Nonna ignored him entirely and lifted one of the small glass bottles, admiring the golden liquid as if it were treasure. "Do you know how many older won ca to buy our club oil this month? Everyone loves it! We’re practically sold out!"
"Exactly!" Jay said, throwing his hands up as best he could without touching his greasy head. "Those are older won, Nonna! Their hair’s ready for magic potions! I’m still too young—I don’t need this level of treatnt! My hair was fine!"
She turned toward him sharply, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, you’re such an annoying grandson!" she scolded, waving her hand dismissively. "People your age waste ti on silly things. Most only realize the importance of care when it’s too late. I’m reminding you now so you don’t suffer later!"
Jay slumped further, muttering under his breath, "At this rate, I’ll suffer now and later..."
Nonna arched a brow. "What was that?"
"Nothing, Nonna," he said quickly, forcing a smile, though his reflection in the nearby mirror said otherwise—his pink hair shining like polished tal, his dignity completely gone.
Nonna smiled, satisfied. "Good. Now we’ll let it sit for another hour, then wash it off. You’ll thank one day."
Jay sighed softly, staring at his reflection. "If I survive the sll, maybe..."
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
anwhile, Bella’s eyes widened as the car rolled to a stop before what looked like a scene pulled straight from a dream. The palace lood ahead, majestic and impossibly grand, its blue spires rising toward the sky like sothing from a fairy tale. Sunlight poured over the courtyard, where rows of rose bushes blood in perfect symtry, their petals glowing in shades of pink and coral. The marble path mirrored the castle’s reflection, shimring beneath the soft afternoon sky.
"Leo..." Bella whispered, her fingers tightening around his large, steady hand as her heart raced. "Why... why are we here?" Her voice trembled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "This place looks like it’s ant for royalty."
Leo only smiled faintly, his calm composure untouched by the overwhelming grandeur around them. "Don’t be nervous, Bunny," he said, his tone soft but assured. "There’s no one here except us—and a few guards to make sure everything stays peaceful."
The car ca to a smooth halt at the grand entrance. The heavy golden doors glead beneath the sun, carved with intricate angels and vines. Two guards in dark suits stepped forward and opened them with a respectful bow. Leo nodded in acknowledgnt and stepped out first, then turned and offered his hand to her.
Bella hesitated, blinking at the sheer opulence before her—the delicate fountains, the flowerbeds trimd like artwork, the faint scent of roses drifting on the breeze. When her fingers slipped into his, warm and firm, she finally stepped out, her breath catching as she looked up at the enormous palace facade.
"Co," Leo said simply, his voice low but filled with quiet confidence. He led her through the towering golden doors, and Bella gasped softly as the inside unfolded before her.
The grand hall was vast and gleaming, its marble floors polished to perfection. A chandelier glittered like a suspended galaxy of diamonds, and the gold-and-ivory walls carried hand-painted murals of ancient kings and celestial realms. The sunlight streaming through stained glass scattered soft hues across the floor—pale blues, pinks, and golds that shimred like a living dream.
Bella’s steps slowed as her eyes wandered over everything in wonder. "It’s... breathtaking," she murmured, unable to tear her gaze away.
Leo glanced sideways at her, his lips curving slightly. "You like it?"
"I love it," she said honestly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... it’s too much for soone like ."
He stopped walking and turned toward her, his gaze steady and unreadable. "Soone like you?" he repeated quietly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You’re exactly the kind of person this place deserves."
Her breath caught at his words.
Bella blinked up at him, her cheeks already warm, confusion and shyness blending in her wide eyes. "But... but you said date..." she whispered, clutching the soft white fabric at her waist.
Leo’s lips curved faintly, his voice smooth as velvet. "It is a date, Bunny," he murmured, stepping closer until the faint scent of his cologne mingled with the sweetness of the air. "I’m going to take care of you, pamper you... and when you’re completely relaxed, we’ll have a beautiful evening together. Hmm?"
Her heart fluttered at the sound of his voice—half promise, half tease—and she nodded shyly as the butler led them up the grand staircase lined with golden railings. Each step felt like a slow ascent into another world.
When they reached the second floor, the man bowed politely and left them alone. Leo turned the handle of an ornate door and pushed it open, revealing a room that looked straight out of a dream.
Bella gasped. The walls were made of wide glass panels, sunlight streaming through them and bathing the space in warm golden light. In the center stood a massive golden bathtub surrounded by marble flooring so polished it glead. A small table beside it held baskets of rose petals, crystal bottles filled with fragrant oils, and neatly folded white towels that slled faintly of vanilla.
"Leo?" she breathed, glancing at him again, her voice full of disbelief.
He didn’t answer right away—just walked over to a cabinet and retrieved sothing white and soft. Turning back to her, he held it out. "Wear this," he said simply.
Bella took the fabric, blinking, and realized it was a light bathrobe—thin, silky, tied with a delicate belt. She nodded quickly, clutching it close to her chest before disappearing into the changing room.
When she stepped out again, her face burned. The robe clung softly to her, modest yet delicate, and her heart pounded faster when she saw Leo. He had changed too—into a loose white robe that made him look almost unreal, the light catching against his sharp features.
"Are we... are we going to take a bath together?" she asked shyly, her voice trembling.
Leo chuckled lowly, his expression calm yet teasing. "No," he said, though the sound of his voice made her stomach flutter. He extended his hand, palm open. "Co here."
Hesitantly, Bella placed her small hand in his. His fingers closed around hers, firm and warm.
"You trust , right?" he asked softly, his gaze locking onto hers.
Bella nodded, her breath shallow.
"Good girl," he murmured.
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