Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-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.

Rising from bed, Bella headed into the bathroom and took a quick shower, the warm water doing wonders to chase away the lingering grogginess.

She changed into a pair of 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 mirror and gave herself a little nod at the vibrant young girl in the mirror.

From the distance, laughter echoed through the halls. Drawn by the sound, she followed it to the garden, where the family had gathered.

The garden was awash with sunlight, and the air was filled with a gentle buzz of bees and the faint rustle of leaves. She paused at the entrance, watching the peaceful scene.

As she stepped into view, all eyes turned to her. For a split second, time seemed to pause.

Davis, seated comfortably with 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 outcome.

His gaze 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 questions in his mind.

"I thought you would never wake up," Ethan called out with a smirk, his voice teasing.

Bella flushed, brushing a loose strand 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 last time she had woken up so well-rested.

She moved to sit 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 a sigh from the people in the room.

Bella hesitated only a moment before complying, surprised and touched by the gesture. She sat beside him, her eyes scanning the table set for breakfast.

A maid approached with her meal—a delicate spread of toast, fruits, scrambled eggs, and tea. They had chosen the garden not just for its beauty but as an excuse to soak in the morning sun.

The light chatter returned as they ate, interrupted now and then by laughter. The simple harmony of the moment was something Bella wanted to bottle and keep forever.

Eventually, Richard rose. "I need to check on a few things at the office," he said, bowed lightly and glanced briefly at Jessica before stepping out.

Ethan lingered behind for a few more minutes, his eyes lingering on Bella longer than she noticed. The night before had been spent in deep thought and the result is that he had made up his mind—he would not give up on the feelings stirring inside him. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance.

Once Ethan 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 with them.

"Jessica," he 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 soon."

Jessica blinked in surprise. She had expected nothing but only hoped her decision will not bring chaos.

Bella’s heart was warm at her effort and just like others she had kept appreciation waiting for the best time to express it. Following Elliot’s word she leaned slightly closer to whisper, "Thank you."

Jessica nodded, humbled by their appreciation. Then Elliot turned to Davis. "How long until his leg fully recovers?" he asked Jessica his gaze not leaving Davis.

Jessica was caught off guard. "We’re estimating his first step could be today... if not, sometime next week."

Elliot’s gaze sharpened. "You need to be ready. There’s an undercurrent of troubles building and with various situations at hand, this house isn’t as safe as it looks.

I suggest the guards doubled while you

make sure no one moves without your approval. Keeping things discreet is also necessary"

Jessica met his gaze and nodded. This wasn’t the first time something was brewing in the shadows.

She had danced this dance before and had her fair share of the troubles. Whenever things became uncertain, she and Elliot became a shield for the others.

Davis’s throat tightened at the warning, his mind swirling with countless thoughts. "Having a mafia family could be exhausting and fraught with danger. Maybe this is why my mother tried so hard to keep me away from the Ravensdale family," he thought.

Yet, Elliot’s next words made the threat chillingly clear. "The moment Desmond announces his intent by declaring you dead... return to the Ravensdale family. Because the Desmond I know won’t just try to ruin you—he’ll come to kill you." Elliot’s tone was final.

Davis stared at him, stunned. He wasn’t afraid for himself, but for those around him. For Bella. But he couldn’t help but question "Is he that bad?" He asked surprised at his words.

"Desmond, is a man with greed and with your grandfather not granting his desire.. he wouldn’t stop easy besides he still believes you are alive and well." He replied swirling his glass of water in his hand.

Elliot turned to Bella, his voice softening. "Bella, stop stressing yourself trying to remember your past. You have a brother now—he can be your living memory. And when the time comes to leave, don’t stay behind. Go with them and still keep your identity discreet."

Bella felt her throat tighten. For the first time, she truly believed she didn’t have to face her fears alone anymore. She had always been sore afraid that she might not know who she actually is. freewebnσvel.cøm

The morning sun filtered through the leaves above, casting golden speckles on their faces.

And for a brief, beautiful moment, they were no longer strangers connected by fate—they were a family learning to stand together, preparing for the battle ahead.

"I’ll take a trip back to City X. I’ll keep tabs on the situation here because there’s a need for me to go home and handle some matters," he concluded.

They were surprised, their gazes turning inquisitive—except for Jessica, who had always known that he came and went as he pleased.

In fact, it was more surprising that he had stayed this long. She didn’t even dare to imagine the countless notifications that must be pinging on his phone every second.

"Davis, I believe you still have some of your staff hidden from Desmond and the rest of the Allen family. Though, you had let go of everything because of the betrayal, but there must still be some waiting somewhere for your signal," he said, his gaze on Davis deepening.

Davis nodded in affirmation. He had intended to reach out, but before he could make contact, they were ambushed—and everything spiraled from there.

With so much happening at once, he had decided to take things one step at a time.

"Get them ready," he instructed, his voice laced with urgency.