How she got distracted, she doesn't know, all she knows is that she is now late to meet Mackenzie for their morning meeting and the corridors of the Castle seem longer than usual, all adding to her already increasingly bad mood.

And as if on cue, the reason why she hasn't been herself these last few weeks steps in her path, just pilling even more on her bad mood.

-"Lady Arabella."

-"Lord Roberts." - How she wishes she could slap the smile off his face.

-"I'm glad I ran into you, my Lady. I've been meaning to speak with you."

-"I'm afraid now is not the best time, Lord Roberts." - "Or ever", she thinks. -"I am meeting Princess Mackenzie and I'm already running late, so if you'll excuse me."

Bella tries to walk around him, but is quickly cut off by Alexander, who is now standing in front of her, that disgusting wide smile still on his lips.

-"I won't take much of your time then. I was wondering if you and Lady Alexis are free for lunch today."

-"I'm afraid we are not. Both of us have a very busy day today, so, again, if you'll excuse me."

Bella tries once again to step around Alexander, but it seems that the man isn't giving up that easily. He grabs her arm, stopping her in her tracks, rage starting to brew inside of her.

-"You really should make the time for the man that freed you from the Devil, Lady Arabella."

-"You didn't free me from anything. And I strongly suggest you let go of my arm, Lord Roberts." - Bella looks back at him, anger now clear in her eyes.

-"Why are you being so difficult? You know that eventually you'll agree to be with me, so you might as well just accept it."

-"I would agree with you, my Lord, but then we'd both be wrong."

-"Don't tell me you're still waiting for the Devil to come and rescue you." - He gives her a smirk, making her skin crawl at the sight.

-"I don't need anyone to rescue me." - Bella shakes her arm from his grip and takes a step back. -"And if you ever touch me again, I'll make sure to send your head back to Henry as a gift."

-"You should be grateful I am even willing to marry you, with you already having a kid and all."

-"To a real man, me having a kid wouldn't matter. But then again, you're not a real man, not by any stretch of the imagination. Stay away from me and my daughter."

Bella turns on her heels and leaves Alexander standing in the corridor, fuming. As she makes her way further away from him, anger still burning inside of her, all Bella can think is that Alexander better stay away from her and Alexis, or she might actually kill him.