Chapter 56 - Living together - the dinner (1/2)

”How is the transition?” Eric Wu asked, bringing Bella Lim to reality. Right now, there were inside the elevator and little pumpkin was standing in between them.

”Everything is good. Thanks to Tao and Miss O-Olivia,” Bella Lim clicked her teeth, a bit annoyed with the stammer that was difficult to let go.

”Big brother Eric, who is Miss Olivia? She is so kind. I love her!” little pumpkin's elevated voice echoed in the elevator as he looked up to Eric Wu with a wide smile on his face. Eric Wu saw his effort and rubbed his head in response.

”She is a very important person to me,” he said without elaborating further. He had no problem telling his mother's identity but the other had insisted on hiding it. Eric Wu could only comply even though he saw no benefits in doing so.

Bella Lim subconsciously nodded when she heard Eric Wu's reply to little pumpkin's question. A smile naturally made an appearance on her face. She loved the fact that many new things actually came to her knowledge as she became closer to him. If only she could interact with him without difficulties, perhaps a new page would open for her. Whatever it was, it would be better than the stammers that ruin their conversation every time.

”As you may have known, I don't like many people in the house, so all the staff work from six in the morning until eight at night, except for a special occasion. If you need something, you need to tell them during their working time. If it's an emergency please refer to me,” Eric Wu thought that he should give another briefing although his mother had done so.

”Thank you. I understand,” Bella Lim replied as she helped little pumpkin to sit on the chair of the dining table. Seeing the luxurious table full of foods enough for three, she knew Madam Olivia or Eric Wu must've told the chef about them living in the villa. The feeling of gratitude towards them was overwhelming. Even though it was her decision to agree with Eric Wu's request, she knew the intention behind the proposal. This man was protecting them.

”What is it?”

”Big sis?”

Bella Lim woke from her trance and gathered herself. No matter what, she needed to express her thanks. She held little pumpkin's hand and looked at Eric Wu with eyes full of gratitude. His brownish eyes shone brightly like the man he was, always bringing the sunshine into her life.

”Thank you for everything. I promise to work hard,” she expressed her thanks with a slight bow. Eric Wu was taken aback. He, who was pouring himself a glass of water stopped midway and glanced at Bella Lim for a few seconds. Then, as if he heard nothing, he proceeded to pour himself a drink. Taking it in one gulp before looking at the woman again.

Suddenly, his vision blurred. In the time of blurry, he saw Bella Lim and the woman's image in his dream merged into one. Soon, the familiar smile that had been hunting him for a whole week, smiled at him.

Eric Wu could feel the body in his hair erect. He rose from his chair in surprise, only to realize that Bella Lim was looking at him with so much interest.

”How old are you?” that question left like a released water tap. Eric Wu didn't know why he asked the question either. All he cared about was the fact that for an unknown reason, Bella Lim would often make him mistaken her as the woman in his dream.

”Ermm, 21,” Bella Lim was confused as to why she was asked so. Just now, she had seen the petrified look on his face which gradually softened to a look that she couldn't believe she had the chance to witness. For a second there, she was almost fool by the longing look he was showing.

Bella Lim knew something had triggered that look but she decided to ignore the tension of curiosity that began to form inside her. Still, she peeked at the man only to see the face of protest. Was he doubting her age?

”I am indeed 21,” Bella Lim didn't know why she felt the need to insist. That was when she recalled what D had repeatedly advised for her to do which was to take care of herself more. She wondered if she really had neglected herself to the extent that made her looked older by many years. Well, she indeed looked older, but, was it worse than she thought?

”Amazing. You look mȧturė,” Eric Wu calmly sat back. His face was stoic as if he wasn't affected by the revelation of age. He drank another glass of drink to hide the smile that was about to form on his face. Right now, he looked composed.

”It's not funny,” Bella Lim clearly caught the smile that was hidden behind the glass. She didn't know why, but she was irritated. Hence, the burst of dissatisfaction.