Living together - the dinner (Part I)

"How is the transition?" Eric Wu asked, bringing Bella Lim to reality. Right now, they were inside the elevator and little pumpkin was standing in between them.

"Everything is good. Thanks to Tao and Miss O-Olivia," Bella Lim clicked her teeth, a bit annoyed with the stammer that was difficult to let go.

"Big brother Eric, who is Miss Olivia? She is so kind. I love her!" little pumpkin's elevated voice echoed in the elevator as he looked up to Eric Wu with a wide smile on his face. Eric Wu saw his effort and rubbed his head in response.

"She is a very important person to me," he said without elaborating further. He had no problem telling his mother's identity but the other had insisted on hiding it. Eric Wu could only comply even though he saw no benefits in doing so.

Bella Lim subconsciously nodded when she heard Eric Wu's reply to little pumpkin's question. A smile naturally made an appearance on her face. She loved the fact that many new things actually came to her knowledge as she became closer to him. If only she could interact with him without difficulties, perhaps a new page would open for her. Whatever it was, it would be better than the stammers that ruin their conversation every time.

"As you may have known, I don't like many people in the house, so all the staff work from six in the morning until eight at night, except for a special occasion. If you need something, you need to tell them during their working time. If it's an emergency please refer to me," Eric Wu thought that he should give another briefing although his mother had done so.

"Thank you. I understand," Bella Lim replied as she helped little pumpkin to sit on the chair of the dining table. Seeing the luxurious table full of foods enough for three, she knew Madam Olivia or Eric Wu must've told the chef about them living in the villa. The feeling of gratitude towards them was overwhelming. Even though it was her decision to agree with Eric Wu's request, she knew the intention behind the proposal. This man was protecting them.

"What is it?"

"Big sis?"

Bella Lim woke from her trance and gathered herself. No matter what, she needed to express her thanks. She held little pumpkin's hand and looked at Eric Wu with eyes full of gratitude. His brownish eyes shone brightly like the man he was, always bringing the sunshine into her life.

"Thank you for everything. I promise to work hard," she expressed her thanks with a slight bow. Eric Wu was taken aback. He, who was pouring himself a glass of water stopped midway and glanced at Bella Lim for a few seconds. Then, as if he heard nothing, he proceeded to pour himself a drink. Taking it in one gulp before looking at the woman again.

Suddenly, his vision blurred. Amidst the blurry, he saw Bella Lim and the image of the woman in his dream merged into one. Soon, the familiar smile that had been hunting him for a whole week, smiled at him.

Eric Wu could feel the hair in his body erect. He rose from his chair in surprise, only to realize that Bella Lim was looking at him with so much interest.

"How old are you?" he covered up as he tried to compose himself. At the same time, he cringed because of all the questions he could ask, he asked a question with an obvious answer. Bella Lim could be older than him.

Eric Wu finally sat on his chair and busied himself with the feast in front of him. He was ready to listen to whatever expected answer from Bella Lim only to be surprised by her statement. A frown was formed on his forehead.

"Ermm, 21," Bella Lim was confused as to why she was asked so. Just now, she had seen the nonplussed look on his face which gradually softened to one that she couldn't believe she had the chance to witness. For a second there, she was almost fooled by the longing shown on his face.

Bella Lim knew something had triggered that look but she decided to ignore the tension of curiosity that began to form inside her. Still, she peeked at the man only to see the face of protest. Was he doubting her age?

"I am indeed 21," Bella Lim didn't know why she felt the need to insist. That was when she recalled what D had repeatedly advised for her to do which was to take care of herself more. She wondered if she really had neglected herself to the extent that made her looked older by many years. Well, she indeed looked older, but, was it worse than she thought?

"Amazing. You look mature," Eric Wu calmly sat back. His face was stoic as if he wasn't affected by the revelation of age. He drank another glass of drink to hide the smile that was about to form on his face. How stupid had he been to assume someone's age based on her look. Still, for her to be five years younger than him... that was unexpected. Yet again, wasn't this information included in the report he have been reading these past few days? How careless... he had been too careless.

"It's not funny," Bella Lim caught the smile that was hidden behind the glass. She didn't know why, but she was irritated. Hence, the burst of dissatisfaction.

"I'm not laughing," Eric Wu coughed as he coolly finished his drink. "I just thought that you're my senior before," he said before quickly looked away. Then, as if he hadn't said anything, he continued to eat.

"You're rude!" Bella Lim was irritated. It was true that she looked older, but to say such a thing without thinking about how someone would feel really made her thought of Eric Wu differently. She could take his teasing, but mockery? This man really wanted someone to yell at him! He truly vexed her.

Eric Wu was still smiling. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked at Bella Lim with a gaze that made the other even more annoyed. "If you're angry, that's mean you still care about yourself. Starting from today, you have all the time to take care of yourself. Being my editor will not exhaust you. You may have known this, but I'm not chased by the deadline. Don't fear the unknown future and enjoy yourself more,"

Bella Lim heard what he had said and was stunned. She looked at the man with bafflement. What was he really trying to say? One second, he was playing with her. Another, mocking her and now, he was comforting her?

Was this his way of telling her that there was nothing for her to worry anymore?

Bella Lim's gaze fell onto the food on her plate. She used her spoon to play with the food while thinking that if she really let go of all her worries, and suddenly things went wrong, the only one that she would blame was herself.

She didn't want that.

"Things are bigger than you think it is, so learn to trust others," Bella Lim looked up and as soon as she did that, her eyes locked with Eric Wu's brownish one. Her lips were slightly apart, surprised to hear such words coming from him. She didn't want to, but still, she shook her head in assent. At the same time, she caught the telltale sign of something bigger. She wanted to ask but was interrupted by little pumpkin.