LOGINBella’s POVSilence instantly fell over the dining room the moment those words slipped out of my mouth. Alvaro even stopped peeling his shrimp. His eyes fixed on me intently, as if trying to fathom the depths of my heart.Until he suddenly winced in surprise when his index finger was accidentally pricked by a sharp shrimp spine.I reflexively turned my head. Without a second thought, I grabbed a tissue from the table to wipe away the small drop of blood on his finger. In fact, in an incredibly reflexive, spontaneous movement, I unconsciously put the tip of his injured index finger into my mouth to soothe the sting.As soon as I came to my senses, I froze in place. I was utterly shocked by the impulsive action I’d just taken.Hurriedly, I pulled his finger back, then turned my face away, avoiding his eyes, which were now staring intently at me with an expression that was hard to read.Finally, a heavy sigh escaped the man’s lips.“Forgive me… I’ve been so foolish, Bella. I… I’ve been i
I was speechless, feeling so confused about how to answer his question. Then I felt Alvaro’s head moving closer, as if he intended to close the distance between us. Realizing what he was about to do, I instantly turned my head quickly to the side. As a result, the man’s warm lips landed smoothly on my cheek, missing his intended target.I could feel his breath becoming rapid and ragged. Slowly but surely, he loosened his embrace, releasing me with the gentlest of movements.Without uttering another word, the man turned around and walked out of the bathroom alone.I stood frozen in place, staring blankly at Alvaro’s broad back as he grew farther away. It wasn’t because I truly didn’t want to give him a chance… but because I was too afraid. That fear was deeply rooted in my chest.I still remember very clearly how sweetly he treated me in the past when this body was still completely controlled by Amora—even though he knew exactly the difference between us. He had also once openly stated
I immediately sank back into the bathtub, hiding behind the abundant soapy foam. I was utterly startled by Alvaro’s sudden appearance. I didn’t think he’d be coming home at this hour—that’s why I hadn’t bothered to lock the bathroom door earlier.“Why are you still standing there?! Get out, Alvaro!” I snapped in a panic when I realized he was still standing motionless in his spot.Instead of immediately turning around and leaving, Alvaro flashed a thin, infuriating smile. His firm footsteps began to move forward, stepping deeper into the bathroom.“Alvaro, what are you doing?! Get out of here, you lunatic!” I said again, my voice trembling with fear as I looked at his firm jawline and the dark glint in his eyes.“Are you trying to tease me on purpose, Bella?” he whispered softly in a deep, hoarse voice; he was now standing right next to the bathtub.I shook my head vigorously, worried that this man might go too far. Remember, this is Alvaro Del Pino! An arrogant man who’s capable of—a
That shadow felt more and more real as my feet carried me deeper into the room. In my mind, flashes of memories flickered—of how Alvaro used to touch and adore this body—even though the soul that inhabited it back then was Amora’s, not mine.I mustn’t act this way. All of that is in the past now. And Amora… she’s not at all to blame for this complicated fate.Hasn’t he always been the type to go from one woman to another? my inner voice churned. But why does it feel so painful? Or is it because, back then, the woman Alvaro thought of and loved was me—but not my true self?I closed my eyes tightly, taking a deep breath to fill my lungs. I had to be brave enough to face this reality.I couldn’t possibly remain shackled forever in the shadows of their memories. It’s all in the past now, and Amora is at peace where she is.“Forgive me, Amora… I used to feel jealous of you,” I whispered softly to myself.I stepped into the walk-in closet where Amora’s clothing collection was kept. The room
Bella’s POV“Who do you think you are, daring to ask Ramon for that many things, huh?!” Agnes snapped, immediately flying into a rage.Before I knew it, the woman suddenly lunged at me and shoved my shoulder very hard.Fortunately, at that very moment, Sindi moved swiftly to catch me from behind. If not, I might have fallen onto the hard mall floor. Sindi’s jaw clenched instantly; she was even about to land a hard punch to teach Agnes a lesson. However, I quickly grabbed her arm, signaling her not to engage with them.I had absolutely no desire to cause a huge commotion in a public place. Moreover… I didn’t want my true identity to be exposed.“But, Ma’am…” Sindi whispered softly, voicing her protest at Agnes’s rude treatment of me.“It’s okay. Hold your emotions in check for now, Sindi,” I said calmly.I stood my ground, glaring sharply at Agnes, then shifted my gaze to Ramon, who now looked both flustered and offended. The man’s pride seemed to have been deeply wounded by my earlier
I was so lucky that Alvaro finally let me go. Otherwise, I really don’t know what crazy things I would have done inside the CEO’s office.I’m absolutely furious with him. On one hand, I’m trying to cultivate and nurture my hatred for him, remembering just how cruel and terrible he treated me in the past. But on the other hand, his touch and charm almost made me waver instantly.But no! I can’t let my feelings get the better of me and just give in like that.I had to create a safe distance from him. Yes, I had to find a way—no matter what it took.Right now, I was inside a magnificent, luxurious shopping mall. I walked down the mall’s aisles with Sindi by my right side. That woman faithfully followed me wherever I went, carrying out Alvaro’s strict orders that I must not be out of her sight for even a second.In fact, Alvaro even made a ridiculous threat—if any man dared to approach me, he swore he’d break that man’s legs without mercy.What a possessive, crazy guy!Actually, I didn’t







