Felix had already seen them, so Bella couldn't escape. After taking a seat, she was so embarrassed she wanted to flee. She felt awkward, even when teaching at the Grinn residence.

He noticed her discomfort and said calmly, "Why don't you treat this as a nice meal? There's no need to be so nervous; we've known each other for years, haven't we?"

Bella looked up, meeting his calm gaze. His purity and cleanliness only heightened her self-consciousness.

Felix must have had a good idea of her relationship with Dominic, and how could she possibly be with him?

Since they knew each other well and were familiar with each other's lives, dinner conversation was sparse. Both Felix and Bella were quiet, so Liz ended up carrying the conversation. After dinner, leaving the restaurant, Liz asked Bella near her house keys, and came up with an excuse to leave first.

Bella tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, tousled by the night breeze. "Are you heading back to the hotel?" she asked softly.

Felix smiled. "It's still early. Why don't we go for a walk?"

Bella nodded, and they walked aimlessly. Without the chatty Liz, conversation was slow to start.

Felix broke the silence. "You look great with short hair, though it's a shame to cut such beautiful hair."

Bella pursed her lips. "Thanks for the compliment. I didn't expect you to reach out."

"Was it that surprising? Honestly, I'm quite relieved she reached out to me rather than someone else," he responded, turning to face her.

She understood his implication. Cutting to the chase, she said, "We've never been in a relationship before, but you should know I was once with Dominic. Are you okay with that?"

Felix nodded. "Of course. If I had a problem with it, I wouldn't be here. I've been waiting for this opportunity forever. I think you left Miller Manor to give yourself a fresh start, too."

"So why don't we give this a shot? If you can't get over him, we can quit. If you can, that would be even better."

Bella felt his sincerity. If she played hard to get, she'd be a total jerk. However, his understanding and patience made it hard to jump in.

Noticing her hesitation, he reassured her, "I'm not asking for an answer right away. Just let me know when you've made up your mind. I'm willing to wait, and I'll do everything to make you fall for me. You'll never know unless you try, right?"

Bella looked at him intently. The person before her was the same young man from college.

"What happens if it doesn't work out?" she asked with a smile.

Felix chuckled. "Then I'll just have to pursue you again. After all, the third time's the charm. I have one more chance."

Bella didn't give him an answer. She said goodbye and went home.

Later, lounging in pajamas with a sheet mask, Bella was watching television. "Well, how'd it go? Did you get him?" Bella sighed. "I don't know what to say. How could I possibly be good enough for him?!" Ripping off her face mask, she claimed, "The fact that he's loved you for so long means you are good enough for him! Besides, there's no such thing as being 'worthy' or 'unworthy.' Why can't you understand that? He's Felix, not Dominic; you don't have to put yourself down anymore!"

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