Chapter 60

Daniel

"Why are you smiling like that?" Bella questioned, observing the smile on my face as we sat across from each other at the restaurant.

Ever since we left the museum and arrived here for dinner, I couldn't help but wear a constant smile. It felt like an infectious joy had taken hold of me, overwhelming my emotions and compelling me to express my happiness openly.

I couldn't recall if ever Bella had genuinely hugged me since we first met. However, today, out of nowhere, she offered me a hug. The indescribable joy I felt in that moment was immeasurable.

It wasn't as if the hug automatically meant she had developed feelings for me or wanted a deeper connection, but it signified progress, and that alone filled me with happiness and hope that my efforts weren't in vain.

"Are you going to play coy and pretend you don't know why I'm smiling?" I asked, expecting her eye roll in response.

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