Episode 5

Chapter 5: My Parents' Apartment

Walking through the front door hit me like a wave. All the memories of a happier time rushed back -- a time that was never coming back. My parents, Grace and George Carter, hadn't been rich. But they were loving. They made sure I never went without.

Not long ago, on Maria's suggestion, I'd had the entire apartment repainted. So that was one thing I didn't need to worry about. The old furniture -- pieces that were worn out or damaged beyond saving -- I'd already gotten rid of. I'd need new furniture.

I went upstairs, checked that everything was clean, and set down the suitcases. Then Maria and I headed out to buy everything I'd need, furniture included.

We spent a surprisingly fun morning shopping together. She really was like a second mother. The furniture stores promised delivery after lunch. I might have gotten a little carried away -- though I was careful not to buy anything that might give away my pregnancy. Maria called her trusted cleaning woman, the one who'd been maintaining the apartment for me, to receive the deliveries and arrange everything. Over the phone, I walked her through exactly where I wanted each piece. I told her not to worry about organizing my clothes in the closet -- that was something I wanted to do myself.

With everything handled, we drove back to Leo's mansion. I didn't want anyone getting suspicious.

When we arrived for lunch, I was surprised to find Leonardo home. He never came home for lunch.

"Isabella, where were you? I called and you didn't pick up."

"I was dropping off some things we don't use anymore for donation. Lost track of time chatting with the people there. Did you need me for something?"

"Grandma had a spell today. She wants everyone at dinner tonight."

"Of course. Why didn't you just text me? You didn't need to come all the way here for that. I know how busy you are."

"I didn't come just for that. I was near the house and thought I'd have lunch with my wife. Is that a problem?"

"Of course not. It's your house."

Something flickered across his face at my response, but he said nothing and walked to the dining room. Lunch was served, and we ate in silence until he decided to break it.

"Bella, I ran into some issues with a few property titles I need to transfer to you. It might delay the paperwork a bit."

"That's fine. Sort it out, and whenever it's ready, I'll sign."

He studied me for a moment, clearly thrown by how calm I was. Then he finished eating and left.

That afternoon, I went to the university to handle the last details for graduation, which was coming up in a few days. With everything squared away, I decided to swing by the apartment and check on the progress.

The moment I walked in, I was amazed. Almost everything was already assembled and in place. The team had started with what would be my new bedroom, so I left them working in the living room and went to unpack my suitcases.

It was a flood of emotions all at once. Happiness at being home -- a place that had always meant peace, safety, and stability. Sadness over the end of my marriage, over having to let go of the only man I'd ever loved. And underneath it all, a deep, aching fear that my child would never know what it was like to be raised by both parents. I knew that no matter how hard I tried to give this baby everything, material things could never replace the kind of love only a real family could provide. The happy childhood memories my parents had given me -- my child would never have that.

"Isabella, crying and feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to change anything," I told my reflection. "Wipe those tears. You're a strong woman."

Finally, everything was in place, just the way I'd imagined it. This part, at least, was done.

"I don't know what the future holds. But a roof over my head and my baby's head -- that's secured. Whatever comes next, I'll face it."

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