6. Belle's Knockout Heart

The bus screeched to a halt, and Belle stepped off, followed by a few other passengers. She was once again hiding under an oversized hoodie with a backpack slung over her shoulder. This time, she was also wearing a mask. Belle didn't want Bastian to read her face when they saw each other again. Besides, the store would reek of cigarette smoke anyway.

Belle crossed the street, her pace steady as she made her way toward Bastian’s shop. But the closer she got, the heavier her legs felt. Just two buildings away, she stopped dead in her tracks. Her heart pounded erratically, and her hands trembled.

What was she even going to say to Bastian? A casual greeting? No, that would be too much. Could she pretend to act normal?

“Belle!”

A firm slap landed on her back. Belle turned around and saw Nick standing behind her.

"How did you know it was me?" Belle frowned. She thought her disguise was flawless. How could he have spotted her so easily?

Nick pointed at her backpack. "That E.T. pin—you still have it. Bastian and I picked it out for you.”

Oh, right! That was Belle's thirteenth birthday gift. It had felt so special, and it was the first place her crush on Bastian took root. Cheesy, yes, but that's what adolescence was like.

The problem was that those feelings never faded. They only grew deeper and stronger until last night, when Belle finally confessed it all.

"Oh, I forgot," she muttered, quickly changing the topic. "You're going to Anthony's?"

"Anthony's not at the shop. He's at the gym with the others. I'm heading there. Want to come?”

Usually, Belle would be excited to watch them train. But today? She hesitated. If Belle said she would wait at the shop, Nick would immediately suspect that she was fighting with Anthony. They knew her so well.

Should she just turn back and go home? But what would be the point of coming all the way downtown for nothing? Especially after arguing with her father this morning over something as stupid as her phone.

"Okay," she finally said, sounding resigned.

They walked side by side. The gym was just one block from Anthony’s shop.

When they arrived, Belle took a deep breath and prayed that she wouldn’t look awkward or foolish if Bastian was there.

The moment Belle stepped inside, a rush of cold air mixed with the warm, sweaty stench of the gym hit her. Not exactly pleasant. 

Two rings stood side by side, and Anthony was sparring in one of them. The place was tranquil. Usually, it was packed, but maybe after last night’s chaos, people had decided to stay home.

Belle scanned the room, but there was no sign of Bastian.

Her chest sank. She slumped onto a bench.

Anthony stopped training, climbed out of the ring, and walked over to her. “Bastian dropped off a phone last night. It’s yours, right?”

Before Belle could answer, Nick cut in. “A lot of stuff got lost in the city hall mess—phones, wallets, cash.”

Anthony pressed a finger to his lips. "Shut your mouth."

Belle quickly nodded. "Yeah, it's mine."

"Huh. It's just weird how Bastian was so sure it was yours."

Anthony bit down on the laces of his gloves, loosening them with his teeth before unstrapping them.

Belle sat silently, his words echoing in her head, Anthony was right. How did Bastian know it was my phone? Has he been paying more attention to me than I thought?

“By the way, where is he?” she asked casually.

“No idea. Bastian wasn't at the shop last night. He left as soon as I got back from dropping you off.” Anthony shrugged.

“You forgot? His girlfriend just came into town,” Nick chimed in.

The word stung like a slap: Girlfriend.

Belle didn’t want to believe it. If Bastian had a girlfriend, why did he hold her like that? Kiss her like that? Do all those things that didn't feel meaningless?

Was it all just a game to him?

“I’ll change real quick, then we’ll head to the shop,” Anthony said before disappearing into the locker room.

Belle turned to Nick. “Does Bastian really have a girlfriend?”

Nick wasn’t the type to tease her. He was easygoing and reliable. If anyone would know, it would be him.

"He never outright said so. But I know.” Nick lowered his voice. "I've caught him a few times leaving a luxury apartment near the new mall construction site. Why else would he be there?"

"And?"

"I've also overheard him talking to a woman on the phone quite often." Nick ruffled his hair. "Ugh, listen to me gossiping about Bastian."

“So what? Is that a problem?”

“Not really. But, if you want the truth, you should ask him yourself.”

That was enough. Belle didn’t press further. What would be the point anyway?

When Anthony returned, the three of them headed to the shop.

On the porch, Pooh and Kyle were already there, smoking.

“Belle! Why the hoodie in this heat?" Pooh asked.

"You looked better in that outfit from two nights ago," Kyle teased.

Anthony flipped them off and unlocked the store.

Just as they were about to step inside, a sleek white sedan pulled up. Belle froze when Bastian stepped out of the passenger seat.

The moment Bastian's eyes landed on her, surprise flickered across his face. Within seconds, however, he masked it with his usual calm demeanor. He walked toward the shop.

Then the driver’s door opened, and a stunning woman in a skimpy outfit rushed over.

“Bastian, wait!”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.

Belle’s heart dropped.

“You’re coming home tonight, right?” the woman asked.

Bastian nodded and kissed her cheek without hesitation. “See you.”

"See you soon, baby."

Belle felt like collapsing.

Why? Why would Bastian do that in front of her? After everything that had happened between them, how could it mean nothing?

Bastian stopped in front of her.

What was Belle supposed to say?