Leonardo gave Bella one last unreadable look before he followed his father out. Jay hostuck his tongue out at her playfully when he passed, whispering, "Don't miss me too much, Bella-bell!" She giggled despite herself and waved him off.
Once they left, the villa felt calmer again — no heavy tension, no cold eyes watching her every move. Bella let out a tiny sigh and sat there for a moment, her thoughts still warm from Alessandro's kindness.
And just when she was about to stand up, a familiar, laid-back voice made her look up in surprise. "Yo! I heard my favourite student is back."
"Theo!" Bella's face lit up like a little lamp. She nearly bounced off her chair, the memory of her heavy thoughts disappearing. "You're here! You didn't forget my guitar lessons?"
