Selena’s expression softened, though the shock was still evident. "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"
"I was afraid," Bella admitted. "I thought I would tell you later once you recovered. I didn’t want to add more stress to your situation. But now you know everything. Please trust me, Mamma. Theodore is a good man."
Selena nodded slowly, absorbing the information. However, she was still hesitant to believe her. The idea that Bella had found a kind and caring husband was difficult to accept without proof.
"I want to meet him," she demanded.
Bella nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Of course. I’ll bring him."
After spending some time with her mother, Bella exited the hospital and waited for a cab. A motorbike pulled up beside her, and a familiar face emerged.
"Bella!" Joe exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face.
Bella returned his smile. "Joe! What are you doing here?"
"I was passing by and saw you," Joe replied. " When I saw you, I came over. Come on, let’s go home and stay with us for a while. Bridget will be happy to see you."
The thought of spending time with her friends was inviting. "Sure," Bella readily agreed, hopping onto the back of the bike.
"Are you comfortable?" Joe asked.
"Yes, yes," Bella assured him.
"Alright, then. Hold on tight." The bike sped off, leaving a trail of wind in its wake.
Unbeknownst to them, Zack had been observing the scene from a distance. As the bike disappeared, he gripped the steering wheel tightly.
"So, it’s her husband," he muttered, a wave of indignation washing over him. "A man who can’t even afford a car isn’t suitable for Bella."
Fury ignited within him, his eyes darkening. He would not let Bella slip away. Reaching for his phone, he dialed a number.
"Hello. I want you to check on a man..." His voice dropped as he relayed specific instructions, his mind consumed by a single-minded determination to uncover every detail about Bella’s husband.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bella reveled in the company of her friends, pushing aside the lingering unease from her visit to her mother. She excitedly told them the embarrassing story of the last night.
"I was so ashamed when I learned Willow was actually Theodore’s sister," she confessed, shaking her head in disbelief. Her face turned red as she recalled the colossal misunderstanding.
"Uh!" Bridget pressed her fingers to her lips, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I see what you mean. It’s really embarrassing. Why didn’t he tell you sooner?"
Bella pouted playfully as she replied, "He wanted to give me a surprise. But it wasn’t a surprise, you know. I was so embarrassed I couldn’t lift my head."
Joe chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It seems Mr. Reid enjoyed the evening well."
Bella nodded, a sly smile curving her lips. "Certainly. He had that twisted pleasure teasing me," she admitted, launching into a detailed account of the dinner with Willow.
"Willow is friendly and sweet," Bella continued, her heart filling with admiration. "She is nice to me."
Bridget’s face lit up with excitement. "Bella, you’re lucky," she chirped. "Not only Theodore, but his sister is also good. On top of that, you’re working with her. You can win her favor easily and fulfill your dream to become a fashion designer."
Bella nodded enthusiastically, her gaze moving between Bridget and Jow. "I have something to tell you guys!" she announced, beaming with excitement. "Willow actually gave me an opportunity to showcase my designs. I’m participating in a fashion show."
Bridget’s jaw dropped in surprise. "Really?" she exclaimed delightfully. Joe’s expression mirrored Bridget’s.
"Yes, it’s a dream come true moment," Bella confirmed. "I can’t tell you how excited I am."
"It’s time to celebrate," Joe stated.
Bridget echoed his sentiment. "Yes, we need a party."
The room buzzed with joy and anticipation as they began planning a small celebration to mark Bella’s achievement.
"Alright, I’ll throw a party," Bella agreed, "but not now. I have a lot to do. Besides, Mamma’s surgery is yet to happen."
Bridget squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I understand, Bella. There is no hurry. Focus on your work now. And don’t worry about your mother. I am sure Theodore will soon find a donor for her."
Bella nodded, a flicker of hope igniting within her. She shared the same belief. After chatting for a while, she rose from the sofa. "Alright, guys. I need to pack some things." She retreated to her room.
"Do you need help?" Bridget called after her.
"I’ll manage," Bella replied, already engrossed in the task at hand.
Inside the small room, she began the process of gathering her belongings. Drawing tools, precious sketches, and her clothes were piled on the bed. Stuffing them into a suitcase, she heaved a sigh and sagged on the bed, taking a moment of respite.
The tranquility of the small room was shattered by the insistent ring of Bella’s phone. A smile spread across her face as she saw Theodore’s name illuminate the screen.
She answered, "Hello!"
"Where are you?" Theodore’s deep voice boomed through the phone.
"I am at my rented house," replied Bella. "Came to pick my belongings."
"Alright, I’ll be there in a while."
With a content sigh, Bella ended the call. She lay back on the bed, propping the phone against her chin.
A warm blush crept up her cheeks as the memories of the previous night flooded her mind. Anticipation shimmered within her as she contemplated the possibilities of tonight.
Theodore arrived with surprising swiftness. A quick call summoned Bella outside. Waving goodbye to her friends, she emerged from the house, pulling her suitcase behind her.
The driver met her at the door, relieving her of the cumbersome luggage. As the suitcase disappeared into the trunk, Bella slipped into the backseat, her gaze meeting Theodore’s expectant one. Before she could settle comfortably, he drew her into his arms.
"Did you miss me?" he asked with a hint of possessiveness in his tone.
Bella blushed, the memory of their passionate encounter lingering in her mind. "I missed you," she whispered.
"Why didn’t you call me then?" His tone turned serious. The flicker of possessiveness intensified in his eyes.
Sensing the undercurrent of jealousy, Bella hastened to explain. "I was busy all day, preparing for the fashion show next month. It was a hectic day, and I barely had a moment to spare."
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