Chapter 57 A Clue to My Past
BELLA
David’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “I’m heading inside. Dinner will be ready soon. Eat something and rest we have a long day tomorrow. We’ll visit the museum and figure out more about the symbol on your necklace.” He handed it back to me, his fingers brushing mine briefly.
I nodded, watching him disappear inside. Elowen’s face filled my mind. Could she be hiding something from me? No. We’ve been friends forever she’d never hurt me. Would she?
The question lingered like a dark cloud, keeping me awake long after the house had gone silent. When sleep finally claimed me, it felt like only seconds before Julie’s voice broke through.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she said softly, drawing the curtains open. Sunlight poured into the room, making me groan and pull the blanket over my head.
“Mr. David is waiting for you downstairs.”
I stretched, the ache of rest clinging to my muscles. It had been too long since I’d slept this well. But today wasn’t a day to linger. The museum. The truth.
My heart quickened as I slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. The cold water shocked me awake, and I moved quickly, rummaging through my wardrobe. The blue diamond dress fit like a second skin, hugging my curves in all the right places. I paired it with black heels, feeling a surge of confidence or was it a mask for the nerves beneath?
When I reached the dining room, David and Jasper were already eating.
“Good morning,” I greeted, taking the seat next to Jasper.
“Bella!” Jasper’s face lit up as he scooted closer, his plate clattering.
Before I could respond, David’s cool voice cut in. “Jasper, sit still while you eat.”
Jasper pouted but obeyed, while I suppressed a smile. David’s eyes flicked to mine. “We leave in five minutes.”
The drive to the museum was a blur. My hands twisted in my lap, nerves tangling with anticipation. Would today finally give me the answers I’d been searching for?
The museum loomed ahead, its stone facade imposing and ancient. David’s hand found mine as we walked inside. His grip was steady, grounding me.
“Good to see you again, Sir,” the manager greeted David with a slight bow.
“Good to see you too, Jude,” David replied smoothly. “I’m here to ask about a symbol I once saw here.”
“Of course. May I see it?”
David gestured for me to hand over the necklace. My fingers hesitated before releasing it into Jude’s hands. His brow furrowed as he examined it, the weight of his gaze unsettling.
“This way,” he said finally, leading us deeper into the museum.
The air grew cooler as we walked, the faint scent of history and old stone filling my senses. We stopped in front of a glass display. My breath hitched.
There it was. An identical necklace, resting under the soft glow of the exhibit lights.
“This necklace is over 2,000 years old,” Jude began, his voice low. “It was donated 26 years ago by a young woman. She claimed it belonged to her ancestors. She was grieving… said she’d lost one child, and the other… was presumed dead.”
My heart clenched.
“Do you know where she is now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jude shook his head. “No. She was very young then she’d be around 55 now. She kept her face covered the entire time.” He paused, glancing at David. “But she wasn’t alone. She left with Mr. Western of Williams Group.”
The name hit me like a punch to the chest.
“Mr. Western? Elowen’s father?”
David’s grip on my hand tightened.
“Yes,” Jude confirmed.
My thoughts spiraled. Elowen. Her father. The necklace. Could she know who my mother was? Could she have been hiding it from me all this time?
David leaned in close, his voice steady. “We’ll find out the truth, Bella.”
I nodded, the weight of uncertainty settling in my chest. Elowen couldn’t have kept this from me. Could she?
I had to find out.