Chapter 289: Chapter 289 Welcome
Jeffery, brimming with self-importance, thrust his hand out toward her. "Pleasure to meet you, sister-in-law!"
Bella’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at his hand. So it’s you, she thought sharply. Her fingers curled into his palm, and she deliberately squeezed—harder than necessary, a warning hidden beneath her gentle smile.
Jeffery’s eyes went wide, his heart stumbling in his chest. Oh my God. She’s squeezing my hand... is this flirting? Is she giving me a hint? His mind spun wildly, his face heating as he tried to figure out what signal she was sending. Does sister-in-law... like me?!
Flustered, he quickly flashed Bella a shy smile, practically melting as he pulled his hand back.
Leo, however, had seen everything. The sharpness in Bella’s gaze as she shook Jeffery’s hand. The deliberate strength in her grip. The ridiculous blush on Jeffery’s face. His eyes darkened, and the smirk on his lips turned cold.
He leaned back slightly, watching them in silence, though inside his thoughts burned hotter than fire. Sometimes I wonder... with a brain the size of a walnut, how does Jeffery manage to survive at all?
After that awkward handshake, neither Bella nor Leo spared Jeffery another glance. The man sulked in the front seat, fidgeting as though he hadn’t just embarrassed himself.
Bella turned her attention back to Leo, her curiosity peeking through. "Why did you come earlier?" she asked softly, tilting her head as she studied his calm face.
Leo’s lips curved faintly, his gaze sliding to her with quiet amusement. "Why?" he repeated, his tone smooth and teasing. "Why
was it needed?" His smile deepened as if the very question entertained him.Bella blinked, a little flustered by his evasive answer. She shook her head quickly, deciding not to push further, and pulled her phone from her bag instead. If she looked at him too long, she felt like her heart might burst.
Her screen lit up with unread messages from Scarlett.
Scarlett: We should organise only hackers’ dinner? What do you say about that?? Others are curious to meet you!
Scarlett: Reply ASAP!!! If you agree
Bella’s lips curved in a small smile as she typed quickly, her fingers tapping the keys.
Bella: We should organise. My treat. I completed a big project!
Almost immediately, Scarlett’s reply popped up.
Scarlett: I AM SO PROUD OF YOU BELLA BELL!!!
Bella chuckled under her breath, her eyes sparkling as she read it again. Warmth bloomed in her chest at her friend’s excitement.
Beside her, Leo leaned an elbow against the window, watching her silently. He caught the way her lips curved at her screen, the soft glow lighting her face. She thought she was hiding well, but every flicker of expression, every flutter of her lashes, every tiny smile—he noticed it all.
Who are you texting, little bunny? he thought, a flicker of possessiveness sparking in his chest. His fingers drummed once against his knee, but he didn’t ask aloud. Not yet.
By the time they reached home. Aunty Clara was already waiting in the living room, her face breaking into a delighted smile at the sight of them. "Ah, you’re back! Go freshen up quickly and then come down for dinner," she said warmly, her hands clasped as if she couldn’t hide her joy.
Leo gave a faint nod, while Bella returned her smile with a cheerful "Okay, Aunty." Together they climbed the stairs, the air between them quiet but charged, until they finally entered their bedroom.
The moment Bella’s eyes fell on the bed, she stopped short. Her mouth opened in a small gasp. There, sitting proudly among her collection of plushies, was Dorabella—the oversized pink bunny that looked impossibly soft, huggable, and ridiculously cute.
Her whole face lit up. "Dorabella..." she whispered under her breath, her eyes sparkling as she moved toward it. She reached out eagerly, her arms already stretching to snatch the bunny into a hug.
But before her hands could touch it, Leo moved faster. He plucked Dorabella off the bed in one smooth motion and cradled it against his arm with a firm grip.
Bella blinked. "No, Leo!" she whined, her lips forming a pout as she tugged at his sleeve.
His gaze turned sharp, his voice cool but playful as he shot her a glare. "I told you—I’ll only give it to you if you give me a proper welcome." A cold smile ghosted across his lips as he leaned back slightly. "And you didn’t even give me a welcome hug when I came back. Not even a word."
Bella puffed her cheeks, her hands on her hips. "Oh! But you came so suddenly! I had no time to prepare. If I knew beforehand, I would’ve made your favorite food and given you a proper welcome speech!" Her eyes twinkled as she added in a teasing sing-song, "Maybe even stood at the door like a good wife waiting~"
Leo’s eyes lit up faintly, though he masked it with his usual calm. He sat on the edge of the bed, holding Dorabella firmly in his lap. "Then give me that proper welcome now," he said evenly, though his gaze was fixed on her like a hawk.
Bella’s lips curved into a grin, and she tilted her head. "Okayyy~" she chirped, trying not to laugh. She straightened her posture dramatically, as though preparing for a grand speech. "Leo, you are my lion..." she began, her voice solemn but her eyes dancing with mischief.
Leo’s glare darkened instantly. He hated being mocked, even in jest, but her giggles spilled out anyway, light and teasing. She covered her mouth as she laughed, then stepped closer to him, her expression softening.
Her small hands landed gently on his broad shoulders, and Leo’s eyes immediately lowered to her lips. His breath caught; he didn’t move, only stared, drinking in the curve of her mouth, the shine in her eyes.
"Welcome back, dear Leo," she whispered, her voice low and warm as it brushed against him.
For the first time in years, Leo’s body froze. His usual control slipped, entranced by her closeness, by the intimacy in her eyes. The world narrowed to the space between them, and before he could gather his composure—