Chapter 19: Five Years Later

February 2023.

Inside a small but modern cabin, Bella Donovan stood by a large window overlooking the frozen lake outside, clad in a light brown sweater and stirrup leggings.

1

Even though she wore casual house clothes, Bella still looked stunning; her skin was pale but radiant, contrasting with her black hair cascading down her back. She no longer looks overweight but has returned to her ideal weight. Her sexy body curves are now more visible.

Her light-gray eyes were fixed on the frozen lake while her hand held a cup of coffee — she was lost in her own thoughts, thinking about her return plan to her country, Astington.

She still wanted to enjoy this winter in North Sweden before returning; however, she couldn’t delay any longer, as the company needed her. Jack called her almost daily to remind her about their branch in Astington.

And,

The biggest reason for her to return as quickly as possible was her grandfather. The last news she heard was that her grandfather was seriously ill.

…

“Mommy—” a boy’s voice sounded in the room, snapping Bella from her thoughts.

Her smile grew wider when she saw a chubby, fair-skinned little boy walking toward her — he looked so cute in his black pajamas.

“Good morning, my little prince Dax…” Bella greeted him with a big smile while placing her coffee cup on the table.

2

Half kneeling before him, Bella looked into Dax’s brilliant blue eyes. She became increasingly worried as her son started to resemble Tristan more and more each day, with similar eye and hair colors.

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The thought of Tristan or his family seeing her son made her nervous. One of the biggest worries she returns to Astington is how to hide Dax from Sinclair.

“Why did my little Prince not greet his mommy? And why do you look angry this morning?” Bella playfully asked him while rubbing his warm cheeks.

“Mom, good morning,” the cute little Dax finally said with a deadpan expression.

Seeing Dax’s expression, Bella thought again of the man she wanted to forget. ‘Gosh… how can they have similar expressions like this?’ Bella could only sigh in her heart.

“My prince, how’s your sleep?”

“Stop calling me prince, mommy…” Dax protest.

Bella chuckled, “Oh baby, you have to accept that. You will be my Prince until you grow older…”

Dax shook his head but didn’t utter anything. He just helped Bella to stand on her feet.

“Let’s sit and talk, Mom.” He held her hand and led her to sit in the seating area near the fireplace.

“Why didn’t you like me to call you like that? That sounds cute,” Bella asked after they settled on the couch.

“I’m not a prince,” Dax answered her while crossing his hand over his chest. “I prefer you call my name Dax or Daxton. That the reason you gave me a name, to be called, right?”

Bella, “…”

She tried hard not to laugh, hearing how mature this little man spoke to her.

“All right… I will stop calling you like that, but promise not to be angry anymore, huh!?” She said while ruffling his soft hair.

Dax smiled at his beautiful mother with his blue eyes fixed on her. Hearing someone call him Prince and talk to him in such a cute way made him feel like he was still a baby. He can’t stand it!

“My Daxton looks so handsome when he smiles like this…” Bella smiled back at her son, leaned closer, and kissed his chubby cheek.

Bella always prays that this little man will not grow so fast. But it seems God didn’t hear her prayer. Since last year, when Dax started speaking fluently, he began to look different from other kids his age—speaking with correct articulation and behaving like an adult.

He wasn’t interested in toys like other children but liked reading books, using a computer, and playing music.

By day, Bella saw how fast Dax progressed in learning everything. It worried her. However, Noora said Dax was a genius and didn’t need to worry; instead, she had to be proud of him.

“Mom, when are we going to meet great-grandpa!?” Dax suddenly asked, surprising Bella.

She silently sighed deeply, remembering her promise to Dax that she would bring him to meet his great-grandpa once they arrived at Astington.

“I told you already, right? We will visit him once we arrive,” Bella answered. “Have you packed? Don’t bring too much. We will buy anything you need there…”

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They would leave this house tomorrow and stop in Stockholm overnight before returning to Astington.

“Hmm, Grandma Noora already helped me pack. Don’t worry, mom… I only brought a few of my clothes and my book.”

****

Today, Bella will fly back to her country.

When Bella arrived at Arlanda Airport, she was surprised to see Jack Foster near the check-in counter. And as usual, he appeared in his formal attire, a perfectly fitted suit specially made for him. His hair was neatly styled, making him look incredibly handsome.

He just stood there, doing nothing but could attract the attention of people around him. They saw him as if he were a wealthy nobleman.

Bella couldn’t help but smile widely; looking at him, she held Dax’s hand and walked toward him.

“Jack, so happy to see you here,” Bella smiled widely and turned her gaze at her son, “Dax greeted Uncle Jack.”

“Hello, Uncle Jack,” Dax said while offering a handshake to Jack.

“Little man, it’s nice to meet you again. You look taller than before…” Jack said while accepting his tiny hand gently.

“Jack, thank you so much,” Bella took the luggage trolley from Noora and pushed it to Jack. “You are truly my best friend; I didn’t expect someone as busy as you to come here to help us…” She gave him their plane ticket and passport.

Jack, “…”

He almost choked hearing her words.

‘Who comes here to help you take care of your luggage?’ He came here today to ensure she returned to Astington. Their company is waiting for her return to take over.

Jack wanted to answer her but was speechless when he saw Bella walk away toward the seating area.

He chuckled while gesturing to his bodyguard.

“You take care of this…” Jack ordered, then followed Bella.

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