Decades

Chapter 7

Bella's POV

Not even a moment of rest. Not even a moment to properly bathe myself to get rid of all the makeup and grains of rice. Not even a moment to eat even a slice of bread. Leo and I were called by the valets to leave our new estate and have the wedding reception at the Jones' property. It is not something surprising. I knew there was going to be a reception. But I did not know that Sir Taehyung and Lady Lucy were not invited. There are enough servants over there, and our servants must prepare the home for out arrival back. I feel naked without them with me, watching over me. Oh, I wish they could be here and get me out of this mess.

I dance slowly with Leo, my head on his shoulder so that I am partially hidden. We have somehow made a truce once again, as he's holding me gently, but also in an appropriate way where his hands are not wandering. He is following along with my movements, swaying to the cellos, violins, and base. I can tell by the occasional sighs in my ear that he is sad, and I try to comfort him by squeezing his hand.

"It will be alright. If you would like June to come visit, I will not say no." I whisper against his neck.

"You will not tell?" He whispers back.

"Never. It is not my business." And I truly still don't care. I am beginning to feel the urge to be a little more reckless again, speak out of turn, devise a new plan. But I also have to be mindful of Leo now. I cannot do something that will hurt him. I would feel bad. And it would be wrong.

The song ends, and everyone in the dining hall cheers loudly for us, the "happy" married couple. Leo and I separate a bit, both of us cringing slightly as we stare at each other. Kiss. We have to kiss now.

I pucker my lips and silently tell him to go ahead, closing my eyes as well. He bends down and presses a simple peck upon my mouth. No passion. No love. No care. I wonder how Sir Taehyung kisses. Probably with all of the above. I feel that he is a romantic man, how he gifted me that flower, his kisses thus far being soft and fluttery.

Leo and I separate fully to bow at our guests, a sort of performative act to show that we are grateful that they are here. But we are not. We'd very much like to go to the new home now, where we won't be bothered.

"I shall go for a smoke."

"I'll be taking a walk around the gardens." I say back, quickly walking away once eyes are no longer solely focused on us.

"Mistress Bella! Do you require any assistance?" One of the servants asks, a woman named Claire I believe.

"No thank you. I'll be going for a walk around the gardens, that's all."

"Are you sure? It is quite chilly." She informs me.

"I'll be alright but thank you. Please take a break and get some rest soon."

"Oh! You are very kind! The rumors are true!" She cheers, clapping as well. I chuckle at her, telling her once again she should get off her feet for a break. She scampers off after that, leaving me be to walk towards the side entrance to the estate. Once I am outside, I groan to myself in exhaustion, picking up my still formal but slightly more comfortable gown by the bottom so I do not step all over it.

I walk slowly to the gardens at the back of the property, a little sour about how my garden at my new home is much smaller. I should not behave spoiled, but I'd rather have a large garden than a large home. It is not like the house will be filled with many guests that often. But a garden...oh, you can grow so many things. We can have fresh herbs right in the backyard! We can grow strawberries for Sir Taehyung. I did not get a chance to look at what plants are there, but I've already requested for him to take a look himself and write it down so we can plan for the future. I'd like to stuff him full of strawberries so I can stare at his pink and pouty lips.