Chapter 79: No bra
On their way back to the castle, Belle sighed repeatedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. Eventually, Hezekiah could no longer ignore it.
"Does his presence affect you that much?" He asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts. Belle jumped, startled by the sudden inquiry.
"Why would you say that?" She responded, quickly straightening her face.
"You have been distracted since we left," he pointed out. "Are you sure you are okay?"
Belle muttered a quiet "Oh," realizing her mistake. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke.
"I just can’t understand why he keeps doing this to himself. I thought he truly loved Sofia back then, but now it just feels like he enjoys toying with women."
"So, you are concerned about him?" Hezekiah asked.
Before she realized it, she answered, "Yes." Her eyes widened in alarm when she caught herself. "I mean, I am not *concerned* concerned, just... concerned for the women who keep falling into his trap. It’s not personal, really," she explained, trying to justify her words. Hezekiah simply smiled, not wanting to make things awkward.
"You are right, but you also fell into that trap," Hezekiah said, turning slightly away from her. "And no one warned you about it. Moreover, those other women willingly allow themselves to be played with. None of them truly love him like you did. They are after his body and wealth."