The next day, Bella sat quietly in Ethan's car as they made their way back to the training camp.
From the moment he'd picked her up until now, not a single word had passed between them. And yet, everything had changed. They were no longer just officer and cadet.
They were now husband and wife.
Bella couldn't quite explain what she was feeling. There was an odd heaviness in her chest — not sadness, not discomfort… just something unfamiliar. A quiet strangeness. Just yesterday, he had been her senior, her instructor. Today, he was… her husband.
She turned her face toward the window, watching the scenery rush by — trees bending in the wind, sunlight breaking through the branches. Anything to avoid the silence that sat between them like an invisible wall.
Ethan, on the other hand, was lost in his own thoughts. He could feel the tension in the air just as much as she could. He had no idea what to say or how to even start. This silence wasn't awkward… it was complicated. Fragile.
After driving for quite some time, Ethan finally glanced at the clock and made a decision.
They needed a break.
Spotting a roadside restaurant, he pulled into the parking lot and turned to her.
"Let's have Dinner."
Bella gave a small nod, then stepped out of the car without a word.
They chose a quiet table by the window, one meant for just two. Bella sat down, hands resting on the table, her eyes drifting toward the glass again.
"I'm going to freshen up. Do you need to go?" Ethan asked gently.
Bella shook her head, still quiet.
He nodded in return and headed toward the restrooms.
A few moments later, a waiter approached her table with a polite smile.
"Your order, miss?"
Bella glanced at him.
"In a little while," she replied softly.
The waiter gave a courteous nod.
"Sure. Take your time." And walked away.
Ethan returned and took his seat across from her. His eyes moved to her, observing her as she stared down at the menu — not really reading it, just… lost.
He cleared his throat gently.
"Bella, what do you want to order?"
She looked up, as if coming out of a daze.
"Salad," she answered quietly.
Ethan blinked.
"Just that? Nothing else?"
She nodded once, her expression unreadable.
*******************************************************************************
At exactly ten o'clock that night, Ethan's car pulled into the parking lot of the SID training camp.
They both stepped out without speaking. The silence between them hadn't lifted, only settled deeper.
Bella quietly made her way to her room. Inside, the lights were dim, and both Norah and Ellena were already fast asleep. She tiptoed toward her wardrobe, gently pulled out her nightwear, and slipped into the washroom without making a sound.
Tonight's journey had felt longer than the first time she'd arrived here — not in distance, but in weight.
When she stepped back into the room, Norah stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She caught sight of Bella and blinked in surprise.
"Bella... when did you get back?" she whispered, careful not to wake Ellena.
"Just a little while ago," Bella whispered back with a soft smile.
A few seconds later, Ellena shifted under her blanket and blinked sleepily.
"Bella?"
Bella walked over to her, and Ellena immediately reached out, pulling her into a warm hug.
Within moments, all three girls were wide awake, sitting on their beds in the soft glow of a night lamp, talking like they'd never missed a beat.
They talked and laughed and shared stories — catching up as if they'd been apart for weeks, not days. Bella told them everything… well, almost everything.
She didn't tell them what had changed between her and Officer Ethan Grey.
She kept that part tucked away — not because she didn't trust them, but because she didn't yet know how to say it aloud.
Not yet.
And so, the night wore on, and by the time the clock struck midnight, the three girls were still talking — voices hushed, hearts open, and the room quietly filled with the comfort of friendship.
**********************************************************************************
The next day, Matthew and Ethan were in Ethan's office.
"Congratulations, Ethan," Matthew said with a grin.
Ethan looked at him intently, his gaze sharp.
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "What? You're so cold! Here I am, offering you heartfelt congratulations on your wedding, and you're glaring at me like I've insulted your ancestors. Come on, this is just your usual grumpy act. Deep down, you're over the moon—I can tell."
"If you don't shut your mouth right now," Ethan said in a low, threatening voice, "I swear I'll throw you out of my office."
Matthew raised both hands in mock surrender, chuckling. "Okay, okay. Message received."