CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Bella

My hand remained suspended in front of the office door. The voices inside had fallen silent. I lowered my gaze to the folder in my hands.

Perhaps

This wasn't the right time.

Just as I turned to leave, Harry's voice came from inside.

Come in.

He had heard me. Taking a slow breath, I knocked softly before opening the door.

Harry was standing beside his desk.

Brianna sat across from him.

The moment I entered, both of them looked in my direction.

I lowered my head politely.

Alpha.

Harry gave a slight nod.

You've finished reviewing the council recommendations?

Yes.

I stepped forward and placed the folder neatly on his desk.

I've written down a few suggestions.

Harry opened the folder immediately.

His eyes moved across the notes I had made.

The room remained quiet.

After a few moments, he looked up.

These are well thought out.

I only suggested what I believed would benefit the Alpha House.

He nodded once.

I'll have them considered.

I'm glad they were helpful.

Again, silence settled between us.

I waited respectfully. When Harry didn't say anything else, I bowed my head.

If you'll excuse me.

I turned toward the door.

Bella.

I stopped.

Yes, Alpha?

You'll be present at next week's household review.

I understand.

Without another word, I left the office and quietly closed the door behind me.

Inside the office Brianna watched the closed door.

She's changed.

Harry continued reading Bella's notes.

What do you mean?

The Bella I remember would've stayed longer.

Harry didn't respond.

Brianna smiled faintly.

She barely looked at you.

There was nothing else to discuss.

She rose to her feet.

Or maybe she's finally accepted the way things are.

Harry remained silent.

His eyes drifted back to Bella's handwriting.

Every note focused on the Alpha House.

Nothing had been written for her benefit.

He slowly closed the folder.

Is there anything else?

Brianna shook her head.

No.

She smiled gently.

I'll leave you to your work.

Harry gave a small nod.

After Brianna left, the office fell silent once more.

Without realising it, Harry opened Bella's notes again.

I walked slowly back to my room.

Surprisingly, I felt lighter than I had expected. The meeting with Harry had been brief. Professional. Nothing more.

Perhaps this was the most beneficial outcome.

It reminded me not to expect anything beyond the agreement that bound us together.

By the time evening arrived, I had already finished organising the remaining household schedules.

When dinner was announced, I made my way downstairs.

For the first time since we got married, I arrived before Harry.

I quietly took my usual seat.

A few minutes later, he entered the dining room.

His eyes met mine for only a second.

Good evening, Alpha.

Good evening.

He took his seat across from me.

Dinner was served in silence.

Neither of us attempted to start a conversation.

The quiet had become familiar. Not comfortable but expected.

When the meal ended, I placed my napkin beside my plate and stood.

Good night, Alpha.

I turned toward the door.

Bella.

I stopped and looked back.

Harry held my gaze.

For a brief moment it seemed as though he wanted to say something.

Instead, He looked away.

Nothing.

I nodded gently.

Good night.

I left the dining room without another word.

Harry remained seated.

His untouched cup of tea had long since grown cold.

He frowned slightly.

He didn't even know why he had stopped her.

And somehow that unsettled him more than he cared to admit.