CHAPTER SIX

Bella

The smug smile on Harry's face only grew wider.

You were saying? he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Heat rushed to my face.

"I…" My voice caught in my throat.

The bond was finally settling, but my body still trembled from everything that had happened only moments ago. My clothes were a mess, my breathing uneven, and standing in front of him while he looked completely composed only made the embarrassment worse.

I didn't mean it.

"No?" His eyebrow lifted.

I lowered my eyes.

I'm sorry, Alpha.

He walked toward me slowly until only a step separated us.

You've become bolder.

I lost my temper.

You called your Alpha a bastard.

His voice wasn't loud.

If anything, it was calm.

That somehow felt more intimidating.

I apologised.

You did.

Silence settled between us.

I could feel his eyes on my face, studying me, waiting for something.

I didn't know what.

Finally, he stepped around me and picked up the file that had fallen from the desk during our argument.

He placed it back neatly before speaking again.

This won't happen again.

For a second, I thought he meant the argument.

Then I understood.

Us.

The kiss.

The bond pulling us together.

Everything.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

Of course.

It was a mistake.

Those four words hurt more than I expected.

But I nodded anyway.

Yes, Alpha.

He looked satisfied with my answer.

Good.

I bent down to gather the remaining documents scattered across the floor. Neither of us spoke while I stacked them together.

The room felt strangely empty now.

Only minutes ago, it was filled with heat, anger, and desperation.

Now it felt colder than before. I turned toward the door.

Where are you going? Harry asked.

Back to my room.

You still have work.

I stopped.

I've finished today's reports.

There are tomorrow's reports.

I looked back at him.

I'll complete them after breakfast.

He stared at me for several seconds before giving a short nod.

Fine.

I reached for the doorknob.

Bella.

My hand froze.

Yes, Alpha?

His voice came quieter this time.

Keep today between us.

A bitter smile almost escaped me.

As if anyone would believe me.

I opened the door and walked out before he could answer.

The corridor was empty. Each step away from his office made breathing easier. But the bond refused to quiet completely. It lingered beneath my skin, reminding me that no matter how much distance I put between us, it would always exist. I hated it. Not because it was there. Because it was one-sided. Harry wanted nothing to do with it. Nothing to do with me. By the time I reached my room, exhaustion settled over me. I closed the door quietly and leaned against it.

What are you doing to yourself, Bella? I whispered.

No one answered.

I looked down at my hand and slowly rested it against my stomach.

"I'm sorry."

I wasn't sure whether I was apologising to myself. Or to the tiny life growing inside me.

That evening, Bella remained in her room longer than usual.

Dinner came and went.

A servant knocked once before leaving a tray outside the door.

She ate alone.

This was exactly what Harry had desired from the start.

Harry sat alone in the dining room.

The chair across from him remained empty.

One of the servants stepped forward carefully.

My Lord

What?

Lady Bella requested to eat in her room.

He didn't look up from his meal.

Then let her.

Yes, Alpha.

The servant hurried away.

Harry continued eating in silence.

It shouldn't have mattered.

The arrangement had been his idea. Separate rooms. Separate lives. Minimal conversations.

Everything was going exactly as planned.

So why did the empty chair keep drawing his attention?

He frowned at himself.

Ridiculous.

He finished dinner without another word and returned to his office, convincing himself that nothing had changed.

Nothing at all.