Chapter 6: Daniel Appears
879 Words
Alex took Lucas back home. The doctor informed Lucas that Bella's wound was healing well and she would be discharged soon.
"I understand."
Lucas went to see Bella, who was still unconscious. Sitting by her bed, he asked, "Bella, why do you hurt yourself? Do you really dislike being with me that much?"
"Yes," Bella replied, opening her eyes.
"From now on, I won’t let anyone, including you, hurt you. But don’t think you can leave me."
Lucas stormed out of the room. In the courtyard, he lit a cigarette, and Alex joined him.
"Did you have a fight?" Alex asked.
"Last night, Bella cut herself with a knife. She did it on purpose."
"I'm sorry to hear that. How is she?"
"She’s better but very hostile towards me."
"Maybe when she feels better, you should take her out shopping. Women love shopping."
"I’ll try."
Bella lay in bed, staring at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling. It was dazzling, something she would have loved before.
Now, she felt troubled. Lucas’s resolve was too strong. She decided to stay alive and think of a way out without acting rashly.
A month later, Bella’s health had improved significantly. Lucas decided to take her out.
They went to a department store. Lucas called over the manager, "You have five minutes to clear out the store."
Bella objected, "Why?"
The manager replied, "There’s a large crowd today. It might be difficult."
Lucas pulled out a gun and fired into the air. The customers, frightened by the gunshot, began running out.
The manager quickly arranged for employees to evacuate everyone.
Bella covered her ears in fear and shouted, "Lucas, are you crazy?"
"Today, I just want to shop with you without anyone else around."
"You maniac! There are innocent people here. What if someone gets hurt?"
"I don’t care."
"You..."
Lucas dragged Bella into a jewelry store. Bella felt no joy.
"Bella, look at this emerald necklace. It’s clear and suits you. Try it on."
A sales clerk took the necklace and helped Bella put it on, then handed her a mirror to see herself.
It was the first time Bella wore such a valuable and beautiful necklace. She smiled slightly.
Seeing Bella happy made Lucas feel joy too. He told the clerk, "I’ll take it. Wrap it up."
Lucas held Bella’s hand, and this time, she didn’t pull away. They continued shopping for a while.
Feeling a bit tired, Lucas suggested they rest.
He led Bella to a coffee shop and sat down, holding her close.
"Lucas, why did you decide to take me shopping today?"
"I just wanted to make you happy."
Bella felt her mood improve a bit.
Lucas and Bella return home. The butler brought their evening gowns and jewelry.
"These are for tonight’s party," the butler announced.
Bella asked, "What party?"
"It’s the opening of Alex’s new winery. It’s a business event with many partners attending. We’re going together, and I’ll introduce you to Alex, my good friend."
"Okay."
To Bella’s surprise, she meets not only Lucas’s old friends but also someone from her past.
In the evening, dressed and ready, Bella and Lucas leave for the winery. The venue was lively, with the party held in the courtyard behind the winery. Long tables lined with exquisite snacks and drinks flanked the area.
"Hi, Alex."
"Hi, Lucas."
"This is Bella."
"Hello, I’m Bella."
"Bella, you look beautiful. Congratulations on your marriage. Let me introduce you to my business partner, William Carter."
Everyone exchanged greetings. Lucas then took Bella into the spacious, brightly lit winery hall.
Music started playing, and people began dancing. Lucas led Bella to the dance floor.
It was Bella’s first time at such a grand event. Everyone looked like characters from a fairy tale—elegant and splendid.
After one dance, Bella wanted to touch up her makeup. "Lucas, where is the restroom? I want to freshen up."
"I’ll have someone take you." Lucas called a waiter to escort Bella to the restroom.
After finishing her makeup, Bella walked out, looking down as she adjusted her bag. She didn’t see anyone approaching and accidentally bumped into them.
"Oh, sorry," she said, looking up to see Daniel.
"Daniel? Why are you here?"
"I came with my boss, William. What about you?"
"I..."
Bella didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to tell Daniel she was married.
"Bella," Lucas walked over, putting his arm around her.
"Hello, I’m Lucas, Bella’s husband."
"I’m Daniel, Bella’s friend. Bella, I didn’t know you were married. Congratulations."
Bella kept her head down, not meeting his eyes.
"We’re leaving now," Lucas said, pulling Bella away.
Daniel watched them walk away, feeling a bit sad.
Back at the party, Bella seemed distracted, no longer as enthusiastic as before.
"Bella, what’s on your mind?"
"Nothing."
"Are you thinking about that friend of yours, Daniel? What’s your relationship with him?"
"Neighbors."
"But I think the way he looks at you isn’t just neighborly."
"Shut up."
Bella was irritated by Lucas talking about Daniel.
Lucas grabbed Bella’s hand, reiterating, "I don’t care what your relationship was before. You should not think about him anymore."
Bella didn’t respond.
The two seemed to fall into a silent Cold War, not speaking another word until they got home.
- Writer
