Bella's POV
When he ended the call, he gestured toward Camilla to join him. She rushed to his side, and I could sense his parents had arrived based on his sudden urgency to summon her.
"They've made it!" my stepmother chirped with enthusiasm, linking arms with my father and practically dragging him toward the entrance.
Standing there in that moment, I felt utterly isolated and displaced. Like I was watching someone else's life unfold while I remained invisible on the sidelines.
Then my gaze drifted to my children, reminding me that solitude was just an illusion.
"Mommy," Zack whispered softly.
I gave him a small nod to show I was paying attention.
"You look way prettier than your sister," he murmured, placing his tiny hand over his mouth to stifle his giggles.
My other two little ones bobbed their heads in agreement, and his innocent observation struck me deeply. With them by my side, loneliness could never truly consume me.
