He stared at her in shock, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Belle… what are you saying?"
"I-is it true? You don't love me enough to marry me?"
"Of course I love you, but…"
She gasped and put her hand over her mouth as tears blurred her vision. "I'm sorry I bothered you." She said in a trembling voice.
"Belle, wait! Don't leave!" Adam yelled. But she was gone from sight.
She ran down the hallway and didn't stop until she reached her bedroom. Once she was safely inside, she slammed the door shut and threw herself onto the bed, sobbing as though she would never stop.
She awoke some time later to the gentle touch of someone running their fingers through her hair. Her eyes slowly opened and she raised her head, struggling to focus in the darkness. "Mrs. Potts?"
"I'm sorry I woke you dear. I came in earlier and it broke my heart to see you crying so. I decided to stay and make sure that you are all right."
Belle felt the tears begin to fall again. Hadn't she cried enough?
"I'll never be all right!" she whimpered.
Mrs. Potts lovingly stroked her hair. "Now what makes you say that?"
"Why won't Adam marry me, Mrs. Potts? Is it because I'm plain-looking?"
"Oh Belle, you're a beautiful young woman! You are anything but plain and I know for a fact that Adam loves you very much!"
Belle sighed deeply. "I know… H-he told me, but…"
Mrs. Potts smiled. "He told me too, dear."
Belle raised her head and looked at her friend. "H-he did?"
"Darling, he feels terrible for upsetting you. And I know in my heart that all of this will work out just fine. You'll see. You and Adam will live happily ever after."
As Belle finally closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of the handsome prince and of her wish for happily ever after.
