Chapter 149 Everything is Fine

Edwin pointed to a building across the street. “My restaurant is over there.”

“Why does it seem so familiar?”

“That’s because you designed it. Wanna come take a look?”

Bella was hesitant because she had promised Charles not to see Edwin again. Bus she was eager to see the results of her hard work.

“Sorry, I need to go back to work,” muttered Bella.

“Come on, it will only take a minute,” said Dora. “You’ll be amazed when you see it.”

“Cappuccino, take away,” shouted Carl and put a brown bag on the counter.

“Need to go. Bye for now,” said Dora. She took the brown bag and rushed out of the shop.

Next, it was Edwin’s turn. “One cup of black coffee,” said Carl and handed him another brown bag.

“So, what is it going to be?” asked Edwin. “It’s just right across the street. It won’t take you long.”

“I need to get this cup of coffee to the company as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry about that,” said Carl. “I’ll keep it warm.”

“I bet you will,” she said and put the brown bag on the counter.

“You got five minutes,” she said turning to Edwin. “You better not waste it.”

“Let’s go,” he said.

The outside wall of the restaurant was white with a row of blue framed windows and the entrance was made of glass. Upon entering, she was greeted by was a huge 3D hologram of a mermaid wearing a glittery bikini top and a golden crown on her head.

“Oh, my God!” said Bella and brought her face to her cheeks.

“Yep,” said Edwin who was standing right beside her. “Noticed any similarities?”

The mermaid’s face was identical to hers!

Bella approached the continuously shifting hologram who tilted its head and raised one of its arms, as she got closer.

“Motion detection capabilities,” explained Edwin. “We want her to greet everyone that comes in.”

“Unbelievable,” said Bella and touched the mermaid’s wavy hair. “She’s so beautiful.”

“It’s because she’s modelled after you. Now let‘s go look at some of the other stuff.”

Bella followed him into the hall where she was stunned by what she encountered.

It was almost as if she had set up a small exhibition. There were several hand drawings and framed works hanging from the wall.  

Bella had always dreamt of having an art exhibition for her own but never believe her dream would come true.

“If you keep on drawing, I want to be your agent,” said Edwin.

Bella stared down at her coffee and tears started pouring down her cheeks.

“I guess I ought to be grateful to Carl. Thanks to his coffee shop I got to meet you and Dora.”

“Why are you crying like that?”

“Because I met you and Dora after so long. I am so happy.”

“If you miss us so much we ought to meet more often. Dora and Carl would like that too.”

“That’s impossible,” said Bella and shook her head, “It is good enough to meet now and then.”

She didn’t want to tell him that Charles did not want her to associate with Edwin Beck. She understood clearly that Charles was too overbearing and powerful; there was hardly anyone else to compete with him in the world.

“I wish you can always be happy.”

“I will,” said Bella with a smile and wiped her tears away.

“What did you say just now about Dora and Carl? Is there something going on between them?”

“Yeah. For quite a while.”

Bella’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Do you mean that Dora is dating Carl? Why didn’t she tell me?”

“She didn’t tell me either. The only reason I know is because I have seen them together. I think there must be for some reasons for Dora not telling you. She will tell you at a right time, I believe.”

“It is my fault for not keeping in touch with her for so long.”

Edwin touched her hair.

“Don’t say such things. Sometimes people don’t have much time for others because they got their own problems to deal with.”

“Or they don’t want others to know about their burdens,” added Bella.

At that moment, a handsome young man in his early twenties came out of the kitchen holding a steaming hot dish. Bella recognized Quentin Jacob, who was with Edwin at the auction.

“Boss, do you want to try our new specialty?”

“Quentin is our most talented cook,” explained Edwin as he took a bite out of the dish. “Do you want to try?”

“No thanks,” said Bella.

Quentin was somehow annoyed. He turned around and hurried back to the kitchen.

“I am sorry, Brother Quentin!”

“He is shy, don’t make fun of him,” suggested Edwin.

Bella rolled her eyes. How could he say such a thing to her when she always treated others in such a considerate and gentle manner?

“Did you just reprimand me?”

“Can’t you see you hurt Quentin’s feelings?”

“What was I supposed to do? I’ve already had my breakfast,” she said and shot a nervous glance at her wristwatch. It was now time to leave.