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.

a quick shower,

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

distance, laughter echoed through the halls. Drawn by the sound,

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

turned to her. For a split second, time

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

protective. He shifted slightly and stole a glance at Jessica, whose calm

Ethan called out with a smirk,

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

before she could settle, Elliot patted the empty seat beside him. "Come sit here,"

by the gesture. She sat beside him, her eyes scanning the table set

of toast, fruits, scrambled eggs, and tea. They had chosen the

laughter. The simple harmony of the moment was something Bella wanted to bottle and

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

Bella longer than she noticed. The night before had been spent in deep thought and the result

and Richard were gone, only four remained: Davis, Jessica, Bella, and Elliot. The 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 discuss

began, his voice low and firm. "I didn’t find the right opportunity to reward you yesterday. But I’ll use this moment to say... thank you. You’ll be receiving a token of my gratitude

had expected nothing but

like others she had kept appreciation waiting for the best time to express it. Following Elliot’s word she leaned slightly closer to

to Davis. "How long until

was caught off guard. "We’re estimating his first step could be today... if

of troubles building

the guards doubled

no one moves without your approval. Keeping

nodded. This wasn’t the

and had her fair share of the troubles.