Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 612

"Watch it, Belle, you're about to hit a brick wall," a teasing voice called out.

Belle lifted her gaze and, to her surprise, there stood David Porter, the boy-next-door type who'd tried to make it big as an actor but remained practically invisible despite being in the business for three years. His fans affectionately dubbed him "Wallflower Dave."

With his almond-shaped eyes, tanned skin, and dimpled grin that looked like he was perpetually savoring a piece of candy, he was the epitome of the popular "sunshine boy." By looks alone, he shouldn't have been a wallflower, but laziness and a lack of self-promotion had kept him from stardom.

Belle was the lead in a high school drama where David played the loveable second guy, the one who's always optimistic and goofing around, silently protecting the girl, sharing her laughter and her tears. He was the childhood friend who couldn't compete with Mr. Right who fell from the sky and ended up getting drunk at her wedding, watching her find happiness with another man.

In many teen shows, the second male lead wins more hearts than the main guy, and David's character in that drama was no exception. He was a hit with the audience.

David flashed a smile when he saw Belle staring at him with puzzled eyes. "Belle, why so silent? Did you knock some sense into your head?"

She took a step back, avoiding his touch. "I'm fine, and... can you not call me Izabella?"

"Why not, what else should I call you? Isn't that your name?" David persisted gently, without being annoying.

"It's just Belle. The name Izabella doesn't suit me," she explained, reminding herself that she was no longer Izabella, no longer someone's understudy.

Though she had changed her name a while ago, she had never grown comfortable with "Izabella." Even Nathaniel, who she spent most of her time with, called her Belle.

Who doesn't like their own name? David wondered if something had happened to make Belle dislike it.

"So, Belle is your real name?"

She nodded.

"Then I'll call you Belle from now on." As he spoke, David glanced at her hand and asked with concern, "What happened to your hand?"

Belle quickly hid her hand, but it was too late. She stuck to the story she had told the doctor to avoid worrying David. "I took a tumble and fractured my pinkie."

"You're really out of luck, huh? Did you come to the hospital alone?"

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