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Belle was downstairs in the Cameron's kitchen, pouring herself a bowl of Cocoa Puffs, the familiar crunch of the cereal calming her morning routine. She enjoyed the peacefulness of the house, but suddenly, an unsettling feeling washed over her, as if someone were watching her.
Her gaze darted around the kitchen, but there was no one in sight. Shrugging it off, she went back to savoring her cereal, letting the sweet taste fill her senses. Just as she settled into her breakfast, a soft, exaggerated cough broke the silence.
Turning around, she spotted Rafe leaning casually against the doorframe, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. Belle's heart fluttered at the sight of him, and she greeted him with a bright smile.
"Good morning!" she chimed, her voice sweet and melodic, the kind that always seemed to brighten his day.
"Morning," Rafe replied, his eyes glimmering with mischief as he approached her, taking in her appearance.
"I see you're up early," he said, his tone light but with a hint of curiosity.
Belle felt a rush of warmth at his gaze. "I like your ring; it's so pretty," she complimented, reaching out to take his hand gently. Her touch sent a jolt through him, making his heart skip a few beats.
"You can have it," he said impulsively, slipping the ring off his finger and offering it to her.
Belle's eyes sparkled as she accepted the gift, slipping it onto her finger. "Thank you! It's perfect!" she exclaimed, her smile radiant.
Rafe felt a rush of exhilaration at her delight, a sense of connection forming between them that was both thrilling and new. The air around them crackled with unspoken tension, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still in the cozy kitchen, filled only with the sound of their breaths and the distant waves crashing outside.
"Looks like it suits you," Rafe said, a hint of warmth in his voice as he admired the ring on her finger.
Belle blushed slightly, feeling a mix of excitement and shyness. "I love it. It'll remind me of you," she said softly, meeting his gaze with a sincerity that made Rafe's heart race.
"Good," he replied, a grin spreading across his face. "Maybe it'll inspire you to start your day with a little more adventure."
Belle laughed, her spirits lifted. "I think I can manage that," she said playfully, feeling a spark of mischief in her own heart.
Just as the moment began to deepen, they were interrupted by Sarah's voice calling from the other room. "Belle, come on! We're going!"
