Romero felt like it had turned into a festival ground overnight.
Bella had barely finished breakfast when Imelda stormed in, her arms already filled with wedding magazines and a tablet. Bianca trailed behind her, squealing as she hugged Bella tightly. Alexis was last, flashing her diamond ring like it was part of her job.
"You're really married," Imelda declared, dropping everything on the coffee table. "Oh my God, Bella. I've been waiting for this!"
Bianca smirked, nudging Jessy who was trying to climb the couch. "You realise I'm his godmother, right? And now I get to boss around at the wedding too."
"Boss?" Bella echoed, raising a brow.
"Helper. Chief helper," Bianca corrected with a wink.
Arabella giggled from the rug where she was colouring, her voice piping up. "I want to wear a princess dress."
"You will, sweetheart," Bella said, smoothing her hair with a smile.
Alexis leaned down, grinning. "And don't you worry, I'll make sure your mum looks like a queen too. Fiancée of Europe's most eligible bachelor? Please, we're going all out."
Bella groaned softly, already feeling overwhelmed. "We haven't even set a date"
"Spring," Imelda cut in immediately.
"Spring," Alexis agreed, nodding like they had held a secret meeting.
Hailey walked in just in time with her toddler on her hip, laughing at the scene. "You've lost control already, Bella. Just let them run with it. It's easier."
Imelda followed with a mischievous grin. "I'm calling dibs on handling the bachelorette party."
Bella's face turned crimson. "Imelda.."
Chris chose that moment to walk through the hall, loosening his tie from a morning call. He stopped short at the sight of the chaos: dresses, colour palettes, Imelda ranting about florists, Alexis on the phone with a wedding planner, Bianca playing peek-a-boo with Jessy, and Hailey rocking her baby like it was all normal.
His lips quirked into a smirk. "I leave you alone for two hours and this happens?"
Bella shot him a helpless look. "Save me."
But Chris only leaned down, kissed her cheek, and whispered low enough for her only: "You're mine now, Bella. Let them plan. All I care about is you walking down that aisle."
Her heart skipped at the words, and she found herself smiling despite the madness.
Jessy babbled something that sounded suspiciously like "wed-ding," sending everyone into laughter. Arabella clapped her hands and shouted, "Party!"
And in that moment, the noise didn't feel overwhelming anymore.
It felt like home.
Chris's office at Romero was quiet, the heavy oak desk covered with files. Outside, Bella's laughter drifted faintly through the halls, mixed with Alexis and Bianca's chatter. It was wedding chaos out there. But in here, Chris's world was sharp, controlled, focused.
Andrew sat opposite him, older, leaner, the scars of years away etched into his face. Joe sat to his right, arms folded, eyes steady. Elliot hovered near the door with a file in his hand.
Chris pushed a photo across the desk Cassandra being escorted in chains after her sentencing. "One chapter closed. But not all."
Andrew leaned forward, his voice low. "The Fredericks still have silent investors. People who'll want revenge. You know how this game works you kill a snake, but the tail keeps twitching."
Chris nodded once. "I've traced most of them. Lilian and Neil are in prison. Thelma is under maximum watch. But I don't want anyone touching Bella. Or my kids. Ever again."
Andrew exhaled slowly, his voice firm. "She deserves peace now. After everything... Bella needs a life without shadows."
Chris's jaw tightened. "That's exactly why I'm tightening security. Romero is safe, but the wedding will draw attention. I won't give anyone a chance." He looked at Elliot. "Double the guards. Scan every guest list. Anyone with ties to the Fredericks or Cassandra doesn't get within ten miles."
"Yes, sir." Elliot handed him the latest reports. "We also shut down two shell companies tied to Cindy Frederick. Their accounts are frozen. No one has the resources to move against you right now."
Chris scanned the papers, then sat back, his eyes briefly softening. "Good. Because this wedding isn't just an event. It's a statement. Bella and I were not hiding anymore."
For a moment, silence filled the room. Andrew studied his brother quietly. "You've changed," he said finally. "When you were younger, you lived like nothing could touch you. Now? You carry them all on your back."
Chris gave a small, humorless smile. "That's because they're mine to carry." His voice dropped, almost a vow. "Bella, Arabella, Jessy... they're my world now. Anyone who wants to touch them will have to go through me."
Andrew's stern face softened, just slightly. He put a hand on Chris's shoulder. "Then you're ready. Not just to be her husband. To be her family."
Chris's throat tightened, but he gave a short nod.
Outside, Arabella's laugh rang through the halls, followed by Jessy's excited babble. For the first time in years, Chris let the sound sink deep into him, steadying his soul.
This wasn't just about finishing enemies anymore.
It was about building something worth protecting.
Arabella's satchel was almost too big for her shoulders, but she wore it proudly as she stood in the grand hallway at Romero. Her violet eyes sparkled with excitement and nerves.
"Ready, princess?" Chris asked, crouching down to adjust the straps. He smoothed her hair back, his expression soft in a way only Arabella and Jessy ever brought out of him.
Arabella nodded quickly. "Yes, Daddy. But..." she hesitated, glancing at Bella, "...what if nobody likes me?"
Bella knelt beside her daughter, brushing her cheek. "Sweetheart, how could they not? You're smart, kind, and stronger than you know. Just be yourself. That's more than enough."
Jessy toddled over, wobbling on his little legs, babbling, "Be...lla!" Everyone laughed, and Arabella bent to kiss her baby brother's head.
Chris stood, his eyes flicking to Bella as he reached for Arabella's hand. "She's got this." His voice carried quiet pride.
Bella watched them, her heart swelling. For months, she'd been caring, protecting, building trust with Arabella. Now, seeing her daughter step into the world as her own person it felt surreal.
At the school gates, other parents were gathered with their children. Whispers started as soon as Chris's black car pulled up. Phones were already out the Hampsons still stirred curiosity.
Chris's jaw tightened at the stares, but Bella slipped her hand into his. "Let them look. Today is her day, not theirs."
Arabella clutched both their hands as they walked her in. She stood tall, though her small fingers trembled.
"Don't forget your lunch," Bella reminded gently, tucking it into her bag.
"And if anyone gives you trouble," Chris added, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "just tell me and I'll make them disappear."
"Chris!" Bella hissed, though Arabella giggled.
"I'm kidding," he muttered, though his eyes glinted.
When the bell rang, Arabella turned back once, her violet eyes locking with Bella's. She whispered softly, almost like a secret between them: "Bye, Mum."
Bella's chest tightened, tears stinging her eyes. "Bye, baby. I'll be right here when you're done."
As Arabella disappeared into the building, Bella felt Chris's hand slip around her waist. He didn't say anything, but the squeeze of his arm was enough.
For the first time, Arabella was stepping into a life where she wasn't hidden, abused, or stolen. She was free.
And Bella knew this was only the beginning.