âCarrie slowly looked up, her clear eyes meeting Bellaâs gaze.
She did not say one word.
However, Bella could read the answer in Carrieâs eyes.
âItâs not every day Carrie falls for a boy and stands her ground for him, Bella. Just give her a break. If
being with Ryan makes her happy and comfortable, let them get along and see where it takes them.â
Justin looked over and offered words of comfort with a hint of
pleading in her ear.
âI can tell that Carrie has feelings for him. Iâm not trying to break them
1. I just â Bella met his eyes.
âI get it. I understand.â
Justin let out an understanding smile. His usual stoic expression
beamed only for her. âBut donât forget that Carrie has you and m
His response was brief but strong.
Bella felt butterflies and looked away.
Such was Justin. There was no bullshit with him. He kept his words
short but effective.
Apart from Wyatt and Celeste-the star of the night-the whole family
sat at Bellaâs table.
Justin stubbornly would not leave the seat beside Bella. Despite the
angry and contemptuous stares, he remained unfazed and still.
He was unashamed and unapologetic.
âYour seat isnât here, Mr. Salvador.â
Ralph narrowed his eyes at Justinâs composed face and snapped at
him as if he were interrogating a suspect. âThe table here is for our family and close friends. Who are
you to sit here?â
It was silent at the table as all eyes were on Justin.
Faced with scrutiny, the man merely curled his lips and looked deep into the eyes of the woman, who
had remained indifferent to the
situation.
âMy seat is next to wherever Bella sits.â
Bella nearly choked. She turned her head and snapped an angry look at Justin, who did not seem to
think that his comment was
inappropriate.
âTsk!â Ralph averted his gaze and downed his drink..
âHmph! I donât know what the house rules are for the Salvadors, but here, we donât let our dogs near
the dinner table.â Sashaâs words were
biting.
Sasha crossed her legs and sank her back against the seat while tapping the table. She sure looked
like a mafia boss.
Justin tensed his jawline.
No one would be happy to be called less than a human.
Although he loved Bella and wanted to leave a good impression on
her family, there was no reason for the Thompsons to trample on his
dignity.
âEnough. Grandpa Nigel is here tonight. At least show him some
respect. Letâs just enjoy dinner.â Bella stood up for Justin, as her family had gone out of line.
âMs. Bella.â
Steven hurried to Bellaâs side and leaned into her ear to say, âMr. Christopher Iverson is here.â
Justin picked up on the conversation, and his face fell.
âOh? I thought he wouldnât be here. Just welcome him and lead him.
to the table for the Iversons,â Bella instructed indifferently.
âThe situation is a little complicated
Steven paused and murmured in hushed tones, âMrs. Sophie Iverson
is with Mr. Christopher Iverson.â
âWhat? Sophieâs here as well?â Bellaâs eyes widened.
âYes. They are outside the venue hall. What-â
Without another word, Bella got up and went outside the hall with
Steven.
With the warmth of the love of his life gone, Justin felt bitter and
clutched the glass in his hand, his veins showing.