Chapter 3

I tried to block Sebastian from coming in, but he was too strong for me.

He still managed to get inside, and when he tried to hug me, I quickly stepped back.

"Get out," I snapped. "This is a women's dorm."

Sebastian let out a soft sigh, speaking seriously. "Look, I messed up last time, but I've already explained myself over and over. Hannah's husband just passed away, and she's been stuck waiting for that birth permit. If she doesn't get it, she's in for a world of trouble. You've been coworkers and neighbors for years. Can't you cut her some slack?"

That was when I noticed he was carrying a chicken and a jar of collagen drinks.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Sebastian was already setting up, pulling out pots and turning on the burner like he was a five-star chef. Everything he did was smooth, practiced.

"I'm sorry for eating the food you made for your grandma without asking yesterday," he said. "I'm going to make chicken soup with this chicken, and we can take it to her together later."

He just kept talking and cooking, not waiting for me to respond.

My heart just grew colder and colder.

I picked up a book and settled off to the side, waiting for someone to wander over, lured by the smell.

Sebastian was the head chef in the mess hall, and his cooking was legendary around the base.

Back in the day, I used to eat his food all the time.

But ever since I moved into the staff dorm, I just couldn't bring myself to eat his cooking anymore.

As the smell of chicken soup started wafting through the room, Sebastian set the casserole on the table.

Sebastian set the casserole on the table.

At that moment, Hannah, her baby bump showing, quietly peeked in from the doorway.

"Sebastian, Bella, you're both here," she said.

She was beaming, holding two scarves in her hands. "It's getting chilly lately, and I had some extra yarn at home, so I knitted two scarves for you both."

I hadn't invited her, but that didn't stop her. She wasn't even waiting for an invitation.

Sebastian didn't seem bothered at all, just silently set out another bowl and chopsticks.

"Since you're here, join us for dinner," he said.

Hannah smiled awkwardly. "Oh, that's too kind, but I'll just go back and cook myself."

She turned to leave.

Before she could escape, Sebastian said, "Don't worry about it. You're pregnant, cooking must be a pain. Just stay and eat. There's plenty of food."

I couldn't help but smirk. These two were putting on a show—acting all polite and gracious.

But Hannah started acting all aggrieved. "Sebastian, I really shouldn't. I don't want to stir up trouble like last time and put you in a tough spot again."

Sebastian shook his head. "It's no trouble. I bought the groceries and did all the cooking, so it's my call."

Hannah looked at me with those pleading eyes, hoping I'd give her the green light.

She was clearly seeking my approval.

Sebastian frowned. "Bella, say something. Quit with the long face."

I flashed a fake smile, giving Sebastian what he wanted. "Go ahead and stay for dinner. Sebastian made everything, so relax. Promise I didn't poison anything."

Sebastian frowned at me, his tone sharp. "Bella, what's with that attitude? I've taught you so many times, and you still haven't learned."

Hannah's eyes welled up with tears. "Sebastian, really, it's okay. I'll just go back. I hope you both like the scarves."

Sebastian reached out, gently holding her back so she couldn't leave.

I chimed in, "Why leave now? Sebastian made this chicken soup especially for you and your baby. If you don't eat it, he'll just end up feeling all sad and disappointed."

Sebastian shot me a glare. "Can't you be a little kinder? Is it really necessary to talk like that?"

I laughed bitterly. "One of you is cooking in my kitchen, the other is knitting scarves for me. Come on, Sebastian, why not just go to Hannah's dorm to cook? You two can play house in private without dragging me into it."

I wasn't afraid to make a scene.

I threw open the door and raised my voice. "Come and look, everyone! You were right.

"Hannah's baby has to be Sebastian's. Why else would he be cooking chicken soup for her? What man does that for a pregnant widow unless he's secretly in love with her?"

This place was an old staff dorm.

Most of the people living here were school staff's families: moms, aunts, grandmas, you name it. The place was always bustling.

The moment they heard me shouting, doors flew open as everyone came out to see the drama.

Sebastian's face went ghostly pale in an instant. "Bella, don't go too far!" he snapped.