Chapter 84
Chapter 84
Isabella
100%
I want to embrace Grayson’s desire to give our child a family, but doubt gnawed at me. Was our child the only reason he wanted to return to my life?
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he struggled to understand.
“Bella…” His voice cracked. “Why won’t you give me a chance? Am I that horribles Maybe I failed to show you enough of myself back then.”
His words stirred guilt within me, forcing me to reflect. To be honest, my relationship with Grayson wasn’t hard. It was good -too satisfactory. And maybe that’s why loving him had always been so easy. Grayson was the first person to protect me. But…
I’ve never felt like myself since then. I was always the one giving, the one loving. Grayson may have protected me, but did he love me?
Would he have let me go, bound by the weight of the past, if he had truly loved me?
“Grayson,” I began, my voice trembling, “I know you’ll be an amazing father because you were a good husband to me. But I can’t keep forcing this. You orchestrated our reunion by investing in my film project. You admitted to manipulating circumstances to get close to me again.”
I paused, a tear escaping my cheek as I drew a steadying breath. “After being used by my parents, by my ex–boyfriend… I’ve spent my entire life molding myself to make others happy.”
My chest ached as I met his gaze. “But I’m a mother now, Grayson. I won’t take away or deny your right to be a father to our child. I would never do that.”
. I lowered my gaze, my hands shaking as I struggled to find the right words. “It’s my deepest wish to give our child a
complete family, but I can’t do that while being a stranger to myself.”
For so long, I had been just a shadow of the people around me. “Do you know I’m only now discovering that I don’t even know who I truly am? I’ve spent so much of my life being everything everyone else needed me to be.”
The weight of the confession broke me, and a sob escaped before I could stop it.
Grayson’s voice softened. “I know, Bella. I know because I spoke with Joanne earlier. I asked her what happened the auction night–why she pulled her support.”
He must have already figured out who I really am, but I know Grayson, he wouldn’t have told Joanne anything about it. “I don’t even know who my real parents are. I’ve always failed at love, Gray…” I couldn’t stop myself from sobbing.
Grayson moves to sit beside me, his arms gently wrapping around me. In that moment, I felt the trust between us, as if the distance between us had vanished, taking us back to our high school days.
“Cassie was the only one who truly loved me, but now she’s gone…” I whispered into his shirt, my tears creating a damp patch against the fabric.
Grayson’s fingers trembled as he held me but didn’t speak. What I needed most was peace.
When he finally pulled back slightly, his smile was gentle but tinged with sadness. “I understand. But Isabella, please promise me one thing—let me stay by your side, even if not as your husband. I want us to build something good and be together as our child grows. Even if that’s all it can be… please.”
I nodded; my heart heavy but reassured.
08:30 Mon, 14 ADT BB
Chapter 84
Apr
His hand gently caressed my cher, and saw the dog sure it is gray masutra bank og hand
After we had calmed down, we turned to my plate Grayson noted where expertly say my day
That night, we finally talked at through.
“I need to return to North Caroline for my grautubers Abday old time
I’ll accompany you” he said immediately.
“Unfortunately, I’ve already discussed the arrangements with Exa
Grayson’s expression soured, but he didn’t argue clearly arying as avoid causing me affirinnal areas
“Then I’ll follow separately and meet you there are couriered
1 hesitated, “But you still have your business to taurill
“I won’t be at peace if your safety’s on the line. I’ll all you får now–I don’t caur Exam Manne, he cut firmly
I’ve known him for a long time, Gray, He’s also Cassie’s Brothe
Grayson went quiet for a moment before speaking again There’s history you don’t how to beat Exen Manne ma bidding war last year. I’m worried he might try to use you against me
“Bidding?” I asked, confused.
“There’s something I need to tell you, Bella”
A flutter of anxiety stirred in my stomach, sensing the shift in the conversation
“Town Elevate”
“Elevate? The electronics company entering the gaming industry?”
I gasped when Grayson nodded. “Evan Monroe managed the rival company. He lost a lot of money because of poor decisions. It’s natural for him to direct his resentment toward me as his compertor, especially after such a substantial loss…. and I’m talking billions!”
The pieces suddenly clicked into place. “Is that why you knew the manager at Elevate wouldn’t support PulseFive?”
A frown creased my forehead as I tried to recall the man’s name.
“Exactly,” Grayson confirmed
“But you don’t need to worry about Evan, Gray. I’ve known him for years. He sees me as family..” I said firmly, unable to believe Cassie’s brother would hurt me over corporate grudges.
Grayson gave a slight nod, though his expression suggested he remained unconvinced
That night, I felt a sense of relief. I had a calm conversation with Grayson, and the heavy weight on my chest had Med
I knew it wasn’t the complete peace I sought with all the challenges ahead, but the reassurance of being protected brought its
own sense of comfort.
Now, I just needed to uncover the truth about my identity.
Chapter 85
