Isabella~
"Thank God, we finally returned to the USA." When I heard Xavier's voice, I opened my eyes.
The journey had been perilous and exhausting. Undoubtedly, Uncle Jorawar will be pleased to learn that we have taken Jonathan into custody.
I took Xavier's hand and ran my thumb over it.
"Do you truly believe it's that simple, Bella?" He raised his brow and questioned me, his expression dark.
"What's the issue now? Xavier, everything is in order now. We've filed a case against Jonathan and asked the Italian police to transfer him to the US police." I didn't understand why he still looked so worried about Jonathan when everything seemed sorted.
"Given that we assisted Italian authorities in apprehending Jonathan, do you believe Jordan will remain silent?" Xavier's forehead creased with tension.
His words made my chest tighten.
"What will Jordan Lucas do in this case? He has no authority over the Italian police." I tried to sound confident, though a flicker of doubt crept in.
"He might not influence the Italian police, but he could easily manipulate the US authorities. Jordan has his ways, Bella and his hatred for us is personal," Xavier said, his voice laced with frustration.
I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry too much, Xavier. Let's go home and tell Dad about it; I'm sure he'll be happy." I can't wait to tell our family this amazing news. My voice carried an eagerness to move past the chaos of Italy and bring some joy back into our lives.
But Xavier shook his head.
"Don't even consider telling Dad about it, Bella. If he finds out you risked your life to travel to Italy in search of Jonathan, he'll be deeply disappointed in both of us." His face lit up with anxiety at the thought.
I nodded, understanding his concern.
"Okay, don't worry; I won't share any information about Jonathan with him. But we can tell him about our engagement." I leaned my head on his shoulder, intertwining my fingers with his.
Xavier turned to me, startled.
"Are you serious? Are you willing to engage with me?"
I smiled softly.
"Yes, I am ready to remarry you." I whispered in his ear and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
In Italy, I realized how deeply he loved me—how he had shielded me from every danger and taken care of me, even with my broken leg. His unwavering devotion melted away any lingering doubts I had.
"Wake up, Jacqueline—we're going to land." Xavier's teasing voice broke the tender moment as he turned to James, who was still groggy from the flight.
"Xavier, stop your nonsense; otherwise, I will file a case against you, " James snapped, visibly annoyed at the continued jokes.
Hearing their banter, I couldn't help but laugh.
"Mama, I missed you so much." As soon as we arrived home, Alan ran into my arms, hugging me tightly.
"I missed you too," I said, kissing his forehead and embracing him. His warmth filled my heart with a joy I hadn't felt in days.
"Where did you go without telling me?" he asked, his voice filled with childlike curiosity.
"Your parents went to bring a new sibling for you," James quipped, his mischievous grin widening.
My face flushed with embarrassment as I noticed Dad and Victor exchanging surprised looks.
"Is this true, Dad?" Alan asked Xavier eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Yes, I mean no..." Xavier stammered, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
I widened my eyes at him, giving him a disappointed look. How could he take pleasure in making fun of me in front of everyone?
"Bella, how was your trip?" Victor asked as I entered the hall.
"It was good, "I replied quickly, avoiding his gaze. The embarrassment from Xavier and James' teasing still lingered.
"Why didn't you inform us that you were going to Italy too?" Dad's sharp tone cut through the room, directed at Xavier.
Xavier cleared his throat.
"I wanted to surprise her, Dad." He cast a glance at me, clearly nervous under Dad's scrutiny.
"Is this your secret honeymoon, then?" Victor chimed in, exploiting the situation to tease us further.
"Honeymoon?" Dad raised his brow at Xavier, his expression a mix of curiosity and disapproval.
"No, Dad, it's not like that. I went there to tend to Bella after she broke her leg," Xavier explained, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Bella, how did this happen?" Dad's concerned gaze dropped to my injured leg.
Before I could answer, Xavier jumped in.
"She slipped outside the airport," and he lied smoothly, sparing me the need to explain.
Hoping to change the subject, I turned to Dad.
"Dad, I agreed to marry him." My voice was soft, but my words carried a weight I knew would catch his attention.
Dad blinked at me in confusion.
"Are you sure, Bella?"
I nodded.
"Yes, Dad. I am sure about Xavier now."
Dad's expression softened, a pleased smile forming on his face.
"That's fantastic. Bella, it would be great if we could arrange your engagement this weekend."
"Okay, Dad, but I would like to invite Aunt Lily and Uncle Jorawar to the engagement."
Though hesitant, I knew this was an opportunity to mend the fractured bonds within the Thompson family.
Dad's smile faltered.
"Do you genuinely believe they will join us?"
Xavier stepped in, his voice calm but firm.
"They can come or not, but Dad, we should still invite them."
"Do you think, after losing James' case, Jorawar will come to this party?" Dad's voice held a hint of bitterness, his doubt evident.
I placed a hand on his arm.
"Dad, I want the entire Thompson family to be there. Please, do this for me."
After a moment of silence, Dad sighed deeply.
"Okay, Bella. If it's your wish, I'll visit Jorawar personally to extend the invitation."
A smile lit up my face.
"Thank you, Dad. You're amazing." I hugged him tightly, relief washing over me.
Later that evening, I went to Xavier's room after supper to discuss Laila's case.
"It's hard to believe we'll be getting engaged this weekend, Bella." He knelt in front of me, holding my hand.
"Bella, I'm sorry for my past mistakes," he said, his voice trembling as tears welled in his eyes.
I squeezed his hand gently.
"I've already moved on from the past, Xavier. You should do the same and focus on the future."
He kissed my forehead, his blue eyes brimming with emotion.
"Bella, I still feel like I'm dreaming. We're going to tie the knot."
I smiled, gazing into his eyes.
"Yes, Xavier, everything is going well for us right now."
But as quickly as the joy had settled, it was replaced by worry in his expression.
"Bella, I'm afraid of Jordan Lucas."
The mere mention of his name sent a chill through the room. Despite my constant efforts to allay his fears, why did Xavier keep thinking about Jordan Lucas?