Chapter 15
1254 Words
Bella walked seriously toward the lounge, while her cousin was the complete opposite. Excitement was evident in Mara's wide smile and the sparkle in her eyes. She was practically bouncing with joy as they walked.
As they neared the lounge, Bella's heart pounded with nervousness. The frustration she had been feeling all morning over everything that had happened suddenly vanished.
Just as they were about to enter, a resort staff member approached them.
"Ms. Mara and Ms. Bella Fortes?" the staff asked politely, smiling at them.
The two returned the smile and almost answered at the same time. "Yes."
"This way, please..." The staff then opened the glass door for them and guided them toward the receiving area. It seemed they had been given instructions to wait for them and escort them to Beast.
In fairness, not bad.
Moments later, Bella spotted Beast along with JG. The two men were seated in the receiving area, chatting happily. When Bella and Mara finally reached them, both men stood up to greet them. Bella and Mara thanked the staff who had escorted them before the latter left.
"Hi, Mara and Bella! You both look stunning!" JG greeted them with a bright smile.
Bella simply nodded and smiled, while Mara blushed, looking down shyly before glancing back up to greet JG.
"Hi, JG! Oh, come on! It's just us! Beauty runs in the Fortes family, you know. You don't have to mention it! But you—you're so handsome! Even more so up close! But, oh, don't get me wrong! You're handsome from afar too! I swear—ouch!"
Mara yelped and clutched her side, where her cousin had discreetly elbowed her. Bella was utterly mortified by Mara's excessive chattiness. She wasn’t even trying to hide her crush on JG!
"Mara, seriously?" Bella hissed, widening her eyes at her cousin.
When Bella turned back to the two men, she found them both frowning slightly, watching them curiously.
"Is something wrong?" JG asked, his attention now focused on Mara. "Why did you say 'ouch' all of a sudden? Are you feeling unwell? We can go to the clinic and have you checked. We can reschedule this date if—"
JG didn't get to finish his sentence because Mara suddenly yelled.
"No!"
Her voice was loud enough to attract attention, making other guests and staff in the lounge turn their heads toward them. Realizing the scene she had just caused, Mara quickly flashed a peace sign and straightened herself.
"I mean, I'm okay. Wow, JG! You're so sweet. You're so caring. It's making me kilig!" she gushed. "It almost feels like you love me too! Anyway, there's no need to postpone our date. It's just that I—uh—I got bitten by a mosquito! Yes, that's it! There's nothing wrong with me. I'm completely fine! One hundred percent and super-duper ready to be your date tonight! So, let's go!"
Bella sighed heavily, shutting her eyes briefly. Her cousin was on a whole different level. She had no idea where Mara got such high levels of confidence.
"You're cute," JG commented, clearly entertained, as he offered his arm to Mara. "Alright, let's go then. Shall we?" he asked with a smile, nearly making Mara melt.
Of course, Mara wasted no time linking her arm with his. Then, JG turned to Bella and Beast.
"Let's go!"
With that, the two walked ahead, leaving Bella and Beast behind.
For a moment, neither of them moved, both hesitating about what to do next.
After a short silence, Beast finally spoke, smiling at Bella.
"You look so wonderful tonight, Bella."
His words caught Bella off guard. It took her a few seconds before she could respond, stammering nervously.
"T-thank you... Y-you too..."
"Me too?" Beast's smile widened as he teased her. "What do you mean, me too?" he asked, playfully making a cute face at her.
Bella scowled at his antics and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, fine! You look handsome tonight! Happy now?" she huffed, about to march off to follow Mara.
But Beast laughed and gently grabbed her arm to stop her.
"Wait, hold on! Why is my dear princess so grumpy?" he asked, grinning. "Sorry, okay? You just made me happy. It feels so good to hear that I'm handsome—especially when it comes from you," he added with a mischievous wink, leaning in slightly.
Bella stared at him for a few seconds, almost hypnotized.
Yes. The man is undoubtedly handsome.
And maybe, if circumstances were different, Bella would have liked him. Maybe, just like how Mara was head over heels for JG, she would have felt the same way about Beast—especially with how he was acting toward her.
If he kept teasing her like this, she might just let herself fall for him.
But... she couldn't help feeling conflicted.
I still love Hans... don't I?
And yet, with Beast around, everything felt so confusing. Not only was he messing with her mind, but he was also making her heart race.
She truly didn't know what to feel anymore.
For the past few days since meeting Beast, he had been on her mind constantly. Which made her realize something—
I haven’t thought about Hans much lately...
Could it be that I’m finally getting over him?
And it’s because of... Beast?
Bella was pulled out of her thoughts when Beast suddenly snapped his fingers in front of her face. She blinked several times, coming back to reality—only to find Beast’s face still right in front of hers.
How long have I spaced out?
"You okay?" Beast asked, looking at her with mild concern.
"Huh?" That was all Bella could manage, still dazed.
"You totally zoned out. Don’t tell me… you got lost staring at my face?" Beast teased with a laugh.
Bella scowled at him. "You're so full of yourself!" she snapped.
"I'm joking!" Beast chuckled. "You're always so serious!"
With that, he offered his arm to her. Bella eyed it suspiciously.
"What’s this?"
"My arm?" he replied, feigning innocence.
Bella shot him a glare, clearly about to scold him again, but Beast quickly spoke before she could.
"Okay, okay! I was just teasing! Don't be so grumpy—I might just fall for you even more. And if I fall too deep, I’ll make sure you take responsibility for it," he added with a smirk.
"What—"
"Shall we go?" Beast interrupted her, still holding out his arm.
Bella stared at him for a moment before hesitantly linking her hand around his arm. Her grip was light, clearly unsure and awkward.
But after only a few steps, Beast suddenly stopped walking.
Bella turned to him, confused. "W-why?" she stammered, suddenly self-conscious. Was there something wrong with her face?
"Is something wrong?" she asked nervously.
After a brief silence, Beast smiled at her. "Well, yes."
What? He’s smiling, but he says there's a problem? This guy is so weird.
"And what exactly is that?" she asked, still confused.
"This."
Bella's jaw dropped when Beast suddenly took her hand in his and smiled even wider. Not satisfied with just holding it, he intertwined their fingers together.
"Much better," he murmured, looking completely pleased. "Now, let's go, my princess..."
Bella instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but every time she did, Beast only tightened his grip. In the end, she had no choice but to let him have his way.
You’re making me crazy too, Beast. Just so you know.
- Writer
