Chapter 8: First evening in Greece

The Livingston family gathered in the opulent dining room of Reid Carter's villa for their first dinner on the private island. The room was adorned with intricate chandeliers, fine china, and crystal glassware, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance.

Reid, as the host, led the way, his charismatic presence commanding attention as they took their seats at the ornate dining table. The table was beautifully set, with candlelight casting a soft, romantic glow over the room.

As the first course was served, conversation flowed effortlessly. Richard Livingston and Reid Carter delved into discussions about their respective businesses, exchanging insights and ideas. It was clear that their friendship was built on mutual respect and shared interests.

Bella's mother, Isabella, seized an opportune moment during the conversation to broach a more personal topic. She leaned in slightly, her gaze focused on Reid, and asked with a knowing smile, "Reid, my dear friend, I can't help but wonder when we'll be hearing wedding bells. Any plans for a future Mrs. Carter?"

Reid's expression, for just a fraction of a second, shifted into a frown—a subtle, fleeting change in his demeanour that didn't escape Bella's notice. It was a rare glimpse into a side of Reid that she had seldom seen: vulnerability and guardedness.

He paused for a moment, his eyes seemingly distant, before replying in a measured tone, "Isabella, you know how dedicated I am to my work and my business ventures. At this time, I have no plans to involve a woman in my life."

Isabella nodded in understanding; her smile unwavering. "Well, Reid, you've always been a man who knows what he wants. But sometimes, life has a way of surprising us. You never know what the future holds."

Reid's response had been polite, yet it carried a cold undertone of detachment. Bella couldn't help but wonder about the reasons behind his reluctance and cold attitude towards the subject. It was a side of him she had rarely glimpsed, and it left her with a sense of curiosity and a desire to unravel the enigma that was Reid Carter.

Amidst the elegant ambiance of the dining room, as the dinner conversation flowed, Reid turned his attention toward Bella with genuine interest. His deep, enigmatic eyes fixed on her, he asked, "Bella, I'm curious about your plans for the future. Have you decided on your trajectory of studies and where you'll be continuing your education?"

Bella felt a mixture of surprise and flattery at the direct question from Reid. She knew that her academic and career choices had been a topic of discussion in her family, but it was different to have Reid inquire about it personally.

Before Bella could respond, her father, Richard, beamed with pride and interjected, "Reid, I'm delighted to say that Bella has received acceptance letters from all the top universities in their business management programs. She's quite an accomplished student, and we're in the process of deciding which one would be the best fit for her."

Reid nodded appreciatively at the news, acknowledging Bella's academic achievements. "That's impressive, Isabella. You have a bright future ahead of you, no doubt."

Bella couldn't help but feel a subtle pang of sadness deep within her. She understood that her father's intentions were rooted in his desire to see her succeed in a field he deemed practical and lucrative, but it was a choice that had been made without her input.

Her dreams of pursuing creative writing had always held a special place in her heart, a secret passion she had nurtured in the shadows. The weight of her family's expectations and their desire for her to follow in their business-oriented footsteps had left her feeling confined, as though her own aspirations were secondary to their ambitions.

At that moment, Bella couldn't help but wonder what Reid's reaction would be if she were to reveal her true desires—to pursue a path in creative writing, one that felt authentically her own. The thought of sharing her dreams with him, someone who had always fascinated and inspired her, was both thrilling and terrifying.

But she couldn't allow her vulnerability to show. As her family continued to discuss her future, Bella maintained the facade of the dutiful and perfect daughter. She forced a smile and nodded, offering words of gratitude and assurance, all the while concealing the inner turmoil she felt.

After the evening's elegant dinner and discussions about her future had come to a close, Bella retreated to her beautifully appointed room in Reid's villa. The luxurious surroundings, coupled with the evening’s conversation left her feeling restless despite the fatigue that tugged at her.

Lying in bed, she tossed and turned, the thoughts of her family's expectations and her own dreams swirling in her mind. The weight of her father's pride in her achievements was both a source of comfort and a burden, and she couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled within her.

As the minutes turned into hours and sleep eluded her, Bella decided to take matters into her own hands. She slipped out of bed and quietly made her way to the terrace that overlooked the moonlit sea. The gentle breeze rustled the curtains as she stepped outside, the cool night air providing a welcome contrast to the warmth of her thoughts.

The moonlight gently illuminated the path as Bella quietly left the terrace and ventured down the hallway of Reid Carter's luxurious villa. Her steps were soft, and she moved with a sense of purpose as she made her way toward the kitchen.

As she entered the spacious, well-appointed kitchen, the warm, welcoming ambiance immediately enveloped her. Soft, indirect lighting bathed the room in a soft glow, casting a comforting aura over the space. The scent of the ocean air wafted through the open windows, mingling with the subtle aroma of fresh flowers that adorned the countertop.

Bella opened the refrigerator and surveyed its contents. Her eyes settled on a platter of freshly baked pastries, a tempting array of sweet treats that beckoned to her. The sight of the delicate pastries, filled with cream and dusted with powdered sugar, was irresistible.

She selected one of the pastries and placed it on a porcelain plate, the delicate china gleaming under the soft light. Next, she poured herself a glass of cold milk, craving the simple comfort of the familiar taste.

With her sweet treat and glass of milk in hand, Bella retreated to a cozy corner of the kitchen, where a small table and chairs provided a perfect setting for solitude. She settled into one of the chairs, the pastry flaky and delicious, the milk soothing her senses.

As she savoured the sweetness of the pastry, Bella allowed herself a moment of respite. The quiet of the night and the comfort of the kitchen offered solace, allowing her thoughts to wander and her worries to momentarily recede.

However, her peaceful interlude was interrupted when she noticed a subtle shift in the room's ambiance. The faint sound of footsteps, barely audible, drew her attention away from her pastry. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized that someone else had entered the kitchen.

In the dimly lit kitchen, Bella's eyes widened as she watched the figure move with an effortless grace, almost ethereal in the soft glow of the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat when she recognized the familiar silhouette—it was Reid, dressed only in a pair of trousers, his muscular torso exposed.

Time seemed to stand still as Bella's gaze froze on Reid's physique. The contours of his well-defined muscles, the play of moonlight on his tanned skin, and the way his body moved with a natural grace left her in a state of awestruck admiration. Reid's attractiveness was undeniable, and the sight of him sent her senses into overdrive.

Bella couldn't tear her eyes away as she observed Reid's every movement—the casual way he opened the refrigerator, the effortless way he reached for a chilled bottle of water, and the way his body moved with confidence and ease. Her heart raced, and her thoughts became a whirlwind of emotions she struggled to contain.

In that fleeting moment, as Reid stood in the moonlit kitchen, he was an embodiment of charisma and allure, a presence that left Bella feeling both captivated and vulnerable. It was a sight she had never expected to witness, not even in her wildest dreams, and it stirred something within her, igniting a desire and curiosity that she couldn't deny.

Her long-standing crush on Reid had been a constant presence in her life, shaping her perception of romantic relationships. For years, she had admired Reid from a distance, captivated by his charisma, success, and sophistication. In her mind, he had set the standard for what she found attractive and desirable in a partner.

As a result, Bella had become somewhat immune to the advances of boys her own age. While her peers experimented with dating and teenage romance, she found herself unable to reciprocate their interest. In her eyes, the boys at school seemed immature and inexperienced compared to the enigmatic Reid.

The crush she harboured had cast a shadow over her romantic prospects, making it difficult for her to envision herself with someone her age. His image had become synonymous with her ideals of a partner. For Bella, the world of teenage romance paled in comparison to the allure of the older, more sophisticated man who had captured her heart. She couldn't fathom herself dating someone her age when her heart was so firmly set on Reid. This unrequited crush had become a significant barrier to forming connections with her peers, leaving her feeling somewhat isolated in matters of the heart.

As Reid closed the refrigerator door and turned to leave the moonlit kitchen, he moved with the same effortless grace that had initially drawn Bella's attention. His bare torso was bathed in the soft, silvery glow of the moonlight, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the darkness that surrounded him.

Reid's eyes, accustomed to the dimness of the kitchen, took a moment to adjust to the moonlit scene. And then, as if guided by an unseen force, his gaze settled on Bella. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still for a fleeting moment.

Bella's heart raced, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and desire. Reid's own expression, while difficult to decipher in the dim light, held a hint of intrigue, as if he had been caught off guard by the unexpected encounter.

Reid's voice, calm and concerned, broke the silence in the dimly lit kitchen.

"Isabella, are you okay? It's quite late to be up."

Bella, her heart still racing from their unexpected encounter, looked up at him with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.

"I... I can't sleep."

Reid's brows furrowed slightly, his concern deepening as he took a step closer.

"All ok?"

Bella hesitated for a moment, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She had never imagined having such a candid conversation with Reid, especially not in the middle of the night, shirtless in the moonlit kitchen.

Bella: "It's just... a lot of things. Family expectations, decisions about my future... It's all been weighing on me."

Reid regarded her with a thoughtful expression, his dark eyes holding a depth of understanding that surprised her.

Reid: "I see. It's natural to have doubts and questions about the future. Maybe a change of scenery can help clear your mind."

Bella offered a small, appreciative smile, grateful for his understanding and the unexpected connection they were sharing. She had never imagined she would ever have a conversation with him in the middle of the night.

Bella: "Thank you, Reid. I appreciate that."

Reid nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned to leave the kitchen. As he disappeared into the shadows, Bella couldn't help but hear in her ears her heartbeats and feel her hands sweaty, her face burning from the interaction.

She has always been infatuated with him, and Lily told her that this would pass, that it was just a stage, but her reactions today left her more confused than ever.