"What brought you out here though?" Chris asked, tilting his head.
"I wanted to fetch milk from the kitchen, but then I saw a ray of light and got distracted. So I decided to check it out." Bella shrugged.
"Oh, right." Chris nodded, smiling.
Bella's lips curved mischievously. "So tell me, Chris. If I hadn't come out here, would you still have asked me to be your girlfriend?"
"Of course," he said without hesitation. "I already had it in mind. I would have asked you first thing in the morning."
Her curiosity deepened. "Since when? I mean, when did you decide you wanted me to be your girlfriend?"
"The moment I confirmed my feelings for you." His answer was quiet but firm.
"Oh wow... and when was that?"
Chris's smile widened. "About seven years ago."
Bella's eyes went wide. "Seriously?"
"Yes."
Her jaw dropped. "So you've not had a girlfriend in seven years?"
"I never had a proper girlfriend," he admitted with a shrug.
Bella blinked in surprise. "So all those entertainment stories about you and Alison, the highest-paid model, were not true?"
Chris chuckled softly. "We had a fling. But no commitment on either side. We never defined what we were."
Bella's lips pressed into a line. "Oh, right. So... you didn't love her?"
"No. I never did."
Although he said it plainly, Bella's stomach twisted with a twinge of jealousy at the thought of him sharing even a bed with someone else.
"So what do you plan to do about the scandal?" she asked, changing the subject.
"You'll see." He slipped one arm around her waist, holding her closer.
Bella suddenly remembered she hadn't spoken to Tatiana since her memories returned. She quickly texted her doctor, asking to be squeezed into her schedule before the end of the day.
By the time Chris and Bella finally went their separate ways, it was nearly four in the morning. At six, Chris arranged for a driver to take Bella, Vera, and the twins home.
During the ride Bella drifted in and out of sleep, barely catching two hours before her alarm dragged her back awake. Exhausted, she climbed upstairs the moment she got home and collapsed into bed.
When she finally stirred again, it was after two in the afternoon. A quick shower later, Bella hurried downstairs, still yawning.
The twins were glued to the TV in the living room, replaying the drama they had started at Chris's house. Kayden lounged across the long couch, while Jayden sat sprawled on the floor. Neither even noticed Bella walk in.
"I see you two are enjoying the movie," she said with a smile, heading into the kitchen. No response. Bella shook her head. "I doubt they even heard me."
Deciding to make lunch, she set about preparing one of her specialties egg fried rice with grilled chicken. When it was done, she let the dishes soak and sat at the island counter with her own plate.
Moments later Kayden wandered in, eyes bright. "Sis, this smells delicious." He peeked into the pot, already reaching for a plate.
"Oh, so now you notice me," Bella teased, smirking.
Jayden trailed in behind him. "Noona, why didn't you say food was ready?" He wore a puppy-dog expression.
"Well, I thought you weren't hungry. You were so into that movie you didn't even notice me walk past. I figured it made you full." Bella rolled her eyes dramatically.
Kayden took a bite and groaned in delight. "Oh my gee! This tastes amazing."
Jayden edged closer to where Bella sat, stretching his hand toward her chicken. She caught him just in time and playfully slapped his hand. Kayden burst into laughter, spraying food everywhere.
"Geez, Brax! That's gross!" Bella grimaced.
"Sorry," Kayden mumbled through laughter.
"Don't 'sorry' me... wipe it clean." Bella shook her head, moving to the dining table with her plate.
Jayden joined her soon after with his own food. "This tastes really good, sis."
"You're welcome," Bella said warmly.
The doorbell rang.
"Are we expecting anyone?" she asked.
"No. And Mum won't be back till evening," Jayden replied.
"Go get the door, then."
"And why should I do that?" he shot back.
"Because I'm older. Plus, it might be paparazzi."
Jayden groaned but got up. "Fair point."
The door swung open.
"Oppa!" Raquel squealed, running inside.
"Baby!" Bella cried, leaping to her feet.
"Baby girl!" Jayden added, grinning.
Raquel hurried to Bella and hugged her tightly. "Sis, are you okay? Mum told me what happened."
"I'm fine, baby. I managed to escape the paparazzi," Bella reassured her.
"They're not even outside anymore," Raquel said.
Bella blinked. "What? Really?" She dashed to the window, and sure enough the streets were clear. Not a single reporter in sight.
Just then, Kayden's phone rang. Bianca.
"Hey, Brax," Bianca greeted.
"Hi, sis," Kayden said.
"Where's Ella?"
"She's in the living room."
"Tell her to turn on the TV. Immediately."
Kayden hung up and shouted, "Sis, Bianca said turn on the TV now!"
Raquel grabbed the remote and flicked it on.
Bella froze, her eyes widening. The twins leaned in closer. Raquel gasped.
On the screen, the breaking news headline flashed across bold letters, something none of them were expecting to see.