He's Very Bold!

Anne, noticing Julius's intent to pursue Bella, reacted swiftly. She reached out and firmly gripped Julius's arm, pulling him into an embrace, her face contorted in pain.

"My stomach is killing me," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Julius's gaze shifted between Anne's stomach and Bella, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

"Let me escort you to your room," he offered.

Anne managed a sweet smile, her eyes almost disappearing in the curve of her cheeks, her dimples accentuating her expression.

"Thank you, Julius. You're always there for me. I love you so much," she said, her eyes pleading.

Julius remained silent, his only response a noncommittal grunt.

***

In her room, Bella wrapped herself tightly in a blanket, even covering her face, her body racked with sobs that she couldn't seem to control. Each sob was a painful reminder of her shattered heart, a heartache she had never experienced before. Julius had been everything to her—her first kiss, her first sexual experience, her first d