Chapter 308: Chapter 308 Gifts for her Bella almost choked on her juice. "W-what?! N-no, no, I’m not qualified for that!"
Leo smiled faintly over the rim of his cup. "You never know, bunny. You seem... quite good with systems."
Her heart skipped. "Wha—systems? I—I don’t know anything about—"
He leaned back, studying her flushed face, the way she tried to look anywhere but at him. "Relax," he said smoothly. "I’m just teasing."
Bella puffed her cheeks and muttered under her breath, "You’re evil."
He chuckled, the sound deep and low. "And you’re adorable when you panic."
Aunt Clara blinked at the two of them, torn between smiling and sighing. "I swear, you two sound like schoolchildren sometimes," she said, shaking her head fondly as she poured more tea for Bella, who loved drinking rose-sweet rose tea.
Bella grumbled quietly, pretending to butter her toast with extreme focus while Leo continued sipping his coffee, his gaze occasionally drifting toward her, that tiny, smug smirk never leaving his face.
She didn’t realize she was pouting until he reached out under the table and poked her cheek with his finger.
"Stop making that face," he murmured low enough that only she could hear. "Or I’ll start thinking you’re coding revenge plans against me."
Bella’s eyes shot up in shock. "I—what—No!" she stammered, her cheeks burning again.
Leo only smiled, completely unbothered, and went back to his tablet. "Relax, bunny. I said if."
Bella’s inner angels screamed again. The good one fainted; the bad one applauded.
"I have brought gifts for you," Leo said as he stood up, slipping his hands casually into his pockets. His voice was calm, but there was a faint trace of amusement hidden beneath the smooth tone. "They’re on the second floor, in your old room. Go check them."
Bella’s eyes instantly lit up, her earlier pout vanishing like it had never existed. "Gifts?" she repeated, the word coming out in a bright, excited tone that made Aunt Clara chuckle softly.
"Yes," Leo said, watching the spark of pure joy bloom across her face. "A few things you might like."
"Really?!" Her chair scraped lightly against the floor as she stood up so fast that even Leo’s brows twitched. She clasped her hands together, her entire face glowing with excitement. "For me??"
"For you," he confirmed, the corners of his lips curving.
Without another word, Bella hurried off, practically skipping toward the staircase. Her slippers made soft sounds on the floor as she went, her hair bouncing behind her like a little wave of silk.
Leo watched her go, his expression unreadable but his eyes softening in a way that he didn’t even try to hide. There was something satisfying in watching her so happy—the innocent spark in her eyes, the way her steps got lighter whenever she was excited. She was the kind of person who could make even the dullest house feel alive.
Aunt Clara smiled knowingly, setting down the teapot. "You spoil her too much, Leo," she said gently.
He smirked faintly, still looking toward the stairs. "I know," he said.
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Meanwhile, Bella reached the second floor, her heart fluttering in anticipation. She hadn’t even seen what the gifts were yet, but the idea that he had chosen something for her made her chest feel warm.
She opened the door to her old room—the one she now rarely visited anymore—and gasped softly.
There on the bed were neatly arranged boxes wrapped in pastel-colored paper, ribbons tied perfectly. The sunlight spilling through the window made them glimmer faintly. A small card rested on top of one, her name written in Leo’s elegant handwriting.
Her fingers brushed over the first ribbon, and a huge smile spread across her face.
She sat cross-legged on the floor and pulled the first box closer, her fingers trembling a little with excitement. The paper came apart with a soft rip, and inside lay a pale lilac dress folded so neatly it looked like it was waiting just for her. The fabric was light and silky under her fingertips, delicate lace tracing the edges. Her eyes widened as she lifted it up; it shimmered faintly in the sunlight, catching the air like a breath of spring.
"Oh..." she whispered, unable to stop smiling.
She reached for the next box. Inside were more dresses—each one different, each one chosen with a care that made her chest tighten. Soft cotton ones in pastel shades, a few elegant evening dresses, even a casual oversized hoodie with tiny embroidered bunnies hopping along the hem. Beneath them were pairs of sandals, arranged in matching tones—cream, blush, and soft beige.
"He remembered my size..." she murmured, brushing a finger over the strap of one pair, her heart fluttering.
The next box made her blink in surprise. Inside, nestled in shredded pink paper, was a set of basic skincare essentials. Her lips curved slowly, warmth blooming in her chest.
And then she saw it—the smallest box, wrapped in satin ribbon. She untied it carefully, her curiosity growing with every second.
When she lifted the lid, her breath caught.
Inside was a crystal perfume bottle, beautifully carved, its glass tinted faint pink. A tiny bunny face was etched into the front, delicate and smiling, and around its neck was tied a soft pink ribbon. The liquid inside shimmered faintly like starlight.
And there was a beautiful card about the custom scents used in making it for Bella. It wasn’t Leo’s handwriting but the perfume maker’s, because it was much more curved and elegant than his.
"Oh my God..." Bella breathed, eyes glistening. "He... he actually had it custom made."
She lifted it gently, holding it close to her chest for a moment before uncapping it. The scent was warm and floral—soft peony mixed with hints of vanilla and something faintly sweet. It smelled expensive, personal.
A wide, radiant smile spread across her face as she set it down among the boxes, her heart full and light.
She didn’t even realize Leo was standing quietly by the door, one hand in his pocket, watching her with a faint, unreadable smile. His gaze softened at the sight of her delight, the way her eyes shone as she touched every gift like it was a treasure.
For a man who rarely showed emotion, the look in his eyes then was unmistakably deep, quiet, and tender.
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, his voice calm and teasing. "So, do my choices pass inspection, Mrs. Moretti?"
Bella jumped slightly and turned, cheeks pink. "Leo! You were there this whole time??"
He smirked faintly. "Long enough to see that perfume nearly make you cry."
"I wasn’t crying!" she said quickly, hiding her face behind the box lid. "I was just... appreciating craftsmanship!"
Leo chuckled softly, his voice low. "Of course, bunny. You appreciate everything so adorably."