CHAPTER 425: CHAPTER 425 YOU ARE DOING GREAT, BUNNY

The thought alone made him feel something warm and possessive inside him, a feeling he hadn’t planned on and couldn’t shake even if he tried.

She is my woman, his mind whispered with a calm certainty.

By the time they reached the ballroom venue, it was already seven. Golden lights decorated the entrance, music drifted lightly through the open doors, and elegant guests wearing beautiful gowns and suits stepped inside with soft laughter.

Leo stepped out first, adjusting his jacket. Then he turned, offering his hand to Bella like a gentleman. She placed her small hand in his, her gown shimmering as she stepped out of the car. He carefully helped her, making sure she did not trip over the hem.

When their eyes met under the evening lights, Bella smiled shyly.

And Leo...

He felt his breath catch for the second time that day.

When they stepped inside, Bella’s eyes widened with pure happiness. The ballroom was breathtaking, golden lights draped like falling stars, chandeliers sparkling above them, soft music floating in the air like a warm whisper. Couples danced gracefully across the marble floor, their gowns brushing gently as they moved. The whole place felt dreamy, elegant, and quietly romantic.

Bella’s heart fluttered.

No familiar faces, no drama.

And most importantly,

no Alexa

.

She let out a tiny relieved sigh. "Good... good... she is not here," she whispered to herself, smiling like a child who found her favorite candy untouched.

But her smile faltered when she spotted someone across the ballroom.

Alan.

He stood dressed sharply, his hair styled neatly, and beside him was a woman Bella did not recognize, clearly someone he brought as a companion. Bella blinked and quickly looked away.

Leo followed her gaze and froze.

Alan.

His jaw clenched.

He felt a sharp burn rise in his chest, blood heating instantly. His arm tightened around Bella’s waist with a possessive reflex he did not bother hiding. The urge to walk over and shatter Alan’s face flickered dangerously behind his calm expression.

But just as his temper was about to overflow, the host and his wife approached them with bright smiles, pulling Leo’s attention away.

"Mr. Moretti!" the host greeted warmly, shaking his hand. "I am glad you could make it."

Leo nodded politely, though his eyes still glinted with leftover tension. Bella, noticing his grip on her waist, gently placed her hand over his, calming him without saying a single word.

Then the host turned to Bella, and his expression brightened even more.

"And this must be Mrs. Moretti," he said, his tone full of admiration. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight."

Bella smiled shyly, dipping her head. "Thank you..."

His wife stepped forward with a warm, gentle expression. She took Bella’s hands with both of hers. "You are very pretty, dear," she said, her voice sincere. "That gown suits you wonderfully."

Bella’s cheeks glowed as she whispered, "You both look beautiful too."

The couple laughed softly, touched by her sweetness.

"Well, please enjoy the night," the host’s wife said, giving Bella’s hand a soft squeeze before stepping back with her husband.

As they walked away, Bella let out the softest breath, the kind that carried both nerves and happiness. Leo looked down at her, the storm in him easing as he saw her relaxed smile.

His fingers slid along her waist again, pulling her a little closer as he murmured, "You are doing great, bunny."

Bella looked up at him, eyes sparkling under the ballroom lights, and Leo felt that warm rush inside him again.

Bella was enjoying the atmosphere. Her smile slowly faded the moment she saw Alan making his way toward them. Leo’s mood, which had been calm and warm a moment ago, turned dark in a single heartbeat.

Alan approached with his usual lazy smile. "Leo, how are you?"

But his eyes...

His eyes never stayed on Leo.

They kept flicking toward Bella, wide, stunned, almost disbelieving. He could not hide it even if he tried. Bella looked so breathtaking that he felt momentarily speechless. He remembered her from the night Leo introduced her, thin, fragile looking, wearing casual clothes, underweight, her confidence completely buried.

And now...

She looked healthy, glowing, elegant, dressed like a woman who finally received all the love she deserved. She did not just glow up, she bloomed like a butterfly finally unfolding its wings, gentle yet stunning in every detail.

He swallowed, unable to drag his gaze away.

"FINE," Leo replied bluntly, the word dropping like cold steel between them.

If Alan had been paying attention, he would have noticed the note of danger in Leo’s voice. Whatever friendship existed between them was gone the day Leo realized Alan had feelings for Bella.

This man did not deserve his friendship. Bella was not some random woman. She was his sister in law at the time. Even if she saved Alan’s life once, he should have been grateful, respectful, supportive.

But no, Alan let himself fall for her.

Leo’s blood boiled at the thought. Jealousy, anger, possessiveness... all mixed together until it started boiling.

All he wanted in that moment was to shove Alan away, pull Bella into his arms, and kiss her senseless in front of him so he would never forget who she belonged to. But Leo controlled himself, jaw tight, nails digging into his palm.

Beside him, Bella blinked in confusion. Leo looked ready to lose his temper, but she did not understand why. Wasn’t Alan his friend?

"Leo... let us go," Bella said softly, tugging at his sleeve. She offered Alan a polite, awkward smile, the kind meant to be friendly but ending up looking like she wanted to disappear.

Alan still could not take his eyes off her.

Leo noticed.

All he wanted now was to pluck Alan’s eyes out, but he kept his composure for Bella’s sake and followed her deeper into the ballroom, refusing to cause a scene out of jealousy.

Behind them, Alan watched with a cold smirk.

Jennifer, the woman beside him, leaned in and whispered, hugging his arm lightly, "He looks angry."

"He should," Alan said with a cold smile. "Let him lose his temper. Then Bella will hate him."

Jennifer raised a brow, unimpressed. She was Alexa’s cousin, here for money, not romance. With her hazel eyes and long dark hair, she looked elegant, but her expression remained bored.

"Well," she said calmly, "I do not think your plan will work. Bella looked in love with him. Very in love. Anyone can see it."

Alan’s eyes darkened.

"You do not need to tell me anything," he muttered. "Just do what you came for. Be decoration."

Jennifer only shrugged, waving him off. "Whatever."

She did not care.

She was getting paid.

But Alan cared too much.

And that made him dangerous.