Chapter 69: Chapter Sixty-eight

The next week came slowly, but normally and for Mirabella, it carried her regular comfortable routine that made her feel like things were finally beginning to fall into place again or like things have never really shifted. Her mornings were peaceful — she would wake up before dawn, prepare breakfast for herself and Rena, and yea, Hunter too and pack her daughter’s lunch before the school bus arrived. The house never falls silent after Rena leaves anymore because Hunter was always around her. Sometimes they both sit by the kitchen window with their cup of coffee, watching the sunlight creep across the backyard.

Then she would leave for the jewelry shop.

Working with Beverly made every day livelier. Old Joe, their retired neighbor who spent most of his mornings reading newspapers in one corner, added his usual grumpy charm to the mix.

But these past days, there were two new faces that had become frequent visitors —almighty Hunter and Tobias.

Mirabella couldn’t quite figure out their mission just yet. Were they there for protection? Or was it intimidation? The way both men carried themselves — tall, broad-shouldered, alert, and ever watchful, made them look like bodyguards. Hunter's protective stance was always loud and clear.

Hunter often leaned casually on the counter, pretending to check out bracelets or rings, but everyone in the shop knew he wasn’t really interested in jewelry. Tobias on the other hand usually stood near the door or the display window, his eyes scanning everyone that came in. It was funny sometimes watching them do what they do.

At first, Mirabella thought their presence in the store would make her uncomfortable. But surprisingly, she had gotten used to them — or at least, to Hunter’s silent attention when they were out of the house.

He had really been helpful in small but noticeable ways. He helped with little chores at home. He did things she never imagined he would do. He would pick Rena up from school and sometimes he cooks simple meals when she was too tired to do it. Tobias helped too — running small errands, fixing light bulbs, carrying heavy deliveries into the store.

It was strange, but for the first time in years, Mirabella felt a sense of peace and closeness around them. Not strange though. Those feelings have always been there.

And Rena? The little girl couldn’t have been happier. She was absolutely in love with her father. Every morning, she would ask if dada would be taking her to school himself. Every night, she wanted him to read her a bedtime story. They were bonding fast — like too fast.

Mirabella often caught herself watching them, her chest tightening with emotions. She loves Hunter for her daughter. So far, he is anything she could have asked for in a father. Though he was absent for most of her life, but, no one would even guess it. They were just the perfect ‘father- daughter’ match.

“So,” Beverly began that afternoon, stretching her arms above her head. “Aria’s coming tomorrow, right?”

There was a mischievous tone in her voice, one that Mirabella knew all too well.

“Yes, she is,” Mirabella replied, tapping her pen against the register. “And this time, she’s staying longer. So you’d better get ready for your usual banter.”

Beverly made a dramatic face. “Oh no. This can’t be good.”

“No, it’s not good,” Mirabella agreed with mock seriousness.

From the corner, Old Joe grunted without looking up from his newspaper. “It’s definitely not good. You two, raise my blood pressure every single time.”

Mirabella chuckled. “See? Even old Joe agrees.”

Beverly put her hands on her hips. “Excuse me? You both are acting like I’m the problem here. Aria’s the one who starts every argument! As a matter of fact, she also raises my blood pressure as well. I am a victim in all of it too.”

“Yeah right,” Mirabella said, laughing softly.

“I’m serious!” Beverly pointed toward Joe, as if expecting him to defend her. “You’re not taking me seriously, Mira. I suffer in her hands, too.”

Joe lowered his paper just enough to glare at her over the top of his glasses. “You both argued like radios.”

Mirabella burst into laughter. “Exactly, Joe.”

“Hey!” Beverly protested. “I’m really the victim here!”

“Sure you are,” Mirabella said teasingly. “We believe you.”

Before Beverly could reply, the door chimed, and a small, excited voice called out… “Mama! Mama!”

Mirabella turned quickly, a bright smile already forming on her lips. “My darling is back!”

Rena ran straight into her arms. Mirabella lifted her up, hugging her tightly. “How was school, my love?”

“I had a good time at school, Mama,” Rena said, pouting a little. “But Ben ate my food again.”

Mirabella chuckled. “He did? But you gave it to him, didn’t you?”

Ben is Rena's classmate and her close friend in school. They like to fight each other but they are still very close friends. Sometimes Rena complains that Ben eats her food but never says thank you. That must be the case again.

“Yes, but…” Rena frowned, “he didn’t say thank you again!”

Mirabella shook her head fondly. “We’ll teach him how to say thank you next time, okay?”

“Okay,” Rena said with a little nod. “ Keep me

down. I want to go to Dada outside.”

Yea, that's her daughter recently. Always eager to be in her father's arms.

Mirabella sighed, smiling. “You just came in, and already you want to run back out?”

“Yes! Dada said he’ll show me something fun!” Rena squealed.

Mirabella put her down, and before she could say another word, Rena was already halfway to the door.

Beverly laughed. “She’s completely her father’s girl now. You’ve been replaced, Mira.”

Just then, the bell chimed again.

“Hey, girls!” a cheerful male voice called. “I need something shiny for my wife again.”

Thomas, one of their favorite customers, walked in with his wife, Florida, holding her hand. The couple had been coming to the shop for years. Thomas was tall and always smiling, while Flora was soft-spoken and elegant, her every movement graceful.

“Hi, Thomas! Hi, Flora!” Beverly greeted them warmly.

“Hello, everyone,” Flora said, smiling sweetly. Then she looked down as Rena ran past them. “And hi to our little princess!”

“Hi, Aunty Flora,” Rena said quickly in her very tiny voice, waving as she dashed out the door.

Flora laughed softly. “Oh, she’s in such a hurry. Always full of energy.”

“She’s now a big girl and growing up so fast,” Thomas said, leaning on the counter. “You’ve done a great job with her, Mirabella.”

Mirabella smiled. “Thank you, Thomas.”

“Oh yes she is growing fast! But am I being selfish if I say I don't want her growing up so soon?” Flora added sadly.

Mirabella laughed from behind the counter, “that makes the both of us then. Sometimes I wish that too”

"Three of us then." Beverly chimed in, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. “I wish that too all the time.” Beverly said from the record table.

“Aria wouldn’t like that though,” Mirabella said teasingly.

“Who cares what Aria says or thinks about it?” Beverly huffed. “She loves to argue just to prove she’s right. I bet deep down she wishes the same thing but will never admit it.”

“Definitely,” Mirabella said, laughing.

Thomas chuckled. “I see not much has changed here.”

“Never does,” Joe muttered. “Same noise, same talk.”

“Oh, hush, Joe,” Beverly said playfully. “You love us that way.”

Joe grumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like agreement.

Mirabella turned back to the couple. “So, Thomas, you said you needed something shiny. Let me guess… Flora’s been giving you the silent treatment for a few days?”

Florida burst into laughter. “You know me too well.”

“Of course I do,” Mirabella said, pulling out a tray of bracelets. “Let’s see what we can do to earn your forgiveness.”

She knew Flora through her husband who is a regular customer in their jewelry store. They were both in their middle age. Flora is just a soft woman. She loves to look good and she loves jewelry — ‘very shiny ones’.

Flora giggled, blushing. “It’s not that serious.”

“It’s always serious when jewelry is involved,” Beverly said, leaning over to peek at the tray. “Try this one, it screams ‘no more cold shoulders.’”

For the next twenty minutes, laughter filled the shop as they picked through the display cases. Flora tried on a gold bracelet, then a necklace with small diamond drops that caught the light beautifully. Thomas kept asking if she liked it, clearly ready to buy anything that made her smile.

When they finally made their purchase, Flora leaned across the counter to hug Mirabella. “You always have the best taste. Thank you, dear.”

“Anytime,” Mirabella said warmly. “And don’t forget to come by next week for the new arrivals.”

Flora nodded eagerly. “We will.”

As they left, the store grew calm again. The sun outside had softened to a golden hue. Beverly began tidying the counter, humming softly, while Old Joe folded his newspaper and stood up.

“Alright ladies, same time tomorrow,” he said with a nod.

“Goodnight, Joe,” they chorused.

When the shop was finally locked for the day, Mirabella stood at the door for a moment, watching Rena and Hunter. He had crouched beside their daughter, holding a string of wildflowers she’d gathered.

“Look, Dada! I made a bracelet for you! Do you like it?” Rena said proudly, wrapping the bracelet around his wrist.

Hunter laughed, warmly. “That’s the best bracelet I’ve ever had, princess.”

Rena giggled, and Mirabella’s heart swelled.

“Hey,” Beverly tapped and softly called from behind her, “you okay?”

Mirabella turned, smiling faintly. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just…”

Beverly nodded knowingly. “He’s really trying, you know.”

“I know,” Mirabella said quietly. “It’s always sweet watching them.”

Beverly reached out and squeezed her arm. “You deserve happiness, Mira. Don’t overthink this. Let your heart lead.”

Mirabella smiled.