Chapter 73

"Keylef…" I hugged him tightly, trying to push away the surprise I felt at seeing him.
"I didn’t think I’d be so happy to see you, Belle. You look so different," he whispered. With a slight smile, I nodded.
"Are you okay? That last message you sent really worried me."
"I’d like to talk about everything I’ve been doing."
"That would be…" Before I could finish, Mr. Cesar’s arm brusquely pulled me away, placing me behind him.
"I doubt you’ve been doing anything worthwhile."
"Well, Cesar, I’m glad to see you too, little brother. So you’re still working together? The real question is, how is it possible she hasn’t left your side yet?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I’m traveling the world, here and there… without a destination."
"In summary, a bum disappointed by love who now does nothing. When do you plan to take your place in the company?"
"Cesar, the fact that I don’t meet your expectations isn’t my fault. You do a great job at the company; why would you need me if I’m just a burden to you?"
"To my misfortune, I have to look after you, like a baby."
"If you have to look after me, then tonight we’ll all have dinner together." He frowned.
"What dinner?"
"The dinner I invited Belle to." He turned to look at me, irritated. For a moment, I thought he’d yell at me.
"Fine, we’ll be there. Now we have to leave." He took my hand and pulled me away. Keylef grabbed my other hand and released it angrily.
"What are you doing? Why on earth are you dragging her like she can’t walk on her own?"
"Let her go, Keylef," Cesar demanded coldly, his gaze sharp as the atmosphere grew tense. My eyes darted between the two of them.
"No, why should I let her go? If anything, you should let her go. She’s not a wallet you can manage at will." Cesar smiled mischievously and let out:
"Just like you manipulated her as a tool to torment me. Have you forgotten that, little brother?" Keylef’s face turned as pale as paper. "Don’t lecture me on morals, little brother; you’re no angel. This time, I’m not the demon in the story."
"I-it’s not like that," he muttered in frustration.
"Isn’t it? Sure… Then explain why you needed this… collector. Tell her; she’s standing right in front of you."
"I won’t succumb to your provocations. I’ll talk to Belle when I can," he said with a dry laugh.
"I’m eagerly awaiting that conversation." Without another word, Keylef let me go, watching us walk away quickly.
"Wait, Mr. Cesar, I can’t walk so fast without shoes!" When he didn’t slow down, I protested loudly.
"Can’t you hear me? I can’t keep up with you!" I yanked my hand free from his grip abruptly, glaring at him. Surprised, he stopped and waited for me. When I caught up, we headed to the car in silence. He was clearly upset, but I didn’t understand why.
"Can I ask you something?" I broke the sharp silence, exhausted.
"I don’t know if I want to hear it."
"But I haven’t said anything yet."
"What?"
"Are you mad at me?"
"Why did you accept that dinner without hesitation?"
"What’s the problem?"
"The problem is, you question every insignificant thing about me, but with the man who clearly manipulated you, you smile and hug him like it’s nothing."
"You talked about Mr. Keylef as if he weren’t your brother. And on that topic… I’d like to hear an explanation from him."
"What’s there to explain? That he tricked and manipulated you. I’m telling you myself, and yet you still smile at him."
"What’s your point? What do you really want to hear from me? Don’t you think it’s easier than continuing to blame me?"
"I want you to stop defending him."
"And why does it matter so much to you if I smile at him and give him a hug? Be clear and stop confusing me. You’re starting to exhaust me."
"I wonder, if it were someone else, could we be together?" Embarrassed, I crossed my arms and muttered:
"It was a stupid thing to say. You don’t have to answer."
"Well, I’ll answer," he said, avoiding eye contact.
"It’s just you… there’s nothing else."
"Just me?"
"You don’t need to be anyone different. I’d go out with you just as you are." I turned my gaze to him, and our eyes met, the occasional streetlights illuminating the car’s interior. Something had changed within me, and this man was the reason for it.