Chapter 23
Flashback Continues…
Niccolo Point of View
Something is wrong…
There’s something wrong with Bella.
There’s something wrong with the air around her. These days she looked beyond happy at the same time very sad too. I can tell by the redness of her eyes that something is definitely bothering her.
“You look handsome.” I heard her say. I smiled at the dreamy tone she used and kissed her lips for good few minutes.
She looks eternal in her floor length gown with pearls and colourful stones decorated on it. I specially had it made for her and I am not disappointed at all. She looks so gorgeous that it is giving me hard time to keep my hands and eyes away from her.
“Don’t stare at me that way, Nicco. I know I look good.” She chuckled without even looking at me. I pulled her towards me by her waist and nuzzled her hair which is left loose with wavy curls.
Damn, how can someone look so beautiful in riches and rags?
“You don’t look bad yourself, Bella.” I teased her to which she narrowed her eyes and me and looked at herself again in mirror.
It’s been years of us together but still I couldn’t make her confident about her looks completely. I tried so much and somehow I did succeed in making her believe she is good looking but she is still self conscious about herself.
“I love you.” Bella confessed looking at me with those bright eyes shining with infinite love and affection for me. There were mixed emotions travelling in her beautiful eyes; a little fear, a little melancholy and a lot of love.
To be frank, I was very surprised to hear her love confession because Bella hardly profess her love for me. It was always I who keeps on telling her how much and to what extent I love her. Bella is more of a actions type woman and also she never felt comfortable with telling her feeling to me.
Then, what happened today?
Why does she look like she is treasuring me in her eyes?
“Bella,” I called her and hugged her comfortably in my arms. “What happened?” I asked finally.
Bella looked at me with a mixture of sad and confusion, “Uh, what are you talking about?” She asked me but I know she is feigning the confusion.
She might think she can fool me but if there is anything in these years with her that I topped in , then it is studying her. I almost know everything she does, she thinks, she tells or she hides.
“You seem to be off from a few days.” I told her, hinting her that I observing her keenly.
“No, not at all. Why do you think so?” She chuckled awkwardly and waving her hand brushing off the topic. “There is nothing off. I’m just falling in love with you every second of the day.” There she goes again, professing her feelings to me so freely.
There is something wrong. I can feel it with every cell on my body. She is hiding something from me and she is also trying to express her affection for me more freely which is not a good sign.
Bella is not an overly expressive girl and I like her that way but then, what is it that I feel wrong here?
“Bella,” I sighed and walked her towards the vanity chair, sitting her on it and kneeling before her. Holding her soft hands in mine, I gazed lovingly into her eyes. “You do know that you are everything to me right?” She nodded her head, smiling adoringly at me.
“Then please tell me what is wrong? Don’t you dare deny it because I know you are hiding something from me!” I asked her sternly. She shook her head and tightened her grip on my hands.NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.
“No, Nicco. I am so grateful that you are in my life.” She smiled at me with teary eyes and hugged me softly. “Can I ask you something, Nicco?”
“Hmm,” I hummed in response. Bella pulled back from the hug and cupped my face in her soft hands. “Make this the best night for me.” I looked at her stunned by her request.
“I – This is my first party ever so I want to enjoy to the fullest; with you. I am so happy right now, you know, to be with you, in your arms.” She laughed out and kissed me on my lips giving me her most beautiful smile. I smiled back at her and held her hand in mine, leading her to the party hall.
She immediately pulled out her mask and tied it around her head and gestured me to do the same.
Alright Niccolo, your Bella asked for an unforgettable night and you should give her no less.
“Nick, is this any time to come to your own party?” Leo strode towards us with a big smile and open arms. He gave me one of those brother hugs and shook me by my shoulders.
Sometimes, this man acts like he has a maturity of an eighty year old but in reality he is so childish. God knows what kind of woman will come into his life and tame him.
“I was busy.” I answered shortly and chuckled at his enthusiastic hug. He laughed back at me but his delightful eyes suddenly turned stoic and hard when my Bella came to his sight. His now smiling mouth pressed into a thin line as he frowned deeply at the lady in my arm.
He was not happy to see Bella, he never was. According to him Bella is unworthy of even thinking to touch our esteemed shadow. He never concealed his distaste for her but yes, he slowly learnt to shut his mouth in these years.
“Boys are waiting for you and guess what; Vald handcuffed Laura and brought her here because apparently she was not interested in mingling with a troupe of rich spoiled and manipulating lot like us.” He said ignoring a small smile Bella threw towards him politely and gestured to the corner of the hall where Vald was trying to shield himself from kicks Laura was throwing at him.
“What the? How can he bind her in handcuffs like a slave?” I exclaimed looking at the fighting couple… No, Laura fighting with a very amused Vald. She was feeling him up with her hands but I know she must be searching for something in his pockets. He hands are still bound but she is nonstop cursing him, leaving him no chance to defend.
“They look cute together.” I commented, pulling Bella to me tightly. I sensed how uncomfortable she is feeling with lack of proper welcome or greetings.
“Anyways, I am going to announce something big tonight, get ready.” Leo smiled slyly at me and walked into the mass of crowd who were busy chatting and drinking.
The hall was pretty much decorated like how we wanted with bright highlights and dim corner lights with scented flowers everywhere. It looks exquisite and trendy with no less in grace.
“Come on Bella, today I will introduce you to the people who are very close to me.” I announced happily and starting walking excitedly towards my friends group. Bella stopped suddenly when she heard me and looked at me with fear filled eyes. Even through the mask, I can easily detect her scared frown and her red cheeks.
My Bella gets red when she is very scared or nervous to the point of fainting.
“Why… not you go and meet them while I go have a drink?” She replied me taking off her arm from mine.
I always wanted and waited to introduce my Bella to my friends and family proudly but she was always very shameful to meet anyone. And I understand her. I understand her fear too and that was one of the reason for not compelling her into any introductions.
“Sure. I will get you a drink so you go and sit near the bar counter. Do not drink alcohol yet because the night is still young.” I whispered in her ear and kissed it, sucking it deliciously.
She moaned out softly and nodded her head. She sat herself on a high bar chair while I ordered a lemonade with no alcohol for her.
“Now you go and meet your friends. I will wait for you here.” She pushed me towards the waiting circle of my friends.
“I’ll just come back and few minutes and I promise I will never leave you alone again.” I promised, sealing it with a peck. She looked at me with emotion filled eyes and few tears rolled down from them.
What happened to her today? She is getting too emotional these days.
“What if I leave you?” She mumbled to herself but I heard her. I hummed back in question curious to know what she meant but her sudden sadness transformed into yet another teary smile and pushed me away towards my friends directly.
“Nothing… I was just talking to myself.” She covered it up and waved her hand at me, brushing away her tears.
Now I am sure that there is definitely something happening behind my back. Bella is hiding something big from me, but what might it be.
What made her so emotional?
What made her so sad?
What made her mumble that?
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