Raquel's mouth dropped open after Bella ended her call with Chris.
"Did you just tell the great Christian Hampson that you love him?" she whispered, her eyes wide.
Bella's heart skipped. She had barely processed the words herself. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she pressed her palms against them, embarrassed.
"I...I didn't mean to," Bella stammered.
Raquel squealed, clapping her hands. "Awwww! Unnie is in love!"
"No, I'm not," Bella countered quickly.
"You are, sis. And you just admitted it. I heard it with my own ears." Raquel smirked triumphantly.
Before Bella could respond, Vera's voice echoed through the house.
"I'm home!"
"Mum!" Raquel bolted up from the couch to greet her. Joe followed close behind.
"Good evening, Dad," Raquel said warmly.
"Where are the twins?" Vera asked, scanning the living room.
"They should be in their rooms," Bella replied.
"Good evening, Mum. Uncle Joe." Bella offered them both a small smile.
Joe gave her a reassuring nod. "We saw the news, Bella. Thank God the reviews worked in your favour."
"They were more than reviews," Raquel added. "People defended you. But why hasn't Chris released any statement about your relationship yet?"
Vera sighed, setting her handbag down. "He probably doesn't want to feed the blogs. If he confirms their romance now, it will only cause more harm. Better to let the storm pass."
"Oh. Right," Raquel nodded, suddenly thoughtful.
Bella turned to her mother. "Mum, hope you haven't forgotten my appointment with Aunt Tatiana?"
Vera blinked, glancing at her watch. Relief flickered in her eyes she had nearly forgotten.
"No, darling. Let me just get changed."
"You don't need to, Mum. Let's just go."
Vera nodded. "Alright, then."
As they prepared to leave, Bella glanced at Joe. "Uncle Joe, will you still be here when I get back?"
"Yes, I'll be around," Joe assured.
"Good. I wanted to ask about the wedding plans, but we'll talk later."
Joe chuckled. "We'll discuss when you return."
On the road
The drive was calm until Bella stiffened. Someone across the street caught her eye. Her breath hitched.
The man looked... just like her father.
"I must be hallucinating," Bella muttered under her breath.
"Ella, are you okay?" Vera asked, keeping her eyes on the road.
"I thought I saw Dad," Bella admitted softly.
Vera's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe I was just seeing things," Bella said quickly, brushing it off with a shrug.
Vera exhaled sharply. "I'd appreciate it if you don't 'see' things like that, Ella."
Bella sighed. "Okay, Mum. I'm sorry."
After a stretch of silence, Vera asked, "How did Chris get people to say such wonderful things about you? The comments were mind-blowing." Her tone carried a trace of admiration.
"Apparently, he didn't." Bella shrugged. "He swore he had nothing to do with it. They were honest reviews, Mum."
Vera's lips parted in surprise. "Really? So those passengers and colleagues just spoke from their hearts?"
"Yes." Bella smiled faintly.
Vera's eyes glistened. "Wow. I'm so proud of you, Ella."
"I know, Mum." Bella chuckled.
Vera gave her a sideways glance. "So... any progress with Christian? The sooner you figure out your feelings, the better."
Bella's cheeks warmed. "He asked me to be his girlfriend. Early this morning. Around two a.m."
Vera gasped. "What?"
"I said yes."
Finally, Vera let out a laugh. "It was long overdue!"
Bella grinned, then tilted her head. "But what about you, Mum? Have you and Uncle Joe decided on a wedding date?"
"Probably first quarter of next year," Vera said thoughtfully.
Bella frowned. "Why wait that long?"
"We have to sell the house, Ella. Then buy a new place where everyone feels at home."
Bella tapped her chin. "Mum, have you talked to the twins about selling? Personally, I don't mind you know I'm barely home. But the boys? And Catty? She grew up in that house."
Vera bit her lip. "We didn't really think about how the kids would feel. I'll speak with Joe when we get home."
"Not just Uncle Joe. Talk to the twins. And let him talk to Catty. Better to face it now than deal with resentment later."
Vera nodded. "Alright, Ella." She pulled into the hospital's parking lot.
Tatiana's Office
"Aunt Ana!" Bella exclaimed, hugging Tatiana as soon as they stepped in.
"My darling." Tatiana held her tightly before pulling back to search Bella's face. "Are you truly okay? I know it must be traumatizing to read those hateful comments. And I discovered you were being bullied."
"Hampson Airways is dealing with it," Bella said softly.
Tatiana raised a brow. "Hampson Airways? Or Christian Hampson?" She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.
Bella chuckled. "Both."
"Oh hi, best friend," Tatiana greeted Vera, waving playfully.
"Finally you noticed me. I was beginning to think I'd turned invisible," Vera teased with an eye roll.
"Jealous much?" Bella muttered, smirking as she took her seat.
The three women sat, and Tatiana leaned forward. "Alright, Bella. Tell me what happened."
"Before or after I regained my memory?" Bella asked.
"Before. Walk me through it."
Bella drew a breath. "I had a heated argument with Chris. I was hurt, wailing even, and I went to shower. The water was running, but my head felt heavy... and then I fainted. While unconscious, the memories came back like a dream. But when I woke, I knew it wasn't just a dream."
Tatiana's face softened. "I'm glad you finally remembered."
She stood, motioning for Bella to follow. "But I'd still like to run an MRI. Just to be absolutely sure you're okay."
Bella nodded, her heart racing as she rose to follow her aunt.