LOGINBella noticed the pain in his eyes but said nothing.Instead, she turned to the twins."And no more running around like that, okay?""Okay, Mommy!" they chorused.The twins hugged their new teddy bears and headed upstairs together, already chatting excitedly about where the bears would sleep.Lucian had expected Bella to tell the girls the truth. That he was their father.But she didn't and truth be told, he understood why.Years ago, he didn't want kids…which gives him no right to expect that privilege now.Bella sat down beside him."You came late," she pointed out. "I said nine o'clock."Lucian nodded. “Sorry” He had no argument for that.He was late."Anyway, I'll be leaving for Australia tomorrow," Bella continued. "So if there's anything you want to say, say it now."Lucian felt his heart tighten."Bella..." He swallowed. "Life hasn't been good without you. Every day feels empty. I just want a chance to make things right again. That's all. I promise I—""Stop."The single word
"He's making me feel things. It feels so wrong, yet so right... but I don't know if it's love."She answered honestly.Bella nodded."That's good. Now you've seen the results of all those feelings. Don't go back to it.""I won't," Ava said, though sadness lingered in her eyes.Bella sighed."I know the pregnancy is going to make you crave him, but just like you helped me back then, it's my turn to help you stay strong."Ava couldn't help recalling those nights when Bella couldn't sleep. Her back would ache for hours, and Ava would end up massaging it before climbing into bed beside her so she could cuddle and finally rest.Those had been good times.Bella got up to change after the long day, and the twins immediately rushed after her.She laughed.It was as if they couldn't breathe without her.Then a thought suddenly struck her.Wait...Didn't Kate say Chelsea wanted her to indulge her?If she's supposedly in love with Nolan, then why would she...?Bella frowned.It can't be Kate. Sh
Ronald heard the commotion outside his house.That alone was unusual. Nothing like this had ever happened at his residence before.He pulled up the surveillance feed and frowned when Bella appeared on the screen.He recognized her immediately. She had been with Ava at the wedding. So Ava must have told her everything.His eyes darkened.If they think they can dig up the past and cause problems for me, they're in for a rude awakening.But what does she want with that bastard daughter of mine?“Chelsea,” he called.Chelsea came downstairs.Only then did she hear a woman outside screaming her name.“Why is that woman shouting for you?”Ronald turned the monitor toward her.Chelsea's eyes widened when she saw Bella standing outside the gates.“I... I don't know,” she answered nervously.“Let's go find out then.” Ronald got to his feet.“Come along.”
Lucian stopped in front of Ava's mansion. He found himself surprised by how close it was to his own house. For some reason, he had imagined it being much farther away. Bella stepped out of the car and started walking toward the gate. "Wait." She turned back and looked at him. "What about the date?" Lucian asked. Bella paused. With everything that had happened at the wedding and the hospital, she had completely forgotten about it. On top of that, Ava needed her right now. Going on a date was the last thing on her mind. For a moment, she wasn't sure how to respond. Lucian hesitated before speaking again. "Can I have your number?" Bella raised an eyebrow. "No, you can't." The answer stung more than he expected. "But be here tomorrow at nine." His heart leaped as excitement spread through him. Was she finally ready to introduce him to the twins properly? The thought alone got his heart overfilled with hope. "Goodnight," Bella said. She walked to the gate and
Bella blinked in confusion.“Pregnant? How is that possible? She said she couldn't have children. She tried in the past, and nothing happened. What do you mean she's pregnant? She's forty-five.”The doctor looked annoyed.“I am a specialist, Ms. Bella. I wouldn't lie about something this serious.” He adjusted his glasses. “And why are you saying forty-five like it's the end of the world? As long as a woman is still having her period, pregnancy is possible.”Bella stared at him for several seconds, completely speechless.“How is she supposed to survive this?” she finally asked. “She has heart disease. She can't carry a baby on top of that.”“That's exactly why I called you in here,” the doctor replied. “I need you to convince her to terminate the pregnancy.”Bella fell silent.What did Ava even need a child for?And Nolan certainly wasn't a reliable father.If he was capable of releasing a
Her palm landed across a face, but not Ava’s. Bella had taken the slap for her. “Oh, so you’re part of this too, Madam CEO?” Beatrice spat bitterly. “You’ve been sleeping with young men as well? Is that what you two do for a living? Cheap whores all the way from Australia.” Her eyes burned with disgust. “No wonder your husband divorced you, yet you still play victim when he’s clearly the better person. Shame on you.” The words cut deeper than the slap itself. But what unsettled Bella the most was her own reaction… or lack of it. Why wasn’t she fighting back?. Why couldn’t she move? It felt like her body had completely shut down. Then suddenly, Lucian stepped forward and struck Beatrice across the face. Bella froze in shock. Lucian was… defending her? A
Morning came, but Bella hadn’t slept. A sharp headache pulsed behind her eyes. She had spent the entire night tending to Zara, who now seemed much better. But one thing was sure, Bella had made up her mind.She packed her bag, lifted Zara gently, and carried her downstairs.Lucian was sitting in th
“What?” Bella asked sharply. “Dating Prof C.D.? No, I’m not.”“Oh, shut up, liar,” Catherine snapped. “I’ve seen girls like you everywhere. A common nanny leeching off a billionaire and still trying to cozy up to a professor. I saw you hugging him the other day.”Gasps filled through the room.“Exc
Lucian turned to her, waiting.“I need money,” she said.He gave a short nod, crossed to the drawer, pulled out a black card, and handed it to her.“Keep it. PIN is 6969.” A smirk tugged at his mouth. “Withdraw however you want.”Bella stared at him, stunned. He is really just a sex freak, she mutt
Lucian descended the stairs. The house was completely silent, no sound of Bella’s quick footsteps chasing after him. It was Saturday; he wasn’t heading to the office, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t work from home.For a brief second, he regretted letting her leave.“Lucian,” Margaret said, “Bella







