Chapter 138 Working Hard in the Kitchen

Chapter 138 Working Hard in the Kitchen

Bella woke up and started packing. Her luggage was all set. After making breakfast, she planned to head back to Newport. Just as she finished tidying up, the room's landline phone rang. She walked over to answer it.

"Bella, come down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. You'll have some company," Benedict's voice was smooth and inviting.

Bella chuckled, "You sneaky guy."

She hung up the phone, smiling. She had guessed right—he had gone to get breakfast. Polite and attentive, such a husband truly made one feel content.

It was a budget hotel with a simple dining area. Not exactly a high-end place. The breakfast wasn't usually anything special or elaborate. But this morning was different. Benedict was the chef. The entire restaurant was filled with various delightful aromas: the scent of warm milk, the smell of frying eggs, and the fresh aroma of toasted bread. Even the cold side dishes had a tantalizing spicy fragrance. A beautifully arranged breakfast spread out on the table. It outshone all the other simple meals. Other guests felt like their free breakfast was pig slop in comparison.

At the table, Albert was already sitting there, daydreaming and almost drooling. At five in the morning, Benedict had invited him for a run. A solid six miles. Benedict completed it effortlessly. Albert was exhausted, nearly foaming at the mouth. Benedict's physical fitness even impressed this special forces scout.

Back at the hotel, in Albert's room. For convenience and protection, he stayed at the same hotel as Bella. After freshening up, they headed to the restaurant. Albert waited. Benedict was busy. All the ingredients were bought by Benedict on the way back from the run. He just borrowed the kitchen, and they naturally agreed. By the time Bella arrived, breakfast was almost ready.

Seeing Albert, she blushed, "You're here!"

Albert felt a bit awkward, stood up, and nodded, "Good morning, Bella!"

Bella blushed and softly said, "Albert, thank you for everything these past few days."

"No problem! Mr. Capulet actually..."

Just as he was about to say something, Benedict came over with a plate of waffles, "Here, Bella, Albert, start eating. I have a few more dishes and a soup."

"Mr. Capulet, this is enough. There's already so much." Albert was genuinely frustrated; this breakfast was too extravagant, and there was more to come.

Bella felt comfortable, "Benedict, stop fussing and sit down to eat with us!"

"It's fine. The ingredients are all prepared. It would be a waste not to use them. You two start eating."

Benedict gently patted Bella's shoulder with one hand and Albert's with the other. The strength was different, but the smile was warm and confident. The demeanor of a gambling king exuded an inexplicable charm. Then he returned to the kitchen.

Bella felt a bit helpless, but couldn't resist the aroma and started enjoying the breakfast. Albert also felt a bit awkward, shaking his head and whispering, "This is a bit embarrassing."

Bella was puzzled, "What?"

Albert shook his head and smiled, "Nothing, eat up! Mr. Capulet is a good man, strong, generous, and composed. Bella, I believe you'll be a happy woman in the future."

Bella couldn't help but glance towards the kitchen, watching Benedict focus on cooking. She felt a bit proud. And had some expectations for the future.

Albert actually wanted to say: A wife and her suitor having breakfast together, made by the husband, who didn't mind and was working hard in the kitchen. This was awkward. What kind of husband was this? But he understood: This was a perfect man!

Following someone like Benedict promised a future full of meaning and potential. His breakfast was truly delicious.

While Benedict was still simmering the last soup, David walked in, dressed in a retro style that made Bella uncomfortable. He was wearing the same clothes he had on eight years ago when he confessed his love to her: a brown trench coat, an ochre heart-patterned sweater, a white shirt underneath, gray-white jeans, and old brown leather shoes. For a moment, Bella was lost in thought. This was David's best outfit back then.

David, with his hands in the pockets of his brown trench coat, looked displeased. He stared directly at Albert, his voice cold, "Who are you? Why are you having breakfast with Bella?"

Bella's face turned red, "David, you..."

David looked at Bella, his voice softening, "Bella, you don't need to say anything. I'll just talk to him. Enjoy your meal. This breakfast is really good. I was going to invite you for breakfast, but it seems unnecessary now."

Bella felt a bit irritated. David's demeanor and style really fell short compared to Benedict. Albert felt the same. Of course, as a former special forces scout, his mental fortitude was strong.

David finished speaking and looked at Albert again, his expression cold. His eyes were filled with contempt, scrutiny, and pressure. "Speak, who are you?"

Albert stood up, "I'm Albert, Bella's former colleague. I used to pursue her, but I've given up now. I'm just having breakfast with her as a friend and then driving her back to Newport."

David sneered, tapping the table, "I'm glad you have self-awareness. After breakfast, drive yourself back to Newport. I'll personally take Bella. Bella is the love of my life, and no one can take her away. Only I can be with her. I hope you understand that. Find a woman who suits you and live your life well. Don't cause trouble for others, okay?"

The strange looks from around made Bella's face hot and her heart angry. How could David speak like this? People around were witnessing quite a scene. A beautiful woman with three men revolving around her this morning. Two arguing at the table. And one cooking in the kitchen.

Albert's anger flared up even before Bella's. He was also tall and strong, about 6.2 feet, similar in height to David. He looked directly at David, his gaze firm and sharp, "Mr. Clark, you've gone too far. Bella is a married woman. Her husband is my friend, my good friend, so..."

David gritted his teeth, his cheeks puffing slightly, interrupting Albert word by word. "Benedict, huh? That scum, that gambler, and you still defend him, right?"

Albert coldly replied, "You're wrong! The old Benedict might not have cherished her, but now, he's different. He's changed. He's the best lover for Bella."

"Stop praising him!" David waved his sleeve, his face full of hostility, "As expected, you two are birds of a feather. Defending him, huh? Do you know, my return to Newport means Benedict's downfall. Can Benedict change his nature? I don't believe it!"

At that moment, Benedict came over with a fragrant soup. His face was calm and natural. He placed the soup down. David's face was filled with shock and displeasure. He stared directly at Benedict, "So you're still here!"

His fists clenched. Bella felt inexplicably panicked. But Albert immediately stood by Benedict's side, "Mr. Clark, please don't act impulsively."

David ignored Albert, staring straight at Benedict, "Come outside and talk."

Benedict took a step forward, extended his hand, and smiled, "David, long time no see, nice to meet you."