Chapter 7

Bella finished freshening up and went out to join Fallon for lunch.

As she picked up her bowl, she casually asked, "Where's Dad?"

"He's at work. He switched jobs recently and doesn't come home for lunch anymore. But forget about that. How'd your last blind date go?" Fallon asked eagerly.

"What do you mean, how did it go?"

Fallon was already anxious, and Bella's indifferent tone made her even more impatient.

"Did the man like you or not? You're not getting any younger. You can't just stay at home forever. If you get married now, you can have a child soon, and I can help you take care of them."

"If we wait a few more years, who knows if I'll still be in good health."

Bella put down her utensils, clearly unhappy with her mom's words. "Mom, do you have to jinx yourself like that?"

Seeing Fallon about to lose her temper, Bella sighed and said, "Anyway, don't get your hopes up about this."

Fallon felt a pang of disappointment.

"Another failure? But I asked the guy, and he seemed quite satisfied with you. Be honest, did you do something to mess it up?" She looked at Bella suspiciously, putting down her utensils and adopting an interrogative stance.

Bella stared at the food on the table, completely losing her appetite.

She thought there should be a rule about not talking during meals. Next time, she would make sure to establish one.

Otherwise, every occurrence of dining with her mother would be tainted by such conversation, utterly decimating her appetite.

The atmosphere was unbearably tense.

Bella stood up abruptly. "Forget it. I'm full; I'm leaving."

She grabbed her violin case from the sofa and headed for the door.

She had come back home specifically to get her violin, which she had accidentally left behind on her last visit.

"Stop right there! You can't even stand a few more words with me?" Fallon stormed out of the living room.

Bella paused at the door and sighed again.

This was why she didn't like coming home.

Every time she came back, Fallon would nag about marriage, constantly pushing her to find a man and settle down. It was driving Bella, who was indifferent to marriage, to the brink of developing a fear of it.

But what could she do? This was her mom, her flesh and blood.

This thought became especially strong when she saw Fallon's slightly red eyes.

Fallon turned away to wipe her tears, muttering, "I just want you to have a stable life. Is that so wrong?"

Bella put down her violin and helped Fallon back to the living room sofa, comforting her.

She comforted Fallon for a long time until she finally calmed down.

Only then did Bella explain, "Maybe the guy changed his mind. That's how blind dates are, right? We can't control what others think. Let's just forget about it."

"Even though this blind date didn't work out, the next one might be a better match, right?"

Fallon was coaxed into a smile, then glared at her. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

Bella was about to leave.

Before she left, Fallon handed her some homemade food. "Take these with you. I'm aware you seldom prepare meals for yourself, and these should sustain you for quite some time."

Bella looked at the pile of food in her hands, worried that if this continued, she wouldn't be able to leave. "That's enough, Mom. I can't carry any more."

Fallon finally stopped, albeit reluctantly.

Watching her mom bustling around the house, looking for things to give her, Bella felt a mix of helplessness and tenderness.

Family was always like this—scolding with their words but showing love through their actions.

"Oh, and one more thing! The ointment you sent to your grandma last time is all gone. Remember to send some more. She said it worked really well," Fallon reminded her, slapping her forehead.

Bella, who was changing her shoes to leave, froze.

Ointment? Wasn't that from Edward?

Fallon failed to notice her peculiar demeanor, and Bella had no intention of burdening Fallon with such chaotic matters, merely responding with a succinct, "I understand."

Back at her place, Bella was troubled by this task.

Her phone screen lit up.

She stared at a number she could dial with her eyes closed, but she couldn't bring herself to press the green call button.

Bella still remembered their unpleasant parting.

She had told him not to interfere in her life, and now she was going to ask him for the ointment? That would be humiliating.

"No, no way," Bella quickly deleted the number.

Then, a light bulb went off in her head. She thought of someone more suitable.

Scarlett! She had gotten Larry's number from Scarlett.

Larry was Edward's friend. Maybe he could help.

She called Scarlett.

Scarlett promptly sent her Larry's number.

Larry asked, "Who's this?"

"It's Bella Obelon. Remember me?" Bella identified herself, ignoring the deafening music in the background.

"Oh, it's you. Hold on." When Larry spoke again, the background noise had quieted down.

"That's better. So, what's up? Want to hang out?"

Bella hesitated for a few seconds, brainstorming.

She couldn't directly ask him to get the ointment from Edward, because that would make it obvious to Edward that she needed it.

"Actually, Edward gave me some ointment before. Can you help me find out where to buy it?" Bella asked.

Larry sounded surprised. "You need me for that?"

Just then, a stunning woman handed him a cocktail. "Sneaking off to make a call? You need to be punished."

She then poured the drink into his mouth.

Bella could hear the kissing sounds on the other end, and it was clear what was happening.

She felt a bit awkward.

Fortunately, Larry remembered she was on the line and didn't get too caught up in flirting. He quickly replied, "Why don't you ask him yourself? You know him, right? I'm busy now."

After a pause, he added, "Edward might be more willing to help you than me. Trust me."Even after the call ended, Bella couldn't bring herself to do it. Forget it, she'd deal with it later.

To her surprise, the next day after class, she saw Edward's car parked outside her apartment building.

"What brings you here?" she inquired, gazing at Edward whom she hadn't seen for two days.

Clearly, unlike her, the incident hadn't affected Edward much, or it had only a slight impact on him.Normally, Edward would have approached her by now, but this time he just glanced at her and handed her a bag. "Here's what you needed."

Bella looked at the ointment in the bag, stunned.

Edward explained, "I overheard your call the other day."

She felt utterly embarrassed.

Bella bit her lip, thinking, 'What is the point of all her efforts to maintain her dignity?'

Was it all just a joke?

"Thanks. I'll pay you back." She took the bag and started to head upstairs.

Suddenly, a strong force pulled her back.

Before she could react, Edward had her pinned against the car hood, and his kiss followed.