Swayed by emotions, Bella approached Sophie and got down on one knee. She looked up with a bright
smile and said, âChris has a friend
in me, so donât worry.â
Christopher took off his jacket, his slender build drawn out by his white shirt and gray vest. He went to
the kitchen, looking rather chic.
Although Bella was a guest, she felt bad letting him cook for her.
Thus, she followed him to the kitchen.
âIâll help you. You donât have a chef. It will take you forever to cook dinner.â Bella looked at the table of
ingredients and rolled up her
sleeves to get to work.
âItâs okay. I have everything ready. It should be quick and easy to
make dinner.â
While talking, Christopher looked at her with concern and murmure Bella, I remember that youâre
allergic to smoke. It can get greasy an smoky in the kitchen. You should head to the living room and
chat with my mother.â
Bella paused, her eyes twinkling in surprise. âH-How did you know Iâm allergic to smoke?â
âDonât you remember? Your dad would take you to my home when you were a kid, and my brother
would demand a cookout, ordering the household help to start the grill in the backyard. When it started
to get
smoky, your dad carried you away nervously, saying that you were allergic to smoke. I still remember
your dad getting worked up and yelling at my dad.â
Christopher chuckled. âYouâre the apple of your dadâs eye.â
Bella stared at him in a daze and felt a lump in her throat.
Despite her best efforts, she could not stop her eyes from tearing up.
During the three years she had been with Justin and cooked for him, the man had no idea that she had
an allergic reaction to smoke.
However, Christopher did not forget the trivial matter that happened
over a decade ago.
âItâs okay. Iâll help you.â
Bella stood alongside Christopher in front of the sink, preparing the fresh ingredients skillfully.
Christopher swallowed hard and quietly stepped closer to her.
âThank you, Bella.â
âI should thank you for treating me to dinner.â
âThatâs not what I mean.â
Christopherâs voice was raspy as he smiled wryly. âYouâve seen my mother. Her memory is regressing
badly. Sometimes, she doesnât even recognize me. There are times that she thinks Iâm still 7 years
old.â
âI understand. Itâs one of the symptoms of Alzheimerâs.â Bella sighed.
âIâm grateful that you are willing to make her happy with me.â
Their eyes met, and their foreheads bumped into each other.
They chuckled, taken aback.
It was a happy and tender moment at the villa.
Beyond the walls of the residence, it was cold and windy.
Justin stood rooted to the ground outside the villa, staring intently at
the warm light.
He had no idea how long he had been there or how much longer he
would stand there.
There was only one thing on his mind.
He was waiting for Bella. He was waiting for her to come out and see
him.
She had to leave one way or another, right?
Suddenly, Justin felt something cold on his face. The biting co spread throughout his body.
He lifted his chin as the tiny snowflakes fell on his pale face and
melted into his bloodshot eyes.
It was snowing.
Savrow welcomed its first snow in the winter.
The first snow was a blank canvas. It signified a fresh chapter, full of
potential and the promise of something special.
He thought to himself, âBella, I want to experience the first snow with
you.â
Justin breathed out a puff of cold air and pulled out his phone shakily
to dial Bellaâs number.