Chapter 197: Bella’s request
Bella was momentarily speechless. Who from the family would come to visit her? Grandfather was too frail to leave the mansion, and neither Claudia nor Franklin cared whether she lived or died. Willow had been with her all day but left once Bridget and Joe arrived.
Theodore, she thought, would’ve stayed by her side if he hadn’t been tied up with an important meeting.
"I haven’t been alone," she finally replied. "Friends and family have been here. But I asked everyone to leave. I needed some time alone."
It wasn’t entirely a lie. Bridget and Joe had been reluctant to leave her side, but Bella, overwhelmed with emotion, had asked them to give her space. She was too emotional to continue the conversation with them.
However, Zack didn’t buy it. He could tell how she was hiding the fact. A knowing smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, steering the conversation away.
"The pain is still there," Bella admitted, "but it’s manageable." She glanced at him, forcing a small smile. "I appreciate you coming to see me. It means a lot."
"Bella, if I could, I’d stay with you all day," Zack said, his tone suddenly desperate. He leaned forward, his eyes full of intensity. "I’d do anything for you. Let me be your protector—your partner."
Bella’s discomfort deepened at his words. She turned her gaze away, feeling awkward at his closeness. This wasn’t the conversation she wanted to have. She needed to steer it in a different direction.
"I’ve been thinking about joining Willow’s fashion house," she said abruptly. "I’ll submit my resignation. This time, I need you to accept it."
Zack’s eyes flickered with frustration, but he masked it quickly. He could sense her reluctance, but he wasn’t ready to give up. He’d pursue her relentlessly; certain he could make her his in time. "Fine, I’ll accept your resignation," he murmured.
It was not an issue anymore. Bella would be still around him whether she stayed or resigned.