Leonardo didn’t like Scarlett. Not even a little.
She was loud, impulsive, and had the kind of energy that made his temples throb just by standing in the same room. Everything about her—her expressions, her commentary, her existence felt too chaotic for someone like him.
But after what the doctor said... about Bella’s condition, her trauma, and the fact that she shut down emotionally even from him—he had no choice. If this loud girl could pull even a smile from Bella, then she was welcome here. For now.
He was sitting on the couch, when he heard the sound of fast, almost bouncing footsteps approaching.
He looked up.
And there she was.
Bella.
Her eyes sparkled as she walked in, her entire body language filled with lightness. Her smile widened the moment she spotted Scarlett standing there with her suitcase.
"Scar!!" she called out, hurrying over.
Leonardo blinked slowly. She hadn’t smiled like that for day. Her shoulders weren’t tense. Her eyes weren’t teary. She wasn’t flinching or looked scared.
Instead, she ran straight to Scarlett and pulled her into a hug, her voice full of energy, "I missed you!"
Leonardo leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable but inside, something tight inside his chest loosened, just a little.
So this is the power of her people.
However, Leonardo’s expression darkened the moment Scarlett wrapped her arms tightly around Bella, nearly lifting her off the ground. It was a suffocating kind of hug—clumsy, chaotic, and too long. His jaw twitched as he watched them.
He didn’t even realize how ugly his face had turned until Scarlett, still holding Bella, caught his glare from the corner of her eye. And instead of loosening her grip, she rolled her eyes at him dramatically, then hugged Bella even tighter—just to spite him.
Leonardo gritted his teeth, one sharp click echoing as he bit down.
"Oh my goodness! Bella bell! You’re so soft and fragrant!" Scarlett announced shamelessly, burying her face in Bella’s shoulder like they hadn’t just hugged fifteen seconds ago.
Bella flushed a bright pink instantly, her eyes darting nervously to Leonardo who was still seated, his posture rigid, his gaze unreadable and fixed on her.
Embarrassed by Scarlett’s loud words and her gaze caught between the two of them, Bella gently pushed Scarlett away. "Stop saying weird things..." she muttered softly.
And then her eyes hesitantly lifted toward Leonardo.
He hadn’t said a word but his eyes were still on her. His gaze slowly slid over her frame, more thoughtful than cold. Noticing things he hadn’t let himself notice before.
Her skin looked clearer, her cheeks round with color, her arms no longer frail. She wasn’t the same girl who had arrived at the villa—tired, guarded, and almost paper-thin. No... now she looked warmer. Healthier. Softer.
Even her fingers, as she adjusted the sleeve of her cardigan, looked delicate and gentle to touch.
Leonardo’s eyes lingered a moment too long.
He didn’t mean to.
But watching Bella’s fingers brush her own cheek as she laughed softly with Scarlett... something strange twisted in his chest. Her skin looked like it would feel like petals—smooth, warm, impossibly soft. He couldn’t help but wonder—
How soft is she... really?
The thought hit him so suddenly, it startled even himself.
His jaw tensed. What the hell am I thinking?
In the very next second, he shot up from the couch with military sharpness.
"I have a call to take," he said abruptly, not looking at either of them.
His voice was calm, but his ears burned with quiet annoyance at himself. He didn’t even wait for a reply before walking away toward the hallway, his footsteps hard and swift against the floor.
Scarlett raised a brow at his retreating figure, then turned to Bella with a teasing smile. "Was it something I said... or something he saw?"
Bella blinked innocently. "Huh?"
Scarlett just chuckled, resting her arm over Bella’s shoulder. "Never mind. Let’s go to your room—we have so much to talk about," she said with started pulling Bella gently along the corridor like they were old roommates reuniting.
Bella smiled quietly and led her inside.
As soon as they entered the room, Scarlett’s eyes immediately caught sight of the two plushies neatly arranged on the bed. Bella lit up as she walked toward them and picked each one up gently like introducing her children.
"He’s Moonbeam," she said, pointing to the unicorn, "And he’s Berry..." she handed the strawberry bunny, smiling gently.
Scarlett gasped and clutched her chest. "They’re so cute—too cute! Bella Bell, please let me adopt them. Just for a few days. I’ll return them safe and spoiled!" she said dramatically, scooping up Berry like she’d just found treasure.
"Nooo!" Bella cried, hugging Moonbeam closer to her chest like a protective mother. Her voice was small but firm.
Scarlett widened her eyes. "Why, Bella? I’m your best friend! Don’t I get special privileges?" she asked, pouting like a child who was denied candy.
Bella hesitated for a second, then mumbled with a thoughtful nod, "...Umm... you can be their auntie."
Scarlett froze. "Auntie??" she narrowed her eyes. "Bella Bell, do I look old enough to be someone’s auntie?! How rude!"
Bella blinked innocently, unsure if she’d said something wrong.
Scarlett shook her head, holding Berry upside down like he was a baby. "No. No way. I’m applying for cool sister status. Or cousin at most. Auntie? Do I look like aunty?"
Bella giggled softly, finally relaxing as she sat on the bed. "Okay, fine... Cousin."
Scarlett huffed, then smiled. "Deal. Cousin Scarlett, official guardian of Berry and moonbeam Affairs."
They both laughed, the sound soft and bright inside the room.
Scarlett was honestly enjoying her time with Bella more than she expected. There was something refreshing about the girl—quiet but expressive, sweet but not naïve, smart yet not showy. And the best part? They both had a shared love for hacking. It wasn’t just surface-level fun anymore; they had real things in common.
"Bella, tell me the truth," Scarlett suddenly turned serious as she folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "How did that stingy, cold-faced guy agree to let me stay here? You didn’t sacrifice your body for me, right...?"