Chapter 202

Edward focused intently on Bella's rounded toes, her nails a healthy pink.

Even though it was just applying medicine, Bella felt uncomfortable and instinctively wanted to pull her foot back.

Edward held her foot firmly and said softly, "Don't move."

Then, he began to apply the medicine.

Edward scooped out the cool ointment with his fingers and spread it over Bella's ankle.

The cold sensation made Bella shiver slightly.

Edward's face was serious as he knelt on one knee, cradling Bella's foot like it was the most precious treasure, treating it with utmost care.

Time ticked by slowly.

Edward finally released Bella's foot, and she quickly put it down, trying to hide her discomfort. "Thanks."

Edward glanced at the high heels on the floor and called for a servant.

"Bring a pair of flat slippers and a change of clothes, women's style, from the second floor."

The servant immediately went upstairs to fetch them.

Bella was surprised by the implication in Edward's words. Had he prepared all this in advance?

When the servant brought the clothes down and presented them to her, Bella couldn't help but speak up, "I didn't say I was staying here tonight."

Edward responded calmly, "Do you think you can walk in your condition?"

She wanted to say yes, even tried to stand. But as soon as she moved, a sharp pain shot through her ankle, forcing her to sit back down.

The servant, seemingly oblivious to Bella's reluctance, placed the clothes beside her. "Miss, don't worry. These are new clothes, never worn by anyone."

"Mr. Mellon bought them for his future wife. It's fine for you to wear them now."

Bella froze at the servant's words.

It wasn't until Edward dismissed the servant that she began to recover.

Once the ointment had absorbed, Bella took the clothes and went to take a shower.

She managed to calm herself down.

Edward didn't seem to have any ill intentions, so why should she be nervous? It was just one night; she could treat it like a hotel stay.

After coming out of the bathroom, Bella's phone had charged a bit. She turned it on and sent a message to Scarlett to let her know she was safe.

[I'm at Edward's place now. He hasn't done anything to me. Everything's fine; don't worry.]

Scarlett called almost immediately. "You're at Edward's house? Seriously?"

Bella sat on the bed, drying her hair, and replied calmly, "Yeah, he brought me here. It seems to be his own place."

She had seen Edward's car in that neighborhood before, but it was probably just a coincidence, maybe he had business there.

Despite Bella's reassurances, Scarlett couldn't help but worry.

"What if he takes advantage of you?"

Bella recalled Edward's serious expression as he applied the medicine.

He seemed different from before.

In the past, she would have shared Scarlett's concerns, but now she didn't. She couldn't explain why, but she felt Edward wouldn't disregard her wishes.

Bella managed to convince Scarlett, and since it was late, Scarlett didn't talk for long before hanging up.

Bella finished drying her hair and finally had time to explore the villa.

The decor was still Edward's usual minimalist style. But there were more things here.

Bella picked up a brown teddy bear from the bedside table, her eyes showing a hint of complexity.

A faint smell of medicine wafted in, piquing Bella's curiosity. She walked out and saw a servant brewing herbal medicine. "What's this for?"

The servant explained, "It's for Mr. Mellon. Miss, you might not know, but Mr. Mellon has had a tough time."

Bella was stunned, unable to believe it.

She had heard from a temporary servant before that he was lonely, but she hadn't paid much attention.

Edward used to have a lot of friends; how could someone like that be lonely?

The servant continued, "Mr. Mellon hasn't had a good night's sleep in a long time. He wakes up every two or three hours."

"Once, I heard him talking in his sleep, calling out a name—Bella, Bella."

Bella's throat suddenly felt dry.

If only she had heard these words earlier, but now it was too late.

After the medicine was ready, the servant wanted Bella to deliver it.

Bella quickly spoke up, "It's late, I'm going to sleep."

She returned to her room and closed the door. The whole process was seamless.

But that night, Bella couldn't sleep.

She stared at the moonlight streaming through the window, her eyes dry, her throat parched.

After a long time, Bella sat up and decided to get some water.

As she quietly opened the door, she saw Edward in the kitchen, wearing pajamas. He looked refined, less sharp, more scholarly.

Seeing the cold bottled water in his hand, Bella instinctively spoke up, "You have a stomach condition; you shouldn't drink too much cold water."

Edward closed the fridge and handed the bottle to Bella. "It's for you."

Bella fell silent again. It wasn't until Edward leaned against the wall that she snapped out of it.

Seeing Edward's pale face, Bella felt a bad premonition. "Is your stomach acting up?"

Edward nodded slightly, his voice barely audible. "I'll be fine if I sit for a while."

Bella got angry at his nonchalance. "It's a stomach condition, not a leg cramp! Sitting won't help!"

Ignoring Edward's protests, Bella rummaged through the cabinets.

Soon, she found stomach medicine in the living room cabinet.

Finding the medicine there felt like a premonition.

Edward didn't like keeping medicine at home. Bella had insisted he keep some, repeating it at least ten times before he changed his habit. Since then, Edward had always kept medicine at home.

Bella gave Edward the medicine, watching him gradually improve, and calmed herself down.

"Don't drink cold water late at night. If something happens, no one will be there to help you."

With that, she turned to leave.

Edward grabbed her hand, his deep eyes reflecting her image, his grip tightening. "Stay with me, please."

Bella spoke calmly, "You helped me when I sprained my ankle, so I was just returning the favor."

"It's not appropriate for us to be alone in a room late at night. Please don't make it difficult for me, Mr. Mellon."

Bella's words were calm but cut deeper than the sharpest knife.

Edward let go of her.

That night passed in silence.

The next morning, Bella was driven back to Oceancrest City.

She left at eight, and Scarlett's bus was at nine, just in time to give Scarlett a ride.

At the bus station, Scarlett looked Bella up and down, as if trying to see if anything had changed.

Bella felt uncomfortable under her gaze. "What are you looking at?"

Scarlett let go of her hand and grinned. "I'm checking if you're still pure."