The revelation left Bridget and Joe speechless. Their minds raced, trying to catch up with the whirlwind of information Bella had dropped.
Bella showed them her green sapphire pendant around her neck. "Theodore returned this to me."
Bridget’s eyes widened further as she carefully took the pendant. Her fingers brushed against the cool surface, a wave of recognition washing over her. "It’s really your pendant," she murmured in a daze, remembering countless times she had seen Bella wear it. "So, he really was the mysterious man you saved all those months ago?"
"Yes." Bella met her gaze with a small yet confident nod.
A wide smile erupted on Bridget’s face, replacing the initial shock with pure excitement. "And now you’re married to him!" she exclaimed with a touch of awe.
A soft giggle escaped Bella’s lips as she watched her friend practically bounce with joy, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "That’s right."
"Bella!" Bridget exclaimed, clasping her shoulders. "Oh, my God...Theodore will never forget your favor. He will cherish you for the rest of his life."
Joy and emotions mingled in her heart, bringing tears to her eyes. "You are now a rich woman," Bridget continued. "Will you remember us, your poor friends?"
"Nonsense! You’re not just my friends, you’re family." Bella’s gaze moved to Joe fleetingly before returning to Bridget. "How could I ever forget you?"
"Aw! You are so sweet." Bridget enveloped her with her arms, and Bella hugged her back.
Finally, Joe stepped forward, a genuine smile gracing his features. He wrapped his arms around both of them, forming a warm circle of friendship.
"I’m truly happy for you, Bella," he said sincerely. "I hope Theodore treats you like a queen and showers you with all the happiness in the world."
"He has to," Bridget chimed in. "After all, Bella saved his life. He owes her a lifetime of gratitude."
Joe gave a firm nod. "Absolutely. A wise man never forgets a debt like that. Bella..." His gaze softened as he rested his hand gently on her head. "Your struggles are finally over, Bella. It’s time for a brighter future."
Bella felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. Their unwavering support and genuine happiness for her brought tears to her eyes. She felt more confident and hopeful than ever about her future with Theodore.
"He has already promised to find a suitable donor for Mom," she revealed. "He is incredibly kind and caring."
Bridget’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Tell us more about him," she urged, grabbing her hands.
"There’ll be plenty of time for gossip later," Joe interjected with a smile. "Right now, it’s time to celebrate! Let’s go out for dinner."
Bridget’s face lit up at the suggestion. "That’s a brilliant idea, Joe!" she chirped. "Come on, Bella, let’s go out and celebrate your new life!"
Seeing their genuine excitement, Bella couldn’t turn them down. With a nod, she said, "Alright, alright...Let’s celebrate."
With renewed energy, the three friends bustled around the house, getting ready for their celebratory dinner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theodore arrived at the modest restaurant Willow asked him to come to a place that starkly contrasted with the luxurious venues he was accustomed to. It was an ordinary restaurant and bar.
His sister had always kept a low profile and never showed off her status or wealth. Sometimes he wondered why she kept herself hidden in the shadows.
Shrugging, Theodore strode into the restaurant, the faint clinking of glasses and murmur of conversation washing over him. He spotted Willow tucked away in a corner table, sipping orange juice.
Willow noticed him approach. She set down her glass, a bright smile replacing her contemplative expression. "Theo! There you are."
Did I make you wait?" he asked, taking his seat across from her.
"Not at all, just a few minutes. What can I get you?" Willow asked, already reaching for a menu. She chuckled as she passed him the worn leather booklet. "Actually, I was wondering about you. Picky eater!"
Theodore flipped through the menu with a raised eyebrow. The fare was decidedly basic – burgers, pasta, and a few predictable salads. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
"Not picky," he admitted with a hint of sarcasm, "but I’m not sure my taste buds will be particularly thrilled with this selection. Why this place, Willow? We could have gone anywhere – one of the Reid family hotels, perhaps?"
A shadow flickered across Willow’s face at the mention of their family name. "Oh, I wouldn’t be caught dead in any of those," she retorted with a scowl.
"Hey!" He gave her a warning look. "I am still your brother, and I am a Reid."
Willow twisted her mouth. "I have good reason to avoid them. Maybe you should thank Mom. You know how much she loved you, Theo. That’s the only reason I keep in touch with you. Otherwise, you’d be just another Reid I wouldn’t bat an eye at."
Theodore flinched. He knew Willow held a grudge against the rest of the family, but hearing it voiced so harshly still stung. "Willow! That’s too much," he grunted out. "You know how much I cared for you and Mom."
A mischievous glint returned to Willow’s eyes. "Relax, big brother, I was just pulling your leg." Her smile softened, and she reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "After Mom, you’re the only family I have left. You mean the world to me."
Theodore squeezed her hand back, his heart swelling with a mixture of relief and affection. Despite their differences, the bond between them remained strong.
Across the room, Bella and her friends saw the scene, their celebratory mood evaporating. A sudden stillness descended upon their table. It was an unexpected turn of events. When they entered the restaurant, no one of them had anticipated seeing Theodore with another woman with fiery red hair.
Bella’s heart ached as she saw him with Willow. A tremor ran through her, tears brimming her eyes. Theodore, the man who had confessed his love, the man she was married - he was here, with another woman. The warmth that had filled her with hope just moments ago morphed into a cold, gnawing ache in her chest.
Tears threatened to spill over, her throat tightening.
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