Chapter 17: Confession Time

After the exhausting hours of flying, Bella's heart swelled as she stepped through the familiar front door of her family's grandiose mansion. Lupe, the family's long-time housekeeper and the closest thing to a mother figure she'd ever had, greeted her with a genuine, affectionate smile. Bella had missed Lupe dearly.

"Lupe, it's so good to see you again," Bella said, embracing the older woman.

"Oh, mi niña," Lupe replied, hugging Bella tightly. "You've grown so much. We've all missed you."

As Bella pulled away from the hug, she asked, "Where are my parents? I thought they'd be around."

Lupe's expression soured slightly. "Your father is still at the office. He said he would be home late again tonight. And your mother, well... you know how she is. She's away running some errands or on another shopping spree or spa, as usual."

Bella sighed, feeling a mix of disappointment and familiarity. Her parents' perpetual absence was something she had grown used to. In a way, it was what had driven