Chapter Nine: Attraction or love?
956 Words
Bella remained standing in silence.
Her mind refused to settle.
Did Noah realize something?
What did he mean when he said… “You’re too young”?
Was he trying to push her away?
Or had he seen through the feelings she herself couldn’t understand?
A sigh escaped her lips.
And what’s happening to me?
Why can’t I stop thinking about him?
He’s old enough to be my father…
He’s my best friend’s dad.
This can’t be right.
Is it just attraction?
Or… is it love?
She immediately shook her head.
No.
Love isn’t even possible.
He’s married.
I shouldn’t be thinking about him like this.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Bella?”
It was Ammy.
“What are you doing? I’m heading to the kitchen to help Mom. Are you coming, or do you want to get some rest? You look a little stressed. I guess the photoshoot wore you out.”
Bella forced a small smile.
“I don’t really want to be alone right now. Give me a minute. I’ll change first.”
Ammy smiled warmly.
“Alright, darling. Come whenever you’re ready.”
As soon as the door closed, Bella walked into the bathroom.
She splashed cold water across her face before changing into something comfortable.
Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at her own reflection.
“Enough.”
She took a deep breath.
“I’m not going to think about him anymore.”
“He’s my best friend’s father.”
“And that’s exactly how I’m going to treat him.”
With one last determined nod, she left her room.
⸻
Bella slowly descended the staircase.
Halfway down…
She froze.
Noah was sitting alone on the living room sofa.
A fitted black T-shirt hugged his broad frame perfectly.
One leg rested casually over the other as he scrolled through his phone.
The tattoos running along his forearm disappeared beneath the rolled sleeve before reappearing near his wrist.
For some reason…
Tonight, he looked even more handsome than before.
Bella’s heartbeat instantly lost its rhythm.
Heat rushed through her body.
Bella… control yourself.
She inhaled slowly before forcing her feet to move again.
Step.
By step.
By step.
Noah never looked up.
His attention remained fixed on whatever was on his phone.
A tiny wave of disappointment settled inside her chest.
She hated that it bothered her.
Without saying anything, she quietly walked toward the kitchen.
Maria immediately noticed her.
“Bella, darling… why are you here? You should be resting.”
Ammy nodded.
“Exactly. You look exhausted. We’ve got the chefs, and I’m helping Mom. Don’t worry.”
Bella smiled politely.
“I’m fine, Maria. Please let me help.”
Maria laughed softly before shaking her head.
“No.”
“But—”
“No arguments.”
Maria gently pointed toward the living room.
“Go sit down and relax.”
Bella sighed dramatically.
“Okay…”
Like an obedient child, she walked back into the living room and sat on the sofa opposite Noah.
Silence filled the room.
Noah still hadn’t looked up.
Bella stole a glance at him before turning toward the kitchen.
“So… what are you making tonight?”
Maria’s cheerful voice echoed back.
“Korean food!”
Bella’s eyes brightened.
“Really?”
“Mhm. Kimchi, and Ammy told me you love gimbap, so that’s on the menu too.”
Bella smiled genuinely.
“That sounds amazing.”
The conversation faded.
The house became quiet again.
Bella unlocked her phone, pretending to scroll through social media.
Yet every few seconds…
Her eyes drifted back toward Noah.
Without realizing it…
She wanted him to notice her.
Suddenly—
Noah spoke.
“Ammy.”
Everyone looked toward him.
“The photographs arrived.”
Ammy’s eyes widened.
“They did? When?”
“About an hour ago.”
“And you’re only telling us now?”
A faint smile appeared on Noah’s lips.
“I’ve been occupied.”
“Where are they?” Ammy asked excitedly. “Your study?”
“I’ll go get them.”
She had barely taken two steps when Noah’s voice stopped her.
“Ammy.”
She turned.
“Don’t.”
Confusion spread across her face.
“What do you mean?”
Noah calmly locked his phone before meeting her eyes.
“From today onward, no one goes into my study.”
The room fell silent.
Maria looked at him, surprised.
“Not even me?”
His expression remained composed.
“There are confidential business files and client documents in there now.”
“I’d rather keep that room private.”
Maria studied him for a moment before nodding.
“Alright.”
Ammy shrugged.
“Fine… then just send us the pictures.”
“I will.”
The tension quietly dissolved.
Bella let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
If Ammy had entered that room…
She would have seen the photographs.
Including the ones Noah had secretly kept aside.
Noah unlocked his phone again.
After a brief pause, he finally lifted his gaze.
His eyes met Bella’s.
Only for a second.
Just long enough for time to feel strangely still.
Then, in a voice quiet enough that only she could hear, he said,
“Your photographs turned out beautifully.”
Bella’s fingers tightened around her phone.
Before she could respond…
He added, almost as if speaking to himself,
“…especially one of them.”
He looked away before anyone noticed the exchange.
Then he stood.
“I’ll see everyone at dinner.”
Without another glance, Noah walked out of the room.
Bella remained motionless.
Her pulse echoed loudly inside her ears.
She knew…
He hadn’t been talking about the photographs.
He had been talking about her.
- Writer
