Morning sunlight seeped through the hotel curtains, but Bella barely noticed. Her phone was buzzing nonstop with messages, calls, and notifications. The headlines blared from every screen:
"CEO's Son Claims Mystery Woman as 'Mommy' — Auction Showdown Caught on Camera!"
"De Salvo Heir's Bold Declaration Shocks City Elite."
"Who Is the Woman in Lewis De Salvo's Arms? Scandal Rocks the Auction!"
Bella's heart pounded as she read through the comments and messages flooding her phone. Reporters wanted answers. Strangers demanded explanations. Even distant relatives were calling to ask questions she didn't want to answer.
Suddenly, the screen lit up with Olivia's name.
"Bella! Are you okay? I just saw the news," Olivia's warm voice came through, full of concern.
Bella forced calm into her voice. "I'm fine, Olivia. Just… it's complicated."
Olivia sighed. "I know ,Just don't forget I'm here for you, no matter what happens."
Bella smiled faintly. "Thanks. I needed to hear that."
---
Across the city, Lewis was dealing with his own storm.
Leo, now fully awake, was demanding attention like a tiny tornado, repeating, "Mommy! Dada! Mommy! Dada!" in his stubborn toddler voice, refusing to be distracted or comforted.
Lewis's phone buzzed. Mikael's name flashed on the screen.
"Lewis, you've officially lost it," Mikael teased the moment Lewis picked up.
Lewis groaned. "I'm not losing it."
Mikael laughed. "Come on, you were practically drooling when Leo shouted 'Mommy' in the auction. Admit it—you're still hung up on her."
Lewis's jaw clenched. "I'm focused on the business."
"Uh-huh, sure. You're a terrible liar."
---
Before Lewis could respond, another call came—his mother's voice, sharp and playful.
"So, Lewis, the city's abuzz about your 'auction victory,'" Lady De Salvo said, amusement dripping from every word.
Lewis sighed. "Mother."
His father joined in. "You never did learn how to keep your cards close, did you?"
Lewis couldn't help but smirk despite himself.
Lady De Salvo chuckled. "From 'little one' to 'mystery woman' drama. We know all about your battles with her."
Lewis's smirk deepened. "We're sworn enemies, nothing more."
His father teased, "Enemies, sure. But the city's favorite entertainment."
Lewis rolled his eyes but felt a strange warmth. Even amid the chaos, the teasing from family reminded him he wasn't alone.
---
Back at the hotel, Bella stared out at the city skyline, heart steeling itself.
The headlines screamed their story.
Lewis parents pov :
The call ended with a soft click. Lady De Salvo set down the phone and smiled warmly. "You know, for all their fighting, I think Lewis and Bella belong together."
Her husband chuckled, folding his hands. "They've always been fire and ice—always at odds, but you can see the care beneath it all."
She nodded, eyes shining. "I'd be glad to see them married. It might finally bring some peace to Lewis's heart."
He smiled gently. "Me too. After everything, Bella is the one who truly understands him."
They shared a quiet moment, hopeful for what the future might hold.