Chris offered to drive Bella home after dropping Imelda, but Bella insisted she could take a taxi. He shook his head firmly. "Not happening. I'll drop you off after I settle Immy."
So, together, the three of them drove to Romero.
It was Imelda's first time stepping into Chris's sprawling home, and she couldn't hide the awe on her face. The chandeliers sparkled above her, the marbled floor glistened, and every corner carried an air of wealth and power. Yet, deep down, she was already planning her independence. In less than two weeks, I'll be eighteen. I'll rent my own place. My freedom begins then.
Chris showed Imelda to her room while Bella lingered in the living room, absentmindedly watching the entertainment news. Photos of Thelma lit up the screen tall, radiant, flawless in her gown. Bella smiled faintly. If only she wasn't such a thorn in my life... she's still my favorite model.
Chris returned and sank onto the couch beside Bella, pulling her into his side. Her lips curved in a soft smile. She already knew Imelda would be hungry, so she offered to make lunch.
From the staircase, Imelda watched them quietly. The way Chris's hand lingered protectively at Bella's waist, the way Bella leaned into him without hesitation it made her smile. They weren't pretending. They truly loved each other.
Over lunch, Imelda confessed her dream. "I want to go to film school. I want to become an actress."
Chris's expression hardened. "No. You'll go to business school first. If, after graduation, you still want to act, I'll support you fully. But I can't have all of you abandoning Hampson International. Hailey's already run off to New York with her husband, though she refuses to admit she ran away. I can't carry this alone."
Imelda's face fell, her spoon clattering onto the plate. "So even you won't support me? I thought at least you would." Tears glistened in her eyes.
"Immy," Chris said gently, "everything I'm asking is for you. For us. I know you're passionate about acting, and I'll never take that from you. But a foundation in business will protect you. It'll give you power no one can take away."
Imelda crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Fine. Then I'll do both. At the same time."
Chris almost choked on his drink. Bella coughed beside him, her eyes wide.
"You want to study business and film together?" Chris asked, half amused, half exasperated.
"Yes. Unless you're scared I'll handle the pressure better than you think."
Chris narrowed his eyes but smiled knowingly. "I'm not the one who'll be studying, am I? If that's what you want, then so be it."
Imelda huffed, defeated, but she knew when her brother had won. "Fine," she muttered before storming off to her room.
Chris chuckled softly, then turned back to Bella. "Let me drop you home."
On the drive, Chris asked, "Any plans for tomorrow?"
Bella thought for a moment. "Just church at 7 p.m."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Church?"
"Yes, Chris. It's Christmas Eve," she said with a little laugh. "I'm going with my family. You can come too. Bring Immy along."
Chris hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
After a pause, he asked, "So... when do you all move?"
"Right after Christmas. Mum and Dad found a new place nearby."
"You're staying with them?" Chris asked, curious.
Bella sighed. "Yes. Raquel would be the only one at home otherwise. The twins won't be back until next December."
Chris smirked. "And if you got married? Would you still worry about Raquel?"
Bella blushed. "That's not happening anytime soon."
"Why not?" Chris pressed.
"Because I'm not ready. My career is just beginning."
"We could marry and not rush into kids. Wait until you're ready," Chris countered softly.
"Marriage is more than children or sex, Chris. It's responsibility. Especially with you."
His eyes gleamed. "So how long until you're ready?"
Bella's cheeks warmed. "Chris, are you proposing right now?"
"Is that a bad thing?"
She gave a shy shrug, smiling despite herself.
Chris laughed under his breath. "Rejected before I even got the words out."
Before Bella could reply, her phone rang. An unknown number. She ignored it, but it rang again. She picked up cautiously.
"Hello, Ella? This is Na-jin. Kim Na-jin."
Bella's face lit up. "Unnie!" she squealed, excitement spilling over.
Chris blinked, confused. "Who?"
"Kim Na-jin," Bella whispered. "The woman we met with her husband at the restaurant."
"Oh." Chris leaned back, listening.
"I saw the news," Na-jin said warmly. "Are you alright, my dear?"
"Yes, unnie. I'm fine now."
"Good. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
They ended the call, and Bella walked into the Walter's residence. Her aunt Joanna practically pounced, worry written all over her face.
"Ella! Are you alright? What did she say?"
Bella gave a tired half-smile. "She offered me a blank cheque. Told me to write any amount I wanted."
Joanna scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Typical. So what did you tell her?"
"That the feelings I have for her son are real," Bella said quietly. "And that she could keep her money."