Chapter 60

Daniel.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Bella questioned, observing the smile on my face as we sat across from each other at the restaurant.

Ever since we left the museum and arrived here for dinner, I couldn't help but wear a constant smile. It felt like an infectious joy had taken hold of me, overwhelming my emotions and compelling me to express my happiness openly.

I couldn't recall if ever Bella had genuinely hugged me since we first met. However, today, out of nowhere, she offered me a hug. The indescribable joy I felt in that moment was immeasurable.

It wasn't as if the hug automatically meant she had developed feelings for me or wanted a deeper connection, but it signified progress, and that alone filled me with happiness and hope that my efforts weren't in vain.

"Are you going to play coy and pretend you don't know why I'm smiling?" I asked, expecting her eye roll in response.

"Last time I checked, I'm not capable of reading minds. So, you'll have to enlighten me on why you're grinning from ear to ear because I have no clue what's got you so thrilled," she retorted, living up to my expectations.

Bella wouldn't be the Bella I know if she didn't deny any knowledge of the reason behind my smile. However, I had no intention of concealing the source of my happiness from her. She needed to understand how much her simple gesture meant to me.

"Well, let's just say that I'm ecstatic because someone offered me a comforting hug. It's been a while since I experienced that kind of genuine care, and it's also been a long time since I opened up about my life to anyone. So, you could say you've made me the happiest man in this moment," I replied honestly, awaiting her reaction. She immediately shot me a disapproving look.

"I never realized you were capable of saying such cringey things. I'd appreciate it if you refrained from making such comments around me, as they tend to provoke a negative reaction from me," she expressed, her disapproval evident.

"Just because you don't appreciate hearing the truth doesn't mean I should suppress my honest expressions. And don't use this as an excuse to push me away, because I won't allow it. I'm simply happy about the gift you've given me, and I have the right to express that happiness, especially since you insisted I tell you," I asserted, shrugging off her disapproving response.

"Frankly, it's hard for me to take statements like that seriously coming from men, considering how quickly you all tend to change your tune after initially acting like you can't live without a woman. I only hugged you because I could relate to your story in some way, and I felt compelled to offer you support for achieving your dreams and breaking free from your family's control," Bella defensively explained, and I shook my head, finding it hard to believe.

Throughout the evening, I noticed Bella's guarded demeanor, as if she had built a protective wall around herself that she didn't want anyone to breach.

I didn't see anything wrong with having walls, but I believed that people don't become that guarded overnight. I suspected that something must have happened in her past relationships or personal life that made her so closed-off and distrusting of everything.

While I longed to break through her barriers, I knew that it would require immense patience. I had to wait until she felt ready to open up about her life. To accomplish that, I had to continue being present for her, making her feel comfortable and safe in my presence.

"You claim to relate to my experiences, but you haven't told me how. In fact, it seems like you know a lot more about me than I do about you. I'm not saying you have to disclose anything, as it's entirely your choice. However, I do hope that someday you'll feel comfortable enough to share how you relate to my story, so I can offer you a comforting hug as well," I said with a gentle smile.

She averted her gaze, looking out the window, lost in deep thought.

"Did I offend you with my words? Did it come across as if I was pressuring you?" I asked, hoping she hadn't misconstrued my intentions, thinking I was trying to pry information from her.

As much as I yearned to learn about her and delve into her world, I understood the importance of giving her space and allowing her to share at her own pace, whenever she was ready.

"No, no, that's not it. I appreciate that you're not pushing me to talk about it because I don't think I'm prepared yet. However, I do believe we'll have that conversation eventually, although I can't say when," she responded, and a sigh of relief escaped me.

At least she wasn't upset with me, and that alone brought me happiness and relief.

"A few days ago, I heard from Mary that you're trying to get into an exhibition happening in New York. If you don't mind me asking, how is it going? I'm genuinely interested and curious because I care, and I also want to keep our conversation flowing," I confessed, and she chuckled in response.

"I've already submitted my previous paintings for evaluation, as they need to assess my skill level before considering my work for the exhibition. However, I'm facing a challenge now, as I have less than two weeks to create new paintings for their final decision," I explained.

"To be honest, before you texted me earlier and asked me out on a date, I was contemplating cutting you off and ending our conversations. I felt like I needed to eliminate distractions to focus on finding inspiration. You were the only new person in my life, so I assumed you were part of the distraction," Bella confessed.

Initially, her words stung, and I wrestled with mixed emotions. It hurt to think she wanted to end our friendship, but on reflection, I understood her perspective. She was at the beginning of her career and needed to concentrate on herself.

"Does it bother you that I considered cutting you off?" she inquired.

"To be honest with you, it did hurt a little to think you wanted to end our friendship. However, I'm not selfish enough to disregard your reasons, and I'm grateful that I asked you out at the perfect time. Even more so, I'm glad you didn't refuse," I replied sincerely, a smile forming on my face.

"While I still believe our friendship could be a distraction, the fact that I willingly allowed myself to be distracted and even agreed to this date with you suggests that I've grown accustomed to having you around and conversing with you. Ending our connection and ignoring you will be challenging for me," Bella confessed, her smile mirroring my own.

"Earlier, you mentioned your dislike for cringey statements. Well, I don't know your definition of cringey, but what you just said could potentially fall into that category. Nonetheless, to me, it's the most wonderful thing I've heard tonight, second only to the hug," I exclaimed with excitement.

"Rest assured, that was a one-time occurrence. You'll never hear me utter anything cringey again, especially not directed at you," she boldly assured me.

Her words resonated with me, and I couldn't help but laugh. It was evident that her walls were slowly crumbling, and I found immense joy in witnessing her open up and allow me into her world. I knew I needed to be patient, support her, and giving her the confidence to be herself without fear of getting hurt.

Before I could say anything else, our waiter returned with our food, diverting my attention. We decided to enjoy our dinner in silence, savoring the meal before heading back home.