Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 613

"Your place is in Maple Grove Heights?" David couldn't hide his surprise. That neighborhood was notorious in J City for its sprawling mansions and elite residents. He glanced at Bell, trying to reconcile her unassuming appearance with the luxurious area she mentioned.

Bell shook her head, "That's not my home. I was just staying there temporarily."

David had an inkling of the caliber of people who lived along that stretch – the kind of lineage and social standing they had. The revelation that Bell mingled with such individuals made him wonder if she was an enigma or as the rumors suggested.

The silence between them grew awkward.

As much as David was curious about Bell's private life, it wasn't his place to pry. Clearing his throat, he suggested, "It's getting late. You should get home and take a hot bath, get some rest. You don't want to catch a cold."

"Thanks," Bell murmured, her gaze fixed on the car window where her faint reflection stared back at her. She longed for rest, for a moment of peace, but whenever the world quieted down, her soul roared within her, denying her any tranquility.

Maple Grove Heights was no longer an option for her. She was only going back tonight to pick up her packed luggage. She never harbored any illusions about staying by Nathaniel's side forever. The contract she had signed with the company netted her half a million, half of which she used to sever ties with her family. The rest went towards a modest apartment – small and in a less desirable part of town with inconvenient transportation. But it was hers, a true home.

There, she needn't worry about darkness or rain or being cast out.

Hesitant, Bell still asked, "Could you keep it a secret, that I was staying in Maple Grove Heights?"

David raised an eyebrow. "Is this some sort of secret?"

She nodded earnestly. "Yeah. He doesn't like being disturbed. Plus... I'm moving out tonight. I don't want any more ties to that place."

Who "he" was, David didn't know, but he figured the guy wasn't good news. If he really cared for Bell, he wouldn't have her out in the rain so late, alone with a broken finger, fending for herself in the hospital. David had noticed Bell checking her phone constantly, probably waiting for a call from that person.

"I'll help you move," David offered. "I mean, I've already driven you this far. Might as well help you get rid of all the hassle in one go."

Bell instinctively declined, "You've done enough."

"It's no trouble. We're colleagues... well, friends now, right? If you really want to thank me, you could cook me dinner sometime. I've been craving your homemade meals," David said, his stomach rumbling at the thought.

"You got a new place to stay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I've got somewhere," Bell replied.

David thought for a moment. "If you need a place, you could stay at mine. I have a spare room."

Bell paused, then said seriously, "That wouldn't be right."

Regardless of how clueless David might act, his fame was greater than hers, and as a former idol, he hardly mixed with the opposite sex. Getting too close to him would only jeopardize his career.

To David, none of that mattered. He didn't enter the entertainment industry to play by the rules. As long as he wasn't breaking the law, professional ethics were a non-issue to him. That's probably why, despite being in the industry for three years, he hadn't made much of a splash.

Arriving at Maple Grove Heights, David parked outside as his car wasn't permitted within the gated community. "Do you need me to come in and help with your luggage?"

"No, it's fine. I don't have much and it's already packed. I'll be out in a moment."

"Alright, I'll wait here."

"Thanks," Bell said, thanking him yet again with a slight bow.

Fortunately, the rain had stopped, and though the night was chilly, David had lent her his jacket. She hurried back to the villa, lights still on.

Was Nathaniel home?

Bell didn't dwell on the thought. Pressing the doorbell, she knew no one would be there to answer. She entered the security code and pushed the door open.

The empty house echoed with her every step. Glancing at the shoes by the door, Nathaniel's were there – he hadn't come back. Mixed emotions swirled in her – regret for not being able to say goodbye, yet knowing that if they had met, it would have just been another humiliation.

Resolute, Bell headed upstairs to the bedroom, grabbed her worn suitcase, and was ready to leave when she turned to face the hallway camera. Without tears or smiles, without a hint of sorrow, she simply mouthed, "Mr. Krueger, goodbye."

She had always said "see you" when Nathaniel left, implying a future meeting. But this time, "goodbye" meant there would be no more.

Gripping her suitcase, Bell descended the stairs, each step heavy with thought. As she reached the ground floor, her heart seemed to collapse, and a wave of despair washed over her.

Tears fell freely as memories flooded back: Nathaniel chasing away a troublesome guest, his smile, his anger, his silence, his mockery, his cruelty, and the day he sent her away. All these iterations of him haunted her thoughts, impossible to shake.

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