A few days had passed, and Bella hadn’t gone out anywhere. She hadn’t gone to work and even switched her phone off. To keep her distracted, she kept drawing design after design. But no matter how hard she tried, those images of Theodore with Gina popped up in her mind, making her heart ache.
Bella pushed the thought away once more, tightening her grip on the pencil. Her fingers moved deftly as she continued drawing the intricate patterns. She worked mechanically, forcing her mind to focus on lines and fabrics, hoping to drown out the swirling storm of emotions inside her.
She had uploaded some of her recent sketches to her freelance account, but even the small satisfaction of seeing her portfolio grow couldn’t reach her. The work was a distraction, nothing more.
A knock echoed from the door, breaking her concentration. Bella barely flinched, her gaze never leaving the sketch in front of her. "Bridget, I’m busy. You can go to work. Just lock the door from outside. I don’t want anyone to disturb me."
Bridget sighed, her shoulders slumped in defeat as she turned to the woman beside her.
"Why did she say to lock the door from outside?" Willow, who had finally come to see Bella, asked with a mix of surprise and concern.
"It has been like this for days now," Bridget replied dejectedly. "She doesn’t want to see anyone. Bella locks herself in there, working for hours, not talking to anyone, and only comes out when it’s time to eat. I’ve tried to get her to take a walk, to get some fresh air, but she won’t listen. I don’t know how long this can go on."
Willow’s gaze shifted to the closed door, her heart heavy with worry. She couldn’t stand the thought of Bella suffering alone, pushing everyone away. Bella was strong, but even the strongest people had limits. Willow’s chest tightened. She resolved to bring Bella out of her shell.
"I need to see her," Willow said resolutely. "Tell her that I’m here."
Bridget hesitated, anxiety etching on her face. "I don’t think it’s a good idea, Willow," she said cautiously. "Bella is hurt... deeply. Your presence might only make things worse. Maybe you should leave her be for now. I’ll try to talk to her, get her to come around slowly."
But Willow had already made up her mind. She had come there, intending to talk to Bella. Theodore had his own problems, which stopped him from meeting Bella. But she had not such bindings. Bella was her friend, her confidante, and Willow wouldn’t let her continue shutting out the world.
"I’m not leaving without meeting her," Willow declared firmly. "Trust me, Bridget. I know Bella. I’ll help her get through this."
Bridget was still hesitant, her lips pressing together in a thin line of concern. She sighed once more, resigned to the fact that Willow wasn’t going to leave without trying. "Alright," she said reluctantly. "I’ll knock again. But if Bella refuses to see you... you have to leave. Promise me."
Willow squared her shoulders, confident that Bella wouldn’t refuse to meet with her. "Done."
Bridget raised her hand and knocked on the door again. "Bella, please open the door. Someone is here to meet you."
After a moment of silence, Bella’s voice came out from the closed room. "Who is that?"
Before Bridget could answer, Willow stepped forward and said, "It’s me, Willow. I am here to talk to you. Could you please let me in?"
There was a dead silence on Bella’s side. The seconds dragged on, each one heavier than the last, as Willow stood in front of the door, waiting, hoping. Her heart raced in her chest, a thousand thoughts rushing through her mind. Was Bella going to open the door? Or would she simply ask her to leave?
"I told you, she wouldn’t want to see you," Bridget mumbled, shaking her head.
Willow’s eyes remained fixed on the door, refusing to give up hope. She stepped forward and raised her hand to knock, but her hand froze in the air as the door pulled open in the meantime. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
The sight of Bella brought an immediate wave of relief crashing over Willow, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Thank you for not shunning me," Willow whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She had been so afraid Bella would shut her out like she had with everyone else. "I thought you wouldn’t want to see me."
Bella hugged her back. Despite everything she felt towards Theodore, she couldn’t bring herself to push Willow away. "How could I not see you? I just... needed to be alone for a while."
Willow pulled back slightly, keeping her hands on Bella’s shoulders. "I understand," she said gently. "Take all the time you need."
"When did you come back?" Bella recalled Willow leaving for her hometown urgently. "Is everything alright?"
A warm smile tugged at Willow’s lips. Even amid her own pain, Bella’s concern for her reassured her that their bond remained untouched.
"Everything’s fine now. All the problems have been resolved, and the transfer process has already started. In a couple of months, all the work will be shifted here from there."
"Wow! That’s great. I’m really happy for you."
"Alright, you two enjoy catching up," Bridget chimed in, smiling cheerfully. "I’ll head off to work now." She waved goodbye with a bright smile and slipped out, clearly relieved to see Bella with a friend.
Bella led Willow into her room. Willow’s eyes fell on the design drawing scattered on the table by the window, and her curiosity piqued. She moved closer, picking up a few of the sketches. As she studied each one, her eyes widened with admiration.
"Oh, my goodness, Bella," Willow gasped, her face lighting up with excitement. "These designs will set the market on fire!" She scanned the drawings with enthusiasm. "Each one is so unique, so beautiful."
Bella smiled weakly.
Willow looked up at her with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Bella, these drawings could make you famous overnight! I’ll launch these designs at our next show. Trust me, people will go crazy over them."
Bella knew with Willow’s support and connections, her designs could easily make waves in the industry. But things weren’t the same anymore. With her strained relationship with Theodore, she wasn’t willing to take Willow’s help. She wanted to carve out her own path—on her own terms.
"I’ve already uploaded them to my portfolio," Bella said slowly. "I want to work on my own, Willow—not under anyone."
Willow’s smile faltered, shock replacing her earlier enthusiasm. "What? You’re leaving my studio?"
Bella nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. "Yes, I can’t keep working there."
Willow stared at her, trying to process Bella’s words. "Is it because of Theodore? Look, Bella," she reached out and took her hand in hers, "I know things between you and Theodore are not going well. Some misunderstandings are keeping you apart. But shouldn’t let your personal issues impact your work or your career. I can help you in achieving your goal. Don’t resign."
"I know you will do anything to help me," Bella murmured, clasping her hands. "But I need to do this on my own. I don’t want people thinking I used the Reid family’s influence to succeed in my career."
Willow could see the hurt in her eyes. "I am not a part of the Reid family," she assured her. "You’re working with me. No one will question your talent."
"Whether you accept it or not, you are still related to the Reids," Bella pointed out. "And Grandpa Reid hates me. Theodore doesn’t trust me. In this situation, I can’t take your help. But that doesn’t change our friendship. You’ll always be close to my heart, Willow."
Bella smiled softly, her eyes filled with sincerity. "You said my designs could make people crazy. I believe in my talent. Let me rise on my own."
Willow felt a lump form in her throat. The quiet conviction in Bella’s voice silenced her. There was nothing more to say. Bella had made her choice, and Willow respected it, even if it stung.
"Since you have already made up your mind, I have nothing to say," With a slight nod, Willow said, "Since you’ve already made up your mind, I won’t argue. Best of luck on this new journey, Bella. I believe you’ll become a well-known designer soon. And if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out."
Bella smiled warmly, grateful for her understanding. "Of course, I will," she promised.
Willow’s smile faltered slightly. "I was going to ask if you’d come with me to check out my new office. But since you’ve decided not to work with me, I don’t know if you’d still want to."
The sadness in Willow’s tone hit Bella like a sharp sting. She hadn’t meant to hurt her friend, but it was clear her decision had unintentionally caused Willow pain.
"Your new office!" Bella exclaimed, forcing a bright smile onto her face. Although the heartache still gnawed at her from within, she pretended to be excited. "I’d like to see that."
Willow’s eyes lit up, her smile returning instantly. "Really? You’ll come with me!"
"Yes," Bella nodded with more enthusiasm than she felt. Maybe stepping outside would lift her spirits. And if it meant making Willow happy, it was worth it. "I’d love to."
Willow grinned, the disappointment vanishing from her face. "Great! Let’s go then."
Bella held up a hand, laughing lightly. "Give me a few minutes to get ready."
Bella went to change the dress.
Willow let out a small sigh, her heart swelling with hope. "I just want to make you happy again," she mumbled.
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