Mr Joe Anderson arrived not long after Vera's surgery. His face was pale, his hands shaking as he walked quickly into the waiting area. The moment he saw Bella, he almost stumbled.
"I got your message," he said hoarsely. "Bella, I thought I had lost her. I cannot... not again."
Bella's chest tightened. She understood. He had already lost a wife once, and now the fear of losing Vera had nearly broken him. Though he and Vera were not married yet, Bella had no doubt they would be someday. They deserved that happiness.
Mr Anderson wanted to stay the night with Vera, but Bella insisted she would as well. He gently shook his head. "Go home, child. You need rest. I will stay."
Reluctantly, Bella agreed.
What surprised her most was Christian. He had not left her side once. He had stayed through the doctor's explanations, through her breakdown, through her outbursts. Why? She had always thought of him as a cold demon in human form, a man who thrived on arrogance. Yet today he had been patient, present, and almost... gentle.
There were so many questions burning inside her, but none of them found their way to her lips.
Christian had his driver bring his black Porsche 911 Turbo Mansory to the hospital. The sleek car gleamed under the lights, its interior designed with precision and elegance. Bella could not help herself. She sighed as she slid into the passenger seat.
"This car is beautiful," she murmured. "So is it true? You own more than ten limited edition cars?"
Christian smirked, settling into the driver's seat. "You are very right. All black."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Smirking jerk."
"I heard that," he replied, his violet eyes flashing her way.
"Oops," she said with a nervous laugh.
"Almost everything I own is limited edition," he continued, shrugging casually. "I do not like sharing."
"That sounds exactly like you," Bella muttered.
On the way, she texted Bianca and her brothers about her mum's condition. None of them replied immediately. She assumed they were busy. Soon after, her phone rang. It was Bianca.
"Hello" Bella began, but Bianca's voice cut through.
"Why are you just telling me this now?"
"I am sorry, babe. I did not want to bother you. She is fine now, so you can relax, mummy's girl." Bella smiled softly as she spoke.
"Where are you?" Bianca asked.
"On my way home," Bella replied.
"And who is staying with your mum?"
"Her boyfriend."
"Oh, right. I have to go, Austin needs me."
"Alright, darling. Good night. Say hi to Austin for me."
"Good night," Bianca said, and the line went dead.
Bella smiled faintly. Bianca was always busy, but she and Austin were inseparable. Married for a year now, their love had remained as strong as when they were teenagers. He owned a five star hotel in London and was a renowned architect, creating luxurious designs for celebrities and the wealthy. Together, they were everyone's definition of couple goals.
"What would you like to eat?" Christian asked suddenly.
"I am not hungry," Bella muttered.
Her stomach betrayed her. The loud growl echoed in the quiet car, so loud that Bella wished the earth would swallow her whole. She gave an awkward smile, her cheeks burning.
Christian said nothing, his expression unreadable, but she saw the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips as he kept driving.
Bella distracted herself by scrolling through YouTube. She smiled at videos of BTS, her favorite band. Jungkook was her bias, his voice and charm captivating her completely. She also loved Astro, especially Cha Eun Woo. She had watched nearly all his dramas and could never get enough.
"Aren't you coming?" Christian's voice startled her.
She looked up and gasped.
The building in front of them sparkled under the night lights. It was breathtaking the most expensive Italian restaurant in the United Kingdom. Bella had only seen it online, in articles featuring the rich and powerful. In reality, it was even more beautiful.
"We do not have all day, Ella," Christian said, already walking toward the entrance.
"Oh, sorry," she mumbled, hurrying after him.
Inside, waiters and waitresses lined up in perfect formation, greeting him in unison. "Good evening, Mr Hampson." Their voices echoed like a rehearsed choir.
Bella froze. It felt like they were welcoming royalty. Or a president. She suddenly became hyperaware of her clothes. She was still in her uniform, far too simple for a place like this. Embarrassment burned her cheeks. To make things worse, when she tried to stifle her laughter at the stiff expressions of the staff they looked like they were holding their breath around him it came out as a cough. Everyone turned to glare at her.
She wanted to disappear.
Christian, meanwhile, did not even acknowledge the staff. No smile, no nod, not even a glance. His presence alone demanded their attention, and he walked straight past them into a private VIP room. Bella followed quietly, her eyes wide as she took in the décor.
The room was exquisite, every detail luxurious. Golden chandeliers, velvet seating, marble floors. It looked worth billions. Bella was afraid to even touch the table in case she broke something priceless.
They ordered. Bella picked pasta, the only dish she recognized. She had never dared to try expensive Italian cuisine before. Normally she preferred Korean dishes Jajangmyeon, Tteokbokki, or kimchi stew with rice.
The food arrived quickly. Bella's pasta was delicious, rich with flavor. Christian had ordered a different recipe, equally decadent. They ate in silence, but it was not uncomfortable.
The waitress who served them seemed to have eyes only for Christian. She lingered, bending a little too low, her gaze practically undressing him. Bella rolled her eyes. But when Christian looked at the woman, his eyes were like steel.
"Button up," he said coldly. "Or you will lose your job."
The waitress flushed crimson and hurried out. Bella tried to hold back her laugh but failed, her giggle slipping out.
When the meal ended, Bella reached for her purse. She pulled out her ATM card, determined.
Christian's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?"
"You want to pay for your food?" His voice was low, serious.
"Of course. I already feel indebted to you in too many ways. I cannot let you pay for this too." She stood, card in hand.
Before she could move further, his hand shot out, grasping hers. His touch was firm but not harsh.
"I own this place," he said with a sigh.
Bella blinked. "Oh... wow."
It was all she could manage.
Because once again, Christian Hampson had reminded her of the gulf between their worlds.