A few minutes before three o'clock, Eli wrapped up his paperwork to prepare for the home consultation. It was Belle's first time visiting Jillyanna Madrigal's estate since taking on the role of Eli's assistant, and a heavy cocktail of nerves and a strange, quiet sadness weighted her chest.
[You can be honest with me now,] Ceres' voice echoed sharply within the confines of their mind. [Do you still like him?]
(No! It's a hard NO!) Belle snapped back mentally.
[Why are you yelling at me? It's a simple question.]
(Because it's a ridiculous question!)
[And what exactly is ridiculous about it?] Ceres countered, her mental tone dripping with skepticism. [I wouldn't ask if I didn't feel the phantom flutters in our chest. Don't forget, we share the same mind, the same heart, and the same body. Your secrets are my sensory data. I can literally feel what you feel.]
(Whatever), Belle dismissed, erecting a mental wall. (I am not in love with Dr. Rivera, and I never will be.)
