Chapter 20 – A Mother's Fear

Listening to the pancake discussions brought a smile to Grandma Liz's face as she pushed a hot mug towards Isabella. "Do you realize you're easily manipulated?"

Isabella enjoyed a thankful drink of her coffee. “Says the woman who allowed them to have cookies for dinner last night," she teased.

Liz shrugged, showing no remorse. "That's what grandmas are for, sweetie."

While Isabella was mixing the pancake batter, her phone vibrated on the countertop. A message from a sender with an unidentified number

Xavier!

She paused, her finger lingering above the display.

"Is everything okay?" Liz inquired with a relaxed tone, yet her gaze was keen.

Isabella let out a sigh and flipped the phone over. "It's not a big deal. Just... Business stuff."

Liz arched her eyebrow but refrained from pushing. "If you say so, darling. Just remember, you don't need to deal with anything on your own. Not again."

Before Isabella had a chance to reply, the twins burst into the kitchen, already dressed and filled with energy to start their day.

"Yummy pancakes!" they shouted as they climbed onto the barstools at the counter.

Isabella couldn't resist laughing at their excitement. "Okay, okay." Who is willing to help me make a sweet pancake with chocolate chips?

Both hands immediately went up.

"I!"

"Me!"

"What do you think of both of you assisting?" Isabella suggested, giving them each a small bowl of chocolate chips. "But keep in mind, we are cooking pancakes here, not making chocolate soup, alright?"

As the aroma of cooking pancakes and the sound of children's laughter filled the kitchen, Isabella felt a warm feeling in her chest. This is her family, her home. Despite any obstacles she may face in the future, she had this anchor to help her stay rooted.

After finishing breakfast and wiping off sticky faces, it was time for the chaotic morning school rush. While helping Mickey with his shoelaces, Isabella's phone buzzed once more. Again and again.

"Mommy, your phone is doing a happy dance," Skylar observed, pointing at the vibrating device on the coffee table.

Isabella forced a smile. "It's just being silly, sweetheart. Now, do you have your homework folder?"

Isabella's thoughts were racing as she got into the car with others. What might Xavier desire? What is the reason for this sudden change after such a long period? The idea of him attempting to re-enter their lives caused her stomach to churn.

"Mom, do you copy?" Mickey's voice interrupted her thoughts. "This is not the right direction to get to school."

Isabella blinked, coming to realize that she had been drifting in her thoughts. "Uh oh!" Apologies, you man. Mom is a bit preoccupied this morning.”

"Is it due to the kind man we met that night?" Skylar inquired with pure innocence.

Isabella gripped the steering wheel tightly. "What man are you talking about, dear?"

Skylar described. “That nice man who rescued me and bought us ice cream.” She uttered in a sad tone. “He looked so sad when you walked away, Mom."

Isabella felt her heart pounding. She never thinks Skylar will still remember Xavier. "Sometimes, adults experience complex emotions, dear." She pinched her cheek. "But that's not something you need to worry about, alright?"

She gave the twins kisses. As she left them at school, Isabella couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

She had put in a lot of effort to create this life and shield her children from the pain they had experienced before. She wouldn't allow Xavier to return and cause chaos.

Back at home, Isabella found Grandma Liz waiting with another cup of coffee and a sympathetic smile. "Rough drop-off?"

Isabella sank into a chair, running a hand through her hair. "The kids mentioned Xavier. From that day on. I thought... I hoped they'd forgotten."

Liz's expression hardened. "That man has some nerve, approaching the twins like that."

Isabella sighed, "but he doesn't know their parents." She uttered.

"Now he keeps sending me messages. See."

She passed her phone to Liz, who frowned even more as she read through the messages.

"Even though you said Austin is your fiancé, I won't give up, I'll make sure you give me another chance." Liz was left in a daze when she read aloud. "Is he out of his mind?"

Isabella let out a humorless laugh. "I've been curious about that." She uttered.

“See what he's saying even though Austin and I aren't truly engaged yet. What if he knows it's a lie?”

Liz placed the phone on the table and gently held Isabella's hand across the table. "Listen to me, dear." You are not obligated to that man at all. He doesn't reserve a reply. Not an answer, no clarification, zero. What you have to do is concentrate on your lovely kids and your successful company. Let Xavier Stone wallow in his own feelings of regret.”

Isabella nodded, finding courage in Liz's constant backing. "You are correct. I can't allow him to get to me. Not this time.”

Right on time, her phone buzzed once more. This time, it was Austin's turn.

Hello, Izzy. I've had a dream about Xavier Stone. returning to Los Angeles. And WE are happily married.” He beamed.

Isabella grinned, thanking Austin for his friendship. He had supported her steadfastly during many hardships, never requesting more than what she was comfortable providing.

She replied, "Such a pleasant dream." Perhaps we should discuss more on this 'engagement' ‘fiance’ stuff. Things could become complex.”

Austin promptly responded. “You know I am available whenever you need me” came his reply. I could imagine him winking. "What'd Ya say? Today at lunch?” He asked.

"Sounds perfect," Isabella replied, already feeling lighter.

While preparing for work, Isabella's determination grew stronger. Xavier Stone may have come back into her life, but she was no longer the fragile young woman he had remembered.

She was Isabella Ricci, a thriving entrepreneur, dedicated parent, and a person who overcame challenges. No matter what game Xavier was involved in, she refused to be a mere pawn in it.

After quickly checking herself in the mirror one last time, Isabella straightened her posture and walked out to begin her day. Regardless of what happened, she was prepared.

Xavier's messages kept coming in all morning, each one more frantic than the previous. Isabella steadfastly disregarded them, concentrating on her work and the upcoming lunch with Austin.

Upon entering their beloved bistro, she noticed Austin already at their customary table. Her nerves were calmed right away by his friendly smile.

He playfully joked about his lovely future wife as she took a seat."Looks like my Fiancee is here.”

Isabella couldn't resist smiling even as she rolled her eyes. "We may need to reconsider our stance for that."

Austin's demeanor shifted to a more serious tone. "What happened to Xavier?" He asked.

She nodded, remembering last night and the flood of messages she kept getting.

Austin listened carefully, his forehead creasing in worry. "Izzy, you can count on me for anything you require." I'm all in for the fake engagement and all, if that's what you want. I'll support you in whatever you need.” He reassured me.

Isabella felt a rush of affection for her friend. "What did I do to deserve you, Austin Pierce?"

He grinned, lightening the mood. "Must've been a saint in a past life."

As they enjoyed their lunch, discussing strategies for dealing with Xavier and the potential business partnership, Isabella felt some of her earlier anxiety melting away. With friends like Austin and the unwavering support of Grandma Liz, she could face anything - even the ghost of her past.

Returning to the office, Isabella threw herself into work, determined not to let Xavier's reappearance derail her. But as the day wore on, his constant messages began to wear on her nerves.

Finally, unable to take it anymore, she picked up her phone and typed out a response.

“Xavier, stop this. Don't have any hope. I will never give you another chance. We are not getting back together. We are not going to be one big happy family. The only relationship we will have, if any, is a professional one. Please respect my boundaries and stop contacting me outside of business hours.”

She hesitated before finally tapping the send button. Three dots appeared shortly after, showing that he was about to respond. Isabella nervously awaited his response, holding her breath in anticipation.

"I understand," came his reply. "I'm sorry for overstepping. I just... I miss you, Bella. And I want you to give me a second chance. Can we at least talk? For grandma's sake?"

Isabella's heart clenched. Rose Stone. Of course he'd use her as leverage.

But some part of her wanted to hear the full story.

But could she really keep denying them a chance to know their father?

Before she could spiral further into doubt, her office phone rang. It was the twins' school.

"Mrs. Ricci? This is Principal Johnson. There's been an incident with Skylar..."

Isabella's blood ran cold. "What kind of incident? Is she okay?”