CHAPTER 219: CHAPTER 219 WHAT’S WRONG

The next morning

When Leo’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, expecting something ordinary, but the moment he answered, his expression shifted. His jaw stiffened, his grip on the phone tightening, and the calm mask he usually wore cracked with sudden tension.

Bella, sitting at the table nibbling the last bite of her toast, noticed immediately. She set her cup down and leaned forward slightly. "Leo?" she called softly, her brows knitting together.

He ended the call, his movements slower than usual, then turned to her. His eyes were sharp but clouded with something she rarely saw—uncertainty. "My grandmother is coming here."

Bella blinked, her eyes going wide. "Your... grandmother?"

Leo nodded once, his lips pressing into a hard line. "Yes. And she’s very traditional." His tone was clipped, but there was an edge of unease behind it.

Bella’s heart skipped. Traditional. Strict. The word alone made her both nervous and curious. She twisted her fingers together under the table. What if she doesn’t like me? What if she finds me too... ordinary? Yet, deep down, there was also a strange flicker of excitement. To meet the woman who raised someone like Leo—it felt important, like stepping into another part of his hidden world.

Before she could say anything, Leo drew in a breath and delivered the part that made her heart nearly leap out of her chest. "And you need to move into the room with me."

Bella froze, her mouth parting in shock. "W-what?!" Her cheeks turned pink immediately.

Leo’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone firm. "She’s traditional, Bella. If she sees you living separately from me, it will raise questions we don’t need." His gaze softened a fraction, though his expression stayed serious. "I won’t let her think badly of you."

Bella pressed her lips together, her heart thumping wildly. Sharing a room with him—his room, his bed—it was something she had never imagined happening so soon. She lowered her eyes, her fingers fidgeting nervously against her dress.

Excitement warred with panic inside her. She wanted to argue, to say no, but when she peeked up and saw the tension in his face, she bit her words back.

"...Okay," she whispered, barely audible.

Leo gave a slow nod, though his jaw was still tight. His eyes lingered on her face for a long moment before he turned away, already planning, already bracing himself.

And Bella sat frozen, her cheeks warm, her stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of what tonight would bring.

***

All morning the house was busy. Servants moved back and forth, carrying Bella’s belongings up to the third floor. Bella stood in the doorway of her old room, her hands clasped in front of her as she watched them carefully pack away her things. The shelves that once held her little trinkets were bare now, her soft blanket folded and gone. A pang of sadness tugged at her chest. This was my space... my safe little corner.

By afternoon, she climbed the stairs, stepping hesitantly into Leo’s bedroom. His room had always been dark and cold, with its deep-colored walls and heavy furniture, but now—just with a few of her things—it already looked different. Lighter. Warmer. Her heart softened when she spotted her three plushies sitting proudly on the bed, their bright colors standing out against the dark sheets like little rebels.

As she walked further inside, a servant entered carrying a large box. Bella tilted her head curiously. "What’s this?" she asked, pointing.

The servant smiled. "Ma’am, it’s the wedding pictures of you and sir."

Bella’s eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise. "Really?!" Excitement bubbled inside her as she hurried over, kneeling to peek inside.

One by one, the frames were taken out. The largest one made her breath catch.

Leo’s strong arm around her waist, pulling her close, his gray eyes lowered on her with that piercing gaze. In the picture she looked shy, almost startled, while he looked... Powerful and breathtakingly handsome.

She swallowed, her cheeks heating. "It’s... so big," she muttered under her breath as the servants carefully lifted the frame.

Above his massive bed, the photo was mounted, dominating the room. Her gaze lingered on it, butterflies tumbling in her stomach. It looked so real—so much like a picture of a couple deeply in love.

Soon, smaller frames were arranged on the opposite wall. Different angles, different moments—the wind catching her hair, Leo straightening her veil, the way his hand never once left her. Every photo was beautiful, polished, like something out of a glossy magazine.

Bella clasped her hands together, smiling softly. "They’re all so pretty..." she whispered.

"Pretty."

The word was low, almost a rumble, and it made Bella’s shoulders tense. She turned her head quickly, her eyes widening when she saw him. Leonardo stood just inside the room, one hand slipped into his pocket, his gray eyes lowered on her with an unreadable expression.

She blinked at him, flustered, while her heart gave a small jump. He wasn’t looking at the pictures on the wall. He was looking at her.

He lifted his chin slightly, then gave a subtle gesture to the servants. They bowed quickly, setting aside the last empty box, before filing out of the room. The heavy door clicked softly as Leonardo stepped forward and pushed it closed behind them.

The air shifted. Bella’s brows drew together in confusion, her lips parting. "Leo?" she whispered.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he drew in a slow breath, as though steadying himself. Then, with sudden decisiveness, he stepped closer and took both of her hands in his.

Bella gasped, her eyes widening even more. "W-what—"

Her words trailed off when she saw his face up close. His jaw was tight, but his eyes... they were dark, stormy, almost burning.

"Isabella."

The way he spoke her full name made her heart lurch, every syllable falling from his lips like it was the most precious thing he had ever held.

She swallowed nervously, her lips trembling. "What’s wrong?" she asked, her voice small as she stared up at him, wide-eyed and startled.