Zack settled into his seat, his smile bright and genuine as he watched Bella move around the bakery. Her warm, inviting demeanor was a pleasant surprise, a stark contrast to the cool, businesslike persona he was used to.
This softer side of her was reassuring, and it gave him a renewed sense of confidence. He was determined to make the most of this chance to win her over and make a memorable impression.
Bella returned with a plate full of golden-brown pastries, the tops crisp and glistening with a hint of sugar. A soft smile played on her lips as she carefully put the plate in front of him, anticipation brimming in her eyes.
"Hmm, smells good," he mumbled.
He wasted no time in picking up one of the pastries. The flaky layers were still warm, and as he took a bite, the rich, buttery flavor of the pastry, combined with the sweet apple compote inside, delighted his taste buds.
"This is amazing," he said, his voice muffled as he chewed, eyes widening in surprise. "This is really special. You should consider opening your own bakery. I’d be more than happy to help you with that."
Bella laughed, the sound light and melodic. "Oh, I think I’ll stick to my designs for now." She slid into the chair opposite him, cradling a cup of tea in her hands. "But I’m glad you like it. Eat more."
He nodded and continued eating. "I am loving it."
Bella sipped her tea as she watched him eat with fervor. She didn’t know someone was sneakily taking their pictures.
As Zack finished his meal, he looked up with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "I need your help. I’m new to town. Could you please show me around? It’s okay if you’re busy. I’m not forcing you. It’s just a request."
His heart raced nervously as he waited for her reply.
Bella’s eyes lit up with a warm smile. "Alright, I’ll show you around," she agreed without hesitation.
Zack felt a sudden rush of excitement within him. He wanted to jump in joy, but he suppressed that excitement. He simply smiled at her and murmured, "Thank you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a fulfilling day, Bella returned home. Her mother welcomed her warmly and handed her a cup of hot chocolate, its rich aroma filling the air.
"Oh, I needed this." Bella happily accepted the hot chocolate and took a sip. "Mm... It’s always so yummy when you make it. Thank you."
Selena smiled, turning to head back to the kitchen. "Sit down and drink. I’ll go prepare dinner."
"Wait." Bella stopped her. "I’ll cook tonight. You should rest."
Selena shook her head gently. "I’m fine now—feeling energetic after resting the whole day," she said with a reassuring smile. "You worked all day in the bakery. You need rest. Go to your room. I’ll call you once dinner is ready."
Bella was about to protest further when her phone rang. It was Willow. Thinking it was something important, Bella headed to her room, leaving Selena to continue with dinner preparations.
"Hello?" she answered, closing the door behind her.
"Bella, it’s me," Willow’s voice quavered as she cast a nervous glance at Theodore, who was scowling at her.
"Yes, Willow. What’s wrong?"
"Theo – he is not well." Willow felt awkward to lie.
Bella’s expression froze. "What happened to him?" she asked, worried. Her face went pale.
"He... has a fever," Willow said, her eyes still locking on her brother.
"High fever," Theodore mouthed.
"High fever," Willow echoed. Her voice rose a few notes high suddenly. "Yes, he is having a high fever and calling your name. I—I don’t know what to do. I called Gary. He is on the way, but I thought I should let you know."
Bella’s heart sank as she absorbed the news. "High fever? I-I’ll be right there. Stay with him. Don’t leave him alone."
Ending the call, Bella dashed out. "Mamma!" she called urgently, finding her mother still in the kitchen. "I need to head back to the city."
"Now?" Selena frowned as she hurried out of the kitchen, confused. "What is the hurry? It’s dark already. Can’t you wait until the morning?"
"No, I can’t. Theodore is not well. He needs me. I’ll call you once I get there. Sorry, mamma, I have to leave." Bella bolted out the door, leaving Selena standing in the doorway.
"Take care," Selena shouted after her. She sighed. "I hope everything is fine."
"She is coming." Willow turned to Theodore with a mix of frustration and concern. "This is not fair, Theo. You asked me to lie and forced Bella to come back! Why can’t you just let her stay with her mother for a few days? She was clearly having a good time there."
Theodore indeed felt bad, but he didn’t have a choice. "I feel restless without her," he mumbled. "I just want right here with me." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
Willow’s eyebrows shot up in warning. "You know what: Bella is going to be furious. So, be ready to face her wrath."
"I am ready," he said confidently. "I’ll accept any punishment, but I won’t let her leave me." He smirked. "Now, she will be here soon. You should leave. I don’t want you around when I am with my wife."
Willow’s eyes flashed with irritation. "Bastard!" she muttered under her breath. "I helped you, and instead of showing gratitude, you’re pushing me away. Don’t forget you owe me." Snatching her purse, she stormed out.
Theodore watched her leave with a chuckle, his expression a mix of satisfaction and mischief. "Your reward is ready, Willow. Just wait a few days."
He had already taken a building for her fashion house and prepared to surprise her.
Bella finally arrived at the villa, which was shrouded with darkness. Only dim light from the night bulb illuminated the hall faintly. Bella’s heart sank with an ominous feeling.
The quietness of the house terrified her. Why was Willow not there? Where was Dr. Gary?
Her heart pounded with a mix of dread and concern as she hurried toward the bedroom. The room was engulfed in darkness, and a cold chill hung in the air, amplifying her anxiety. Her thoughts raced—had Theodore’s condition worsened, and had he been taken to the hospital?
Just as she was about to turn and leave, two strong arms wrapped around her from behind. Bella gasped, her body going rigid with fear. But the familiar scent of his cologne soon eased her tension.
A deep, husky voice murmured, "I miss you."
With a snap of his fingers, the lights flickered on, flooding the room with bright, warm light. Bella’s heart swelled with relief and love as she turned around to face him. She looked up, her eyes searching his face with concern.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, reaching out to touch his forehead. His temperature felt normal; the fever she had feared was gone.
Maybe the medication had worked, Bella thought, a mix of relief and lingering worry settling over her.
"Are you feeling any discomfort?" she asked, still worried. "Do you have a headache? Do you need something to eat?"
"I am fine," he replied soothingly. "Trust me."
"But why is Willow not here?" She pouted. "I asked her to stay with you until I arrived. She shouldn’t have left."
"I told her to leave."
"Why?"
"Because I don’t want anyone to disturb us," Theodore said, pulling her closer and pressing a tender kiss to her lips.
Bella was stunned momentarily, but she couldn’t hold herself back from returning the kiss.
"I missed you so much," he murmured between the kisses. "Don’t leave me ever."
Bella stopped kissing and pulled back. A deep scowl formed on her face as suspicion crept into her mind. "You are not sick, are you? You lied to me!" Her voice rose in a mixture of frustration and hurt.
"I..."
"How could you lie about your own sickness?" Bella snapped, pushing him away. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? I blamed myself, thinking you were sick because no one was there to take care of you. You made me worry so much."
"I am sorry, but I had no choice," Theodore said, trying to explain himself. "I’ve been restless all the time. I couldn’t sleep, eat, or focus on anything. Every minute without you felt like an eternity. I just wanted you to come back. So, I lied."
He reached out to take her hand, but Bella pulled away, crossing her arms over her chest as she turned away from him.
"I know I upset you," he said. "I will make it up to you. Please forgive me." He turned her gently to face him, his gaze full of pleading.
Bella was still upset with him for lying. She wouldn’t forgive him easily.
"I-I tried...I thought I wouldn’t disturb you, but..." He licked his lips nervously. "I called you in the morning and asked you to come back. You didn’t listen to me. I was desperate."
Bella’s anger began to fade as she looked at him, his sincerity and longing softening her stern expression. Despite her efforts to stay firm, his remorse touched her heart.
"I know I was wrong," Theodore admitted earnestly. "I’m willing to do anything to make it up to you."
"Anything?" she asked, amused.
"Yes." He nodded firmly.
"I am hungry," she said, lifting her chin. "I came running here without eating. Cook dinner for me."
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