The Next Day – Afternoon
The corridor leading to the Hercules Salon was unusually quiet, golden light streaming through the tall windows, touching the marble with a soft sheen. Bella appeared at the end of the hallway with steady steps, wearing a dark green suit with a sharp, elegant cut, a white silk shirt beneath adding to its sophistication. Her long black hair flowed completely straight down her back, like a polished line.
She held her phone in one hand, her thumb moving lightly as she read something-an article, a statement, a political analysis? No one knew. What was clear: she had just stepped out of an important formal meeting.
As she neared the salon entrance… Queen Elaine appeared.
Elaine walked surrounded by her court ladies-a display of quiet royal elegance. When her eyes landed on Bella, her features immediately softened. A rare, genuine smile appeared, one seldom seen at formal occasions like this.
The queen raised her hand slightly and stepped toward Bella:
"Bella! What a wonderful coincidence."
Bella stopped immediately and gently closed her phone before bowing in a smooth, noble gesture-measured respect, not exaggeration.
"Your Majesty, it's an honor to see you."
The queen smiled, then extended her hand to grasp Bella's, and after a brief moment… drew her into a warm embrace. The hug was short but sincere, full of clear appreciation. Bella returned it politely, her tone professional yet friendly.
The queen spoke with light playfulness:
"This year is far better with you here… unlike last year."
Bella let out a soft sigh:
"I know, and I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty. I was insanely busy… I unfortunately couldn't attend. I hope you can forgive me."
The queen waved her hand as if brushing off the matter:
"Of course I forgive you. Just tell me… has your meeting with the king concluded?"
"Yes, it just ended. I need a little rest before lunch," Bella replied calmly but clearly.
The queen nodded with full understanding.
"Of course, you must rest. But…" she said with a mild reproach:
"It's impossible that I only saw you once at last night's dinner. I expected a brief visit this morning."
Bella chuckled lightly, a professional yet genuine smile:
"I promise I wanted to. But the invitations… were far too many. Everyone wants to meet Amori personally, and it seems I've become his second priority."
The queen laughed heartily this time:
"Of course… You two are currently the most famous couple among the nobles. And that doesn't surprise me at all."
Then she continued in a more formal tone:
"Very well, Bella… I want you both to visit me for afternoon tea. You and your husband, Amori. I want to meet him… properly."
Bella nodded immediately:
"It will be our honor. We will certainly come."
After exchanging a few more polite phrases, Bella bowed once again gracefully:
"I take my leave now, Your Majesty."
"Go, my dear… rest. I will be expecting you both."
Bella turned with long, straight, confident steps-her height obvious among them; the queen barely reached her chin, and some of the queen's attendants barely reached her cheek or just below her chin.
The queen continued to watch her as she walked away, as if observing an aura of majesty moving before her. Then she turned, continuing her path with the court ladies, a smile still lingering on her lips.
In Bella's Suite – Afternoon
Bella pushed open the door to her suite lightly, entering with tired breaths. Her first step revealed the truth:
No sign of Amori.
She stood in the middle of the room, placing her bag on the console, shaking her head with a half-smile of exhaustion:
"Of course… he went to meet the nobles. The adoring crowd of national team fans."
She began unbuttoning her dark green suit jacket while talking to herself, her tone a mix of grumbling and amusement:
"Yesterday they were nervous around him… today suddenly everyone wants a cup of coffee with him. Poor things, they don't know Amori would happily talk for an hour about French cheeses if they let him."
She removed the jacket completely, tossing it lightly onto a nearby chair, then sat on the edge of the bed before slowly sinking onto the soft surface. She wore a white silk shirt and tailored pants, but the exhaustion on her face spoke volumes: she had endured a very long day.
She finally lay back, her spine resting against the plush mattress, eyes drifting toward the ornate headboard. The ceiling above was hidden behind gilded Rococo frames, filled with intricate designs visible only when lying like this.
After two minutes of silence, she lazily reached into her pants pocket, pulled out her phone, and began scrolling through contacts. Her fingers moved carefully, searching for a specific name.
Then she stopped.
She found it.
She pressed the call button and lifted the phone to her ear.
Seconds later, a cheerful, lively female voice greeted her:
"Helloooo, dear Bella!"
A small, spontaneous smile appeared on Bella's face-the kind she reserved for only a very limited number of people:
"Hello, Rogier… how are you? And how's Shimo?"
Madame Rogier was sitting on her pink velvet sofa, in her elegant home on Rue Saint-Germain. She looked at Shimo-the small, pampered cocker spaniel-rolling on the rug, clutching a plush bunny in his teeth as if fighting a tiny monster.
Rogier replied proudly:
"He's perfectly fine, eating like the little prince he is. But… he can't stop waiting for you."
Bella chuckled lightly, then asked:
"Waiting for me? How so?"
Rogier sighed, as if recounting a sensitive child:
"Every time he hears a door… he rushes immediately, stands tall, and looks toward the entrance. As if saying: Where is she? Aren't those her steps?"
She paused a moment, then added with a sad smile:
"And when he sees it's someone else… he drops his head and slowly returns, broken, as if deceived."
This time, Bella's expression changed noticeably.
The smile quietly disappeared.
She closed her eyes for a moment, as if hiding a heavy feeling.
She spoke in a low but clear voice:
"I missed him… so much."
Madame Rogier didn't try to lighten the mood, speaking the truth plainly:
"And I'm sure he missed you even more."
Bella took a long breath, then said practically:
"I'll hang up now, Rogier. I'll call you via video. I want to see him."
Rogier replied gently:
"Of course, my dear. I'll call him… he's here, but I'll make him sit so he looks nice."
Bella ended the call.
Meanwhile, across Paris, Madame Rogier called softly:
"Shimo… come here, little one, your mom is about to call."
Shimo lifted his head, ears twitching with excitement, and ran toward her, wagging his tail wildly.
A few seconds later… Bella pressed the video call button.
Her phone vibrated lightly before the screen appeared. When she accepted the call, Madame Rogier appeared first, holding the phone at a steady angle. Behind her, the upscale apartment glowed warmly, then a small, fluffy cream-colored head appeared, advancing eagerly toward the screen.
Bella heard Rogier say with a smile:
"Alright… here he comes. Seems he recognized the call tone."
Shimo suddenly approached the camera, his tiny nose nearly touching it, eyes wide and sparkling the moment he saw Bella's face on the screen.
Bella raised her hand to her mouth, stifling a laugh filled with longing:
"Shimoo…! My little angel… Come see… I'm here."
Shimo made a small gurgling sound, then another higher one… then began jumping in place so energetically that the image shook as Madame Rogier tried to hold the phone steady.
Rogier said, trying to control him:
"He's about to topple from joy, Bella. I haven't seen him like this since you left Paris."
Bella gave a soft smile-the kind reserved only for Shimo-and reached out toward the screen as if she could touch him:
"I missed you… I missed you so much. Why are you this adorable?"
Shimo literally tried to stick his head into the phone, licking the screen and wagging his tail so wildly that he disappeared from the frame for a second, only to reappear spinning around in excitement.
Bella chuckled lightly, a tired yet genuine laugh:
"Oh my… he still does this every time he's happy?"
Madame Rogier replied:
"Yes, and I swear he did it this morning just when he heard his name."
Bella's voice softened, becoming warmer and tender:
"Listen to me, Shimo… I'll come back to you. I know you miss me-and I miss you too. Very much."
She tilted her head as if speaking to a child:
"Have you been a brave boy? Eating well? Walking properly?"
Shimo let out a few soft hums, as if saying "yes," then suddenly sat in front of the camera, tilting his head, looking at her with pure longing.
Madame Rogier laughed lightly:
"I think he's a little upset that you're not here physically."
Bella sighed, speaking in a gentle tone tinged with exhaustion from the past days:
"I know… and I know I left him suddenly. I should have taken him with me… but things here are complicated, meetings are many, and people don't give us a single minute."
She looked at Shimo:
"And you… forgive me?"
Shimo wagged his tail twice before raising his little paw toward the screen, as if patting her.
Bella laughed softly:
"That means yes."
Madame Rogier added:
"He's just waiting. When you return, you'll find him running to you down the hallway even before you open the door."
Bella murmured softly:
"I can't wait for that moment."
She paused, then said:
"Alright… let him sleep well, and don't give him too many treats. I saw him last week; he had gained a little weight."
Madame Rogier chuckled:
"He's not fat, Bella… he's just spoiled."
Shimo approached the camera one last time, placing his nose on the screen, as if giving a tiny "kiss."
Bella closed her eyes with a smile:
"I love you, little Shimo. We'll meet soon… promise."
The call ended with Shimo making a faint squeak before the screen went dark.
Bella placed her hand holding the phone gently on her stomach, a light warmth filling her chest after seeing little Shimo. She lifted her eyes to the French-style ceiling above the bed, the carved details and small paintings glimmering softly.
She sighed slowly, breathing deeper than usual, as if every quiet moment after a long day gave her space to think and relax.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then stretched slightly before curling up on the bed, arms hugging her body, her head resting on the velvet pillow.
The room was almost completely silent, except for the gentle whisper of wind from the slightly open window and the faint glimmer of light on the ceiling details.
Bella felt a sense of peace, as if the whole world had paused for a small moment around her-just her, the bed, and the memories of the day blending with thoughts of Shimo and everything she had missed during her travels and busy schedule.
She gradually closed her eyes, letting her body relax completely, warmth filling her heart as her thoughts flowed between past, present, and future.
Time Skip
By late afternoon, when the sun turned a cold golden hue, the Palace of Versailles looked as if from another world, every corner shimmering with soft light, shadows dancing enchantingly across the walls.
At the Petit Trianon, Bella walked beside Amori, heading to Queen Elaine's invitation for afternoon tea.
Bella wore a chic light beige suit, with a finely striped vest, a silk blouse, and wide trousers giving her a tall appearance. She completed the look with a white shoulder bag, low-heeled shoes, and classic sunglasses. Her hair was tied in a thin ponytail, with two strands falling elegantly beside her face.
Amori wore a dark gray coat over a white sweater and black formal trousers, his black classic shoes polished, hair neatly combed to the side, adding an elegant touch to his appearance.
They walked together along the paved corridors, exchanging words about the beauty of the place. Amori seemed astonished by the exquisite details on his first visit: the intricate wall carvings, ornate doors, and colors filling the rooms with warmth and elegance.
Bella laughed lightly, pointing toward a corner:
"It's so beautiful, isn't it? But don't let amazement make you lose track of time; the queen won't wait for us forever."
Amori smiled:
"I've never seen a place this beautiful before… even if my entire world were here, I think Petit Trianon has a special charm."
They continued walking, surrounded by the cool air mingled with the scent of roses and flowers decorating the corridors, while the golden sunlight streamed through the windows, adding a gentle shimmer to everything around them.
In Le salon de compagnie
In Le salon de compagnie, Queen Elainesat in a chair near a small white table, her dark green handbag placed elegantly on the floor beside her. A maid stood nearby pouring tea into the cups, while assorted French pastries were carefully arranged on a marble platter at the center of the table.
The salon itself exuded luxury: white walls adorned with delicate plasterwork, massive golden frames reflecting the golden sunlight streaming through the large windows, a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, adding a soft sparkle to the room. The floor was polished parquet, and the small chairs were upholstered in maroon and pink fabrics on a creamy background, every detail radiating classic French Rococo elegance.
When Bella entered, the queen greeted her with a wide smile. She stood, showcasing her elegance in a deep olive green blouse with a short cut that emphasized her waist, a wrapped front creating a graceful feminine silhouette, and long sleeves ending in a subtle ruffle at the wrist, adding a romantic touch.
Below, she wore a mid-length light green skirt adorned with creamy white floral patterns, A-line cut with a high waist, allowing graceful movement with each step. She carried a structured dark green handbag matching her blouse, and her large round golden earrings added a classical luxurious touch, completing a look that balanced romance and elegance.
The queen stepped slightly aside to welcome them, while Bella and Amori bowed respectfully.
The queen approached Bella and embraced her warmly. Bella returned the hug gently, with a touch of royal respect, then the queen noticed Amori and shook his hand happily, her warm hand touching his lightly with a clear welcoming smile.
"Please, have a seat with me," the queen said, gesturing to two other chairs near the table. They sat while the queen continued speaking with a delighted smile:
"I'm very glad you accepted my invitation today."
Bella nodded lightly, her tone calm but respectful:
"No, Your Majesty, we are even happier to be invited. Who could refuse such a gracious invitation from their queen?"
The queen laughed lightly, gesturing to the table:
"Thank you for your kind words. Please, have some of these French pastries; we prepared them especially for you."
Amori smiled, leaning forward to take a small piece of pastry, while Bella watched quietly. The queen smiled at her again:
"And you, Amori, I didn't get the chance to speak with you properly at yesterday's dinner. I'd like to know you better."
Amori lifted his head with a gentle smile:
"I'm very pleased to have this opportunity, Your Majesty."
The queen began recounting details from the dinner party to Bella and Amori, pointing lightly with her teacup at each comical or amusing moment. Bella and Amori laughed along-not in romantic flirting, but with light-hearted amusement at the quirky incidents among the attendees.
As they spoke, the golden sunlight reflected on the table, glinting off the pastries and the gold accents in the room, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere, as if the salon itself shared their joy and calm after the bustle of the party and the nobles.
Nothing else mattered to Bella more than this moment. Time seemed to slow, allowing her to notice the small details: the queen's hand gestures, Amori's smile, and a soft breeze from the open window that reflected light onto Bella's hair, completing the scene with elegance, warmth in conversation, and the calm of the golden hour.
The queen took a sip of tea before placing her cup on the table, looking directly at Amori with a gentle smile that held clear interest, as if beginning the first round of her official-personal questions.
She spoke in a calm, reassuring voice:
"Tell me, Amori, how have you been lately? And your work-everything going as you wish?"
Amori smiled lightly and answered respectfully and calmly:
"Very well, everything is going smoothly, and the company's performance is better than I expected. Things are very stable."
The queen nodded, then looked ahead briefly before continuing with another question:
"And your family? How are your parents?"
Amori answered concisely, as he usually did:
"They're well, thank you for asking, everything is fine with them."
Then came the slightly more taxing question:
"And how did you meet Bella?"
He hesitated for a moment, then replied honestly:
"We were friends at school in Japan… and that's where we started getting to know each other."
The queen whispered to herself softly, almost inaudibly:
"The same answer as her previous husband…"
Then she returned to normal conversation:
"And did you study in Japan all your life? And why there?"
Amori answered confidently, without hesitation:
"From childhood, I lived in Japan, even though I was born in France. My mother loved Japan very much. I studied at university in Scotland, and after graduation, I began managing my father's main company in France, and from there, my work here started."
The queen smiled faintly, showing understanding:
"So… you and Bella have been connected from the start."
Amori nodded:
"Yes."
The queen murmured lightly, tilting her head as if confirming:
"Yes."
She continued her series of questions, each seemingly casual but revealing her strong interest in Bella's husband.
Bella, meanwhile, sat on the other side, her eyes never leaving Amori. Yet her expression gradually shifted from her faintly sarcastic smile to one of sadness and sympathy. She spoke to herself softly, internally, with quiet irony and bitterness:
"I love the queen… she's truly kind. But she carries a deep love for her children, and that's not a flaw-but the flaw is that she always wants to give them the best in everything, even in relationships. And me?… she sees me as a global golden prize for her son, the heir. Since I was young, she dreamed I would be hers. But now… now she is sad that I married twice, and now compares him with Amori, why I married Amori instead of her son Adrian… and it happened the same with my former husband William."
Bella sighed silently, her sarcastic smile fading gradually, replaced by a deep sadness. Her eyes lowered, remembering the name of her former husband, William.
The salon fell silent, bathed in golden sunlight streaming through the windows, as if watching every moment of this encounter, while Amori calmly answered questions, and Bella quietly wrestled with her inner feelings.
Time Skip
8:00 PM
Bella sat on the stone steps overgrown with green grass in the La salle de Bal / Bosquet des Rocailles courtyard, after having dinner with her parents and Amori. She wore a white shirt, black trousers, and a red blazer, classic black shoes, an elegant black watch, and her hair styled in a high bun with strands falling softly around her face. She held her phone, speaking quietly with someone, as if in a secret meeting, surrounded by the silence of the place except for the faint rustle of the wind and whispers of water from nearby fountains.
She said with a calm smile:
"Don't worry, there won't be any problems… the photos will be taken accurately and sent to you immediately so you can identify the two people."
She paused to listen to the other's reply. After a moment, the voice came back confidently:
"The photographer is excellent; it's Sebastian… don't worry at all."
Bella smiled lightly, then began speaking again, but the other party, sounding slightly mocking, commented on her overconfidence about photography:
"You never trust my way of taking pictures… do you want me to win 'Best Photographer in the World' so you'll trust my photos or what!"
Before Bella could respond, she heard a voice from above the steps:
"Amélie, you mean."
Bella raised her head in curiosity to see Prince Adrian III, the heir, standing, observing the scene with surprised eyes. His long golden hair shimmered under the evening lights, dressed in classic elegant clothing.
Beside him was a young noblewoman with brown hair, also in elegant attire, lightly holding his arm, looking slightly affected by the surrounding atmosphere.
Bella quickly apologized to the other party:
"I'm so sorry… I'll call you later."
She ended the call and tucked away her phone, then turned to face the prince and the young noblewoman, sitting upright but not approaching them.
She greeted calmly:
"Good evening, Prince Adrian…"
She gave a sideways smile, then shook hands with the noblewoman, who didn't hesitate, running toward her excitedly, grabbing Bella's hand firmly:
"I know you! I've been your biggest fan!"
Bella was momentarily surprised by the young woman's enthusiasm, but smiled sincerely, understanding it came from genuine admiration, and replied kindly:
"I'm very happy to meet you… and it's wonderful to meet a fan up close."
The young woman eagerly shared how much she admired Bella and the events she had followed her at, while Bella listened with a friendly smile, occasionally joining the conversation, feeling warmth from this sincere admiration. Meanwhile, Prince Adrian watched with curious eyes, slightly questioning expressions, but he did not interrupt, smiling faintly from time to time.
The atmosphere around them became lively, the young woman's excited voice filling the air, while Bella responded with balanced enthusiasm, laughing and sharing the conversation, as if they were friends who had known each other for years, on that calm golden evening under the evening lights and the cool garden breeze.
As the young noblewoman spoke excitedly to Bella, Adrian approached them quietly, hands behind his back, his gaze focused on Bella. He stood close enough to hear, then said in a curious tone:
"Bella… what's the story about the photos you were talking about?"
Bella lifted her head toward him calmly, giving a brief but direct look. She knew he had overheard part of the call but didn't want to explain anything in front of the eager young lady smiling beside them. She therefore remained silent, looking at him respectfully.
Adrian immediately understood the message. He lightly gestured to the young woman with his hand and said politely:
"Laurine… could you step over there for a moment? I'll join you in a minute."
The young woman laughed shyly, as if the request were sweet, almost like a romantic invitation. Then she approached Adrian, lightly kissed his cheek, and said playfully:
"I'll be waiting, Your Highness."
She then left, waving enthusiastically at Bella.
Once her footsteps disappeared, Adrian and Bella were left alone in the quiet courtyard.
Bella slowly sat back on the stone steps, speaking in a sarcastic tone without even looking at him:
"Oh… is she a new one?"
Adrian gave a sideways smile as he approached to sit beside her:
"Almost… but she's not my girlfriend."
Bella raised an eyebrow and said coldly and sharply:
"She seems very nice. And she doesn't deserve a manipulator like you."
He sat next to her, resting his forearms on his knees, staring ahead, and said:
"I don't break hearts, Bella. But it's my right to end a relationship if I cannot return someone's feelings… I won't stay with someone just to please society."
Bella sighed deeply, as if she had encountered this type of justification before, and then said with clear bitterness:
"Poor girls who get hurt because of you. And honestly? There's no way you could be the next heir… someone arrogant like you, manipulating people's feelings? God help us."
Adrian raised his eyebrows suddenly and placed his hand dramatically on his forehead, as if he were a character on a classic French stage, speaking in an overly theatrical tone:
"Oh… you've stabbed my heart, Bella… what injustice is this? I… the humble… the calm… the innocent?"
He looked at her as if expecting her sympathy, while she gave him a half-smile that betrayed her sarcasm.
Adrian turned his head toward her slightly, as if he had suddenly remembered something, and said in a more serious tone this time:
"Right… Bella, you didn't answer me. What's the story about you taking photos of two people… and Sebastian will be with you?"
Bella paused for a moment, breathing slowly, thinking how to answer without revealing the truth or sounding too contrived. Then she replied with calculated coldness:
"Just a challenge from one of my acquaintances. They want excellent photos inside the palace, and since Sebastian knows the corridors and angles well, I'll have him help… nothing strange about it."
Adrian responded briefly:
"Ah…"
A sign he was convinced-or at least no longer saw it as important enough to press further.
But a spark of curiosity hit him, and he asked:
"Your acquaintances? Who exactly do you mean?"
Bella sighed inwardly, then said in a completely steady voice:
"Madame Rogier."
And she lied without even blinking. Yet he believed her without hesitation, merely nodding slowly before lifting his gaze to the sky, which had grown a deep blue with the moonlight and glimmering stars, scattered with a few clouds.
In a very calm voice, as if speaking to himself, he said:
"You know… I remember our childhood. How we used to run here and play as if this place belonged to us… we were truly friends."
Bella slowly turned to him and raised an eyebrow:
"Friends? You were just a coward running from responsibilities. You caused trouble with me… then left me to face the consequences alone."
She could not hide the sarcasm in her voice.
Adrian burst out laughing, a clear, high laugh that echoed off the empty stone courtyard:
"Ha ha ha… that's true! I remember exactly. Especially the time we stole pastries from the kitchen… and when they discovered it, I ran away, and you were left with the servants. You even swore you only ate a small piece."
Bella had long forgotten the memory, but it struck her forcefully. She laughed, though her laughter was more annoyed than amused:
"Yes… and I was humiliated because of you, while you escaped like a ghost."
Adrian continued laughing mercilessly, while Bella gave him a look that mixed real annoyance with a reluctant nostalgia she did not want to show.
Once Adrian's laughter finally subsided, a light silence fell over the La salle de Bal / Bosquet des Rocailles courtyard. He stared ahead at the fountain, reflecting the last rays of light on the water's surface, before speaking in a low voice, almost like a confession from deep inside:
"You know… I miss my childhood. Everything was simple… and my happiest times were always when I met you.
And now? Each of us is drowning in endless responsibilities."
Bella smiled lightly, gazing at the gradually darkening sky, and said with a short, sincere laugh:
"True… the world shows no mercy."
A very brief silence settled between them, bridging memories and reality. Bella continued staring at the sky, lost in thoughts extending far beyond the courtyard. Adrian watched her silently, studying her features with rare comfort, a small smile forming on his face without knowing how it appeared.
She did not notice. Or perhaps she did… and chose to ignore it.
While Bella remained absorbed in the sky, Adrian dared a little. He moved his arm slowly, placing it naturally on her shoulder, as if it were an old habit unchanged since childhood.
Bella snapped back to reality. She looked at him, then smiled and shook her head lightly, her voice carrying the playfulness and memories:
"You still do that? You always pretended to be cold and put your hand on me to warm up… even when it was hot outside."
Adrian smiled the same spoiled-child smile as before, while a series of memories opened in Bella's mind… how they sat in the palace gardens, how he would throw his arm around her with pure childish audacity, and how they laughed endlessly.
The memories hit her all at once. She laughed-a louder, clear laugh that echoed among the old stone walls. Adrian followed immediately, laughing too, as if they had instantly returned to another time.
The courtyard was filled with the sound of their laughter, as if time had reversed for a minute… bringing back a moment from days when everything was simpler, lighter… and more genuine.
Nearby, La salle de Bal / Bosquet des Rocailles
Not far from them, Amori was walking slowly, searching for Bella through the courtyard. As he advanced, he caught the sound of her loud, familiar laugh. But what caught his attention more… was that another man's laugh accompanied it.
His expression changed instantly, his steps quickened, then he ran toward the source of the sound.
When he arrived, he froze for a moment.
He saw Bella sitting on the grassy steps, with the long-haired blond youth putting his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer as if it were familiar between them. A sudden wave of suspicion… of fear… surged through Amori's chest.
He shouted without thinking:
"Bella!"
The laughter of both stopped instantly. Bella turned to him first, smiling clearly upon seeing him. The young man turned slowly… and Amori recognized him at first glance.
It was Adrian III, the heir.
Amori's features froze; clear annoyance… and coldness.
He began descending the steps toward them quickly.
Bella greeted him and asked why he was late, stepping slightly away from Adrian, who had gently pulled his arm. She observed Amori with a sideways glance, smiling with faint sarcasm… as if issuing a silent challenge.
Amori said in a tone of obvious irritation:
"I intended to surprise you… but it seems you surprised me instead."
Bella understood immediately. She took a deep breath and said with mild exasperation:
"There's nothing between Adrian and me. He's just a childhood friend. We were talking and laughing… that's all. As for the embrace? It's nothing unusual, and I'll know exactly if he crosses the line."
Amori made a short sound, pretending to understand the situation. He trusted Bella… but he did not trust Adrian at all.
He then extended his hand to the prince in a dry greeting, and Adrian reciprocated with the same coldness.
The atmosphere shifted immediately. A gentle tension… yet unmistakably clear.
Bella watched them, her eyes darting back and forth. Then suddenly, she furrowed her brows, lifted her chin, and made her face completely rigid… mimicking their sharp expressions with a comical seriousness.
Amori noticed and asked in surprise:
"What are you doing?"
She replied nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders:
"I see you two throwing those stiff-face looks… so I thought: why not join in?"
The two men sighed simultaneously, clearly annoyed by her deliberate mockery.
As for her? She held the grimace… for just another second… then burst out laughing.
The two men stood while Amori stepped forward, positioning himself between them on a single step, the tension lingering between Amori and Adrian. Each seemed careful to maintain their "dignity"… yet neither was willing to give an inch.
Adrian, crossing his arms, said with exaggerated coldness:
"I didn't expect to see you here so quickly, Amori. Your reaction… is remarkable."
Amori responded almost as calmly, but with a subtle edge:
"The laughter was loud enough. I feared someone might need… saving."
Adrian's mouth curved into that familiar smile, signaling one thing: a challenge.
"Relax. No hero was needed."
"Good," said Amori, smiling reassuringly.
"Heroism requires danger… and I see none here."
Bella stood between them, looking left… then right… as if watching a slow tennis match. Then, with deliberately exaggerated formality, she said:
"I'm pleased to inform you that your trust levels are remarkably high. Just an observation."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, looking at her:
"Are you mocking us?"
She replied with complete seriousness:
"Not at all. I just appreciate this unique mix of suppressed jealousy and restrained masculinity."
Amori held back a comment, then said sarcastically, directing his words at the prince:
"At least it seems your old friendship… is very effective to this day."
Adrian responded quickly:
"Oh, what a surprise. You're quick to form impressions."
Bella clapped her hands, as if announcing the start of a new round:
"Well… since you've started this game of poisoned words, should I bring scorecards? Who will earn the highest marks in refined sarcasm?"
The two paused for a moment, then exchanged a simultaneous glance that said: "Please… not now."
Bella raised an eyebrow:
"Lovely. Even your glances are coordinated. Excellent move for international relations."
Adrian could not contain himself, letting out a very short laugh. Amori did the same, despite trying to hide it. Then the prince said:
"I suppose your presence between us will prevent World War III."
Bella replied without hesitation:
"Exactly. So please… tone down the rivalry, because I will not deal with two men acting as if competing for the title of 'Most Manly at the Fountain.'"
The two took a deep breath… the breath of a victor who had not truly won.
Bella smiled with relief… watching the effort they were putting in to avoid losing to each other.
The three shared a brief moment of silence before Adrian cleared his throat, as if suddenly remembering a critical royal duty. He placed his hand behind his back and lifted his chin with exaggerated lightness:
"I suppose I must return now. The noble lady awaits me… and it is unbecoming of me, as a nobleman, to be late for her."
Bella did not wait a second. She raised an eyebrow and said with blunt sarcasm:
"A nobleman? Adrian, the only noble trait you possess is your blood… the rest is zero."
He placed his hand on his chest as if struck theatrically in the heart:
"Ah… that hurts… it hurts so much."
Amori let out an exasperated sigh, while Bella only said briefly:
"You deserved it."
Adrian returned to his spoiled royal posture:
"In any case… I apologize for the disturbance. May I be excused?"
Bella extended her hand politely to bid him farewell.
A grave mistake.
Adrian, as swift as lightning, grabbed her hand and bowed, slowly kissing it in a measured way, as if performing a sacred ritual. His eyes sparkled with a strange satisfaction.
In his mind, he was living in another world:
"Oh my God… I kissed Bella's hand… how beautiful it is… per-"
Slap.
A sharp, quick slap echoed through the entire courtyard.
Bella withdrew her hand, staring at him with real intensity:
"Do not ever do that again. Ever."
Amori? He froze in place… mouth agape… as if struck by an electric shock, unable to process what had just happened.
Adrian placed his hand on his cheek… then burst into genuine, joyful laughter:
"Wonderful… amazing. Most ladies would feel shy if a handsome, wealthy young man kissed their hand… and you?! You slap me!"
Bella responded with unwavering confidence:
"I would have slapped you even if you were a handsome emperor. Do not test my patience."
Adrian laughed again, lowering his voice as he looked at her in a way she did not notice:
"And that… is exactly what I like about you."
"What did you say?" Bella asked.
"Nothing," he replied immediately, smiling. "I leave you in your care."
He walked up the steps, moving away confidently, as if he had left victorious despite the slap.
Two seconds later… Amori returned to life.
He looked at Bella first… then at Adrian's back… and then exploded:
"He kissed your hand!!! In front of me!!!"
He tried to rush after him, threatening:
"I'll teach him a lesson! I'll make him regret-"
Bella grabbed his arm quickly:
"Calm down! Relax! I slapped him. The matter is over."
"Not over!" Amori shouted, struggling to break free. "He touched your hand!"
"Yes, and I slapped him. Done. Enough drama, Amori."
He stood in place… yet kept glaring in the direction the prince had gone, a look that said if it were up to him, a small war would have been declared.
Bella placed her hand on her forehead and said:
"God… give me patience to deal with these two… one acting like a spoiled prince, the other like a jealous bodyguard."
Yet despite everything… she laughed.
Even if just a little.
To be continued…😘🍑