Chapter 8

Bella stepped into the house, dragging in her suitcases along with Mark’s. Dante walked in behind them, a proud smile lighting his face.

“Welcome to your new beautiful home,” he said warmly, wrapping his arms around Bella and pressing a kiss to her lips before lifting Mark into his arms.

“Daddy!” Mark giggled.

“Yes, champ?” Dante smiled back.

“Did you give me the other room like you promised?”

Dante and Bella chuckled. “Yes, I did. It’s all yours already,” he assured him.

“Where’s Grandma?” Bella asked casually.

Dante let out a quiet sigh. “She went to check on Ann…” His expression darkened, guilt silently clouding his eyes.

“Hey, don’t be sad,” Bella said softly, touching his arm. “Ann will be fine. And don’t feel guilty. Whatever you did… you did it for me. You proved how much you love me even tried to end your wife for me. That meant a lot.”

Bella smiled proudly, convinced everything revolved around her. But the truth Dante hid in his silence told a different story. He wasn’t driven only by love… he simply didn’t want to lose anything, not even after the divorce.Dante smiled gently at Bella’s words fully knowing it wasn’t the truth .

He helped them upstairs to see their rooms.

In Dante’s room, Bella’s eyes sparkled. She turned slowly, admiring the luxurious space. The idea of finally living with the man she loved filled her with excitement.

Dante slipped his arms around her waist from behind. “What are you thinking about?” he murmured near her ear.

Bella scoffed lightly. “Just… happy. We’re finally together. One big happy family.”

Dante kissed her gently in response.

Then Bella suddenly remembered something. “Oh and Dante,” she added sweetly, “if I ever need anything, who’s going to help me? You know I don’t work, I can’t cook, I don’t really do anything… and I haven’t seen any maids around.”

Dante chuckled softly. “Of course, I’ll get new maids for you. As many as you need.”

Bella’s smile blossomed with satisfaction.

A new life had begun.

But it was a life built on guilt… lies… and a storm neither of them was ready for.

Zara’s POV

When morning came, Zara woke to find Lilly still asleep in her arms. She had cried most of the night, praying desperately for her daughter’s healing. Fear gripped her as she gently touched Lilly’s forehead.

She wasn’t hot anymore.

Her temperature was normal.

Relief washed over Zara, her chest loosening for the first time since the night before. A moment later, Lilly’s eyes slowly opened.

“Good morning, Mommy,” she whispered softly.

“Oh, good morning, my princess,” Zara replied, smiling warmly. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel good, Mommy.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Lilly nodded weakly but sweetly.

Zara thanked the heavens inwardly for saving her only girl .

“Alright then,” Zara said softly, exhaling in relief. “Let’s brush your teeth. We have a lot to do today.”

They went to freshen up together, and for the first time in a long while, life felt a little lighter. Afterward, Zara dressed her daughter with gentle care.

“Lilly, since you’re feeling better, you’ll be going back to school soon.”

Lilly looked up at her. “Am I going to my old school?”

Zara paused for a moment. She knew Dante would no longer pay the fees, and the little money she had wasn’t much. But she forced a reassuring smile.

“Yes, of course you are.”

Lilly’s eyes brightened instantly. “Yay! I didn’t want to leave my friends!”

“You won’t,” Zara promised softly. “But first, Mommy needs to go somewhere.”

Hand in hand, they walked through the busy streets. The previous night, while buying medicine, Zara had seen a restaurant advertising a vacancy for a waitress. Today, she had come back to try her luck.

Though nervous, she stepped inside.

“Um… I’d like to speak to the manager about the job opening,” she said politely.

The woman at the counter smiled warmly. “Sarah!” she called out.

Another woman appeared, friendly and kind.

“She’s here for the job,” the woman said happily.

“You’re very welcome,” Sarah smiled.

Relief flowed through Zara at the warmth in their eyes. “So… when do you want to start?” she asked hesitantly.

“You already got the job,” Sarah added .

Zara blinked in disbelief. “Really? I… I got it?”

“Yes, of course,” Sarah chuckled.

“Thank you so much,” Zara breathed, smiling with gratitude. “I’m Zara, and this is my daughter, Lilly.”

Lilly waved shyly, earning warm smiles from the women.

“Will she be staying with you?” Sarah asked gently.

“Oh no. She goes to school. Only weekends she may come,” Zara explained quickly. “She’s a good girl."Of course I can tell Sarah added warmly .

“Do you live nearby?” Sarah asked.

Zara hesitated. “No… I’m new here. I’m still looking for a place to stay.”

Sarah paused thoughtfully, then smiled. “I have a small room nearby. It isn’t big, but it’s comfortable enough for you and your daughter. You can stay there until you find your own place.”

Zara froze in shock.

“Really?” she whispered.

“Yes,” Sarah nodded. “Both of you can stay there.”

Hope swelled in Zara’s heart.

“Claire, show her around and teach her how things work,” Sarah added kindly.

Thank you so much Zara added with tears almost falling from her eyes . “ It's nothing okay, “ Sarah added calmly before leaving Zara and Claire to show her around .

Zara followed Claire, holding Lilly’s hand,maybe … maybe , it was a new beginning .