Nina and Abel's mum were pleasantly surprised by Lisa's hearty appetite. It seemed the food served didn't trouble her in the slightest. The only concern was her evident fondness for sweet dishes, she seemed to gravitate towards them more than anything else. After finishing the satisfying meal, Lisa began to feel drowsy. Politely excusing herself, she made her way to her room.
Her bed was a haven of comfort, soft and plush, with layers of fluffy pillows and a thick, cloud-like duvet that seemed to embrace her body the moment she lay down. The room was gently perfumed with the calming scent of vanilla, subtly infused into the air from a nearby diffuser. The fragrance was soothing, and it lulled her into a deep, peaceful sleep that lasted for hours. Occasionally, Nina or Abel's mum would quietly peek into the room, checking on her to make sure she was comfortable. Though they didn't want to disturb her, they were still a little anxious that she might experience the nightmares she had mentioned before.
By the time Lisa stirred awake, the sun had begun to set, it was almost dinnertime. The house was filled with a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, a warm and welcoming scent of roasted spices and simmering sauces that gently pulled Lisa from her slumber. Stretching and yawning, she followed the scent and soon found herself in the kitchen.
The kitchen was spacious and inviting, with soft warm lights overhead casting a golden hue over the gleaming marble countertops. Pots and pans simmered on the stove, and the air was filled with the clatter of cutlery, bubbling pots, and the occasional laughter between Nina and Abel's mum. Wooden cabinets lined the walls, and an island counter stood at the center, neatly arranged with fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. The whole space felt like the heart of the home, alive and buzzing with warmth and care.
"Seems like the sleeping beauty is awake now," Nina said with a cheerful smile as she glanced over at Lisa.
Lisa didn't say a word. She simply smiled and nodded, still adjusting to this new, unfamiliar environment and the warmth of her newly found family.
"I hope you're feeling better, my dear," Abel's mum said with a gentle smile.
Lisa's face lit up, and she nodded brightly in response. She offered to help, but Abel's mum gently waved her off.
"You just need to rest as much as you can," she said kindly. "No chores unless you feel like stretching or exercising a bit. And the only time you're allowed to cook is when you're craving something we can't make, or if you're feeling homesick."
She explained that a few maids were also around to help, especially when neither she nor Nina was available. Lisa didn't argue, though she did insist on staying in the kitchen to watch them cook. Abel's mum agreed with a smile, happy to let Lisa be part of the process in her own way.
Within the hour, dinner was ready. Nina and Abel's mum carefully ladled the freshly cooked dishes into beautiful ceramic bowls designed to retain heat. The vibrant glazes on the bowls sparkled under the lights as they were brought out to the dining table. The table itself was a stunning round piece, with a rotating center that made it easy for everyone to serve themselves.
Abel's mum was the first to arrive at the table, carrying a large tray filled with a mouthwatering assortment of meats. There was tender braised pork, the favorite of Abel's father, glazed to perfection with hints of soy and caramelized onions. Next were juicy, flame-grilled sausages with a smoky char, and finally, sweet and sour chicken wings, golden and glistening with a sticky glaze, specially made for Lisa. The vibrant dishes were arranged carefully around the rotating table, turning the setup into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
After placing the food, Abel's mum walked over to Abel's father's seat and gently tugged the newspaper out of his hands.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to bring a newspaper to the dining table?" she scolded gently, her voice serious but not stern.
Abel's father responded playfully, taking her hand, wrapping an arm around her waist, and pulling her onto his lap.
"Mmmh… something smells amazing," he said, sniffing the air with a satisfied smile. He looked at his wife, his eyes gleaming with affection.
"Are you talking about me or the food?" Abel's mum asked sweetly, a soft blush rising on her cheeks.
"I'm talking about you… and the food too," he replied with a wink, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Oh, stop it!" she said, laughing and blushing as she gently slapped his shoulder. "Can't you see people are watching?" She quickly stood up, partly to preserve her dignity and partly because she noticed Lisa looking shyly away. Wanting to ease her discomfort, she turned to her.
"Go on, Luiza, my darling. Put the salads in the middle of the table and take a seat. You did a great job today," she said with warmth in her voice.
Lisa nodded with admiration in her eyes. The affection and lightheartedness between Abel's parents stunned her. She couldn't believe such a beautiful and loving couple could be the parents of someone like Abel. It left her quietly wondering about the mysteries behind this family she was now a part of.
She placed the tray of colorful salads, fresh greens with cherry tomatoes, creamy coleslaw, and a tangy mango-avocado mix in the center of the table and took her seat between Nina and Abel's mum.
The dinner began in a peaceful silence. The dishes were as delicious as they looked: buttery mashed potatoes, herb-infused rice, spicy roasted vegetables, rich mushroom gravy, and crispy potato wedges with garlic aioli. For dessert, there was a spread of sweets, chocolate éclairs, caramel pudding, soft sponge cake with whipped cream, and a bowl of fruit salad topped with honey and nuts.
Abel's mum kindly introduced Lisa to Abel's father, who gave her a warm, approving smile. He complimented her appetite throughout the meal but gently expressed his concern over the amount of sweet food she was eating.
Even so, the atmosphere at the table was cozy, joyful, and filled with genuine kindness. Lisa sat quietly, her heart full, not just from the food, but from the growing sense that she might have truly found a place she could call home.
Days passed, and Lisa had gradually grown accustomed to living with Abel's parents. Life within their home had become warm and familiar, a comforting rhythm she never expected to find. Although Abel's father wasn't around much, often slipping out unnoticed and returning just as silently, his absence wasn't unsettling. The only constant reminder that she wasn't in an ordinary home was the tight security presence surrounding the property. But strangely, even that didn't make her feel unsafe. If anything, it made her feel protected.
Abel's mum treated her with extraordinary kindness. She made sure Lisa never felt alone or out of place. Whenever they went out together, it was always somewhere peaceful, breathtaking, and suitable for a pregnant woman to enjoy. They strolled through flower-filled botanical gardens where the scent of lavender and roses danced on the breeze. They relaxed at quiet lakeside retreats, feeding ducks and listening to the gentle ripples of water. Sometimes, they visited art galleries or quaint cafés with soft music and warm lighting, where Lisa could enjoy herbal teas and light pastries while feeling the world pause around her. Each outing seemed carefully planned to bring her peace.
But Abel's mum didn't stop there; she completely spoiled Lisa. From shopping trips for maternity clothes, stylish shoes, and delicate jewelry, to booking her sessions for prenatal massages, manicures, pedicures, and even nourishing hair treatments, Lisa felt pampered beyond imagination. It was like living a dream, a kind of gentle luxury she had never experienced before. It was almost unbelievable, but it was real, and it was hers to embrace.
The best part of it all was that she remained in contact with her family. Although her relationship with Carol hadn't improved much, there was still hope, hope for healing, and perhaps one day, reconciliation. The thought that one day their family might find its way back to wholeness kept her heart warm.
Still, there were moments when a quiet sadness crept in, especially when she thought of Henry. The realization that he wasn't there to share in these beautiful moments often tugged at her heart. She longed to see him, to talk, to understand where they stood. But each time she thought of him, emotion overwhelmed her. The tears would build up, and she realized she couldn't let herself spiral. It wasn't good for her, and it certainly wasn't good for the baby. So, she made a promise to herself: whenever thoughts of Henry came too strong, she would gently shift her focus, choose positivity, and stay hopeful.
One afternoon, as they were having tea on the balcony, Abel's mum gently brought up the subject of Abel and the incident that happened before Lisa was brought into their home.
Lisa's heart sank.
It had been a topic she had tried to block out completely. That part of her life, what had happened, hadn't made sense; she couldn't figure out how she was caught between two men, it all felt like a dark fog. Even now, thinking about it made her dizzy. The biggest question of all loomed silently in her mind: what would happen when she gave birth? Whose child was she carrying? The thought alone would twist her stomach in knots.
Sometimes, the weight of these questions would return to her in dreams, restless nightmares that left her breathless and tense, though thankfully not as intense as they once were. Still, she couldn't ignore the growing realization that her confusion wasn't just from the trauma. She was also in deep denial, and the pieces she didn't understand might be locked away in her mind.
But that day, after speaking with Abel's mum, something in Lisa shifted. She understood, finally, that she could no longer run from the truth. Whether painful or confusing, this mystery was hers to solve. Closure wouldn't come unless she sought it. And so, instead of hiding from it, she decided to face it. Bit by bit.
She would start with Abel.
If she wanted answers, she would have to learn everything she could about him, and maybe, just maybe, the path to understanding her own story would begin to unfold from there.