Chapter 501
Bella cleaned herself up in the bathroom and changed into another dress. She left the room for a stroll
around and to sober up.
For some reason, she did not feel comfortable with Steven getting down on one knee and wiping the
alcohol off her feet in public.
He had always been considerate and sweet to her.
Since the lingering embrace, she could no longer look him in the eye and accept his kindness without
qualms.
Her friendship with Steven went way back, and they grew up together.
Steven was a close next-door neighbor and subordinate to her. However, Bella could not differentiate
whether Steven saw her as a childhood friend or the one that got away.
Bella could not accept the new dynamics of their friendship.
She sighed frustratedly and looked up, spotting Steven frozen in a
spot not too far away. He looked pale.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Ms. Bella,” Steven called out to her.
“Steve? Why are you here?” Bella was stunned.
Steven swallowed hard and drew close to her. “I was worried about you, so I came to check on you.”
“Steve…”
“It’s been a week. Why won’t you let me return to your side?” Steven
took a good look at her, his voice raspy.
“I’ve been waiting for you to get a clear head and figure things out.”
Resting on the tip of her foot, Bella twirled and leaned against the
wall before facing his warm yet broken gaze. “It’s been a week, Steve. Have you made your decision?”
“Ms. Bella, I like you.
Steven confessed his feelings in a trembling voice, “You can hate me and resent me, but you can’t stop
me from loving you. I never expected you to accept me. I won’t even dream about it. But, Ms. Bella, I
don’t think I have done anything wrong. Am I wrong to love somebody?”
Emotions hid behind Bella’s eyes.
“All I have are my feelings for you. I know I will be in over my head to
think anything can go beyond that. It’s just rude.” Steven grinned brightly.
“You’re not wrong, Steve, but I simply can’t accept your feelings.”
Bella let out a wry smile.
If unrequited love was a mistake, then Bella would stand condemned for giving everything to Justin,
only to be dumped.
“I don’t have the confidence to love anyone anymore. The chapter is closed for me. I have lost interest
in anything to do with romance. So, Steve, unrequited love will fade away soon enough. You should
find the person who can respond to your embrace.”
Bella was a strong, independent woman, never hesitating to tear men
Chapter 501
down.
However, she was considerate toward Steven, whose devotion was to her.
“Ms. Bella, you will find a man who loves you wholeheartedly.” Steven felt a lump in his throat, and his
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmeyes welled up.
“The wise stay out of love. I’m not falling for the same trick twice.”
Bella waved her arm nonchalantly. “I have been there and done that. I’m focused on making money
now. To the single life!”
“So can I come back and work alongside you?”
Steven blinked with a sad face. “I was bored out of my mind during the week-long break.
”
“Oh, of course. Pledge your allegiance to your queen, my knight.’
Feeling cheeky, Bella fancied herself a queen like in the movies and. extended her right arm to him with
poise.
Steven curled his lips gleefully, his eyes sparkling.
This time, he did not get down on one knee. Instead, he leaned
forward and took Bella’s hand to plant a respectful kiss.
“I’m happy to devote myself to you, my queen.”