Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

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.

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.

and took a quick shower, the

that brought out her youthful grace. Her long

halls. Drawn by the sound, she followed it to the garden, where the

the air was filled with a gentle buzz of bees and the faint rustle of leaves. She paused

into view, all eyes turned to her. For a split second, time seemed to

his legs, felt a warmth surge through him. His expression softened unconsciously at the sight of her. He never believed that in this life,

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

you would never wake up," Ethan called out with a

of hair behind her ear. "I guess I needed the extra sleep," she replied sheepishly, her smile bashful. It was

him. "Come sit here," he said, his

only a moment before complying, surprised and touched by the gesture. She sat beside him, her eyes scanning the

meal—a delicate spread of toast, fruits, scrambled eggs, and tea. They had chosen the garden not just for its

ate, interrupted now and then by laughter. The simple harmony of the moment was something Bella

"I need to check on a few things at the office," he said, bowed lightly and glanced briefly at Jessica

The night before had been spent in deep thought and the result is that he had made up

air shifted. Elliot’s light expression faded, replaced by a colder, more serious expression. A proof of the seriousness of the matter he wants

to reward you yesterday. But I’ll use this moment to say... thank you. You’ll be receiving a token

expected nothing but only hoped her decision will not

warm at her effort and just like others she had kept appreciation waiting for the best time to express it. Following Elliot’s word she leaned slightly closer to whisper, "Thank

by their appreciation. Then Elliot turned to Davis. "How long until his leg fully recovers?" he asked Jessica his gaze not leaving

caught off guard. "We’re estimating his first step could

an undercurrent of troubles building and with

suggest the guards doubled while

moves without your approval. Keeping

the first time something was

this dance before and had her fair share of the troubles. Whenever things became uncertain, she