Chapter 3

That night after work, I returned to Briarwood Manor. I hadn't even gotten the chance to rest before my mother dragged me back to the Brown residence, saying it was time to start preparing Catherine's wedding.

Her wedding with Nathaniel was set for next month, and there was still so much to do. They had to choose her wedding dress and shoes, order the flowers, and finalize the venue. They even needed to pick out suits for the groomsmen and dresses for the bridal party.

I frowned immediately, and Catherine caught it. She crossed her arms and shot me an impatient look. "Bella Brown, are you that unwilling to do a little work?"

Every time she was upset, she'd call me by my full name.

In the past, I'd always swallowed it, telling myself she was my younger sister. But this time, I didn't feel like giving in. I answered flatly, "I have work tomorrow. I don't have time."

It was an excuse, but also the truth.

I turned to leave the room. Just then, a series of knocks came from the door. "Bella, are you home?"

I knew that familiar voice belonged to Nathaniel. He was probably here to ask why I ignored him today.

I glanced at Catherine and said lightly, "You go open it. I'm leaving."

As I walked out, I heard his low voice from the courtyard. "Catherine, where's Bella? I haven't seen her these past few days."

"Nathaniel, why are you asking about her? I'm your fiancée now. Are you still in love with her?"

His voice caught. After a long pause, he finally said slowly, "Of course not. It's just… I haven't seen her in a while, and there's something I wanted to ask."

I didn't hear the rest. Back at Briarwood Manor, I focused on getting my goods ready for tomorrow's work. I didn't expect him to actually show up at my door.

Before dawn, heavy knocking echoed through the manor. I frowned and peeked quietly out the window. Seeing it was Nathaniel, I chose to ignore him.

"No one's home? But if Bella isn't here, where else could she be?"

He knew me well and knew there were only a few places I ever went. It wasn't until daylight fully broke that he finally left with frustration.

By then, it was already past 7:00 am. I'd already lost the will to go to work.

So I grabbed my bag and hopped on the bus into the city. In my last life, I rarely ever came downtown.

Nathaniel thought wandering around was nothing but a sign of idleness. So my days had been nothing more than endless trips between home and work.

At the shopping mall, I ran straight into him and Catherine. They were carrying armfuls of things for the wedding, and I overheard Catherine complaining about me.

"Bella is so petty. She's just jealous that you're marrying me, that's why she won't help prepare the wedding."

Nathaniel's face was unreadable, giving away nothing of what he was really thinking.

I lowered my head, trying to avoid them. But then, unexpectedly, he called my name under his breath. "Bella?"

I hurried my steps, bought a movie ticket on a whim, and ducked into the newly opened theater. The movie turned out to be some cheesy romance.

The place was packed with couples, which only made me feel even more out of place sitting there by myself. Not long after I settled in, I caught Catherine's voice close by. "Nathaniel, what are you thinking about? You're not even paying attention to the movie."

My whole body stiffened. I could feel his gaze searching the seats behind me.

He let out a soft sigh and murmured, "Was I really just seeing things?"