Meanwhile, Hazel’s parents had left to rest. Leo, Jay, and Jace had work at the company. Dominique had gone to see his mother. So Bella stayed.

The room was quiet. Mid afternoon light came through the blinds. Machines beeped softly. Hazel lay in bed, her face wrapped in bandages, her eyes closed.

Bella sat beside her.

Hazel couldn’t use her jaw. No solid food. Only liquids: broth, soup, or anything soft.

Bella had made sure everything was ready. She had called the kitchen herself. Light chicken broth, warm not hot, a protein shake, a spoon, and a straw.

The food arrived. Bella thanked the nurse and set the tray down.

"Hazel," she said softly.

Hazel opened her eyes.

"I’m going to feed you. Just a little. You don’t have to move your face. Just open your lips a little."

Hazel blinked once.

Bella picked up the spoon, filled it halfway, and brought it to Hazel’s lips. Hazel parted her lips. Bella tilted the spoon gently. The broth flowed into Hazel’s mouth. She swallowed.

"Good," Bella said.

She dipped the spoon again. Another sip and another swallow.

Hazel watched her. The careful way she held the spoon. The way she wiped Hazel’s mouth with a napkin. The way she adjusted the pillows without being asked.

No one had ever taken care of her like this.

Her mother loved her. Her father would do anything for her, but she was never taken care of like this. When she was young, her parents were busy with underworld work and they didn’t have much time for her, so they hired a nanny to take care of her. She had been independent since she was young.

But Bella’s care was different. She felt Bella was a genuine and kind person. Her brother was lucky to have her, and she understood why her brother had fallen in love with her.

After Bella fed Hazel, she dimmed the lights and turned on soft music.

She thought of everything.

When Hazel’s lips felt dry, Bella had chapstick. When her throat felt scratchy, Bella had water with a straw. When her hand grew cold, Bella tucked a blanket around her fingers.

Hazel had never had a sister. She didn’t know what it felt like to be cared for by someone who chose to be there.

Now she did.

Bella wasn’t just kind. She was real. She saw a need and filled it without being asked.

Hazel’s eyes stung.

Bella noticed. "Are you okay?"

Hazel blinked once. No.

Bella smiled softly. "You’re welcome."

She dipped the spoon again. "One more bite. Then you can rest."

Hazel opened her lips, accepting another spoonful of soup from Bella. Her eyes were soft, warm, and grateful. She didn’t need words. Her gaze said everything.

"I’m back."

Dominique walked through the door, fresh from a long lecture from his mother about Hazel’s recovery, what to do, what not to do, and what signs to watch for. His head was full of instructions, but his heart was full of something else: excitement.

He could stay alone with Hazel now. Bella had been here all afternoon, feeding her and caring for her. But now it was his turn. He would take care of Hazel. He would be gentle, attentive, and perfect. And maybe, just maybe, she would develop even more feelings for him.

Thinking about this made him giddy.

"I can take care of Hazel now," Dominique said, trying to sound casual. "Bella, you can go home and rest. You must be tired."

Leo walked in behind him, carrying bags. He set them down and looked at Bella. "I’ll take you home. You’ve been here all day."

Hazel’s eyes widened.

Her hand shot out and caught Bella’s wrist. She blinked at Bella, rapid and urgent. Her eyes said: Don’t go. Please.

Dominique noticed. His face lit up. "Oh! You’re saying thank you!" he translated happily.

Hazel’s head didn’t move, but her eyes shifted to Dominique. She glared. Then she rolled her eyes so hard it was almost audible.

She looked back at Bella. Her eyes were wet now, pitiful and begging.

She didn’t want Bella to go.

Being with Bella felt peaceful and safe. It reminded her of summers in the mountains, the fresh breeze through the trees, the cool shade, and the quiet. Bella was that breeze. That peace.

"You want me to stay?" Bella asked softly.

Hazel blinked once. Yes.

Dominique’s mouth fell open. He stared at Hazel, then at Bella, then back at Hazel.

He had never seen that expression on Hazel’s face before. Not with him. Not with anyone. She was looking at Bella like she was something precious.

His eyes narrowed. Jealousy flickered across his face. What witchcraft did you do? his gaze seemed to say. How did you make my girl unable to let you go?

Leo watched. A small, cold smile tugged at his lips.

He remembered. A year ago, Dominique had made a joke, a comment about how if Bella weren’t married, he would have married her. Leo hadn’t forgotten. He had filed it away, waiting.

Now, watching Dominique’s jealous glare at Bella, Leo felt a quiet satisfaction. Heh. Two could play that game.

"Hazel is right," Leo said smoothly. "Bella should stay. I’ll arrange a bed for her." He looked at Dominique. "You’ve done so many things for this family. We can’t owe you more. Let us take care of this."

Dominique’s eyes narrowed. "I don’t mind owing."

"We do."

"Really, it’s fine—"

"Bella stays."

Dominique opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again.

Leo’s expression didn’t change. Calm, cold, and decided.

Dominique looked at Hazel. She was still holding Bella’s wrist, her eyes still wet, still begging.

He sighed, defeated. "Fine," he muttered. "But I’m staying too."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

"I’ll sleep on the floor if I have to."

"I’m sure you will."

Dominique glared. Leo smiled.

Bella looked between them, confused. "Did I miss something?" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"No," Leo said.

"Nothing," Dominique said.

They glared at each other.

Hazel closed her eyes. She didn’t know what was happening between them, and she didn’t care. Bella was staying. That was all that mattered.

She squeezed Bella’s wrist once, then let go.

Bella patted her hand. "I’m not going anywhere."

Hazel blinked happily.