Chapter 4
1351 Words
“OUCH!” Bella exclaimed, clutching her backside after falling due to bumping into someone. She felt as if her whole system had been shaken by the impact. Aside from the pain in her buttocks and hips, she also felt slightly dizzy, making it difficult to open her eyes immediately. Moments later, she sensed someone’s presence beside her, offering to help her up.
“Miss, are you okay?” a deep male voice asked as he supported Bella in standing up. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was his broad chest. He was wearing a white tank top, but his well-defined chest muscles were still visible. Even at their close proximity, she could smell his cologne—an intoxicating scent with a menthol-like freshness that she found oddly pleasant. “Miss?” the man called again, clearing his throat, snapping Bella back to reality.
“Uhhh… Y-yeah, I'm okay,” she quickly replied, attempting to step away. However, due to the lingering dizziness, she nearly lost her balance again. She would have fallen if not for the man's steady hold. “T-thank you,” she stammered.
At that moment, she looked up at his face, her brows furrowing as she felt like she had seen him somewhere before. His dark eyes stared at her seriously, and despite her irritation, Bella couldn’t help but admire his features. Even after gaining enough distance and managing to stand properly, she found it difficult to look away.
The man was probably around 5'11” with naturally tanned skin and a well-built, perfectly sculpted body. His face had sharp jawlines, sexy lips, an aristocratic pointed nose, deep-set black eyes, long dark lashes that seemed ready to curl, and thick, straight eyebrows that only added to his mysterious appeal.
“Are you done checking me out?” the man asked with a smirk, making Bella's jaw drop. She quickly averted her gaze, feeling her face heat up in embarrassment. But aside from that, she also felt a surge of irritation rise within her at his question.
“Wow, this guy is arrogant! Sure, he's handsome, but… ugh!”
“Excuse me?” Bella said through gritted teeth, narrowing her eyes at him.
The man was still smirking as he looked at her. “I said, are you—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Bella’s cousin Mara and her mother rushed toward her, both looking worried.
“Bella, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” her mother asked, inspecting her for any injuries.
“Let’s take you to the clinic, cous’!” Mara suggested, her concern evident.
Before long, a few of their relatives and even some curious onlookers gathered around.
“Can you walk, dear?” her mother asked. “Someone, please carry her!” she ordered, still fussing over Bella.
“Wait, why should we call someone to carry Bella? Isn’t the guy who bumped into her still here?” Mara suggested, turning toward the man, who was silently observing them. But the moment Mara got a good look at him, she froze, realization dawning on her.
“W-wait! You're—” She abruptly stopped, shutting her mouth and casting a knowing glance at Bella.
Bella frowned at her cousin, confused by her reaction. She really couldn’t understand what Mara was trying to imply. Besides, she was already annoyed with the guy and had no interest in who he was.
“No, no. I can manage. Don’t worry about me,” Bella insisted. “You don’t need to take me to the clinic or anything.”
“But…” Mara was about to argue, but Bella shot her a warning glare.
“Okay.” Mara turned to glance at the man again before letting it go.
Feeling forced, Bella sighed and looked at the man. “I'm sorry about what happened,” she said begrudgingly. No matter how annoyed she was with him, she knew that she had inconvenienced him too.
The man kept his serious expression. “Next time, miss, be extra careful. Watch where you’re going so you don’t bump into people,” he said before walking away.
“What the—? Hey!” Bella called after him, but he simply raised his right hand in a dismissive wave.
She let out a frustrated squeal. “Arrogant jerk! Annoying!”
“Yeah, arrogant… but still handsome. I like it!” Mara teased, giggling.
“Mara! What are you saying?” Bella scolded her, making Mara pout.
Bella sighed, rubbing her temples. She closed her eyes for a moment before plopping down on the sand. “What a jerk! He didn’t even apologize. He bumped into me too! If he had been paying attention, he could have avoided me, right?”
“Hmm… true. You have a point,” Mara agreed.
“But still… dear, I think the guy had a point too. Next time, be more careful, okay? What if we weren’t here? What if the person you bumped into had an even worse attitude?”
Bella sighed.
“I guess she has a point. But still! That guy was so infuriating.”
“Are you really okay, dear? Are you sure we don’t need to take you to the clinic?” her mother asked again.
Bella nodded. Then, remembering the setting sun, she stood up and excused herself. “I need to go somewhere.”
Before anyone could respond, Bella ran off. She needed some time alone. Maybe watching the sunset would help calm her down. She wouldn’t let that guy completely ruin her day.
After walking along the shore and watching the sunset, Bella returned to their cottage for dinner. It was already past six, and everyone was eating. She greeted her mom, got her food, and was about to sit when Mara suddenly appeared beside her. As usual, Bella knew she was about to be bombarded with questions.
“Can I at least eat first, Mara?” Bella asked sarcastically.
“Why so grumpy?” Mara pouted, biting into a banana. “I just want to chat.”
Bella rolled her eyes. “Is that all you're eating?”
Mara shook her head. “Nope. I already ate earlier. I didn’t eat much though. I'm on a diet.”
“Diet? Wow!” Bella laughed, taking a bite of her food. She never thought Mara would care about things like that. They both loved eating. Besides, Mara had a great body, so what was the point? “You're already skinny. Why go on a diet?”
“For your information, dieting isn’t just for losing weight!” Mara huffed after finishing her banana. “That’s a common misconception. Some people diet to stay fit and healthy.”
“Okay, whatever! Fine, Doctor!” Bella teased.
“Anyway, about earlier… That guy—wasn’t he the same guy from this morning?”
Bella turned to Mara in shock. “Wait, what? That guy?” She tried recalling his features. “No way!”
“Yes way! I stared at him long enough earlier to memorize his face. It’s definitely him!” Mara squealed excitedly, daydreaming. “Oh my gosh! He looks even hotter up close! And his sc—”
Before she could finish, Bella grabbed her hair.
“Ouch!” Mara yelped.
“Watch your mouth! Of all the doctors, you’re probably the flirtiest one,” Bella scolded, making Mara pout again. “So what if he’s handsome? There are plenty of other good-looking guys in the world!”
“You're so grumpy. You sound like an old maid who's been heartbroken a million times,” Mara commented.
Bella froze. She wasn’t an old maid, but she had been heartbroken.
“Is it really that obvious?”
She frowned at Mara. Just as she finished eating, she handed Mara her plate. “You know too much. Here, take this to the used plates area. I'm heading to the villa. I’m sleepy.”
Before Mara could protest, Bella walked away. Mara called after her a few times, but she ignored her.
“Whatever…”
- Writer
