Chapter 29

Belle’s POV

A soft knock on my door pulled me from the depths of sleep. I groaned, rubbing my eyes as I sat up in bed. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. I wasn’t ready to face the day yet, but the persistent knocking forced me to my feet.

Yawning, I made my way to the door, my mind still foggy with sleep. I opened it to find Bennie, my brother, standing there with a concerned expression on his face.

“Good morning,” he greeted me, his voice gentle. “How are you feeling?”

I mustered a small smile, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. “I’m fine, Bennie. Just a bit tired, that’s all.”

He studied me for a moment, clearly not convinced. “Are you sure? You don’t look like yourself. I was just wondering if you’re planning to go to work today. If not, I can take care of it and get you some time off.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of the decision I had made the night before. “No, don’t bot