Chapter 128 A Mother’s Pain
DAVID
Bella had left for work this morning with a heavy heart, her eyes betraying the weariness she tried to mask with a weak smile. I couldn’t shake the image of her slouched shoulders and the quiet sigh she let out before stepping into the car. She didn’t know it yet, but I had planned something that would change everything.
The drive to Mrs. Williams’ estate had been uneventful, but my heart pounded as I stood on her doorstep. Convincing her to come to the mansion wasn’t as hard as I’d imagined. The moment I revealed Bella’s identity, Mrs. Williams froze, her teacup slipping from her hands and shattering on the marble floor.
“She’s... my daughter?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
I nodded. “She is. The DNA test you secretly conducted confirmed it.”
Her hands flew to her mouth, tears brimming in her eyes. “I suspected it—the necklace, her resemblance to Desmond but I didn’t want to hope. I was afraid...” She choked back a sob.
That fear dissolved into resolve as I explained why I’d come. She agreed immediately, her voice filled with determination. “I need to see her. Today.”
Now, as I watched Bella stare at Mrs. Williams from across the room, her hand trembling in mine, I could see the confusion and shock etched on her face. I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, leaning close enough for only her to hear.
“Go to her,” I murmured.
Bella’s wide eyes flickered to me, then back to Mrs. Williams, who stood there, hesitant yet hopeful. Slowly, Bella let go of my hand and walked forward, her steps tentative as if she feared the moment might shatter like a fragile dream.
“Mom?” Bella’s voice cracked, barely above a whisper.
Mrs. Williams broke into a soft, tearful laugh as she opened her arms. “Yes, my daughter. I’m here.”
Bella fell into her embrace, her sobs muffled against her mother’s shoulder. They clung to each other as though trying to make up for all the years they had lost.
“My little Sofia,” Mrs. Williams murmured, stroking Bella’s hair.
Bella pulled back slightly, her brows furrowed in confusion. “Sofia?”
“That’s the name your father and I gave you. Sofia Williams,” Mrs. Williams said, her smile radiant despite the tears streaking her face. “You’re my daughter.”
They sank onto the couch, hands clasped tightly together as if afraid to let go. I stood back, giving them space but keeping a watchful eye.
“I shouldn’t have left you and your sister with Western that day,” Mrs. Williams said, her voice tinged with regret. “There was an emergency meeting after your father’s death. The company shares were falling, and I had to act before your uncle could take over. He was determined to seize control by any means. The Copperfield family stood by me, but... I failed you.”
Bella’s face softened, but a flicker of confusion lingered in her eyes. “Why did you leave us with Western?”
Mrs. Williams exhaled shakily. “I thought you would be safe. He was shot trying to protect you…”
I felt the smirk tug at the corner of my mouth but quickly wiped it away. If only she knew the truth. Western wasn’t the savior she believed him to be. He was the monster in her story, the one who had orchestrated everything.
Bella’s gaze shifted to me, a silent question in her eyes. I nodded slightly, granting her permission to continue.
“Did you ever ask Western how we were kidnapped?” Bella pressed.
“I did,” Mrs. Williams said, her voice steady, though her hands trembled in her lap. “He told me he tried to save you both but was overpowered. He spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound.”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Mrs. Williams,” I began, stepping forward. “How well do you know Western?”
She smiled wistfully. “We grew up together in the village. Everyone used to tease us, calling us husband and wife. After I finished secondary school, I wanted to move to the city, but he said village life suited him. I left, and that’s when I met Desmond. We fell in love, and he... changed my life.” She glanced at Bella with a soft smile. “Western later became my assistant. He was loyal, or so I thought.”
“Did he ever love you?” I asked carefully.
Mrs. Williams laughed, the sound light despite the heaviness of the moment. “No. At least, I don’t think so. I only ever loved my Desmond.” She squeezed Bella’s hand, her eyes glistening with affection.
I hesitated for a moment, watching the warmth in her face. Then I said it. “What if I told you Western killed your husband and Bella’s twin sister and tried to kill Bella too?”
The warmth drained from her expression, replaced by shock. “That’s not possible,” she whispered. “Western adored Desmond like a brother. He wouldn’t...”
I met her wide-eyed gaze and continued, my voice firm. “He was in love with you. He wanted you all to himself, and he saw Desmond—and your daughters—as obstacles.”
Mrs. Williams shook her head, disbelief warring with the cracks of doubt forming in her mind. I pulled out my phone and played the recording of Peter’s confession. The room filled with the sound of Peter’s trembling voice recounting Western’s plans and actions.
Tears streamed down her face as the weight of the truth settled on her. She looked at Bella, then at me, her hands trembling. “He... he killed my family?”
Bella reached out, placing a comforting hand on her mother’s. “Mom,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm swirling around them.
Mrs. Williams clung to Bella as though she were her anchor, tears falling freely. I stood back, allowing them their moment, knowing this was only the beginning of unraveling the tangled web Western had spun around their lives.