After dinner, Victoria led Felicity and Isabelle to their rooms. Felicity's small steps were slow, and she kept glancing at Grace, hoping for some kindness.
Victoria opened the door to girl's room and spoke sharply.
"Go to bed. Don't come out unless I say so."
Felicity's little shoulders drooped, and she whispered softly,
"Yes, Mama."
Victoria left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Grace waited until she was alone with Felicity.
She knelt beside the little bed and spoke gently,
"Are you okay, Felicity? Don't worry, you're safe here with me."
Felicity sniffled, tears still in her eyes.
"I… I don't like it here… Isabelle keeps making me feel bad, and Mama…" She paused, looking down at her hands.
Grace's heart ached. She reached out and held Felicity's small hand.
"I know it's hard. I promise I'll try to make things easier for you. You're not alone."
Felicity looked at her, a faint spark of trust forming. Grace smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from the girl's face.
Little did Felicity know… this woman, Grace, had a secret. She was the one who had been searching for her for years… her real mother.
Grace stayed a little longer, speaking quietly and gently, making sure Felicity felt safe. Her heart was heavy, full of love and longing. She knew the day would come when Felicity would know the truth—but for now, she would protect her in secret.
Felicity finally relaxed a little, curling under the blankets. Grace watched her for a moment, whispering softly to herself,
I see you as my little Ella. One day… I'll hold you again my baby girl.
The house grew quiet, but the tension lingered. Grace knew this was only the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
The next morning, sunlight peeked through the curtains. Grace (Hannah) quietly moved around the house, preparing breakfast for Felicity and Isabelle.
Felicity was still sleepy, rubbing her eyes as she sat at the table. Isabelle ate quickly, eager to finish and leave.
Grace placed a small plate of food in front of Felicity.
"Eat slowly, Felicity. You need energy for school," she said gently.
Felicity nodded, picking at her breakfast. Grace watched her carefully, noticing little habits—the way she twirled a strand of hair, the small tilt of her head when she focused. Something deep inside Grace's heart stirred, though she didn't yet understand why.
Victoria entered the kitchen, her eyes scanning the scene.
"Girls, finish your food quickly. School won't wait for you," she said sharply.
Felicity's hands shook slightly as she tried to eat faster. Isabelle sneered, as if enjoying her sister's struggle.
Grace knelt slightly beside Felicity and whispered softly,
"It's okay, don't rush. You'll do fine."
Felicity looked at Grace with a small, trusting smile. For a moment, the tension from the night before seemed to fade.
Soon, Victoria called out,
"Grab your bags! Time to leave for school."
Grace helped Felicity put on her shoes and coat. As they walked toward the door, Grace kept a careful watch, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. She couldn't explain it, but something about Felicity felt incredibly familiar—like a piece of her heart was already with this little girl.
Little did Grace know… the bond she felt was real. Felicity was her daughter, her Ella. And today, the first steps of their reunion were about to quietly begin.
After sending the girls off to school, Grace went back to her duties. She cleaned, organized, and made sure everything in the house was in order.
Later, she went to her small room. She took a warm shower, letting the water wash away her tiredness. After drying herself, she sat on the bed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief.
Grace picked up her phone and dialed Rachel's number.
"Hello, Rachel," she said softly, trying to keep her voice calm.
"Hi, Grace! How's everything?" Rachel asked cheerfully.
"It's okay… the children went to school. I'm just resting a little," Grace replied. She paused, thinking carefully. "Rachel… I'm starting to feel like maybe this job will help me… and maybe help me get closer to what I've been looking for."
Rachel's voice was warm and supportive.
"You're strong, Grace. Just take it one day at a time. You're doing well."
Grace smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Rachel. I needed to hear that."
After a short talk, Grace ended the call. She leaned back on her bed, taking a deep breath, her mind filled with thoughts about the children, the house, and the little girl she didn't yet know was her daughter.
She had no idea that every moment spent here was bringing her closer to the reunion she had waited for all these years.
In the afternoon, the children returned from school. The sound of small footsteps and laughter echoed through the house.
Victoria was waiting in the living room. As soon as Isabelle walked in, she smiled and gave her a warm hug.
"Well done today, Isabelle," she said kindly.
Felicity walked in behind her sister, holding her school bag tightly. Victoria's face hardened, and she didn't move to hug or greet her. Felicity's small shoulders drooped, and she looked down at her shoes.
Grace, still working nearby, noticed Felicity's sadness. She wanted to comfort her, but she stayed quiet, pretending to tidy the room. Her heart ached for the little girl.
Isabelle ran off to her room, smiling, while Felicity sat quietly at the table, trying not to cry. Victoria watched her coldly for a moment before turning away, leaving Felicity feeling lonely and unwanted.
Grace whispered softly, only to herself,
Poor child… you deserve love, not fear.
After a while, the children were sent to take their bath. Grace helped them get ready and made sure they were clean and comfortable.
Once they finished bathing, Grace prepared a small snack for them. Isabelle happily ate her food and then ran off to play outside.
Felicity, however, stayed behind, holding her head.
"My head hurts so much," she complained softly, wincing in pain.
Grace quickly went to her side and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Felicity. Let's sit here and rest a little. I'll stay with you," she said softly.
Felicity leaned slightly against Grace, grateful for the comfort. Isabelle's laughter could be heard from outside, but Felicity didn't have the energy or mood to join.
Grace watched her quietly, her heart tightening. Poor little one… she shouldn't be feeling this pain all alone.
Grace gave her a sip of water and stroked her hair gently, hoping to ease the headache. Felicity closed her eyes and relaxed a little, trusting Grace more with each passing moment.
Grace approached Victoria carefully.
"Madam … Felicity says her head hurts," she said softly, trying not to sound too bold.
Victoria looked at Felicity, her face cold.
"Her head hurts?" she said sharply, her voice cutting through the quiet room. "She better stop complaining. There's no reason for whining. She's fine. Sit down and have a rest!"
Felicity flinched at her mother's words and held her head tighter. Isabelle, watching nearby, smirked quietly.
Grace's heart tightened. She wanted to speak up, to protect Felicity, but she stayed silent for now, keeping her role as the helper.
Felicity quietly obeyed Victoria, trying not to make a sound, while Grace stayed close, ready to comfort her when she could.