Separation

[: Daniel POV :]

Bella's heart raced, her voice trembling as she pleaded with her mother.

"W-What!? Mother, can't we bring him along?"

The mere thought of leaving me behind felt as if her whole world had been mercilessly turned upside down.

Elia let out a sigh, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she teased her daughter.

"Look at this. I haven't been together with you for more than a day, and already you have a guy by your side."

Feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment, Bella shook her head vigorously.

"Mother, it's not like that!"

Her words held an undertone of desperation, but her expressive eyes betrayed the true depth of her feelings.

And I couldn't help but smile warmly at such a sight, and it was quite adorable to watch her reaction.

"I don't want you to misunderstand," Elia said, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and concern.