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Chapter 24
The security guards arrived quickly and pulled Sonny away. After I explained the situation, soon Sonny was escorted away. The security also promised not to let him into the complex again.
Only then did I finally feel a sense of relief. When U turned around, I stumbled right into Mark's embrace.It was the first time I had ever hugged him. His arms, just like him, were warm and strong, forming a protective fortress around me. He shielded me from the storm and offered safety and solace.
"Don't be afraid, Bella," he whispered.
"I'm always by your side."
My eyes stung with tears and spilled down his weather. Mark's heart ached to see her cry. He gently stoked her hair. His arms tightened around her, hoping to give her a sense of security.
These past days had worn me down. Sonny's relentless harassment had driven me to the brink and his invasion of my family's home had finally shattered my fragile willpower. I couldn't understand that after five years together, he couldn't let me go in peace.Sonny had treated her well once in the past. However, any debt owned between us had long been paid in full.
With that thought, I slowly lifted her hands, wrapped her arms around Mark's waist and buried her head deeper into his chest.Mark had waited for this moment for so long.
During his two years of studying abroad, he had often dreamed of Bella accepting his love, followed by the two of them embracing. Yet every time he woke up, his arms would be empty.
Now, the girl he had longed for was finally in his arms. Mark felt a mix of joy and heartache. More than wanting her for himself, he wanted her to be happy, free from pain and fear.
The next day, Mark accompanied Bella back to Lagado City. On the way, she asked him why he had been waiting outside her office that day.Mark pressed his lips together. He looked a little embarrassed."I was planning to casually ask you to lunch."Despite their heartfelt embrace, Mark hadn't rushed to make any romantic declarations afterward.
Bella knew how he felt about her, but she sometimes wondered at his calm demeanor. Did he have second thoughts?Three days later, Mark finally sent an invitation. He texted, "How about dinner tonight? I'll pick you up."
Bella accepted and Mark took her to a newly opened restaurant. As she scanned the menu, a sense of familiarity washed over her, then she noticed the restaurant's name. It was called Bellasima."This place… is it yours?" she asked while watching Mark pay for their meal with practiced ease."Yep," Mark replied. He flashed her a playful grin that reminded her of their college days."I'd actually prepared everything even before we reconnected," he continued, his voice growing softer. "I'd planned to give you a VIP card when the restaurant opened, but the thought of you coming here with another man … I couldn't stand it."
He reached out, covering hers."Bella, will you be with me?" His eyes searched hers earnestly. "I love you."It had been so long since Bella had heard the word love.Her only relationship had been with Sonny and after they graduated from college, he had rarely said those words to her.
Now, she and Mark were seated by the window on the top floor, at the spot he had always reserved especially for her. She looked into his clear eyes, brimming with love and sincerity and her heart melted."I'd love to," she whispered, her voice soft but sure. "I love you, too."I wasn't naive. She could see and feel everything Mark had done for her over the past few months.She knew her heart had already made its choice.