Bella could not stop smiling. Graduation day. The words felt surreal in her mind. After all the sleepless nights, the endless drills, the weight of responsibilities, she had finally made it. Her dream had taken shape, and today she was walking in it.
Her mother's proud eyes followed her from the front row, glistening with tears. Mr. Anderson sat beside her, looking as though he were her father, his bouquet of roses waiting in his lap. And there was Raquel, waving like a child at a school play.
But Bella noticed something else too the stares. Whispers trailing her wherever she turned. Women glaring. Men glaring. Envy thick in the air. She felt daggers pressing into her skin with every step she took across the stage.
"Don't mind them, Bella," Liam whispered from beside her.
"They're just jealous, darling," Alexia added with a grin.
Bella frowned. "But why would anyone be jealous of me?"
Alexia's smile widened. "Because you've caught the attention of the most wanted commodity in all of Europe. And you probably don't even realise it."
Bella opened her mouth to reply, confusion furrowing her brow, but a deep voice interrupted.
"Hello, Butterfly."
She turned. And there he was. Christian Hampson. Perfect suit, perfect composure, violet eyes fixed on her like she was the only one in the world.
"Mr. Hampson," she replied, forcing a polite smile though her heart skipped a beat.
"Can we talk for a moment?" he asked softly.
"Sure," Bella said, though her voice betrayed a hint of awkwardness.
Before they could move, her mother and Mr. Anderson approached.
"I am so proud of you, my darling," Vera whispered, pulling Bella into her arms. Bella breathed in her mother's familiar scent and clung tighter.
"Congratulations," Mr. Anderson said warmly, handing her a bouquet of pink and peach roses before kissing her cheek.
Raquel practically skipped forward. "Unnie, you look so beautiful today."
"You don't look bad yourself, baby," Bella teased, hugging her back.
Christian stood nearby, hands clasped neatly behind his back, waiting. When Vera turned to him, surprise flickered across her face, then softened into recognition.
"Chris," she said, smiling as though seeing an old friend. She hugged him, catching Bella off guard. Mr. Anderson shook his hand firmly.
"You returned Bella's car," Vera added knowingly.
"Yes," Christian said with a small laugh, "I didn't have much choice."
Bella's brows shot up. Since when does my mum call him Chris like that?
Elliot, Christian's assistant, appeared with his usual professional stiffness. "Sir, we need to leave."
Christian glanced at his Rolex, then back at Vera. "Soon," he murmured.
Before he could step away, Raquel bounced forward. "Jahm-kkan-man!"
Christian raised a brow. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
Raquel giggled. "Wait a minute. Can I please get a selfie?" She clasped her hands and batted her lashes in an exaggerated puppy face.
Christian chuckled. "Of course."
In seconds, Raquel had her phone out, snapping shot after shot with him. She even dragged Bella, her mother, and Mr. Anderson into the frame. Christian allowed it all with patience Bella hadn't thought possible.
Finally, Raquel squealed, satisfied. "Thank you!"
Christian turned back to Vera, his gaze briefly flicking to Bella. "May I speak with her for a while?"
Vera gave her daughter a small nod. Bella sighed, then followed him outside.
The moment they stepped into the quiet, Christian guided her toward his car, opening the door for her before she could protest. She slid into the back seat reluctantly. He joined her, gesturing for Elliot to give them privacy.
For a while, silence filled the air. The hum of the world outside. Bella's nervous heartbeat. Christian's steady breathing. Finally, he spoke.
"I am sorry," he began. "I'm sorry for keeping the truth about your car. But you don't know how hard it's been for me, Butterfly. The day I saw you again after six years it was the best day of my life. You have no idea how much I missed you." His voice dropped, rough with emotion. "Every day without you felt like torture. I wanted you to remember me, but since you can't... then let us make new memories. Let me start over with you. Slowly. I like you, Bella. I like you so much it drives me mad. All I need is for you to see my heart."
Bella blinked at him, stunned.
"Did you hit your head on your way here?" she asked incredulously.
"No," he replied calmly.
"I... I don't understand what you're saying."
"I like you," Christian repeated, eyes locked on hers.
Bella burst into laughter, nervous and disbelieving. "Are you drunk?"
"No," he said simply.
The seriousness in his tone made the smile fade from her lips. He meant it. He truly meant it.
"But why me, Chris?" she asked, voice trembling. "I'm not from money. I'm not... perfect. I have responsibilities. A broken family. I'm not your match. You could have any woman you wanted, women who fit your world. Why me?"
Christian's gaze softened, but instead of answering, he leaned forward.
And before she could stop him, his lips were on hers.
The kiss was fire. Familiar fire. Her body froze, then melted against his. His hand cupped her jaw as their mouths moved in perfect sync. Heat spread through her veins, setting her skin aflame. Somewhere in the chaos, Bella realised she was kissing him back.
When they finally pulled away, breathless, Bella's cheeks burned with a blush she could not hide.
The youngest billionaire in Europe just kissed me... and I kissed him back.
Her thoughts screamed at her to run before she lost herself completely. Her hands moved on their own, opening the car door, her legs carrying her toward Dylla as fast as they could.