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~Bella's POV
The moment we stepped out of the spa, it felt like I was walking beside a different person. Noah's posture was taller, his steps more certain, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was color in his face again. He looked good, like the world hadn't completely broken him after all.
Alex gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "Told you the scruff wasn't doing you any favors."
Noah laughed, rubbing his jaw. "I forgot what my face even looked like."
We were barely two steps toward the car when Alex's phone rang. He frowned a little when he checked the caller ID, probably someone from work. He stepped aside to answer it, his voice low and clipped. I could tell from the way his brows pinched that it was serious.
Noah and I shared a quick glance.
Moments later, Luca pulled up in another sleek black car, stepping out like he'd been waiting nearby the whole time. Always reliable. Always ready.
