Chapter 8
1261 Words
BELLA didn’t know how she managed to fall asleep the previous night. Because of what happened between her and the mysterious man, her mind had become even more unsettled. She barely got any sleep at all, as the incident kept echoing in her head along with the words he had said. The result? She was completely out of it that day. She wouldn’t have even bothered getting up if it weren’t for the guilt gnawing at her—Mara had apparently waited for her so they could have breakfast together.
Bella never thought the man would have such an effect on her. He was just someone she randomly met at that island resort. She hadn’t even been remotely interested in him when she first saw him. Sure, she could admit he was handsome. But Bella knew who her heart truly belonged to. She wasn’t someone who was easily swayed. But there was something different about this man—something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. One thing was certain, though: something felt off.
“I thought the reason you didn’t come with us to the bar last night was that you were going to sleep early. But when we got back, you weren’t even in the villa… Where did you go?” Mara, Bella’s cousin, asked after a while. They were at their usual spot in the restaurant’s lounge, having breakfast.
“H-huh?” Bella muttered absentmindedly. She even yawned before taking another bite of food. She was still incredibly sleepy.
“I said, where did you go last night?” Mara repeated. “And why do you look so exhausted? You’ve been yawning nonstop this morning.” She eyed Bella curiously.
“I just went for a walk. I don’t even remember what time I got back. Maybe past eleven? I don’t know. Whatever.” Bella shoved a piece of chorizo into her mouth and pretended to be busy eating. Somehow, guilt still gnawed at her over what had happened. She wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. Like the man had said… for Bella, what happened last night was just plain stupidity.
“But why do you look so tired if you were back by eleven?” Mara pressed, still unconvinced. Something felt off about Bella again.
“Uh… There were a lot of mosquitoes in the room last night. I couldn’t sleep properly. I kept waking up because of all the bites,” Bella reasoned, taking another bite of rice.
“Oh… Okay.”
Mara studied her for a moment longer, as if still doubting her story. But when Bella ignored her, she eventually went back to eating.
After they finished breakfast, Mara excused herself to go to the restroom. She invited Bella to come along, but Bella decided to stay in the lounge. She was too tired to walk around. She remained seated, watching people pass by through the restaurant’s glass wall.
Then, a familiar figure walked in, and Bella immediately tensed.
Him again?
He was alone, walking with a serious expression while speaking on his phone. He wore only a plain white t-shirt and black trunks. Bella turned away, but it was too late—their eyes had already met. The man paused mid-step and stared at her. Bella, on the other hand, quickly averted her gaze.
The man headed toward the minibar counter—the same place Bella had first seen him. Almost immediately, a staff member approached him with a glass of wine.
Seriously? Is that really his usual breakfast?
Bella didn’t want to care about him. They had no connection whatsoever. But for some reason, she couldn’t help but feel curious. She stole glances at him while he spoke to the crew. A moment later, the staff left, and he took a sip of his wine. Bella forced herself to stop watching. If he caught her staring, she would die of embarrassment.
As memories of the previous night resurfaced, she shut her eyes tightly, resisting the urge to bang her head against the table.
Why do I have to see him again?
When Mara returned, Bella immediately grabbed her and pulled her out of the restaurant. When Mara hesitated and kept glancing back, Bella knew she had seen the man at the bar counter. As expected, her cousin started prying again.
“Hey, isn’t that Kuya Hottie?” Mara whispered excitedly, still stealing glances back inside.
“Mara, let’s go!” Bella picked up her pace, dragging her cousin along.
“Ow! What’s the rush? Do you have somewhere to be?” Mara protested, yanking her arm free when they finally stepped outside.
“Let’s go find Mom! I’ve been wanting to see her,” Bella said. She snuck a quick glance at the man through the restaurant’s glass wall—he was now eating properly from a plate.
Wow, so he does eat normal food too.
Mara’s voice snapped her attention back. “But they’re not even there. They went the other way.” She pointed in the opposite direction.
“Huh? Oh… Right.” Bella sighed and plopped down onto the sand. She hugged her knees and rested her chin on them.
“What’s going on with you? Are you okay?” Mara asked, concern evident in her tone. She rubbed Bella’s back, making Bella feel even more drained.
“I’m fine. I just… suddenly miss Mom,” Bella said, looking up at her.
“But you’re always with Aunt Sandy. Why would you miss her?”
“Just because, Mara! And… I’m really sleepy.”
“You’re so weird.”
“I know.” Bella reached for her cousin’s hands, letting her help her up. “Come on, let’s go find Mom. Tomorrow’s our last day here. I want to buy more souvenirs. I’ll just take a nap later.”
“Oh, right… Tomorrow’s our last day.”
“Time flies so fast…” Bella sighed, staring into the distance.
“Oh! Did you know there’s a concert tonight?” Mara suddenly perked up.
Bella turned to her. “So what?”
“Come with us! Let’s watch!” Mara invited excitedly.
“And what would I get out of that?” Bella frowned. She was in no mood to go. Besides, she might see something… unpleasant again.
“It’s a Valentine’s event! There’ll be fireworks at midnight! Isn’t that awesome?” Mara gushed.
“You guys go ahead! I’m sure you’ll have fun without me. Especially you. J.G. will be there, after all,” Bella teased with a grin.
“Oh my gosh! Speaking of J.G.! Tonight, they’ll announce who gets to go on a date with him tomorrow!”
“Oh? And you think that’s you?”
“Bella! Mood killer!”
“I’m just kidding,” Bella chuckled.
“So… does that mean you’re coming?” Mara asked hopefully.
“No. I’m too lazy, Mara. You guys go without me. I’ll sleep early tonight.”
“Come on, please!” Mara pleaded. Seeing her cousin’s pout, Bella sighed and scratched her head. She had no choice but to agree.
“Fine, but don’t act like a crazy fangirl, okay? I’ll come.”
“Yay! Thanks, cousin! You’re the best!”
“But there’s a catch—you’re buying me ice cream.”
“Ice cream? That’s it? Done! Let’s go!”
Before walking away, Bella stole one last glance at the man inside the restaurant.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him looking straight at her.
Wait… Is he looking at me?
- Writer
