Chapter 203:
For so long, I had been haunted by a single question: What happened between us?
In my memory, Bella and I had been happy. We had been good together.
When had that changed?
Bella’s POV:
I ran straight into the bathroom.
Looking at my reflection, I saw the redness and swelling on my cheek.
I couldn’t walk out like this. If anyone saw me, questions would arise. But leaving quietly also didn’t seem right—I had promised to be Klein’s companion for the evening.
Klein…
Herbert’s warning replayed in my mind. He had demanded that I stay away from Klein, as if I had been the one chasing him.
Klein and I were barely even friends, yet Herbert had accused me of pestering him?
The thought was infuriating.
Taking a deep breath, I reached up and removed the hairpin from my head. My long hair cascaded down, and I quickly adjusted my style to cover part of my face.
A few minutes later, I walked back into the banquet hall, my heels clicking against the floor. The auction had just begun.
The moment Klein spotted me, he walked over.
“Where did you go? I couldn’t find you.”
“I just went to the bathroom,” I replied with a smile, keeping my tone light and composed, even though my face still burned with pain.
Klein’s eyes drifted to my hair.
“Hey, why did your hairstyle change?”
My long hair now rested over one shoulder, conveniently covering half of my face.
I quickly ran my fingers through it and replied, “My hairpin broke, so I had to let it down.”
“It actually looks even more beautiful this way.”
Klein complimented me, and I smiled politely, thanking him.
But as I turned my head, my eyes instinctively met Herbert’s from across the room.
He was staring at me.
His expression was cold, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
Even though I had told myself I didn’t care, a strange discomfort settled in my chest.
I quickly averted my eyes and pretended not to see him.
Klein led me into the crowd, where all eyes were fixed on the auctioneer presenting one of Mrs. Reina’s donated items.
Suddenly, I felt Klein’s hand rest on my shoulder.
Instinctively, I leaned away and gently pushed his hand aside.
Klein had a girlfriend—one he was about to marry.
I needed to keep my distance.
More than that, I sensed something unsettling.
When Klein held me close, his touch felt different—as if he were crossing a line.
