Over the following weeks, Miss J became a familiar presence at the Moretti mansion.
She never arrived empty-handed.
Sometimes she brought homemade soup.
Sometimes fresh pastries.
Sometimes fruits she claimed were "good for Bella's recovery."
She never once mentioned being Bella's mother again.
She simply stayed for a while, chatted with everyone, made sure Bella had eaten properly and quietly left.
Bella noticed it all.
The more time they spent together, the more she felt guilty.
Miss J never pressured her.
Never asked to be called "Mom."
Never complained.
Yet Bella couldn't help feeling she was being unnecessarily stingy with a single word.
Meanwhile, college had also started again.
Following Dr. Vance's advice, Bella returned gradually, attending her classes while carefully balancing her therapy and medication.
Every day, she met Winter and Mira on campus.
The three girls ate lunch together and often walked around the beautiful campus before returning home.
