Bella’s POV
Jack had outdone himself securing this gorgeous mansion for and the children.
The house wasn’t massive, just perfectly sized with the main floor containing everything we needed. Upstairs held only a spacious living area, my private office, and a stunning terrace.
The mountain view from every window took my breath away each morning.
The guest house sat adjacent to ours. I knew the three alphas had taken up residence there, along with Serena, Lord Morris, and his wife.
None of that concerned right now.
Days had slipped by without a single encounter with any of them. I had specifically asked for space to adjust.
Today marked the end of my isolation. A gathering in the royal garden awaited , the shared space connecting the guest house, royal mansion, and my new ho.
The council mbers would be present to formally present my residency identification card.
"Listen carefully, kids. While I’m handling business outside, you absolutely cannot disturb Chloe, understood?"
I settled onto the sofa with all three children, my fingers gently combing through Zack’s soft hair.
Returning here to receive official docuntation stirred conflicting emotions within .
The mories transported back to when I believed I had permanently escaped the savage werewolf world.
"Mommy," Tara whispered.
I t her gaze with a nod.
"I can tell you’re unhappy about staying here," she continued. Before I could formulate a response, she added quietly, "But we really love it here."
I repositioned myself to face all three as they huddled together on the cushions.
"She’s absolutely right, Mommy. I love it here too," Zack chid in, supporting Tara’s statent.
"What about you, Leah? Don’t you miss your friends back ho, your school, everything we left behind?" I asked, my throat tightening.
I caught the way Leah ducked her head, making wonder what thoughts were really running through their minds.
Then Zack delivered words that completely paralyzed .
"Mommy, we knew exactly how he treated you."
My entire body went rigid. The sound of my own swallow echoed in my ears.
Tara picked up where her brother left off.
"Daddy used to hurt you. We witnessed everything. We saw it all happen.
We never loved Daddy."
My eyes stretched so wide I feared they might burst from their sockets.
"What?" I managed to croak, desperately trying to control my breathing, but failing miserably.
"Aren’t you relieved we’re here now? Nobody hurts you in this place."
Those innocent words from my children caused tears to flood my vision.
I had never anticipated such a revelation from them.
Flashback:
"Move along! Everyone clear this area imdiately! This entrance isn’t designated for begging!"
A security guard rushed toward and several others, motioning aggressively for us to vacate the front of the imposing building.
"Actually, I’m not begging. I’m here about a job opening," I replied, startling myself.
I couldn’t recall the last ti I had used my voice.
Weeks had passed since my arrival in human territory.
While nobody physically tornted here, the loneliness was suffocating.
I carried life within , a growing baby. Those first weeks had been brutal.
A compassionate elderly woman had provided food for several days, but then I discovered her imminent departure.
I had spent weeks working for her, maintaining the front porch of her residence.
After her departure, I faced emptiness once again.
I desperately needed shelter and employnt. Word had reached about a wealthy man seeking soone to maintain his condominium, and cleaning was my specialty.
That had defined my entire existence. My stepmother had forced to clean houses, practically every residence in our neighborhood.
I understood that skill would serve well. I possessed knowledge of proper maintenance and organization techniques.
"You? I doubt they’ll permit soone in such filthy clothing inside," the guard comnted, scanning with obvious disdain.
I shifted uncomfortably under the stares of nearby people.
They were openly mocking .
Other won had arrived for the sa position, and despite it being a dostic role, they appeared well-dressed and professionally grood.
Several even sported manicured acrylic nails.
Then there was . I hadn’t experienced a proper haircut, hair treatnt, or skincare routine in weeks.
Several of my nails were broken and jagged.
"Fine, just enter. Get rejected quickly so others can proceed," the guard declared, waving forward dismissively.
I hurried inside, drawing deep breaths as I approached the gentleman’s office.
He was engaged in a phone conversation. The instant I entered, my breath seized in my throat.
His voice carried deep, velvet tones, but sothing about his presence felt ominous.
"Absolutely, I don’t care. Cry as much as you want. I told you we’re finished. Don’t contact again," he stated icily before disconnecting.
He swiveled in his chair and arched an eyebrow upon seeing .
He appeared to be in his mid twenties, possessing a sharp jawline, light facial hair, black hair streaked with premature grey.
His eyes sparkled when they locked with mine.
"I’m here for the position. My na is Bella. I’m interested in the maid job," I stamred, barely managing to voice the words.
A knowing smirk crossed his features.
"Bella, I’m Vance. Vance Stanton."
End of flashback.
"Mommy, what’s wrong?" A small, cool hand touched my wrist, snapping back to reality.
Sotis that man’s touch haunted even during sleep.
"Oh, nothing serious. You misunderstood completely. He never hurt . This is actually quite embarrassing," I laughed nervously. "Sotis mommies and daddies touch each other, and it’s not harmful touching, okay? You’re too young to understand these things."
I felt incredibly awkward attempting to explain what they might have witnessed.
Fortunately, Chloe arrived, successfully distracting the children.
I left the kids with Chloe and stepped outside to the garden, where everyone had already assembled, awaiting my appearance.
The mont I took my seat, I noticed their attention divert from to soone approaching from behind.
I frowned and turned around. The instant I identified who commanded their focus, my heart stopped beating.
"Vance?" I gasped, watching him advance with that familiar arrogant expression, adjusting his jacket as he walked directly toward .
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