CHAPTER TEN

Bella

My fingers tightened around the edge of the bedroom door.

Miss Brianna has arrived.

The servant's words lingered in my ears long after he had left. I looked down at the dinner tray resting on the small table beside my bed. The food had already gone cold. Slowly, I pushed it aside. For a moment, I considered locking my door and pretending none of it mattered. But this was my home now. Running away to my room every time Brianna visited wasn't a solution. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

The Alpha House was unusually lively tonight.

Servants moved quietly through the corridors, carrying refreshments toward the sitting room.

As I descended the stairs, Brianna's cheerful laughter echoed through the house.

She sounded comfortable. As though she belonged here.

Bella lowered her gaze and continued toward the kitchen.

She wasn't interested in interrupting them.

She only wanted a cup of warm tea before returning to her room.

Unfortunately fate seemed to have other plans.

Lady Bella.

She stopped.

The elderly housekeeper hurried toward her with a gentle smile.

I didn't expect to see you downstairs.

I just wanted some tea.

I'll have someone prepare it.

Thank you.

Before Bella could leave, another voice filled the room.

Bella.

Her entire body stiffened.

She turned slowly.

Harry stood a few steps away.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

His eyes settled on the untouched dinner tray still sitting on a nearby servant's cart.

You didn't eat.

Bella answered calmly.

I wasn't hungry.

You should eat.

It can wait.

Harry frowned.

It shouldn't.

She looked at him for a second before lowering her eyes.

I'll eat later.

The conversation ended as quickly as it had begun.

Bella stepped aside, intending to leave.

Harry?

Brianna's voice floated into the hallway.

She appeared moments later, smiling brightly until her eyes landed on Bella.

The smile remained. But it no longer reached her eyes.

So...

Brianna said pleasantly.

This must be Bella.

Bella offered a polite nod.

Good evening.

It's nice to finally see you again.

Again.

The word wasn't accidental.

It reminded Bella that they had met before back when Bella had simply been another unnoticed Omega.

Harry stood silently between them.

Neither is introducing them.

Nor saying a word.

The silence stretched.

Brianna broke it first.

I've heard you've been helping around the house.

I'm only doing what needs to be done.

How admirable.

Her compliment sounded sincere. Yet something about it felt strange.

Bella couldn't explain why.

She simply smiled politely.

If you'll excuse me.

Without waiting for permission, she walked away.

She didn't look back. She didn't need to. She could feel Brianna's eyes following her until she disappeared up the stairs.

Brianna watched Bella leave before turning to Harry.

She's different.

Harry looked toward the staircase.

What do you mean?

I expected someone desperate to keep your attention.

He didn't answer.

Instead, he picked up the untouched dinner tray the servant had been about to remove.

Have this warmed.

The servant blinked.

My Lord?

The food.

Harry repeated.

Warm it.

Before anyone could respond, he picked up the tray himself.

Brianna stared at him in disbelief.

Harry

He paused.

I'll be back.

Then, carrying the tray in his own hands He started walking toward the staircase.

Brianna remained frozen where she stood.

Because in all the years she had known Harry. He had never carried food to anyone.

Not even once.