Theodore looked up and met her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Breakfast is ready," he declared. "Come on. Let’s start eating." He gestured towards the table with a slight tilt of his head.
Bella instinctively placed a hand on her stomach, the fluttering intensifying instead of calming. As she walked towards the table, the delicious aroma of bacon and scrambled eggs filled her senses.
He pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down, smiling at him.
"Thank you for bringing the documents," she murmured. "It means the world to me."
Theodore took his seat opposite her, returning her smile. "That’s okay," he said, spreading butter on a slice of bread. "I told you I’d take care of everything. Now," he continued, his gaze holding hers, "you should think about resigning from Brico. My wife doesn’t need to work there. Instead, you should focus on your passion, your fashion design dreams."
Bella’s hand, reaching for the scrambled eggs, froze in mid-air. "Why do you want me to resign?" she asked, curious.
His reply was swift and clipped. "Because you’re my wife. Why would you need to work there?"
Bella offered a hesitant shrug. "Theodore, please don’t take me wrongly. I don’t want to be just... your wife. I want to make my own identity on myself."
"Of course," he said, his tone placating. "I also want you to make your identity, follow your dreams, and work hard. But to do that, you need to leave Brico first."
Bella shook her head, her resolve firm. "I will, but not now," she said decisively.
Theodore’s smile faltered, replaced by a frown that creased his forehead. He was dissatisfied. Her reluctance gnawed at him. Was it because of Zack? A flicker of jealousy ignited in his eyes, momentarily hardening his gaze.
"Why not?" he pressed with a thick and serious tone. "What are you waiting for? Didn’t you say you always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer? This is your chance. Why hesitate to take it?"
His frustration was evident, a mix of concern and a deeper irritation at her persistent defiance. He was prepared to help. A single phone call to Willow, and Bella would have a dream job at her prestigious fashion house. What held her back from accepting his offer?
"I do want to pursue my dream," she explained, "and that’s why I want a chance to work closely with Miss Willow. If I can prove myself with my designs, if she offers me a position based on my own merit, then I’ll resign from Brico."
Theodore released a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Bella," he said, exasperation lacing his tone, "I don’t understand. You can work for my company until you secure a position in Willow’s fashion house. Why Brico? Do you enjoy being treated poorly? Those colleagues don’t exactly seem to be friendly with you."
His words, laced with genuine concern, tugged at her heartstrings. A reluctant smile played on her lips.
"Thank you for caring," she said softly. "I can handle Olivia. Her competition with me is just a way to curry favor with the boss, nothing more. I’ll stay out of her way."
Theodore’s eyes softened, but his worry remained. He wanted the best for Bella and couldn’t stand the thought of her facing unnecessary challenges. Yet, seeing her determination and self-assuredness, he felt a twinge of admiration. Bella wasn’t just looking for an easy way out; she wanted to prove herself on her own terms.
The only solution, as he saw it, was to approach Willow directly. He couldn’t allow Zack to have any opportunity to woo his wife. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
Just as he formulated a plan in his head, Bella’s next words left him feeling utterly helpless. "The last thing I want is your intervention," she stated, her gaze locking his with unwavering determination. "I won’t build my career on your name. I want to grow through my own hard work and talent. No favors needed."
Theodore was speechless for a moment. He was accustomed to people bending over backward to gain his favor, yet here she was, adamantly refusing it. It was baffling, yet undeniably intriguing.
"Very well then," he conceded with a defeated sigh, raising his hands in surrender. "I won’t interfere. But a word of caution: That woman, Olivia, seems like trouble. And Zack’s fiancée isn’t exactly your biggest fan either."
He deliberately mentioned Ivy, a calculated reminder that Zack was off-limits and any fantasies about him were futile. "Be careful around her."
Bella nodded, a warmth blooming in her chest as she noticed how much he cared about her. Aside from her mother, Bridget, and Joe, she had Theodore, who cared for her and worried about her. The realization filled her heart with a surge of unexpected joy.
"I’ll keep that in mind," she said.
Theodore watched her, a mix of admiration and frustration swirling within him. He admired her strength and independence, even as it conflicted with his protective instincts.
"Finish your breakfast," he said unhurriedly. "I’ll drop you off at Brico on my way to the office."
Bella hesitated. She wouldn’t want anyone of her colleagues to notice her coming out of Theodore’s car. She then politely declined. "Actually, I’ll take a cab. You should head straight to work. I wouldn’t want to hold you up."
"Nonsense," he countered. "It’s no trouble at all."
"But I’d prefer to keep a low profile," Bella insisted. "If word gets out that I’m your wife, it’ll cause a stir. I don’t want people gossiping about me, you know how it can be. I hope you understand me."
Theodore’s frown deepened. He shook his head, bewildered. "No, I don’t understand," he muttered. "Explain yourself."
Bella pursed her lips, unsure if her words would sting. After a moment’s deliberation, she spoke carefully. "Let’s keep our marriage a secret for now," she said, choosing her words precisely. "At least until I’ve established myself on my own terms."
Theodore didn’t like the idea, yet he held his tongue. If this was what she wanted, he would respect it. However, he would always support her.
"Alright, as you wish," he conceded with a reassuring smile, masking the disappointment that flickered in his eyes.
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