A Life Beyond Limits novel Chapter 228

Bella sat quietly on the chair beside him, watching as Jack devoured the dinner she had brought. Seeing him enjoy the food filled her with a deep sense of satisfaction.

After he finished eating, she leaned in slightly and asked, "Was it good? If you like it, I can bring you food every time we go running together."

Jack paused for a moment before replying, "You don't have to go through all that trouble. I can just buy food myself."

To his surprise, Bella blushed slightly. She lowered her gaze as she softly asked, "Where would you even buy it? I made this myself, you know."

Jack blinked. He was surprised as he asked, "You cooked this?"

She nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. "Do you like it? If you do, I can cook for you anytime."

Jack hadn't expected that.

Bella—the heiress of a wealthy family—had spent her entire summer break learning how to cook. And not just any dishes, but his favorite ones? What kind of feeling, what kind of motivation, could drive someone like her to willingly spend so much time in the kitchen just to make a meal for a guy?

Jack remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to say.

Bella, not giving him a chance to refuse, quickly changed the topic. She said, "I'll clean this up for you. You should change into your workout clothes so that we can go for our run."

From the bag, she pulled out a set of athletic wear. It was a matching set.

Jack hesitated for a second before taking the clothes. Something about the thoughtful gesture made his heart feel unexpectedly warm.

He walked into the bathroom to change. By the time he came out, Bella had already tidied up the table.

Her breath hitched when she looked up and saw him in the athletic outfit. Jack, in fitted sportswear, looked even more striking than usual. The contours of his toned physique, the faint outline of his abs—it was enough to make her heart race.

Jack, sensing her gaze, turned to look at her. His eyes carried a soft, unreadable warmth.

Their eyes met. For a fleeting second, time seemed to freeze. The silence between them was different now—charged, electric.

Bella felt something in the air shift. A subtle, almost intoxicating atmosphere surrounded them.

Her long lashes quivered. She hesitated, then closed her eyes, parting her lips ever so slightly—waiting. But nothing happened.

After a few seconds, she peeked through her lashes and saw Jack's conflicted, hesitant expression. Her heart sank. Did Jack really not get the hint?

Then, she suddenly remembered—she had been the one to steal his first kiss. The thought made her want to laugh.

She scowled, pinching his arm hard before turning away with a huff, pretending to be annoyed. Without another word, she took off running ahead.