The next morning, Bella drove her mum and Raquel to Westbengal Resort. Vera believed the twins had gone off with Joe to Manchester for a football match, completely unaware they were also part of the proposal plans.
Bella had arranged everything so carefully. She and Raquel shared a room, while Vera had one to herself. The rest of the crew Alexia, Liam, the twins, and Joe were housed in another wing, far from Vera's watchful eyes.
As soon as they checked in, Bella got a message from Alexia: We're here. She signalled discreetly to Raquel, who instantly made up an excuse.
"Unnie, can you check what's on the dinner menu? I'm hungry."
"You could call room service," Vera suggested.
"I'll go myself, Mum. I have other questions too," Bella added, already slipping out the door with her phone.
She was busy typing a reply when she collided with someone.
"I'm sorry," she blurted then froze.
A familiar pair of grey eyes met hers.
"Mr Neil?" she asked in surprise.
"Ella." He gave her a warm smile.
"What are you doing here?"
"This is my resort," Neil said simply, pride in his voice.
Bella blinked. "Wow. I didn't know."
"And you? What brings you here?"
"I'm planning a surprise for my mum," Bella replied quickly, her phone buzzing with another message from Alexia.
"I need to go my friends are waiting." She lifted her phone apologetically.
"Of course. Enjoy your stay."
"Thanks. Your resort is beautiful." She smiled and turned to leave, but Neil called after her.
"Ella."
She stopped.
"Hope those ladies don't hit you anymore," he said casually.
Bella froze.
"Someone hits you?" Liam's voice cut through the air. He and Alexia had just arrived.
Bella shook her head. "No."
"You didn't tell your friends?" Neil frowned.
"What are you hiding from us?" Alexia asked, narrowing her eyes.
Bella avoided their stares until they were safely inside Alexia's room. Only then did she explain.
"Ria and Tracy slapped me a few times on the Birmingham flight."
"I swear I'll kill them when we get back," Alexia fumed.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Liam asked, clearly upset.
"Because I didn't want Alexia to end up in jail," Bella said half-jokingly. "And I don't want to be the reason they lose their licence."
"You're too nice. They should lose it," Alexia shot back.
"Do you think Mr Hampson would stay quiet if he heard about this?" Liam added.
"I'll just avoid them," Bella shrugged.
"You're dumb," Alexia muttered.
"Dumb as hell," Liam echoed.
"Okay, enough insults," Bella said, cutting them off. "Let's get to work."
They rolled their eyes but followed her out.
Later, Bella returned to her room just as Vera knocked with Raquel in tow. Inside, Bella sat with Raquel, determined to ask something she'd been curious about.
"So, baby, tell me. How come you had a boyfriend and never told me?"
Raquel squealed, hiding her face with a pillow. "Unnie, he's just a crush."
"Really? You have a crush?" Vera asked, amused.
"Yes, but he doesn't like me back," Raquel said with a pout.
"Why not?" Bella asked gently.
"He likes Nikky Grace. She's the school queen."
Bella pulled her into a hug. "Aww, baby."
Changing the subject, Bella leaned closer to them. "You know that necklace I got at my graduation?"
"Yes. What about it?" Vera asked.
"Chris bought it for me."
"Oh, so you finally solved that puzzle?" Vera asked, unsurprised.
Raquel shook her head, clicking her tongue. "You only just realised? I knew from the first time I saw you together."
Bella's jaw dropped. "Wait you both knew?"
Vera shrugged. "I figured it out the day he sent you that dress from Hailey."
"Wow," Bella muttered, still shocked.
"So... are you two official now?" Vera asked carefully.
"No, Mum. My career is just starting. I don't want to ruin it."
Vera touched her shoulder. "Darling, if you like someone, don't hold back because of fear. Chris wouldn't ruin your career. You'd figure it out together."
"Thanks, Mum."
They hugged, and Raquel suddenly whispered, "Aunt Vera... can I call you Mum?" although she's called her Mum a few times she wanted it to be permanent.
Vera froze, eyes wide. Then tears welled as she pulled Raquel close. "Yes, baby. Yes, you can."
"Thanks, Mum," Raquel whispered, clinging tightly.
Bella smiled through her own tears, quickly snapping a photo of the tender moment.
That night, Bella got a text from Joe confirming he and the twins had arrived safely. Bianca couldn't make it, but Bella understood.
The next morning dawned colder than expected. Joe had arranged a yacht, so Bella, the twins, Liam, and Alexia went early to begin decorating. After a while, Bella slipped away so Vera wouldn't suspect.
Her phone rang. It was Chris.
"Hi," Bella answered.
"Babe, did you arrive safely?" Chris's voice softened.
"Yes, we did."
"Sorry I didn't call yesterday."
"It's fine," Bella said, smiling despite herself.
"I'm just glad I got to hear your voice."
"Same here."
"You don't have to come tomorrow if you're busy," Bella said quickly. "You can always attend the wedding later."
"Christal," Chris's voice firmed, "I said I'd attend."
"But... what if she says no?"
"Whatever happens, babe, your mum has her reasons. Don't blame yourself."
Bella breathed out. "Thank you."
They said their goodbyes, and Bella slipped her phone away. As she headed toward Vera's room, she heard someone call her name.
Neil was waving.
"Hi, Neil."
"I hope I didn't make things awkward yesterday, mentioning the bullying," he said.
"It's fine. Really."
"I just don't like seeing anyone treat you badly." He hesitated. "Would you... be busy tonight?"
Bella tilted her head. "Why?"
"Dinner," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "With me."
Bella thought for a moment, then smiled. "I can't say no to free food."
Neil's grin spread wide. "Then it's a date."
Bella laughed softly. "See you tonight."
Bella had told her mum and the others about the dinner Neil had invited her to. Alexia and Liam were still furious that she hadn't told them about the Birmingham incident. When Alexia saw pictures of Bella's bruises on her phone, she became even angrier. Without asking, she airdropped the photos to herself ready for later.
That evening, Bella dressed carefully. She wore a golden gown that skimmed mid-thigh, the deep V-neck revealing just enough of her soft curves to make her cheeks burn when she looked in the mirror. She tied her hair up in a sleek ponytail, slipped into black stiletto heels, and paired the look with gold drop earrings and a simple black purse.
At a few minutes to eight, Neil knocked. He looked striking in a grey suit with a pale blue shirt.
"Hi, Bella," he greeted warmly.
"Hello," she replied, smiling as she stepped out.
"Shall we?"
"We shall," she said lightly.
Neil's Audi R8 Spyder gleamed under the resort lights. Bella couldn't help the admiration in her voice. "Wow, that's a beautiful car."
"Thank you," Neil said with a grin.
As they drove, Neil's phone rang. He answered quickly.
"Is she in your car?" a voice asked.
"Yes," Neil replied, glancing at Bella.
"Good. Make sure everything goes as planned."
"Yes, I will."
"Remember what we discussed. I'll call later."
"Alright."
He hung up smoothly. Bella shifted uncomfortably. Something about the conversation didn't sit right with her.
"That was my aunt," Neil said casually when he noticed her expression.
"Oh. Okay," Bella replied, forcing a smile and tightening her seatbelt.
Dinner was lovely. Neil was charming, funny, easy to talk to. They lingered over dessert, laughing until Bella almost forgot the strangeness of that phone call. Three hours passed before he drove her back to the resort.
The next morning, Bella went to her mum's room to help her get ready for the boat cruise. She gave Vera the gown she had ordered, and her mum's delighted smile made the effort worthwhile.
Just then, Bella's phone buzzed. Chris.
"Hi, babe," he said.
"Hello."
"Can you step outside? I don't want to bump into Aunt Vera by accident." His tone carried a teasing smile.
"Sure," Bella said, standing quickly.
"Where are you going?" Vera asked.
"Out," Bella said with a half-smile, closing the door behind her.
Chris's black Range Rover Evoque was parked by the entrance. Bella started toward him, her heart oddly light until a voice interrupted.
"Hi, babe."
Neil. He strode up confidently, hugged her, and before she could react, kissed her cheek.
Bella stiffened.
And then she saw Chris.
He stood a few feet away, his expression darkening. Their eyes locked hers wide with panic, his burning with betrayal.
Neil, oblivious, pulled Bella into a side hug. "I really enjoyed our time last night," he said smoothly.
Bella wiggled free just as Chris's jaw clenched. Without a word, he stormed off.
"Chris, wait!" Bella shouted, running after him. Neil caught her wrist, but she yanked free and sprinted forward. By the time she reached the driveway, Chris's car was already speeding away.
She called him again and again, but each attempt went straight to voicemail. A cold shock ran through her he'd blocked her.
"Why did you do that?" she snapped, whirling around on Neil.
"Do what?" he asked, brows furrowed.
"Why did you hug me? Kiss me? I never gave you permission!"
Neil held up his hands. "I'm sorry, okay? I thought... after last night, we weren't strangers anymore."
Bella's voice shook with anger. "That doesn't mean you get to touch me. Ever."
"Why are you so worked up? What's he to you?" Neil asked quietly, searching her face.
Bella glared. "My relationship with him is none of your business."
Neil's expression softened. "He must mean a lot to you then. I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to cross a line."
Bella bit her lip, torn between fury and embarrassment. "Fine. I shouldn't have snapped. But don't ever do that again."
Neil nodded. "Fair enough." Then, more gently: "When do you leave?"
"Early tomorrow."
"Can I have your number? To call when I'm in London?"
She hesitated, then nodded. He handed over his phone and she typed it in.
"Was that Christian Hampson earlier?" Neil asked as she returned it.
"Yes. Why?"
Neil gave a low whistle. "Wow. I don't think I can compete with him."
Bella frowned. "Compete? With what?"
"You know what I mean." Neil's smile was small, almost sad.
Before she could respond, a staff member appeared. "Sir Neil, your attention is needed on the fifth wing."
"I'll be right there," Neil said. He glanced back at Bella. "I'll call you."
Bella forced a polite smile, but her chest still ached from watching Chris drive away.