Chapter 54 A Stranger's Daughter
BELLA
Dad looked so fragile lying there, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm that didn’t match the chaos in my head. His words played on repeat. I found you.
The necklace. The one he mentioned when I was younger. It was with me when he found me. My fingers itched to search for it, to find something anything that could give me answers.
I barely noticed the door opening until I felt David’s arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured against my hair. “You should be resting.”
“My dad’s awake,” I whispered, clinging to him like a lifeline.
“I know.” His hand slid up my back, grounding me. “The doctor told me. I came as fast as I could.”
His warmth surrounded me, but it wasn’t enough. I needed air. “David… I can’t breathe.”
He loosened his grip, stepping back just enough to study my face. “Sorry.”
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “I want to be discharged.”
His brows knit together. “Why?”
“I’m just tired of being here,” I said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
David didn’t buy it. His gaze lingered, searching, as if he could read my thoughts. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. “Can we go outside?”
He hesitated, then took my hand, leading me out into the corridor. The hospital air was stale, but it was better than the suffocating room.
“My dad isn’t my father.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.
David stopped, turning to face me. His expression remained unreadable.
“Did you hear me?” I asked, searching his face. “I said, my dad isn’t my father.”
“I heard you.” His voice was calm, steady. “And I’m not surprised.”
I blinked. “You’re not?”
“No.”
A chill ran down my spine. “Did you know?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly. Did he tell you who your biological parents are?”
I swallowed hard. “No. He said he doesn’t know. But… there’s a necklace. He found it on me when I was a baby.”
David’s jaw tightened. “Do you want me to find them for you?”
I shook my head, stepping closer. “No, David. You’ve done enough. It’s time I stand on my own.”
His hand brushed against my cheek. “You don’t owe me anything.”
I smiled softly. “You’ve done more for me than I can ever repay.”
“I’m just doing my duty… as your husband.”
The word hung in the air between us, sending warmth to my cheeks. Husband.
His phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He answered it, his expression shifting from calm to tense in seconds.
“I have to go.” He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’ll send the driver to take you wherever you need to go.”
“What about you?” I asked, watching him carefully.
“I’m taking my personal car.”
Personal car? All the cars belonged to him. What did he mean by that?
I watched as he walked away, his steps quick, purposeful. Something was off.
Shaking off the thought, I returned to my room. Julie was waiting for me, her face lighting up as soon as she saw me.
“Ma’am!” She rushed over, wrapping me in a hug.
I hugged her back, relief washing over me. “Julie… I’m so glad you’re okay. I’m so sorry for everything. I dragged you into this.”
“It’s okay, ma’am. I’m just happy we’re both alive.”
I nodded, stepping away to change into my clothes. Julie watched quietly.
“Where are you going?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“I need to visit a place.”
“Can I come with you?”
I hesitated. Can I trust her? After everything, I wasn’t sure.
“No,” I said gently. “I’ll send the driver to take you home.”
She didn’t argue. “Okay, ma’am.”
Once dressed, I walked with her outside. The driver and security team were already waiting. I instructed one of the guards to take Julie home and left two others to watch over my father.
I slipped into the car, letting the cool breeze wash over me. My thoughts swirled. Who are my real parents?
The phone buzzed again. It was Elowen.
“Where are you?” she asked.
“Out. Just needed some air.”
“Okay. Come back soon. I’m waiting in your room.”
“I’m not coming back,” I said, my voice firm. “I’m on my way to my father’s hometown.”
“What?” Her tone sharpened. “You said you were just getting air!”
“I… didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Why are you going there?”
“I need to find out who my real parents are.”
“You said you wouldn’t pursue it!”
Her sudden anger caught me off guard. “Elowen, why are you upset?”
“I’m worried about you. What if you get hurt?”
Her concern sounded off, like a poorly rehearsed line.
“Elowen… you’re acting strange. Why don’t you want me to find out?”
The silence on the other end was deafening. What are you hiding, Elowen?