BELLA'S POV
It's been three months since Crystal and Christian left me at the gate. To say I'm bored is an understatement. They gave me everything house, money, businesses, even tuition for my final year ,yet they're nowhere to be seen. I should be angry that they abandoned me after everything that happened, but I can't bring myself to hate them. Somehow, I miss them, my crazy Crystal and calm, sassy Christian.
My so-called friend? Gone. Left for his boyfriend James, who's too much of a playboy for my taste. I guess some people never stay single.
Maybe the gods finally answered my prayer. Two weeks ago, at the student congress meeting we were voting for the new Student Government Union president I met someone. His name is Ryan. He's in the cyber security department, calm, handsome, with a touch of bad-boy vibes. The kind of man Christian would probably frown at, but… not exactly Crystal.
We exchanged contacts. Two days later, he asked me out, and I said yes.
Now it's 7:49 PM. Ryan said he'd pick me up at 8 sharp, and I'm in my dark blue skinny jeans, a white top, white face cap, and white sandals. Casual, like he requested, though I feel anything but casual right now.
Then I hear the familiar "pum pum" outside. My heart jumps.
I grab my Dior purse don't judge me, it's tiny but chic and step outside. There's a sleek black SUV waiting. He steps out, looking taller and more imposing than I imagined. Black jeans, black T-shirt, a Rolex gleaming on his wrist. He smiles when he sees me.
"You look so beautiful," he says, and I feel my cheeks heat up.
"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself," I reply, keeping my voice steady despite the sudden flutter in my chest.
He opens the door for me, and I slide in. The interior smells faintly of leather and something woodsy. The drive is quiet, almost painfully so. I fiddle with my hands, trying to break the silence.
"So… you like spaghetti?" he asks finally, glancing at me.
"Yes," I say with a shrug. "It's one of my favorite foods. Why?"
He smirks. "Never took you for a spaghetti girl. I thought you'd be… sushi or salads all the time."
"Hey, I can enjoy spaghetti too," I tease lightly. "Besides, good pasta makes everything better."
He chuckles. There's a softness to it, but the smirk doesn't leave his face. "Italian, born and bred," he says casually. "Moved to America five years ago."
"That explains the accent," I comment, curious. "How old are you exactly?"
"Twenty-seven in a month," he says bluntly.
I almost choke on my own breath. "Twenty-seven?! You look… so young. Why are you still in university?"
He shrugs, casually. "I wanted a reason to stay away from home. University seemed like the perfect excuse."
I smirk. "Can I… call you daddy?" I joke, just to lighten the mood, though my heart is hammering in my chest.
He laughs softly, shaking his head. "Of course, baby girl. But only if you're serious."
The waiter interrupts, placing plates of spaghetti in front of us. I quickly thank him and glance at Ryan. He's watching me carefully, his dark eyes unreadable.
"So, what do you like to do when you're not saving the world with cybersecurity?" I ask, twirling my spaghetti.
He leans back, smirking, "Depends. Sometimes I play guitar, sometimes I cook. Other times… I spy on people for fun."
I laugh, nearly choking on my food. "Spy on people? That's creepy."
"Not really," he replies smoothly, "just… observational research. Helps me understand humans." He tilts his head, looking at me. "Like you, Bella. Humans like you are… fascinating."
I flush at the compliment, but quickly look away, pretending to focus on my spaghetti.
We talk about music, favorite colors, childhood memories, even our weirdest habits. Ryan listens, really listens, and I feel oddly comfortable. Unlike the stress and chaos that follows Crystal and Christian, there's calmness here. A different kind of tension, but less dangerous.
When the check comes, he insists on paying. I notice a black unlimited card slip out of his wallet. He notices me noticing. He smirks. "Don't worry, I've got this."
We drive back in silence again, but this time it's softer, calmer.
At my gate, I step out first. The air feels warm against my skin. Ryan closes the door behind him and walks toward me. He takes my hands, holding them gently.
"It was really fun tonight, Bella," he says, looking me in the eyes. "I hope this isn't the last time."
Before I can respond, he leans down and kisses me softly. My eyes widen, and my heart skips a beat. When he pulls back, he smiles gently.
"Good night, sweet Bella."
I watch him walk to his SUV. The engine roars, and he drives away. My pulse is still racing.
I step inside, locking the gate behind me. But then… I feel it. A presence. Warm. Too familiar.
"Hello, Princess," whispers a voice in my ear.
I freeze. My heart jumps. One hand grazes my hip. Another ghostly touch brushes against my back.
"Seems like you don't miss us, sweetness," murmurs Crystal, dangerously close.
Then Christian's voice, soft and teasing, whispers in my other ear. My chest tightens. They are both here.
I take a shaky breath. My body is pinned between them, my heartbeat wild.
"Answer me, sincerely," Crystal growls.
I swallow hard, knowing I can't lie. With a shiver, I whisper seductively, "Yes… Daddy. I miss you both."