"Like what you see?" Chris teased, smirking when he caught Bella's wide-eyed expression. Pride swelled in his chest he loved surprising her like this.
"You just got this?" she asked, running her fingers lightly over the glossy black Tesla. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Uh-huh," he replied casually, though inside he was grinning like a boy with a new toy.
"It's my first time seeing one in real life. I've only ever seen this car in movies," Bella said, circling it with awe. She looked so much like a child unwrapping a birthday gift that Chris chuckled under his breath.
"Want to drive?" he teased, fully expecting her refusal.
"Nah, I wouldn't dare. I don't even know how to open the door, talk less of starting it. And besides, I don't know where we're going." Bella smiled shyly.
Chris bent to open the passenger door, his gaze flicking briefly toward the street. At a distance, he spotted Kelvin lingering like a shadow. Chris gave a subtle tilt of his head, the unspoken signal clear. Kelvin nodded once before slipping into a car to follow them.
By 7:32 p.m., Chris guided the Tesla into the private underground parking of one of London's most exclusive Korean restaurants. Only VVIP clients had access; the owners had designed it specifically to shield high-profile guests from flashing cameras.
Hand in hand, they walked into the restaurant. Chris kept stealing glances at Bella, struck again by how she made everything in his world feel brighter. What did I ever do to deserve her?
Bella gasped when she saw the interior. "This is beautiful!" she squealed.
The restaurant resembled a penthouse, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering sweeping views of the glittering city skyline. A colossal chandelier glowed above them, scattering light across plush, custom-made furniture. Even the tables radiated elegance, crafted by a world-renowned designer at the owner's request.
A waiter led them to a private table by the window, exactly as Chris had arranged. He wanted her to have the view.
Moments later, a tall man in crisp whites approached with a warm smile.
"Good evening, sir, madam. I am Richard Kim, your personal chef for tonight." His English was flawless, soothing.
Bella lit up. "Annyeong haseyo," she greeted, bowing slightly.
Richard's eyes widened, pleasantly surprised. He bowed in return. "Annyeong haseyo."
"Mannaseo bangawo. Nae ileum-eun Bella, geuligo igeon nae namjachinguya Christian," she added cheerfully, introducing herself and Chris.
Richard grinned. "Jeodo mannaseo bangawo."
Chris, however, wasn't smiling. First, he hated not knowing what they were saying. Second, he hated how Bella's smile was directed at another man. His throat cleared sharply, though he stayed silent.
Richard handed over menus, but Chris barely glanced. "Bring everything on the menu," he ordered, then lowered his voice. "And the special thing we spoke about."
Bella tilted her head, puzzled. She had no idea what he meant, and when he didn't explain, she bit back her impatience.
Minutes later, Richard returned with a trolley stacked high with steaming dishes. Bella's eyes widened, and she instinctively licked her lips. The aroma alone was intoxicating.
Richard set down a golden plate, spooning out a glossy red dish. Bella's face lit up instantly. Tteokbokki.
Chris leaned back, arms folded, watching her every move.
The first bite made her moan softly. "Mmm." Her eyes fluttered closed as she savored the chewiness, the sweet heat of the sauce. "This tastes so good," she said, already diving in for another bite.
Chris's lips quirked upward. She's so cute when she eats like this. He couldn't stop staring. She didn't even notice she was too busy devouring every last bite.
When the plate was clean, Bella finally looked up. "You're not eating?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Nah." Chris shook his head. "I don't mind watching you eat. You can have mine too."
Her cheeks warmed, a smile tugging her lips. "As much as I'd love to, I can't. I need to save space in my tummy for the rest."
Chris chuckled softly. The way she said tummy made her sound like a child, and yet here she was, the woman who had him wrapped around her little finger.
Within minutes, Richard returned with another trolley stacked high with steaming Korean dishes.
Bella's eyes widened. "You prepared all this?" she asked, turning to Chris in disbelief.
Chris gave a small nod. "Mm-hmm."
"But... why?" Her brows knitted as curiosity shone in her gaze.
"You said you loved Korean food. And you've always wanted to try tteokbokki. So I made it happen." He shrugged lightly, as though it wasn't a big deal.
Bella's heart melted. "You remembered?" she chuckled softly.
"I remember every single thing you say," Chris replied, smirking.
Bella's cheeks flushed. "Thank you," she whispered, touched more than words could describe.
Chris only smiled at her cuteness, his eyes never leaving her face.
At a nearby table, another couple sat enjoying their anniversary dinner. The woman's gaze lingered on Bella, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to place the familiar face.
"Sweetheart," she whispered, nudging her husband, "don't you recognize her? I swear I've seen her somewhere."
The man glanced discreetly over his shoulder. Recognition dawned instantly. "Isn't that the girl from the Hampson rumours? Christian Hampson's girlfriend?"
The woman's mouth parted in delight. "Oh! You're right it is her! And look she's here with him. I guess the rumours were true."
Her husband leaned closer. "No wonder he never made an official statement. He didn't need to. Just showing up with her like this says it all."
The wife nodded thoughtfully. "True. Besides, his woman was bullied badly online. An official statement might've made things worse. I do wonder, though..." her eyes twinkled mischievously, "...what he did to those bullies. They've gone quiet. Almost... too quiet."
Her husband smirked knowingly.
But the wife's attention quickly returned to Bella. She studied her again, and her heart fluttered with sudden excitement. She's even more beautiful up close. Like a goddess...
"Sweetheart," she whispered eagerly, "I have to get a picture with her. I'll regret it forever if I don't."
The man chuckled, shaking his head at her childlike excitement. "Go on then. You'll burst if you don't."
She beamed, stood up, and walked gracefully toward Bella's table.
"Hello," the woman said warmly. "You're Christabella Walter, right?"
Bella froze. Her fork hovered in mid-air. She looked up and nearly dropped it.
Standing before her was none other than Kim Na-jin the highest paid Korean actress in the world. Bella's idol.
Her blood ran cold, and then hot. No. This can't be real.
Na-jin tilted her head, a little taken aback by Bella's silence. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude." She turned slightly, as if to leave.
But Bella jolted upright, her voice cracking. "Kim Na-jin?"
Na-jin blinked.
"You you're Kim Na-jin, right?" Bella stammered again, her eyes wide.
The actress broke into a bright smile. "Yes. I am."
Bella's hand flew to her mouth. She shot a glance at Chris, then back at her idol. "I... I can't believe this. I must've done something really good in a past life to be rewarded like this." Her voice quivered with excitement.
Na-jin laughed softly, charmed by Bella's sincerity.
Chris watched the exchange with growing amusement. He had no clue who this woman was, but seeing Bella this happy lit up his whole evening.
"Can I... can I take a picture with you? Please?" Bella asked, her eyes pleading.
"It would be an honour," Na-jin replied warmly.
Just then, her husband stood and walked over. And that was when Bella nearly fainted.
Her breath caught in her throat. Her heart thundered.
It wasn't just Kim Na-jin it was also her husband, Kang Min-ho, the highest-paid Korean actor. The man whose movies Bella had memorised line by line.
Bella's knees wobbled. No. No way. Not both of them.
Together, they were her favourite couple in the entire world the couple whose drama had kept her awake for nights, the pair whose wedding pictures she had saved, whose fan club she had joined four years ago. Their picture was even her phone wallpaper.
Now, here they were. In front of her. In London. On their first wedding anniversary.
Bella let out a small squeal, covering her mouth again. "I...I've watched all your movies! Every single one! You two are... you're my favourite couple in the whole world!"
Na-jin and Min-ho exchanged amused glances, their smiles growing wider.
Chris leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, fighting not to laugh. So this is what it looks like when my woman is starstruck.