Chapter 15
“Yeah, I’m with him. So what?” Bella’s voice was icy, her expression colder still.
Seth didn’t flinch. He said sternly, “I won’t allow it. Don’t you know what kind of person Danny is? He’s had more girlfriends than I can count. Guys like him–spoiled, reckless-
they don’t take anything seriously. He’s not going to love you the way you deserve.”
Bella let out a quiet, mocking laugh. The corners of her lips curved up, but it didn’t reach
her eyes.
“You’re right,” she said, “I don’t know what kind of person he is. But I know exactly what kind of person you are. Do I need to go down the list of things you’ve done to me? And besides, who I’m with now has nothing to do with you anymore, does it? So do us both a favor–go back to wherever you came from. You’re not welcome here.”
Her words hit harder than any blow. Seth couldn’t hide the hurt in his eyes.
“You’d really say that to me? For him? I’m just worried about you, Bella. I would never hurt
you.”
Her laugh was sharper this time. “Right. You were thinking of me when you had me donate a kidney to your precious Faye, without anesthesia. If that’s your idea of caring, then I’m
sorry–I can’t afford it.”
She didn’t wait for his response. She reached for Danny’s hand and walked away, leaving
Seth frozen where he stood.
He had crossed mountains to find her. He hadn’t slept a wink the entire day. But what
greeted him was the image of Bella holding another man’s hand.
It felt like thunder cracking open a clear blue sky.
Danny glanced sideways at Bella. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did back there. I just…”
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+25 Bonus
She cut him off. “There’s no need to apologize. I know you meant well. In fact, I appreciate it.”
His eyes
lit up.
Bella nodded.
He scratched the back of his head, bashful. “Really?”
He hesitated again, his voice a little nervous. “What he said earlier–it’s not true. I haven’t dated anyone since I started liking you. I really mean it. I’m not the playboy people think I am. I’ve got my own business. I’ve grown up.”
Bella took a few steps forward, the faintest smile hidden in her eyes.
“I know.”
3
Color rushed to Danny’s face. He stammered, “Then… would you maybe give me a chance? To pursue you properly?”
She turned back to him, her smile dazzling. “If I wasn’t giving you a chance, what exactly do you think you’ve been doing all this time?”
His ears turned bright red. Joy danced in his voice, barely contained.
“Bella, I swear–one day, you’re going to be my girlfriend!”
A few days later, Danny pulled Bella by the hand to an open field, practically glowing with
excitement.
She looked at him, puzzled. “Why are we out here so late? I’m exhausted. I was about to fall
asleep.”
As soon as she spoke, a burst of crackling sounded in the sky.
Then–fireworks.
Bright, brilliant fireworks exploded overhead, lighting up the night like a thousand falling
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stars. Bella froze. The beauty stunned her speechless.
Then, just as the last spark faded, Danny turned to her, palms open.
In his hand was a pendant–not just any pendant.
It was her pendant. The one Faye had shattered.
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But now, it was whole again. Flawless. As if it had never been broken. As if her parents had
never left.
Tears welled in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to remember something she’d said in passing, let alone hold it close.
Danny’s hands trembled as he spoke.
“Bella, my whole life has been mapped out by my parents. Everything, every step… decided for me. But liking you—that’s the one thing I’ve chosen for myself. I fixed the pendant, but what I really want you to know is your parents are still with you, in ways you might not
see.
“And me… I’d be honored to be your boyfriend. To be the third person to protect you. Bella…
be my
will you
girlfriend?”
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Chapter 18
