The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows as the clinking of cutlery and soft chatter filled the dining room. The girls were almost done eating breakfast when Bella quietly descended the stairs. Her presence startled them; she hadn't been seen all morning.
"Bella!" Bianca exclaimed, setting down her spoon. "We checked your room, but you weren't there. You texted Dad saying you needed some fresh air."
Bella smiled mischievously and looked directly at Jr, who was sitting at the table with a grin. "Ooh," she said playfully, "I flew in from outside and went back to my room. Just like a bird."
Lisa raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Flew in? Through where exactly?"
Bella chuckled and pointed toward the window. "Through there, of course."
Jr burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the show. Bella kept winking at him conspiratorially. "But I'm back now," she said, walking over to the table. "Let's eat."
She pulled out a chair and joined them, laughing softly as the girls shook their heads in amusement at her dramatic entrance. They chatted and finished their breakfast, sharing bits of their dreams, school plans, and the latest book they were all reading together.
After breakfast, their private tutor arrived to guide them through the day's lessons. The girls made their way to the study area, while Bella slipped into the kitchen to start planning lunch. Since Jr had decided to stay home for the day, she wanted to prepare something special. He rarely took time off from work, so she saw it as an opportunity to enjoy a rare, peaceful day together.
Meanwhile, Jr had already settled into his study room. He opened the drawer of his mahogany desk and pulled out a slim folder marked with confidential symbols. Papers rustled softly as he flipped through the documents, his expression becoming more serious by the second. Though he was at home, his mind was still immersed in work—unfinished cases, names still unaccounted for, and leads to follow.
Back in the kitchen, Bella blended some passion fruit juice and added a splash of lemon. The sweet, tangy scent filled the air as she poured the drink into a tall glass and carried it upstairs.
She knocked lightly on Jr's door before entering.
"I figured even though you decided to stay home today, you'd still trap yourself in this room," she teased, placing the glass on his desk.
Jr looked up and gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks for the juice, love."
Bella leaned against the edge of the desk, arms crossed. "But tell me something," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Why did you tell the kids I went outside for some fresh air?"
Jr chuckled and shrugged. "I was just teasing them. You know how they get all worked up about everything. Just like how I'm about to tease you now…"
Before she could respond, he pulled her gently onto his lap. Bella squealed in surprise, her hands instinctively landing on his shoulders.
"Jr!" she protested, half-laughing. "What are you doing?"
He grinned. "Exactly what I'm doing right now."
She wiggled, trying to stand, but he held her gently in place. They shared a quiet moment, eyes locked, laughter fading into something softer. Jr brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, then pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.
"You know," he said quietly, "everything's almost done. Soon, you and the girls won't have to live in fear anymore."
Bella's smile slowly faded, replaced by a look of cautious curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Jr's hand moved to her face, his thumb tracing the curve of her lips. "We've caught the criminals who trafficked you… the same ones who kidnapped the girls. The ones who shattered your peace. They're in custody now. And the investigation's gone even deeper—we've identified some of their international contacts. We're going after them too. Every single one of them."
Bella's eyes widened. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. For months—the shadow of those memories had followed her. The trauma, the fear, the constant sense of looking over her shoulder. And now…
She gasped, her hands covering her mouth. "Are you serious?" Her voice trembled.
Jr nodded solemnly. "I would never lie about this."
In one swift movement, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, my love. Thank you so much," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "We can finally breathe again. We can live… without being scared."
"Yes," he said, holding her close. "You're free now, Bella. All of you."
They sat there in silence for a moment, the weight of his words settling in. Bella's mind replayed everything they'd been through—the late-night escapes, the whispers in the dark, the constant worry about who might be watching. And now, it was all over.
Eventually, Bella pulled back and looked at him with a wide, radiant smile. "This calls for a celebration. A big one. Just us and the girls. No hiding, no pretending. Just happiness."
Jr smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was hoping you'd say that."
She leaned in, resting her forehead against his. "You've given us our life back."
"No," he said gently. "You gave yourself your life back. I just helped where I could."
Downstairs, the sound of laughter filtered up from the study area where the girls were having a break between lessons. The house, once filled with fear and secrets, now brimmed with hope and laughter.
Bella stood up, stretching a little. "Well, I better finish up in the kitchen. Someone's going to get hungry again soon."
"I'm already hungry," Jr teased, winking.
"For food," she clarified, giving him a playful glare before heading to the door.
Before she left, Jr called out, "Hey, Bella?"
She turned to look at him.
"I love you."
She smiled warmly. "I love you too. More than you'll ever know."
As she walked down the hallway and disappeared into the kitchen, Jr leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep breath. A chapter of their lives was finally closing—and a new one, brighter and safer, was beginning.