Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 608

Nate stood silently by the edge of Bella's couch, watching the furrow of worry that never seemed to leave her brow, even in sleep.

He reached out, his fingertips barely brushing her forehead when she startled awake, eyes wide with shock. In her haste to retreat, she forgot the confines of the small sofa and tumbled to the floor, her shoulder striking the coffee table with a thud that left a red mark blooming on her skin.

Cradling her shoulder, Bella's pain snapped her fully awake, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as she looked up at Nate.

"Mr. Krueger, have you had supper?" she asked, her first concern always for his well-being, despite her own throbbing shoulder.

Nate had eaten, but suddenly, he felt hungry again.

"No, I haven't."

At midnight, ignoring the exhaustion tugging at her limbs, Bella rose and shuffled into the kitchen to make Nate a bowl of noodles.

He had a liking for broth noodles, just a sprinkle of chives and a sunny-side-up egg on top. The golden broth wafted up, its simple aroma tantalizing, making even a small bowl seem like a feast.

"Mr. Krueger, your noodles are ready. Come and eat before they get cold," she called out, knowing full well that a late-night meal should be light to avoid any upset.

Nate watched the golden noodles for a moment, then began to eat—the noodles Bella had rolled out herself, chewy and perfectly cooked.

He took a bite, and then another, while Bella sat quietly beside him, not speaking a word.

The egg was saved for last, the broth was sipped until only a few chives remained at the bottom of the bowl.

"Mr. Krueger, happy belated birthday."

Nate paused, surprised, looking up at Bella.

Her lips were pressed together, a nervous tension in her posture as she said, "I know your birthday was yesterday, and it's passed, but I still wanted to wish you, happy birthday."

His birthday, August 19th, had slipped by just half an hour ago.

That morning, Bella had texted him to ask if he'd be home, but he had been with Lydia and ignored her message.

Since his mother's death, no one had really celebrated his birthday. The Windham family considered him an embarrassment, and while Patrick knew the date, he had never thrown a party for him. Surely, it wouldn't be fair to his legitimate grandson, Brett, since Nate was just a reminder of an affair that had broken up a marriage.

And so, Nate had nearly forgotten his own birthday.

"How long has it been since anyone wished me a happy birthday?" he thought, with only Bella... only Bella remembering.

The feeling inside him was hard to describe—a mixture of sourness and sweetness, but he couldn't deny he enjoyed it.

Pushing back his chair, he said, "Clear the table and wash the dishes."

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