chapter 18

The hurry memory 

Bella's POV

I sat on the edge of the living room couch, tapping my fingers against my knee. I'd been waiting for hours now, glancing every few minutes toward the front door, hoping to hear the familiar sound of Sam's footsteps. The day at the office had been strange enough Sam leaving abruptly and Jonathan's unexpected offer for coffee. But Sam's sudden absence worried me; he never just left without an explanation.

When I finally heard the door click open, I straightened up, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity as he stepped inside. Sam looked exhausted, his shoulders slumped and dark circles under his eyes as he made his way over to me.

"Bella," he said softly, meeting my gaze with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about earlier today. I know I should have been there, but something urgent came up at the hospital."