Chapter 546
On the way back, Bella rested her head on Asher’s shoulder, feeling sleepy. In reality, she was curious about what Declan had
said to
Justin.
She decided against it after some consideration. Whatever was said.
was most likely not pleasant.
Declan may seem gentle, but his words could be even sharper and
more brutal than hers. She didn’t want to hear what he said about
Justin.
It was not out of pity for that jerk. Rather, it would be extremely disheartening to witness the person she once loved with all her
heart.
getting belittled by the person closest to her.
“Are you asleep, Bella?” Asher suddenly asked in a gentle voice.
“No, Ash. Do you want to talk about something?” Bella blinked in
surprise.
“Bella, have you noticed that Steven and Amelia are a little strange
lately?” Asher asked with a faint smile. “I might be mistaken, but I always get the impression that there is a subtle tension
between
them.”
“What do you mean by ‘a subtle tension”?”
Bella’s jaw almost dropped as she stared at her brother, her eyes wide. and watery. “Have you had too much to drink, Ash? Are
you joking?”
“I never make jokes about romantic relationships. Didn’t you notice
that their faces turned red and their expressions turned strange wher
Steve supported Amelia? Especially Amelia, the way she looked
Steve... How should I put it? It is exactly like how you used to look at
Justin.”
Bella’s fair eyelids drooped as she was rendered speechless. “Ash, why are you dragging me into this with Amelia?”
Although Bella was complaining, in her heart, she was secretly
thinking about Steven and Amelia’s relationship. When did this
happen? How did she not notice anything?
“Steven is not young anymore. He’s already thirty years old. Since
graduating from university, he has been working diligently as my
secretary.” Asher continued, “Since I assigned him to assist you, he
hasn’t uttered a single complaint. Year after year, he has worked
tirelessly, rarely taking proper breaks.”
Asher put his arms around Bella’s shoulders, his tone sincere and
earnest. “Bella, if he wishes to pursue a romantic relationship and
experience a different life, I hope you can support Steve.”
“Wow! Steve is actually playing games behind my back! They say he looks like a cute puppy, but how come his character doesn’t
match his appearance, huh?” Bella fiercely punched the car window with a delicate fist, gritting her teeth. “Men are all the same!
He falls in love
with Amelia right after confessing his deep feelings to me. I only have. one younger sister! If he has any inappropriate thoughts
about Amelia, I swear, I will exile him to an African safari as a snack for the
lions
“Did Steve confess to you?” Asher raised an intrigued eyebrow,
slightly surprised.
“Yeah, but I rejected him.” Bella had always been unapologetic in
front of her eldest brother and openly expressed her emotions. “It’s
not that he’s not good enough. It’s just that I don’t have any romantic
feelings for him. Besides, I’ve been through a divorce and have no
intentions to date again. I’d rather not waste his time.”
Bella added, “But how could he suddenly develop an interest in
Amelia? The seamless transition worries me a lot.”
“Steve is not that kind of person, Bella. As for your concerns about the seamless transition, maybe Steve has been around you
for too
long. You were both his first and unrequited love.”
“He has grown accustomed to treating you with care and kindness,
so it’s possible that he unconsciously developed feelings for Amelia.
He might not even be aware of it himself,” Asher earnestly shared his
thoughts.
“What? How is it possible not to know if you’ve fallen for someone?”
Bella frowned, her expression carrying a hint of skepticism.
“Emotions are the most intricate, tangled, and complex thing in this
world,” Asher said, his deep eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “For
example, thirteen years later, Justin once again saved your life. When.
you face him now, can you truly distinguish between love and hatred?
Can you guarantee that your feelings toward him are purely
resentment and hatred, without a trace of love?”
Bella felt a stab in her chest, her breath becoming heavier.
She recalled the eventful and dangerous night. Justin carried her over a long distance in the pouring rain despite his heavy
injuries.
To keep her warm in the dark and damp cave, he took off almost all
his clothes to keep her warm. The memories made her feel warm
insade