CHAPTER 341: CHAPTER 341 JAY IS BACK

"Leo!" she whined, covering her face with both hands, but he just laughed quietly and leaned down until his forehead touched hers.

"Next time you call me fat," he said softly, "I’ll make sure you remember exactly what I am."

Bella peeked through her fingers, pouting again. "Unfair husband..."

He chuckled, brushing his nose against hers before gathering her into his arms, one hand still tracing small circles on her waist.

"Cute wife," he whispered, kissing the corner of her mouth as she melted against his chest, her blush deepening until her whole face was as pink as her bunny pajamas.

Bella jumped out of bed the moment Leo released her, her cheeks still pink from earlier. She ran to the bathroom and returned a few minutes later wearing a light yellow dress that fell softly to her knees, her damp hair brushing her shoulders. Humming under her breath, she made her way downstairs, the smell of morning coffee filling the air.

But as soon as she reached the living room, her steps halted. Her eyes widened at the sight of familiar pink hair on the couch.

"Jay... Jay??" she called out in surprise.

The boy on the sofa turned his head slowly. "Bella Bell," he said with a weak grin, though his usual cheerfulness was missing.

Bella’s smile faded when she noticed the bandages wrapped around his hands. She rushed to him at once, kneeling down beside the couch. "Jay? What happened to you?" she asked, her voice full of concern. She carefully guided him to sit still, her brows creased with worry.

Jay sighed and leaned back, trying to make light of it. "Well... things got pretty intense."

Bella sat beside him, and before she could say anything, Jay rested his head on her lap like a tired child. She blinked but didn’t stop him; instead, her fingers gently brushed through his soft pink hair soothingly. She could feel the tension in his shoulders and the weariness hidden behind his smile.

"You can tell me, Jay Jay," she said softly.

He exhaled, his voice quiet. "I dated someone... and she turned out to be a spy from our enemies. I was unprepared and got injured." His lips twisted into a rueful smile. "Guess I got what I deserved for being too trusting."

Bella’s heart tightened. She rubbed his forehead gently, her voice tender. "It’s okay, Jay Jay. You’ll be fine now. Don’t blame yourself."

Jay closed his eyes, breathing out slowly as her touch eased the heaviness in his chest. "Thank you, Bella Bell," he murmured, a faint smile curling his lips again. For a moment, he just stayed there, letting her presence calm him.

After a short silence, Bella asked softly, "Where’s Jace?"

Jay sighed again, sitting up slowly. "He left earlier. Said some of his friends were visiting, but I’m really thankful to him. He... he helped me when I needed it."

Bella nodded gently, her eyes full of quiet affection. "You’re lucky to have each other," she said, smiling as she straightened his messy hair.

Jay smiled properly—a tired but genuine one. "Yeah," he said softly. "But I think I’m luckier to have you, Bella Bell."

"Why?" Bella asked, tilting her head slightly, her eyes soft with curiosity.

Jay let out a dramatic sigh, his lips curving into a pout. "Because you’re like a little sister to me! You’re so caring, Bella Bell. I wish you were my real sister... way better than my uncaring broooo," he said, dragging out the last word in exaggerated complaint.

Bella couldn’t help but laugh, relieved to see the familiar spark returning to his face. "Well... if I were your real sister," she said teasingly, "then I shouldn’t have married Leo... and we would’ve never met."

Jay gasped in mock realization and nodded. "True, true! Okay, keep being my not-sister then!"

Bella laughed softly, her eyes crinkling in amusement. But before either of them could continue, a deep, annoyed voice echoed from behind them.

"Why," Leo asked coldly, "are you putting your fat head on her?"

Both of them froze. Bella looked back and saw Leo standing there, arms crossed, looking dangerously handsome and equally irritated. His gray eyes had that sharp glint that made even Jay sit up straight immediately.

"Bro, you’re really, really, really not a good brother," Jay complained pitifully, holding up his bandaged hands like a wounded puppy. "Can’t you see my condition?"

"Yes, he’s hurt. Don’t scold him," Bella said quickly, defending Jay with a pout as she glared at Leo. "He’s not even as heavy as you when you put your head on my tummy!"

Leo’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened slightly. Jay, however, lit up like a firecracker.

"OHHHHHHH..." Jay drawled mischievously, a wide grin spreading on his face. "I can hear something... something interesting..." He wiggled his eyebrows, his grin growing as he looked at Leo’s unreadable face.

"Jay!" Bella scolded, grabbing his cheeks and pinching them firmly. "Don’t tease your brother!"

"Ow—ow—ow! Okay okay! I’m sorry!" Jay squealed, laughing even as she continued to pinch him.

Leo just watched them with his usual cool stare, but the corner of his lips twitched slightly, as if he was fighting back a smile.

Bella finally let go of Jay’s cheeks and sighed softly, resting her head back against the couch.

"So, how are your hands now?" Leo finally asked, his tone softer than before though his expression still carried that quiet authority.

Jay sighed dramatically, lifting his bandaged hands for both of them to see. "Well... still alive," he said with a helpless grin. "But the pain is killing me, and there’s nothing I can do about it."

Leo’s gray eyes softened a little. The irritation that had lingered in his face earlier faded, replaced by something gentler—brotherly concern that peeked through his usual coldness. "You should rest more," he said firmly. "And stop running around. And," his voice deepened slightly, "stop dating random women."

Jay gasped like Leo had just insulted his entire love life. "What, bro? I don’t date random women! It’s just—after so long, I decided to give dating another chance!" He leaned back dramatically, pressing a hand to his heart. "And who would’ve thought that woman would turn out to be a spy? A real spy! With a gun!" He groaned, tossing his head back. "The universe just hates me."