Chapter 45 – My Hero

So that was why he rescued her.

Bella agreed, and she raised her head higher and laughed relaxingly, “That is right, if you had not rescued me on time, I would have had to sue you.”

Edwin’s face hung a smile on the corner of his lips, “Yes, I believe you would have.”

Bella thought he must be very tolerant and patient, as he seemed to sustain a mild manner.

When Bess stepped into the bookstore, she saw Bella bent down beside a sitting man, she smiled as the man dropped his eyes on her face, they both looked to be serene but warm.

“Excuse me, madam, we are closed this afternoon, you can write down the name of the books that you want as well as your contact number, we will call you as soon as they are ready, or you can ask for a delivery service.” The girl in the store greeted Bess.

Bess looked at the girl shyly and pointed to Bella, “I am looking for her.”

Then she just stood there and called out, “Bella.”

Bella straightened up and looked at Edwin, and said naturally, “My mother is here, we must go now. I greatly appreciate you having saved me, though you are the owner.” Then she nodded to him, “Thank you so much.”

Edwin took her arms, and said in a joking manner, “This seems to be not enough, for I had saved your life.”

Bella blushed, and then asked uneasily, “What can I do for you, then?”

“Oh!” Edwin grimaced, he looked like he felt some pain, “For the sake of my injuries, how about treating me to a good meal.”

Bella promised at once, “I should, I will let, let me treat you to lunch tomorrow?”

Edwin raised one of his eyebrows and said sadly, “The hero is me but had no right to choose the time.”

She had decided the time to meet, and he could not object.

Bella fidgeted awkwardly, and her face became even redder, “I am sorry, I have something important to do in the evenings, I must be back in time.”

The mansion locked down at 8 pm, if she failed to arrive before then, she could not imagine the kind of punishment she might receive from Charles.

He looked at her face as it became extremely red, Edwin laughed, “I am just joking. Don’t change the time. Or, next time, I will not rescue you.”

Realized that he had just joked with her, Bella relaxed a bit and laughed, “I assure you, I will come in time for the sake of treating my hero to a big meal.”

“Good, I will wait for you here until 1 pm tomorrow.” Edwin grinned at her, and there was a kind of expectation in his eyes.

Edwin saluted Bess politely and walked them to the door.

Until Bella and her mother disappeared from his vision, he turned back and opened his clenched fist, on which there were some strands of her hair.

“Master, it that her?” The girl who had been tiding the books ran to him, her appearance was more thoughtful, and her eyes gleamed astutely.

Edwin still had a smile hung on his face, but his voice was distant, “Take this to do the test.”

The girl lowered her head and asked, “Don’t you bring it in personally?”

Edwin was nonchalant, “Didn’t you hear that I have a date at 1 pm tomorrow?”

“Yes, master.” The girl did not speak anymore.

The bookstore was a mile away from Bess’s home, so they strolled home together.

Bess, noticed the smile on Bella’s face, spoke to her, “That man in the store looks nice, he must be educated.”

Bella was surprised by her mother’s admiration and stared at her, “Mum, do you like him?”

Bess gave her a stride, “What do you mean?” Her face became serious, “Bella, you have grown up, it is time to find a man to date. Your boss is wealthy and immensely powerful, but you don’t match with him, as you are not in the same class. The bookshop owner would be suitable for you. And the bookshop is not far away …”

“Mum, stop, stop.” Bella felt uncomfortable with her mother’s words, “Mum, I am only twenty. And…” Her eyes went dim that second, “I have dated long enough? Four years, was enough.” She smiled bitterly, “How do you know Edwin Beck is even interested in me?”

Bella had lost confidence in herself as well as the feeling of security.

With the stain of the erotic photos, she didn’t have the confidence to get married again even after she left Williams Mansion one day. Bella sighed, she could only wish she could leave the Mansion and Charles one day, and she preferred to live on her own with her mother. At least she could live freely, in control of her own life.

Bess did not understand what her daughter was thinking, but soaked in her own imagination, “I knew the man was different than your boss. He is well educated, and his parents must not be strict with the social class, they would accept you easily.”

“Enough, Mum, you gave the same judgment about Martin four years ago.” Bella was not willing to continue the subject, because she just met Edwin today, it was weird to talk about dating him at this moment. And, she had been married to Charles, it was impossible to have another man.

Bess was afraid to upset Bella by mentioning Martin, so she changed the subject, “You are right, one can’t be judged by his appearance. Let things go naturally.”

Bella’s sadness lifted a bit.

It was a quarter to 8. when Bella arrived at Williams Mansion.

Elsa and Roy had been waiting for her at the gate, and respectfully bowed to her, “Lady.”

But Bella saluted to them with a bow as well, because she felt small even before them.

The next second, Elsa stretched out her hand, “Lady, this way please.”

She brought Bella into a room on the first level, and Roy followed them.

“Sit down, please.” Elsa pushed her to a chair.

Bella sat down with doubt, “Crack, crack,” with the sounds, her wrists were locked to the arms of the chair,

“What is going on?” Bella was as scared as a sheep before a tiger. She regretted having come back since Charles was not home. She should have stayed away with her mother.

There was a sharp noise made by a piece of metal as well as a cold light that flashed, she saw a knife appear in Roy’s hand.

The blade of the knife sparkled under the light.