Bella darted up the steps, her feet barely touching the ground, and threw her arms around Jessica in a heartfelt embrace. The hug was warm, intense, and filled with emotion. When she finally pulled back, her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and she studied Jessica carefully, as though seeing her for the first time.
"You actually healed him... just like you said you would," Bella whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Jessica offered her a soft smile, but said nothing. There were times when words weren’t needed—this was one of them.
To Bella, it felt unreal. Jessica had always been a friend, but in moments , it seemed God had specially destined her to be part of their lives.
She had saved Davis once as a child, saved and harbored Bella during her accident and taken her in like family, and now, she had saved her brother’s legs. Her brother could walk again.
Bella was overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all, and yet, no words could fully express her gratitude.
She opened her mouth, then closed it again, lost in the enormity of what she felt.
"Stupid girl," Jessica teased with a small grin, lightly pinching her cheeks. "Is it worth shedding tears? Besides, shouldn’t you be congratulating him for being bold enough to receive treatment?"
Jessica’s tone was light, but her gaze shifted subtly to Davis, who stood behind them with a small, amused smile on his face.
"I know he did well," Bella admitted, swiping her eyes. "But if you weren’t there in the picture, he wouldn’t have?
Jessica raised a brow. "It’s okay. He’s still my husband, don’t forget."
Bella chuckled, her mood lifting. "You don’t have to plaster it all over my single face."
From the hallway, Ethan appeared just in time to hear the last line, causing Davis to smirk.
"Ethan, can you take your girlfriend out of the way? My wife’s legs are aching from standing," Davis teased.
Bella gasped, caught off guard. Her face flushed a deep red as she spun around quickly, clearly flustered. In her flurry, she missed her step.
"Bella! Bella!" Davis and Jessica shouted in unison, both instinctively stretching their hands toward her.
Their fingers brushed against hers, but she slipped from their grasp.
For a terrifying moment, Bella saw the floor rushing toward her and braced herself for the impact, quietly shutting her eyes. Instead, she landed against something firm and warm. Or rather, someone.
Bella’s eyes flew open and met Ethan’s. His chest heaved as he held her tightly, a mix of fear and relief etched on his face. He had acted on instinct, catching her just in time.
"Are you stupid?" she shrieked, still flustered, her concern bubbling into anger as she stood up. "Are you trying to die?! Do you think I’d forgive you if something happened to you?"
Ethan winced, trying to stand. "I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to... think it through," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Jessica and Davis exchanged a knowing glance, the corners of Davis’s mouth twitching in amusement.
"Dr. Bella," Jessica said with an exaggerated sigh, "shouldn’t your first line of action be offering first aid?"
Bella glared at her. "Are you really my sister-in-law?"
Jessica laughed. "Just saying—saving lives is part of your job."
Davis joined in. "Lil sis, my assistant had a lot to do this morning. And now, thanks to you, he’s temporarily out of commission. How do you plan to make it up to me?"
Bella took a deep breath, calming herself. She helped Ethan up from the floor and guided him gently to the nearest couch. Retrieving the first aid kit, she returned and carefully knelt before him.
As she cleaned the minor scrapes on his arm, their eyes met again. There was a flicker of something unspoken, something neither of them was ready to name yet.
Once the impromptu emergency was handled, Davis offered his arm to Jessica. They descended the stairs together with ease, a newfound lightness in his steps. Davis pulled out a chair for Jessica to sit as breakfast was served.
They ate in comfortable silence at first, accompanied by light-hearted chatter. Bella and Ethan exchanged banter while Davis updated Jessica on a few scheduled meetings. The domesticity of it all—the warmth, the simplicity—was something Davis had not experienced in a long time. And he cherished it.
After breakfast, Davis pushed back his chair and stood. He glanced at his watch and sighed. "I have to head to the meeting."
Jessica stood as well. "Be careful," she said softly.
He reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder before brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that held more than just affection—it held promise.
"You too. Have a nice day."
Outside, the car he had selected from Jessica’s private garage pulled up smoothly in front of the mansion. Another vehicle—sleek, black, and imposing—waited for Jessica and Bella. Davis’s signature car, known among his circle as the Aquila Phantom, led the convoy. It was a symbol of power, a message to anyone watching.
As Davis stepped into his car, his eyes lingered on the vehicle Jessica would use. An uneasy feeling settled in his chest. He knew Desmond, and he knew desperation made men reckless. He only hoped Jessica’s security measures were solid enough.
Back inside, Jessica remained at the dining table for a while, lost in thought. Then she pulled out her phone and made a quick call. Her tone was calm, almost playful. "Join me somewhere," she said before ending the call.
Moments later, the front door creaked open and Richard, entered with a stack of files in his arms.
Jessica rose and gestured for him to sit. They sifted through the documents carefully, noting if all where duly and rightfully signed.
Once she was satisfied, she leaned back in her chair briefly.
Her gaze staring into the distance.
"I hope the arrangements are on track? The deliveries meant for this morning, the guest list, the arrival times—all as planned?"
Richard nodded. "All are on schedule and most had been taken care of.
Jessica flipped through them quickly. "Good. No room for mistakes. Please we can’t afford to loose now. " She murmured.
As Richard made his way to the door, he paused and looked back. His lips curved into a wry smile.
"Jessy... be careful."
She glanced at him, a little surprised.
He shrugged. "I know you can handle yourself. Just don’t forget you don’t have to do it alone."
Jessica’s expression softened, and she nodded. "Thanks, Richard."
As the door clicked shut behind him, Jessica stood still, her gaze hardening as her mind spinned with possibilities.