Bella quickly looked away, struggling to keep her composure. The thrill of seeing Theodore surrounded by people who had no idea about their secret marriage sent a wave of warmth through her. She bit her lip, trying to stifle the smile that threatened to spread across her face, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves.
But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t resist the urge to glance back at him. When she did, she found him still watching her, his eyes filled with a teasing affection that made her heart skip a beat.
A small, involuntary smile tugged at her lips, and she quickly lowered her head, staring intently at the wine glass in her hand as if it could anchor her thoughts.
’I won’t look at him, no, no,’ she murmured to herself. Yet, no matter how much she told herself not to, her gaze flickered back to him, betraying her inner turmoil.
Theodore’s gaze never left her, capturing every subtle movement she made. He wished he could cross the room, sweep her into his arms, and kiss her, making their love known to everyone.
However, he held back, respecting Bella’s request to keep their relationship a secret for now. She didn’t want to be judged or seen as a gold digger by those who didn’t understand their bond.
Though public opinion meant nothing to him, Bella’s feelings were everything. He knew he had to honor her wishes. However, he wanted to do something to let her know that he was always by her side.
He casually lifted his glass to her and offered a barely perceptible wink that made her cheeks flush with a mixture of delight and embarrassment.
Bella’s cheeks flushed with a blend of delight and embarrassment. The simple, discreet act spoke volumes, sending her heart racing. Though separated by the sea of people, that small gesture made her feel as though they were the only two in the room.
Willow noticed the exchanged glances and raised an eyebrow, a playful smile curling at the edges of her lips. Leaning in closer to Bella, she whispered, just loud enough for Bella to hear, "Are you sure you’re not about to give your secret away with those lovesick looks? Because I’m starting to think this charity gala is turning into your personal romance novel."
She nudged Bella gently with her elbow and added with a teasing tone, "Why don’t you two find a quiet corner and have some private time?"
Bella felt her cheeks heat even more, and she quickly turned to Willow, trying to play it off with a soft laugh. "What are you talking about? I’m just...admiring the decor."
Willow’s laughter was light and melodious, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, of course. The decor. Is that what we’re calling tall, handsome, and heartthrob these days?"
Bella rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. "You’re incorrigible, Willow."
"And you are not as subtle as you think," Willow countered with a wink. "Stop looking at him, or he might come over here. Then I won’t be able to resist exposing your little secret."
Bella tried to avert her gaze, but her mischievous eyes kept darting toward Theodore, betraying her. Theodore, in turn, seemed equally unable to resist glancing back at her. The mutual attraction only heightened Bella’s excitement, making her smile widen as the playful exchange continued.
Willow leaned over and whispered, "Careful...You are making jealous of those who have a crush on Theodore. If they come to trouble you, I won’t be able to save you."
Bella’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. She shot Willow a playfully exasperated look. "Stop teasing me. I’m not looking at him," she said, trying to sound firm. With that, she turned and walked away.
"Uh, where are you going?" Willow asked, catching up to her with a mischievous grin. "Are you off to find a quiet corner?"
"Not at all. I’m going to explore the buffet," Bella replied, and with that, she continued on her way.
Willow’s friends, eager to discuss her upcoming designs, quickly pulled her back into conversation. Though she was tempted to follow Bella, she had to stay and engage with her friends. Reluctantly, she gave up the idea of tracking Bella’s movements and focused on her friends.
Bella made her way to the buffet table, which was a lavish display of culinary delights. She marveled at the array of delicate pastries, gourmet cheeses, and vibrant, artistically arranged dishes. The spread was a visual and sensory feast.
As she picked up a plate and began to sample the pastries, a cold, sharp voice broke through her moment of indulgence.
"Ah, Bella," Gina’s voice dripped with venom as she sauntered over, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "I didn’t expect to see you here, mingling with the elite."
Bella turned slowly, her expression guarded. Gina stood before her, dressed in a sleek, designer gown that accentuated her every curve, her perfectly painted lips curled into a scornful smirk. There was a glint in her eyes that hinted at the loathing she had for Bella.
Gina stepped closer, her eyes scanning Bella’s outfit with a barely concealed sneer. "It’s almost entertaining," she said, her tone dripping with mockery, "watching you try so hard to fit in here. But let’s be honest, darling—you can’t fake being elite, no matter how expensive your dress is. You’re just... what’s the term? A nobody playing dress-up?"
Bella’s cheeks flushed with the sting of Gina’s words, but she remained resolute, refusing to let her pain show. She attempted to walk away.
Gina, however, wasn’t done. She stretched out her arm, blocking Bella’s path with an air of deliberate obstruction.
Bella turned to face her, her expression darkening with irritation. "Can you cut this nonsense, Gina?" she hissed. "Why don’t you focus on your own problems instead of bothering me?"
"Huh!" Gina’s laughter was sharp and dismissive. "Oh, you’re the real nonsense here. What gives you the right to be here? What can you possibly donate? You’re just living off charity." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You should leave. Before you embarrass yourself even more. This is no place for someone like you."
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