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.

bed, Bella headed into the bathroom and took a quick shower, the warm water

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

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

was awash with sunlight, and the air was filled with a gentle buzz of bees and the faint rustle of

stepped into view, all eyes turned to her. For

light blanket over his legs, felt a warmth surge through him. His expression softened unconsciously at the sight of her. He

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

Ethan called out with a smirk, his voice

brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I needed the extra sleep," she replied sheepishly, her smile bashful.

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

gesture. She sat beside him, her eyes scanning

eggs, and tea. They had chosen the garden not

chatter returned as they ate, interrupted now and then by laughter. The simple harmony of

things at the office," he said, bowed lightly and glanced

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

only four remained: Davis, Jessica, Bella, and Elliot. The air shifted. Elliot’s light expression faded, replaced by a

"I didn’t find the right opportunity to reward you yesterday. But I’ll use this moment to say... thank you. You’ll

in surprise. She had expected nothing but only

had kept appreciation waiting for the best time to express it. Following Elliot’s word she leaned slightly closer to whisper, "Thank

to Davis. "How long until his leg fully recovers?" he asked Jessica his gaze not leaving

off guard. "We’re estimating his first step could be today... if not,

There’s an undercurrent of troubles building and with various situations at hand, this

the guards

without your approval. Keeping things discreet is

nodded. This wasn’t the first time something was

had danced this dance before and had her fair share of the troubles. Whenever things