kind of superpower or something. You’re always busy, yet somehow, you manage to stay on top of everything! It’s so annoying, Bella!” she added, crossing her arms, her eyebrows furrowed in frustration.

“We’ve been best friends for a billion years now, and this is our last year of high school. From your first day, you attracted the attention of everyone, even the teachers! Eye-catcher! But I count on this year to understand you and grasp Bella's standpoint. I assumed your first year would be tough, drastic, harsh—especially as a girl from an average economic background joining the top school of the richest families in the country—but you’ve proven to me that no one can defeat or discomfit you!” Tessa said in a fretful voice, and I widened my eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know how you do it. You don’t just survive here—you thrive. It’s like you’re unstoppable. Everyone admires you, but no one really knows what goes on in your head. And I think this is the year I’ll finally figure you out,” she added, her tone softening a little as she looked at me with a mix of curiosity and admiration.

“You are so ludicrous! My IQ is 200, so I don’t need to open a book! I just read it once, and all the material sticks in my brain! But I’m an international swimmer too! I do my best and have my tough times at training. And do you know why all the guys here at school are keen on me?” I proudly explained to Tessa. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing a little as I said it. “It’s not just about being smart, you know. I work hard, and I don’t let anything get in my way. Plus, I guess it helps that I’m good at everything I do,” I added with a smirk, feeling a little smug.

“Why?!” Tessa raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Yes, she wanted to be an eye-catcher like me, but she knew nothing of my darkest secrets. Her expression was intense, and I could see that she really wanted to know the answer. “What’s your secret, Bella? Is it your confidence? Your looks? Or is it just luck?” she asked, leaning closer as though she thought I might whisper the truth to her.

“Because I’m not obsessed with any of them! They’re all a cluster of dolts, twerps, and morons! I also hate this kind of rich, useless, superficial, shallow-minded, crummy character!” I chuckled. My laughter was loud, and I could see Tessa’s jaw drop a little in disbelief. “Seriously, Tessa, do you think I’d waste my time on those kinds of people? They’re so predictable and boring. I’d rather focus on things that actually matter,” I added, rolling my eyes for effect.

“Do you mean they’re not chasing you because you’re the most splendid hot girl in this school? Not just in school—you’re like a goddess of beauty! Don’t you have a mirror at home or something? Don’t say outrageous things!” Tessa huffed in disbelief. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked genuinely frustrated with me. “You can’t just dismiss the fact that you’re stunning, Bella. It’s not fair!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. “You have no idea how many girls here would do anything to look like you,” she added, shaking her head in exasperation.

“Um, okay, maybe I’m neat, but I’m still a pauper and moneyless after all. I can’t allow myself to fall in love with any rich guy, only to have his family force him to break up with me! I only have my dignity!” I said, grimacing as I smacked my forehead against hers zealously. “I mean, come on, Tessa! Can you imagine how humiliating that would be? I’m not about to put myself through that kind of pain just because some guy thinks I’m pretty. I have bigger goals in life,” I added, staring at her with determination.

“Bella?” Tessa yelled, tugging at my earlobe. Her voice was sharp, and she looked like she was about to lose her patience completely. “Do you even hear yourself right now? You’re unbelievable!” she exclaimed, shaking her head as if she couldn’t believe what I’d just said. I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction—it was just too funny.

I startled and hopped away from her. “What, Tessa?! We’re not in kindergarten! We’re seniors in high school! This isn’t entertaining; I still need my ears until graduation and college!” I added, terror-stricken. My heart raced as I rubbed my ear, glaring at her. “Do you think this is funny or something? You’re acting like a little kid, and it’s not cute!” I continued, crossing my arms and stepping back. “Seriously, Tessa, what’s gotten into you? We’ve got enough stress this year without you pulling stunts like this!” My voice was sharp, but I couldn’t hide the lingering shock from her sudden tug.

“Oh, I’m honestly sorry—but I overheard some students saying this year will be more fun but also more complex,” Tessa giggled excitedly. Her eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together, leaning in closer as if she were sharing some big secret. “I couldn’t help but listen in on their conversation—it was just too juicy to ignore! Can you imagine? Fun and challenging at the same time? It sounds like it’s going to be an unforgettable year!” Her grin widened as she tilted her head, clearly thrilled by the mysterious news she’d overheard.

“What? Why fun and why more problematic? You mean in terms of studying?!” I asked, widening my eyes in curiosity. I seriously didn’t understand her words. “Are they making the exams harder or something? Or is it about more homework?” I pressed, my mind racing through all the possible reasons her words could mean. “Tessa, you’re being so vague right now! Just explain it properly so I can understand,” I added, growing more impatient as I tried to make sense of what she was saying.

“No, silly! Don’t act like a gaga! Fun because the school has a new owner now, and they say he’s a very rich businessman—handsome too! Most of the school shares belong to him. But it’ll be difficult because he has a rigorous and strict strategy for school issues,” Tessa sulked, making a puppy face. She pouted dramatically, her lips curling downward as she glanced at me. “Everyone’s been talking about him, Bella. They say he’s not just rich—he’s like, super rich! Like private-jet rich! And on top of that, he’s apparently super strict and all about discipline. Isn’t that crazy?!” She folded her arms and sighed, looking both impressed and worried.

“Okay, let’s skip the part about the owner being prosperous and handsome. What do you mean by he has an extraordinary strategy for school business?” I raised my eyebrows. I was trying to focus on the serious part of what she said, but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes a little. “Tessa, you’re always distracted by the wrong details. What does his richness or looks have to do with anything? Just tell me what you mean by ‘strategy.’ What’s he planning to do with the school? Is it something that’s going to affect us directly?” My voice was firm as I tried to get to the point.

“It will be tough, not just for you but for everyone too. He’ll make a declaration today at lunch break. All I found out is that everyone will have to work hard to stay in this school. It sounds like a warning, an ultimatum for the students,” Tessa informed me. Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she leaned closer, as if afraid someone might overhear her. “They’re saying he’s going to change everything. No more slacking off, no more taking things easy. If you don’t perform well, you’re out. Can you believe that? It sounds like he’s going to turn the school into some kind of elite training ground or something!” Her words sent a chill down my spine.

I had no idea where she heard that, but she was quite the eavesdropper. Tessa had always been nosy, and it didn’t surprise me that she’d picked up on some secret conversation. “You really have a talent for overhearing things, don’t you?” I muttered, shaking my head. “But I guess we’ll find out soon enough if you’re right or if this is just another one of your wild rumors,” I added, trying not to let her words bother me too much.

“I don’t get any of your words. Anyway, let’s wait and see what happens. Now, let’s head to our classroom,” I said to Tessa, and we trudged to our classroom. I didn’t want to waste more time worrying about something that might not even be true. “Come on, Tessa. We’ve got enough on our plates without worrying about some owner’s big plans,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Let’s just focus on getting through the day.” I led the way, hoping to distract myself from the uneasy feeling her words had left in my mind.

I entered the classroom, and Tessa left to go to the bathroom. Everyone gazed at me as usual. I spotted one of the students I despised most scolding another new student. I interrupted him and grasped his hands. “What do you think you’re doing?!” I widened my eyes at him while I held his fist up in the air, staring him down. My voice echoed across the room, and everyone turned to watch. “Do you think you can just bully people like this?!” I demanded, tightening my grip on his hand. The new student looked terrified, but I gave him a reassuring nod before turning back to glare at the bully.

“Bella, don’t interfere; it’s none of your business! Don’t start this year with a fight!” the student warned me, eyes full of rage. His voice was low, but I could hear the anger simmering beneath his words. “You think you can just step in and act like the boss of everyone? Stay out of it!” he hissed, trying to yank his hand away from my grip. But I wasn’t backing down. My eyes locked onto his, and I could see the frustration building in his expression.

I chuckled. “What? Do you want to be one of my enemies?!” I sneered, pushing his chest roughly. “Do you wish to be one of my enemies?” I knocked his chest again, and he blinked. “Do you dare to fight me?!” I punched his chest once more, and he growled, narrowing his eyes at me. “Go ahead, try me! Let’s see how far you get!” I taunted, my voice dripping with sarcasm. The room fell silent as everyone watched the tension between us build. My heart was pounding, but I refused to show any fear.

At that moment, the manager and a few men were walking down the corridor and stopped to stare at us. I noticed a very handsome dandy in a black suit. His presence was commanding, and it felt like the air in the hallway shifted as soon as he appeared. The other men stood behind him, clearly deferring to him as the one in charge. His sharp eyes scanned the scene, and I could feel his gaze lingering on me for a moment. “Great,” I muttered under my breath. “Just what I needed—an audience.”

I turned my head to the junior who had been scolded. “Hey you, stand up! If anyone in this school tries to disturb you, just call me. I am Bella,” I roared. My voice was loud and firm, and I could see the junior’s eyes widen in surprise. “Don’t let anyone push you around, got it? You don’t have to take this from anyone,” I added, giving him a small nod of encouragement. I could feel the stares of the other students on me, but I didn’t care.

Then I took two strides and turned to the senior student I was arguing with. “You dare to touch anyone in this school again, and I swear to God, I’ll make your school days a nightmare,” I threatened in a grating tone before walking away. My words hung in the air like a challenge, and I could see the anger flicker in his eyes. But he didn’t say anything. I turned on my heel and strode out of the classroom, my head held high. As I walked away, I could feel all eyes on me, but I didn’t look back. I had made my point.

Bella.

“Bella! Aaaaaaaa!” the senior student shouted my name, so I paused. My footsteps came to an abrupt halt as the sound of his voice echoed down the hallway.

I turned halfway, narrowing my eyes at him with suspicion. His scream wasn't normal—it wasn't just a simple call for my attention. It was filled with an intensity I couldn't ignore, a mix of anger, desperation, and something else I couldn't quite figure out. The sharpness of his tone sent a chill through me, making me feel uneasy before I even fully processed what he wanted. For a split second, my mind raced with possibilities. Did he need something urgent? Was he upset?

Or, worse, was I in trouble for something I didn't even know about? But before I could think further, I noticed something else. The handsome guy standing further down the hallway was glaring at me, his piercing eyes locked onto mine. His intense gaze felt like it was cutting through my skin, making my heart beat faster. I hated how his stare made me feel—vulnerable, exposed—even though I refused to show it.

Behind him, his group of peers stood like a wall of silent judgment, their eyes fixed on me as well. The weight of their collective stares made my shoulders tense and my stomach twist with unease. I crossed my arms over my chest instinctively, a defensive reflex I hoped would shield me from their scrutiny. “What do you want?!” I said sharply, my voice loud and full of authority, though inside I felt far less confident. The hallway seemed to fall into complete silence, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for what would happen next.

“I want you, Bella!” the senior student suddenly blurted out, his voice echoing through the hallway like a shout meant for the world to hear. His words hit me like a thunderclap, loud and shocking, and I could feel every pair of eyes in the hallway turn toward us. Gasps erupted from the crowd of students around us, their whispers filling the air as they tried to make sense of what they had just heard. His declaration wasn't quiet or cautious—it was bold, almost reckless, and impossible to ignore.

I could see the flush on his face, the redness creeping up his cheeks, and the way his eyes burned with a strange mix of determination and frustration. He wasn't joking. There was no trace of laughter or humor in his expression.

He was completely serious, and the intensity of his tone sent a shiver down my spine. As he stepped closer to me, I could feel the weight of his presence, his words pressing down on me like a heavy blanket I couldn't escape. My mind screamed at me to move, to say something, to do *anything*, but I stood frozen in place, unable to process what I had just heard. Was this real? Had he really just said those words in front of everyone?

“What?!” I gasped, my voice louder than I intended. The shock hit me like a wave, leaving me completely unprepared for what had just happened. My eyes widened in disbelief, and I instinctively took a step back, as if putting more distance between us would somehow make this situation less real. My heart was racing now, pounding so loudly in my chest that I could barely hear my own thoughts. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Did he just say he *wanted* me? Was this some kind of prank?

Was he trying to humiliate me in front of everyone? My mind raced with questions, each one more frantic than the last, as I tried to make sense of his words. I searched his expression for any sign that this might be a joke, a cruel trick meant to embarrass me, but the seriousness in his eyes told me otherwise. He wasn't playing around. “Are you out of your mind?” I finally managed to say, my voice trembling slightly despite my effort to sound composed. My words were sharp, but they did little to mask the confusion and panic I felt rising inside me.

“Do you think I'm afraid of you? Are you unconscious?!” he shot back, his voice growing louder and more intense with each word. His tone was filled with arrogance now, as though he were trying to remind me of who he was and what he was capable of.

“I'm the heir of the third richest family in this country!” he declared, his voice booming in the hallway. “If I wanted to hurt you or talk dirty to you, I could have done that long ago—just by snapping my fingers, and no one could have stopped me!” His words were like a slap to the face, their sheer boldness making my blood boil. His overconfidence, the way he spoke as if the world revolved around him, made anger flare inside me. But then he paused, his tone shifting slightly, though the fire in his voice remained. “But I restrained myself because—” he began again, his voice brimming with intensity as he leaned forward slightly, as if daring me to interrupt.

The arrogance in his words made my patience wear thin, and I clenched my fists, ready to snap. “Because what?!” I shot back at him, my voice sharp and cutting. I wasn't going to let him speak to me like this without a fight. But my anger didn't seem to bother him. He didn't flinch at my sharp tone. Instead, he smirked, that infuriating grin spreading across his face as if he were enjoying the way I was reacting.

He stepped closer to me again, closing the already small distance between us. “I want you! Can't you see? Have you ever noticed me? Do you even know my name?” His voice softened slightly, but the intensity in his tone didn't fade. It wasn't a shout anymore—it was low, almost like a whisper—but it carried more weight than any scream ever could.

The way he narrowed his eyes as he spoke made my heart race, though I hated myself for reacting to him in any way. He was so close now that I could feel the heat radiating from him, his presence overwhelming and suffocating. His words hung in the air between us, thick with meaning and impossible to ignore. I wanted to look away, to break the eye contact that felt too deep, too personal, but I couldn't. His question lingered in my mind, his boldness leaving me speechless, unsure of what to do next. For the first time in a long time, I felt completely out of control.

I stepped back instinctively, the cold metal of the locker pressing hard against my back, sending a chill through my body. The senior student blocked my path with both fists planted firmly on either side of me, leaning his face dangerously close to mine. His presence was suffocating, the air between us charged with tension that felt almost unbearable. I could sense his warm breath brushing against my skin, but I refused to let it show that it unsettled me. I thought he was trying to intimidate me, to throw me off balance, to make me feel small and powerless under his gaze. His eyes locked onto mine, searching deeply, as if he was waiting for some sign of weakness or a hint that I might give in to his dominance. But I stood my ground. My heart pounded in my chest, but I refused to falter, refused to let him see the slightest crack in my armor. Slowly, I lifted my face away from his and turned my gaze toward the hallway, searching for an escape—or for someone to intervene.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of the handsome man walking closer to us, his sharp, confident strides cutting through the tension like a knife. His movements were deliberate, his posture radiating authority, as if he were someone who always got what he wanted. He wasn't just watching anymore—he was stepping into the scene, and his presence was impossible to ignore. He stopped just a few feet away, his piercing gaze locked onto mine as though he were assessing the situation like a hunter sizing up his prey. His expression was unreadable, but his energy was commanding, so much so that it seemed to overshadow the senior student's bravado. He stepped even closer to me, and I could feel the intensity of his presence washing over me like a wave. “So now,” he said with a smirk, his voice dripping with sarcasm and challenge, “what are you going to do with the rich student? Are you afraid of him? Or because he said he wants you, will you give yourself to him?” His tone was mocking, almost cruel, and his words stung like a slap to the face. Anger surged in my chest, hot and uncontrollable, burning away the fear I had felt just moments before.

I glared at him, my jaw clenched tightly as I fought to keep my composure. My blood was boiling, and I could feel the heat rising to my face, but I refused to let him see just how much his words had affected me. Without thinking, I turned sharply to the senior student, my patience completely gone. I shoved him hard, my hands slamming into his chest with more force than I realized I had. Then, acting purely on instinct and fueled by the rage boiling inside me, I grabbed a fistful of his hair with my nails and yanked his head back before slamming it against the lockers behind him. The loud clang echoed sharply through the hallway, cutting through the whispers and gasps of the onlookers like a gunshot. My movements were swift and decisive, driven by a fury I couldn't contain. The senior student winced in pain, his smug confidence crumbling in an instant as he stumbled slightly, caught off guard by my sudden attack. “You don't scare me,” I hissed through gritted teeth, my voice low and steady, but filled with venom. I let go of his hair, taking a step back and straightening my posture, my eyes daring him to try anything else. The fire in my gaze was unrelenting, and even he couldn't meet my stare.

I readjusted my shirt with a quick tug, brushing off the tension like it was nothing, and then turned my attention to the handsome man. His expression was priceless—utterly thunderstruck, as though he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. His eyes were wide with shock, but there was also a flicker of something else—intrigue, maybe even admiration. It was clear he hadn't expected me to react so boldly, and the realization seemed to throw him off balance. I couldn't help but grin, a foolish but triumphant smile spreading across my face as I stared him down. “I am Bella,” I said firmly, my voice loud and unshakable. “No one in this world can loom over me. No one in this school can purchase me, intimidate me, or instruct me to do anything against my will. I am Bella. Remember this name, because it will make you suffer someday.” My words were like daggers, each one sharp and deliberate, and I could feel the power behind them. I spat on the floor without hesitation, a final act of defiance that seemed to hang in the air. Then, with my head held high, I sauntered away like a queen on a catwalk, my slow, deliberate steps echoing in the now-silent hallway. The crowd parted to let me pass, their stunned faces a testament to the impact of my words and actions.

As I reached the end of the hallway, I stopped suddenly and turned back. My gaze dropped to the senior student, who was still crumpled against the lockers, his confidence shattered and his pride in pieces. I leaned down slightly, my eyes cold and unfeeling as I stared at him. “Jack,” I said, my voice cutting through the tension like ice. “Yes, I recognize who you are, but let me make one thing clear—I am not interested in you. I didn't come to this school for you or anyone else. I'm here to study, and that's it. I'm not infatuated with you, and I never will be.” My tone was flat and emotionless, each word designed to sting. His eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say a word. He just stared at me, stunned into silence by the finality of my rejection. I straightened up again, brushing off my skirt with a casual flick of my hand, as though his presence was nothing more than a minor inconvenience in my day.

Then, I turned my attention to the rest of the students, who were still frozen in place, their wide eyes and stunned expressions making it clear that they had never seen anything like this before. I adjusted my posture, standing tall and confident, and let my gaze sweep over the crowd. Tessa came running up to me, her face flushed with excitement and awe, but I ignored her for a moment. Instead, I raised my voice so everyone could hear. “Listen up, guys and girls. I have an announcement to make,” I said firmly, my tone commanding and unyielding. “This is my last year at this school, and I'm sure every single one of you knows my name by now. But let me remind you anyway. I am Bella. And if any of you dare to become my enemy, I will make your lives a living nightmare. Don't play with the devil, mother. I'm not interested in any jerk, fool, or superficial guy in this school. Don't waste my time. Got it, zanies?” My words rang out like a thunderclap, echoing through the hallway as the students stared at me, their faces a mix of awe, fear, and disbelief.

Finally, I turned and walked past the handsome guy, my steps slow and deliberate, my chin held high. As I passed him, I threw him an offended glance, my eyes sharp and cutting, before brushing my shoulder against his in a deliberate act of defiance. The brief contact was intentional, a silent message that I wasn't afraid of him or anyone else in this school. His eyes followed me as I walked away, but I didn't look back. My heart was still racing, each beat pounding in my chest like a drum, but I refused to let it show. The hallway was mine now. I had claimed it, and I made sure everyone understood that. The silence that followed in my wake was proof enough that my message had been heard loud and clear.