Chapter Three: An Unexpected Glance
899 Words
After leaving the living room, Emmy excitedly began showing Bella every corner of the mansion.
“This is the library.”
“And that’s my dad’s office.”
“He doesn’t let anyone touch anything in there,” Emmy whispered dramatically.
Bella chuckled.
“I’ll remember that.”
They walked through elegant hallways decorated with expensive paintings before stopping in front of a guest bedroom.
“You’ll stay here tonight.”
Bella stepped inside.
The room was almost as luxurious as a five-star hotel.
Large windows overlooked the gardens, and a private balcony stretched toward the mountains in the distance.
“It’s beautiful…” Bella whispered.
“I knew you’d like it.”
Emmy led her outside onto the balcony.
A cool breeze brushed against Bella’s face as she looked toward the endless mountain range glowing beneath the golden evening sky.
“This is my favorite place in the entire house,” Emmy said softly.
“When life becomes too loud… I come here.”
Bella smiled.
“I understand why.”
For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
They simply admired the peaceful view.
Then Emmy checked her phone.
“Oh no… Mom asked me to bring the drinks downstairs.”
She looked at Bella.
“You freshen up. The barbecue will start soon.”
Bella nodded.
“I’ll be there.”
⸻
Once Emmy left, Bella stepped back into her room.
She washed her face before absentmindedly walking toward the balcony again.
The garden below had completely transformed.
Long wooden tables had been decorated with fairy lights.
Fresh flowers sat in the center of every table.
House staff hurried from one place to another, arranging the final details.
Bella rested both hands on the balcony railing, quietly watching them.
Then…
A familiar voice echoed through the garden.
“You’ve all been working since morning.”
Bella looked down.
Noah had walked outside carrying a tray of food.
He smiled at the staff.
“Go take a break. My wife and I can handle the rest.”
One of the employees hesitated.
“But sir—”
“That’s an order.”
The older woman laughed.
“Thank you, Mr. Jacob.”
Within seconds, the staff disappeared inside the house.
Bella watched in silence.
He’s actually helping them…
She hadn’t expected that.
Noah placed the tray on the barbecue station before casually rolling his sleeves higher.
The muscles in his forearms flexed as he arranged the charcoal.
The tattoo running along his arm caught Bella’s attention for only a second before she immediately looked away.
Why am I even looking?
She silently scolded herself.
At that moment, Maria walked into the garden carrying a bowl of marinated meat.
“There you go, chef.”
Noah smiled.
“I told you I’d handle everything.”
“I know,” Maria replied with a laugh.
“But you’re still my husband.”
She stood on her toes and gently kissed his cheek.
Noah smiled before kissing her forehead.
“Happy now?”
Maria grinned.
“Very.”
Bella instinctively lowered her eyes.
Maybe I should stop watching other people’s private moments.
She turned to go back inside—
But before stepping away, she glanced down one last time.
At that exact moment…
Noah looked up.
Their eyes met.
Only for a heartbeat.
Bella immediately stepped back from the railing.
“Oh my God…”
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
He probably thinks I was spying on him.
She closed the balcony curtains in embarrassment.
“This is so embarrassing…”
She splashed cold water on her face.
“I wasn’t staring.”
“I was just…”
She sighed dramatically.
“Great.”
“First day here, and I’ve already embarrassed myself.”
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Bella?”
It was Emmy.
“Are you ready?”
Bella opened the door.
“Yeah.”
“Come on.”
“They’re waiting.”
⸻
The garden looked magical beneath the soft evening lights.
Guests chatted happily while music played quietly in the background.
Bella had barely taken two steps into the garden before she noticed Noah standing beside the grill.
He was focused on cooking, talking casually with a few guests.
For some reason…
Bella suddenly remembered their awkward eye contact.
She quickly looked somewhere else.
Please don’t look at me again.
Trying to distract herself, she walked over to Maria.
“Maria… can I help with anything?”
Maria smiled warmly.
“Absolutely not.”
“Tonight you’re our guest.”
She gently squeezed Bella’s hand.
“So your only job is to relax and enjoy yourself.”
Bella smiled.
“Thank you.”
Just then, Noah approached carrying a freshly prepared plate.
“Everything’s ready.”
He placed it on the table before looking at Bella.
Not with flirtation.
Not with curiosity.
Simply with polite hospitality.
“I hope you’re hungry, Miss Conclin.”
Bella offered a small smile.
“I am.”
“Good.”
“I’ve been told French guests have high standards when it comes to food.”
Bella couldn’t help laughing.
“Let’s hope you don’t disappoint me then.”
One corner of Noah’s lips lifted into the faintest smile.
“I like a challenge.”
For the first time that evening…
Bella didn’t think he looked cold.
Just… unexpectedly charming.
And somewhere deep inside…
A feeling she couldn’t quite explain quietly stirred.
- Writer
