51 Under the Spotlight

Alex was taken aback to find Bella in his room. His gaze quickly swept over the room - all was in order. Nothing had happened last night. A sigh of relief escaped him. His sudden movement stirred Bella awake. She blinked sleepily, then sat up, facing Alex directly. "I found you dozing off at the lounge last night, so I helped you up here," Bella said matter-of-factly, as though narrating an everyday occurrence. "I tried to leave, but you wouldn't let go of my hand. I was stuck." Bella's frustration was palpable. She had secretly hoped for a closer encounter with Alex, but the night had passed uneventfully. Now, she was left strategizing ways to maintain her presence in his life. Alex, slightly embarrassed, couldn't fathom holding onto Bella. His memory of last night was hazy, but he was sure he saw someone else, not Bella. He shook his head, choosing not to dwell on it. "I see," Alex replied, masking his discomfort. "I've got a busy day ahead. You should get going too