"Bella, please don’t be sad." Joe’s voice reached her from a distance, laced with concern. "Maybe it’s not what we are thinking. They may be just friends."
Bridget nodded in agreement, trying to offer some reassurance. "Yes, Bella, don’t overthink it. He is a big shot. He has many clients and friends. Maybe she is one of them."
Bella tried to take comfort in their words, but the sight of Theodore holding hands and sharing a warm moment with another woman was too much. Her mind raced with questions and doubts. She had believed in his feelings for her, but now she felt a pang of betrayal.
As Bella struggled with her emotions, Joe and Bridget exchanged worried glances, determined to lift her spirits.
Bridget leaned closer, her voice soft and soothing. "Let’s not jump to conclusions, Bella. We’ll talk to Theodore and find out what’s really going on. Until then, let’s try to enjoy our evening."
Joe nodded, adding, "We’ll get through this together. You’re not alone."
Bella felt a suffocating pressure constricting her chest. She knew Willow had only agreed to work with Brico because of Theodore. They were probably close friends, that much was undeniable. But the scene she witnessed told a different story. It seemed like their connection was deeper than just friendship.
The weight of insecurity settled on her like a lead cloak. Compared to Willow, she was nothing. The terror of Theodore being drawn to Willow, of her own fragile happiness being ripped away, intensified the ache in her heart.
Unable to bear it any longer, she bolted upright. "I can’t stay here," the words tumbled out with choked emotion.
Joe and Bridget reacted instantly, concern etched on their faces. "Bella!" they called out in unison.
Bella came to a halt, forcing a smile that felt brittle and unconvincing. Blinking back the tears that threatened to spill, she turned towards them. "Don’t worry about me, guys. Everything’s fine, really. We’re here to celebrate, right? How about we head to the bar? Drinks on me!"
Bridget and Joe exchanged a puzzled glance. The forced cheer in Bella’s voice and the tremor in her smile betrayed her pain.
"Are you sure, Bella?" Joe asked cautiously.
Desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere and the scene that had shattered her newfound hope, Bella nodded vigorously. "Absolutely positive!" she chirped, stretching her lips wide in a smile that never reached her eyes. Linking her arm with Bridget’s, she steered them towards the bar on the other side of the restaurant
Unaware of the storm brewing on the other side of the restaurant, Theodore and Willow enjoyed their meal in a cozy, secluded corner.
Willow’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward. A buoyant chirp escaped Willow’s lips. "I have thrilling news to share!"
Theodore blinked, intrigued by her infectious enthusiasm. "What exciting news?"
"Indeed!" Willow confirmed, her eyes sparkling. "Guess who I bumped into today? I met Bella – the designer I’ve been wanting to work with."
His brow furrowed as he assimilated this unexpected revelation. "Bella? You mean...the Bella Dawn?"
"The very same!" she practically crowed. "Remember, I told you about that mysterious designer who sold me those incredible sketches?"
Theodore nodded in a trance, recalling the incident vividly. It was Willow’s first show in the city, and an unknown woman had barged into her room, urging her to buy her design drafts.
"I remember," Theodore murmured. He had even checked the security footage, but the woman’s face wasn’t captured on any of the surveillance footage, making it impossible to identify her.
"Precisely!" Willow exclaimed, her excitement unwavering. "Those designs were the seasons hit. Ever since then, I’ve yearned to work with her. And now, fate has finally brought her to me. I’m simply ecstatic."
Theodore grinned, his mind a whirlwind of anticipations. The secret threatened to spill out of his mouth – the one about his recent marriage with Bella. How would Willow react when she discovered that Bella, the elusive designer she craved to collaborate with, was none other than his wife?
"I also have something to tell you," Theodore said with a smirk.
Willow, mid-chew with a large piece of steak, simply mumbled, "Spill it," her focus entirely on her food.
Theodore cleared his throat. "I...got married."
Willow’s eyes widened in surprise, her fork pausing mid-air. She quickly swallowed her mouthful, looking at him with astonishment. "You what?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and delight. "Married?" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮
Theodore chuckled at her reaction, enjoying the moment. "Yes," he confirmed.
"To whom? When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"
Theodore’s smile faltered. "You are acting like I made a mistake," he said flatly, shrugging. "No need to sound so accusatory."
"No... This is not what I mean and you know it," she sputtered. "It’s just... this is a lot to take in. You, who wouldn’t even consider a second date with anyone, suddenly married? It’s shocking!"
Theodore’s eyes narrowed. "Is it really so unbelievable that I might find someone?"
Willow shook her head. "No, that’s not it at all! But it’s just so sudden. Did the old man pressure you into something?"
"Hey, be respectful," Theodore countered with a pointed look. "He is your grandfather too."
Willow rolled her eyes.
"She is nice," Theodore added, not divulging much details. "You will like her."
The lack of details only piqued Willow’s curiosity further. "Nice, huh?" she pressed. "That’s all you can tell me? Why don’t you introduce me to her?"
"Why don’t you come over to my place for dinner tomorrow?" he suggested. "You can meet properly. I’ll introduce you to my... wife."
"Sounds good. I’d love to meet her." Willow forced a smile, her mind churning. The woman who’d managed to snag the notoriously workaholic Theodore had to be one intriguing individual. She couldn’t wait to meet her and unravel the mystery.
While Theodore and Willow enjoyed a peaceful dinner, Bella sat at the bar counter, a tempest raging within her. She clutched a glass, draining its contents in a single, burning gulp.
The liquor did little to soothe the storm in her heart. Images of Theodore, his hand clasped in Willow’s, his smile warm and genuine, flickered behind her closed eyelids. they were having dinner peacefully,
"He lied," she slurred, her voice thick with emotion. Reaching for another shot, she tipped it back, the fiery liquid searing a path down her throat. "All his words were white lies."
"Bella, slow down," Bridget pleaded, her hand clamping down on Bella’s wrist, stopping her from refilling the glass. "Don’t get so upset. We don’t even know what their relationship is. Don’t jump to conclusions."
"Don’t tell me what to do!" Bella grumbled, swatting her hand away. "I know he likes her. I know who she is – Willow Taylor, that famous designer. She is Theodore’s favorite."
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