"Oh my God, you guys are my absolute favourite couple," Bella squealed, her hands flying to her mouth. "You don't understand I even made you my wallpaper!" She quickly flashed her phone screen at them, showing a lock screen of Na-jin and Ri-joon smiling together.
The couple glanced at each other, visibly touched by the sincerity in Bella's voice. Chris, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and a crooked smile tugging at his lips. He never would have imagined seeing his girlfriend this giddy and starstruck.
"It's an honour to meet you too," Ri-joon said warmly, drawing his wife closer. "Though, if I'm being honest, my wife actually came over because she wanted a picture with you."
"Me?" Bella blinked, stunned.
Na-jin nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I saw the rumours about you and Mr. Hampson. Turns out they were true." She smiled softly. "I really like you two together. I'm rooting for you. Fighting!" She lifted her fist in encouragement.
Bella's heart swelled. To hear support from someone outside her family and close circle meant the world. "Thank you," she whispered, smiling so wide her cheeks hurt.
"Can I... can I call you Unnie?" Bella asked shyly.
Na-jin's smile widened. "Of course. In fact, why don't we exchange numbers? I don't have many friends here in the UK, and you seem so genuine. I'd love to be friends."
Bella's breath caught. Her idol wanted her number. She glanced at Chris nervously, afraid he might object. But Chris gave a single, silent nod. Encouragement.
Bella typed her number into Na-jin's phone, her hands trembling from excitement, and then the three of them posed for photos. Na-jin even insisted on one with Chris and Bella together, before the couple returned to their table.
"Happy first wedding anniversary," Bella called after them.
The actress froze, then turned back with wide eyes and a dazzling smile. "Thank you."
Chris, however, shook his head in disbelief. She even memorised their anniversary? My woman surprises me every day.
When they were alone again, Chris chuckled. "Who would have thought you of all people could fangirl like that? It's... honestly cute to watch."
Bella giggled. "It's not my fault I adore them both. You really should watch their movies with me sometime."
The word love slipped past her lips, and Chris's smile faltered. His chest tightened with something sharp and unreasonable. Jealousy.
Bella noticed the sudden change. "Did I say something wrong?" she asked gently.
"No," Chris replied curtly.
"Then why are you frowning? I don't like it when you frown it makes you look less handsome," Bella teased softly, reaching across the table.
Chris caught her hand first, squeezing it firmly, his eyes locked on hers. He didn't trust himself to explain the possessive streak burning in him.
Just then, the opening chords of Thinking Out Loud floated through the restaurant speakers. The staff dimmed the lights, and the atmosphere shifted romantic, glowing, intimate.
Bella's lips parted. "This is one of my favourites." Without hesitation, she began singing softly along, her eyes never leaving Chris.
Chris's heart swelled. He knew the song, and he knew exactly what it meant to her. Slowly, he rose and extended his hand. "Dance with me."
She took it.
They moved together in the gentle dim light, Bella's arms around his neck, Chris's hands resting securely at her waist. Their voices mingled with the lyrics, sweet and sincere, until Bella placed her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
When the last note faded, Bella looked up. Her smile was radiant, brighter than anything Chris had ever seen.
And in that moment, he realised he'd give up every car, every company, every title he owned, just to keep that smile on her face.
Chris couldn't take his eyes off Bella. Even beneath the dim glow of the restaurant, she was luminous. Her smile, her eyes, the softness of her skin everything about her seemed almost unreal.
Bella, in turn, was lost in him. Christian Hampson wasn't just a man with a perfect face; he was a man with a soul that reached into hers, pulling her closer every day. She had been uncertain of her feelings in the past, but in Paris trapped and terrified in that lavatory his was the only face she longed for. That was when she had known.
Chris cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing her cheeks as he kissed her deeply, passionately, until both of them were breathless.
"I love you," he murmured against her forehead, his voice low and raw.
Bella's heart skipped. For a moment she hesitated but then she smiled, her voice firm and sure. "I love you."
Chris froze. He hadn't expected her to say it back not yet. Hearing those words from her lips made his chest tighten, his pulse race. He smiled without meaning to, the kind of smile that made him look even more devastatingly handsome.
Meanwhile, at the Frederick residence, Leonard, Cindy, Thelma, and Lilian sat at the dining table. It was rare for the family to eat together; everyone was usually too busy, scattered by business and personal pursuits.
Leonard cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "The company's end-of-year party is on the twenty-ninth. You all must attend. There's an important announcement I'll be making."
Lilian rolled her eyes. "Why not just tell us now? Why drag us to a party?"
"You'll understand when the time comes," Leonard said firmly. "Even your mother doesn't know yet."
"Are you planning to step down from the company?" Cindy asked sharply.
"Of course not," Leonard replied. "I won't leave until I know there's someone I can trust to take over. Since Thelma and Mia have no interest, I have to think about the future carefully."
He shifted his gaze to Thelma. "Speaking of which... when's your next meeting with Chris? Have you spoken to him since last time?"
Thelma's lips tightened. She'd been waiting for Chris's call. He had promised to send sketches of aircraft designs before the week ended, but there had been nothing. She had forced herself not to call, desperate not to look needy, though that was exactly how she felt.
"He said he'd reach out, but I haven't heard from him or his assistant," she admitted.
"Then call his assistant tomorrow," Leonard said flatly. "Tell him your father is displeased. You can't keep dragging your feet."
At that moment, Lilian pushed back her chair, intending to slip away, but Leonard stopped her.
"Mia," he said, his brow furrowed. "Are you alright? You've been unusually quiet."
Lilian forced a smile. In truth, she was heartsick Desmond had been distant, cold, pulling back just when she thought things were serious between them. But she wasn't about to confess that at the table.
"I'm fine, Dad. Just tired," she lied smoothly.
"Is Hampson Airways overworking you?" Cindy asked, concern softening her tone.
"No, Mum. I actually love the job," Lilian said. "That's why I keep doing it."
Cindy patted her arm gently. "Well, if you ever feel like leaving, you can always come work at LFB."
Before Lilian could respond, Thelma's phone rang. It was Arian. She stepped aside to answer, her voice clipped. "Speak."
"Madam," Arian whispered. "Mr Hampson seems to have noticed Bella is being followed. I saw men near her house earlier, and then he showed up himself to take her out. It looked like a date."
Thelma's blood ran cold. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles whitened. Bella. Out. On a date. With Chris. Fury burned through her chest.
"Stay low," she ordered, her voice icy. "And never get caught. If you do, don't you dare mention my family's name. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," Arian replied quickly before ending the call.
When Thelma turned back, her parents and sister were staring at her curiously.
"What was that about?" Cindy demanded.
"Who were you talking to?" Lilian pressed.
Leonard said nothing, only studied his daughter's face intently.
Thelma sighed heavily. "It was Arian. He told me Chris has deployed bodyguards to Bella's house. Worse, he actually took that slut out on a date. Right now, they're together."
Cindy's eyes widened. "Chris must never connect Arian to us. If he does, everything we've planned will crumble."
Thelma folded her arms, pacing. "I already told him to lay low. But maybe we should release a picture of those two—one they can't deny. Force them to come clean about their relationship."
"I hate the thought of them being out together," she muttered, her face twisted with rage.
Lilian thought quickly. She couldn't let Thelma's emotions ruin their advantage. If she wanted to disrupt Bella's evening, there was another way. She pulled out her phone and dialled Bella's number.