"Bella, what are you doing?"
Jessica looked puzzled, carefully observing her daughter, who seemed hurried and busy packing clothes and other essential items into a large suitcase.
Jessica was curious and wondered where Bella was going at this late hour. Moreover, her daughter had yet to mention or hint at any plans to travel shortly.
"I have to move, Mom."
"W-what did you say? Move?"
Bella then closed and fastened her suitcase. She turned, trying to maintain a calm expression so her mother wouldn't worry. On the way home earlier, Bella thought about what excuse to give her mother. That's why she tried to stay calm. A moment later, she smiled and replied, "I got a new job today, Mom."
"You already got a job? Where, dear?"
Jessica was increasingly curious. But, judging from her expression, she was also happy to hear that her daughter had finally found a new job after being unemployed for a while due to being laid off by the previous company.
"At one of Renata's friend's companies. She introduced me. Her friend needed a young accountant to fill a recently vacant position."
"Ah, I see." Jessica nodded, understanding. "So, why are you packing?"
Again, Jessica tried to understand, searching for the connection between packing and getting a new job in a different city.
"Because this company is located far in Manchester, I decided to stay in the accommodation provided by the company temporarily. Besides saving time, I can also save expenses because I don't have to travel back and forth."
Bella, of course, was exaggerating. There was no way she would be straightforward with her mother about agreeing to rent out her womb for someone else. Bella was 1000% sure her mother would be sad and angry, especially if she found out that Bella was taking this action to earn money to support both her living expenses and Jessica's weekly dialysis costs.
"So, you have to move? And Mama—"
"Don't worry," Bella quickly interrupted. "Mama won't be alone here. Renata also helped arrange an assistant to accompany and care for Mama's needs while Bella works in Manchester. Tomorrow morning, the assistant will come here."
Jessica still looked confused. Realizing this, Bella approached and tried to reassure her. There was a sense of pity and guilt because, after tonight, she might not be able to see her mother for a long time.
"Don't be sad, Mom," she whispered. Bella reached for her mother's wrist and gently held it. "Bella promises to visit Mama during work breaks. Bella will also call Mama frequently when she's there."
Jessica nodded and smiled. She hugged Bella, then gently stroked her daughter's messy hair. She was not ready to let go of her 27-year-old daughter.
"Mama is not sad, Bella. It's just that I feel sorry for you, having to work hard to provide for and meet all of Mama's medical needs. Truly, Mama apologizes for inconveniencing you."
Bella loosened her hug on Jessica. She wiped away the tears that seemed to be falling on her mother's cheek.
"This is Bella's duty, Mom. Whatever it is, Bella will do it. The important thing is that Mama can get treatment and become healthy again."
Jessica nodded. She hugged and kissed Bella for a long time before finally letting go of her beloved daughter, bidding her farewell for the time being.
In reality, Bella didn't move to Manchester. Julia's residence was in the upscale Kensington area of London, just an hour's drive from her current home with her mother.
Upon arriving at Julia's residence, Bella was warmly welcomed by the homeowner. The supermodel seemed happy and invited Bella to enter her prepared room.
"From now on, you will occupy the room I have prepared for you for the next few months."
Bella nodded. As she entered, her eyes scanned the entire room. She was amazed when given a room two or three times the size of the studio she had occupied before.
There was a large bed, a sofa, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom complete with a bathtub and water heater. Even a balcony with a comfortable chair allowed her to enjoy the view of the flower garden and swimming pool next to the house.
"You can go to the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You are free to request any food from the chef. And if you need anything, I have also provided an assistant to help you."
Then, Julia called out a name. A moment later, a woman around thirty approached the room.
"Her name is Lilia. She's the assistant who will help with all your needs. If you need anything, please ask her." Then Julia turned to the assistant. "Lilia, I ask you to serve Bella while she stays here. Make sure all her needs are met and nothing is lacking."
"Alright, Ma'am. I will make sure of that."
Bella nodded in understanding. She needed help to follow Julia's instructions.
"Ma'am..." Bella whispered before Julia left her room.
"Yes? Do you want to ask something?"
Bella nodded. While there was an opportunity, Bella wanted to make sure of it.
"After staying here, can I still visit my mother?"
Julia waited to answer. Rotating her eyes, she thought for a moment.
"I think you can't leave my house during pregnancy, Bella."
"But, Ma'am—"
"I don't want the public to know that there's a pregnant woman in my house. The media will surely ask and dig deeper for information. It will undoubtedly give a bad image to my career and my big name. So, before the baby in your belly is born, you can't go anywhere except for the routine schedule to go to the hospital."
Bella swallowed the words that had gathered on the tip of her tongue. Hearing Julia's seemingly non-negotiable statement, she surrendered to the reality.
"Don't worry. I will make sure your mother is fine. Moreover, there is the best assistant I sent to take care of all her needs."
Bella complied. After all, she had chosen and agreed to the collaboration between her and Julia. That meant she had to be ready to accept all the consequences that would come.
***
On the first day at Julia's house, Bella still felt awkward. Waking up early because of hunger, Bella decided to shower, then went downstairs, intending to go to the dining room.
There, she found Lilia and other assistants busy preparing breakfast.
"Miss Bella?" Lilia called when she noticed Bella's presence. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Like a caught person, Bella nodded awkwardly. She felt uncomfortable because going to the dining room was too early. But she wouldn't lie that she was hungry right now. Last night, Bella didn't eat because she was busy packing and arranging clothes when she arrived at Julia's house.
"Can I have a glass of cold milk?"
Lilia smiled.
"Of course, you can. Please have a seat. After serving the food, I will get you a glass of cold milk."
"Hmm... how about I get it myself?" Bella offered. Moreover, she felt terrible interrupting Lilia, who was busy setting up and serving breakfast on the table.
"Don't, Miss." Lilia sounded prohibitive. The assistant seemed to shake her head. "Let me do it."
"It's okay. I can get it myself. Besides, it's just a glass of milk."
Lilia eventually nodded in agreement. She pointed her finger to indicate the cupboard next to the refrigerator.
"Please take a glass from the cupboard. The milk is in the middle row of the refrigerator."
Bella looked understanding. She opened the cupboard Lilia meant, then took a tall glass. A moment later, Bella opened the refrigerator right next to her. She took a box of full-cream milk and poured it into the glass she was holding.
"Perfect."
Bella smiled and turned around. At the same time, as she took a step forward, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing the milk in her hand to spill and, of course, splatter on the person in front of her.
"Mr. Edward."
Bella screamed in surprise. Her eyes widened, finding Edward standing and staring coldly right before her. Worse, the milk she was holding had stained the white shirt the man was wearing.
"Oh God. I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to."
Bella quickly grabbed a tissue that was available next to the refrigerator. Intending to help wipe off the milk stains on the shirt, the man immediately stopped Bella's hand as if he didn't want to be touched.
"Sir, I-I just want—"
Edward shook his head. He slapped Bella's wrist to keep her away from him. Then, he left without saying a word.
Bella froze. A moment later, she closed her eyes briefly while cursing the foolishness she had committed. How could she make a mistake on the first day?
"Did you deliberately spy on me?"Bella froze. Whatever sins she had committed in the past, on the second day of staying at Julia's residence, it seemed she had once again made a mistake.Indeed, Bella had only intended to take in the morning air while strolling around the flower garden behind the house.While passing by the swimming pool, Bella paused to observe Edward, who had just emerged from the pool shirtless. For a moment, Bella's eyes were captivated. It would be a lie to say she didn't admire the athletic and proportional appearance of Edward's body.Unfortunately, due to being too engrossed, Bella lost track of herself. Before she knew it, Edward, who had been standing by the pool, was now right in front of her."Hey!" Edward's voice sounded again. "Are you deaf?""Ah, sorry, sir," Bella muttered when she realized."I think you deliberately stalked and spied on me."Bella shook her head. She wanted to protest, but she didn't dare. How could she, who was beautiful, innocent,
Bella received extra attention from Julia daily after the embryo transfer into her womb. The woman, who worked as a professional model, even went to great lengths to pay a considerable amount for a nutrition expert.Julia intentionally did this to determine and create a meal schedule for Bella—her effort aimed to support the embryo's growth in Bella's womb so it could develop nicely."Lilia, this is the meal schedule Bella should follow for the next few days. While I'm not at home, you should prepare and pay close attention to all of Bella's needs, no matter how small.Lilia nodded in understanding. After receiving the schedule from Julia, she briefly read it and agreed to the task. After all, she was paid to assist, fulfill, and ensure that all of Bella's needs were well cared for."All right, ma'am. I'll make sure Miss Bella consumes all the food you've specified.""Good," nodded Julia. "Also, don't forget to remind Bella to take the vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor
In the dining room, Lilia patiently attended to Bella, who was enjoying her dinner. Without missing a beat, the woman served and ensured that every need of Bella was met."After this, you should have fruit pudding, Miss. Then, take your vitamins and medication, and get ready for rest."Bella nodded. She couldn't argue, even if she wanted to. Despite a lifelong aversion to pudding, she had to comply with the orders while staying at Julia's house and learn to try the healthy snack."Has Mr. Edward not had dinner yet? I haven't seen him since earlier," Bella asked curiously. Usually, when it was time for dinner, she always crossed paths with the man. But tonight, Bella didn't see him at all."It seems Mr. Edward is working late. Perhaps he is having dinner outside as well."Bella nodded. After all, she had no right to interfere with his activities. After finishing Lilia's pudding, Bella hurried to her room to rest."Here are your vitamins and medication, Miss."Lilia then handed a glass
Bella remembered well that she fell asleep shortly after Clara left her room that night.Several hours later, she woke up feeling thirsty. Slowly getting up, Bella immediately glanced around. Squinting at the nightstand, she believed it was only two in the morning.However, Bella felt like she had been sleeping for a long time. But, upon closer inspection, she realized she had only been asleep for about four hours.For some reason, that night she really wanted to drink cold water. Walking quietly, Bella decided to go to the dining room and get a glass of cold water.However, after finishing and heading back to her room, Bella was surprised. She found Edward, who had apparently fallen, sprawled on the floor.Bella took the initiative to help. She approached and helped Edward by taking him to his room. But, an unexpected event occurred. As she was about to leave, Edward suddenly grabbed Bella's wrist, preventing her from going anywhere."Mr. Edward? Do you need something?"Edward didn't
"Where are you going?"Bella's steps abruptly halted. She had already prepared to hurriedly leave the dining room. Truly, Bella wanted to play it safe. She was afraid Edward might call her to discuss last night's incident."I'm going back to my room, Sir.""Back?" Edward's eyes nAaroned reflexively. He gazed at Bella, who at that moment looked down as if afraid to meet his gaze. "Didn't you finish your food?"Bella immediately looked up. In her heart, she cursed her own foolishness for not being able to give a convincing answer. After all, if she wanted to play it safe, why not just say she had a stomach ache or urgently needed to use the restroom? Surely Edward wouldn't ask or give a lengthy response."Y-yes. I, uh---""What's wrong? Is there something important that made you stop eating?"Furthermore, Edward wasn't blind. He could clearly see that there was still a lot of food left on Bella's plate. Even if she was full, why take an excessive portion from the beginning only to end u
"Miss Bella, what are you doing?"Clara sounded concerned. Her face looked worried upon seeing Bella entering the kitchen and searching for some ingredients in the fridge."I'm bored and I feel like cooking dinner for myself tonight."Clara's brow immediately furrowed."Cooking? What do you want to eat? Just tell me. Let me prepare it for you."Bella smiled. Instead of listening, she continued to search for something in the fridge. Shortly after, she took out some frozen meat from the freezer and various types of vegetables and fruits."No, Clara. Please allow me to cook it myself. I miss eating my own Lancashire and Roast Meat.""But, Miss....""Just this once."Bella looked at Clara pleadingly, hoping she would allow her to cook and prepare her dinner herself just this once."Please," Bella said again."Alright. But just this once. If Miss Julia finds out, she'll be angry."Bella smiled happily. After getting permission, she quickly started preparing the ingredients she had taken fr
Edward just parked his Jeep Mercy G Wagon in the shooting arena's parking lot at Picadelli Shooting Arena. As he entered, he was greeted by Shawn, Samuel, Kairos, and Raphael, who had arrived earlier and were already playing.After being away for a while due to his busy schedule, Edward rejoined his friends today for shooting practice. Besides, he also had some matters to discuss with Samuel immediately."Goodness, Edward. You took forever. I've been bored without a decent opponent all this time."Kairos Maxweel grumbled. Among the five of them, they all shared the same hobbies: horseback riding, archery, and shooting. However, it was Kairos and Edward who had above-average skills in using firearms.Edward himself had a strong interest in shooting sports since he was a child. Moreover, his father, Eduardo Darkwood, fully supported his hobby. He even went as far as enrolling him in Kairos's father's shooting school."There were many things I had to take care of. Besides, you could spar
"What? Pregnant?"Still lying on the patient's bed, Bella shook her head in disbelief. She tried to keep herself composed and calm."Could the doctor have made a mistake in the examination?"Yes, who knows, maybe Doctor Samuel misdiagnosed. Even though Bella had previously engaged in inappropriate activities with Edward, she was sure it wouldn't have led to pregnancy right away.Just imagine, Edward only slept with her once. Even that night's incident happened unintentionally and was over quickly. Or, let's just consider it a passing fancy. So, it seemed absurd to Bella that she could be pregnant."I am very sure that you are pregnant right now."Bella blinked. She seemed awkward, continuously trying to deny what Samuel was telling her."I don't even feel nauseous, vomit, or any of the common symptoms pregnant women experience. My appetite is still very normal."Samuel didn't deny that."Not all pregnant women experience the same symptoms, Bella. In fact, some only start feeling nause