Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156: Elliot’s warning

Bella took a leave of absence from the office to sort some matters concerning her newly discovered family. The emotional whirlwind of revelations still sat fresh in her chest, making her chest flutter with both anticipation and uncertainty.

She had known Jessica for years—trusted her even—but discovering their blood and familial connection brought a sense of fullness and fear she wasn’t prepared for.

Jessica had always been a calm and constant presence in her life, and Elliot, despite not officially acknowledging her as a goddaughter, had treated her with utmost kindness.

He had never once denied her wishes, always ensuring her needs were met without question. Looking back now, it almost felt like he’d known something all along—some subconscious part of him recognizing what lay beneath the surface.

With her thoughts on the goodness and kindness of Jessica and Elliot, she lulled herself to sleep.

The sun had barely risen above the horizon when Bella stirred. The pale rays streaked through the silk curtains, painting golden lines across the room’s marble floors.

Outside, the breeze teased the petals of early-blooming lilies, spreading their sweet fragrance into the air.

She inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of fatigue dissipate, replaced by a rare sense of rejuvenation. It was as if the morning itself whispered a promise of healing and answers.

She sat up, letting the sheets fall off her shoulders, and stretched with a long sigh. For the first time in weeks, she felt her body relax—truly relax.

Maybe it was being in a place surrounded by people who, though complex, had started to form the faint outlines of a family. Or maybe it was just the idea of finding where she truly belonged. Either way, she was grateful. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

A quiet thought tickled her mind: What would it be like to fully embrace this new blood tie? She wasn’t sure yet, but she wanted to know.

And there was so much she needed to remember—memories buried in the shadows of her childhood. Her mother’s voice, her father’s smile, the games they played, the lullabies they sang... All of it was lost had been lost in that unfortunate accident.

Sometimes, fragments of those memories will appear in her dreams but then they slip away like water through her fingers and when she wakes up, she will find herself struggling to remember.

She longed for something—someone—who could be her anchor to the past.

Rising from bed, Bella headed into the bathroom and took a quick shower, the warm water doing wonders to chase away the lingering grogginess.

She changed into a pair of fitted pants and a soft crop top, the fabric hugging her in a way that brought out her youthful grace. Her long hair, still damp, cascaded freely down her shoulders. She looked into the mirror and gave herself a little nod at the vibrant young girl in the mirror.

From the distance, laughter echoed through the halls. Drawn by the sound, she followed it to the garden, where the family had gathered.

The garden was awash with sunlight, and the air was filled with a gentle buzz of bees and the faint rustle of leaves. She paused at the entrance, watching the peaceful scene.

As she stepped into view, all eyes turned to her. For a split second, time seemed to pause.

Davis, seated comfortably with a light blanket over his legs, felt a warmth surge through him. His expression softened unconsciously at the sight of her. He never believed that in this life, he will find his sister when he least expected after searching for years with no positive outcome.

His gaze on had always been friendly but with the revelation he looked at her gently, curious, even protective. He shifted slightly and stole a glance at Jessica, whose calm demeanor only seemed to deepen the questions in his mind.

"I thought you would never wake up," Ethan called out with a smirk, his voice teasing.

Bella flushed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I needed the extra sleep," she replied sheepishly, her smile bashful. It was true—she couldn’t remember the last time she had woken up so well-rested.

She moved to sit beside Jessica, but before she could settle, Elliot patted the empty seat beside him. "Come sit here," he said, his voice softer than usual. Earning a sigh from the people in the room.

Bella hesitated only a moment before complying, surprised and touched by the gesture. She sat beside him, her eyes scanning the table set for breakfast.

A maid approached with her meal—a delicate spread of toast, fruits, scrambled eggs, and tea. They had chosen the garden not just for its beauty but as an excuse to soak in the morning sun.

The light chatter returned as they ate, interrupted now and then by laughter. The simple harmony of the moment was something Bella wanted to bottle and keep forever.

Davis’s throat tightened at the warning, his mind swirling with countless thoughts. "Having a mafia family could be exhausting and fraught with danger. Maybe this is why my mother tried so hard to keep me away from the Ravensdale family," he thought.

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