THE GUEST LIST

MIRABELLA’S POV

I exhaled heavily, bracing myself for what’s to come. It’s been six years since I last saw my parents, and I’m certain they’ll be furious at me for ghosting them for so long. I didn’t even know how long I stood at the entrance until I felt two tiny arms wrapping around my legs.

I lowered my gaze, and a bright smile crept up my face as I watched my five-year-old son embrace me in a comforting hug. He must have sensed my uneasiness and did that to reassure me that all was alright. Alfred may appear as a naïve five-year-old to others, but he’s way smarter than any five-year-old I’ve ever met. He’s not only independent, but he takes care of me more than I take care of myself.

He was a gift from heaven sent to mend my broken heart after my divorce with Easton. I could never have asked for anything more. He’s my joy, my sole purpose in life, and my everything.

“Are you scared granddad won’t be happy to see us, mommy?” Alfred asked, his hazel-green eyes glittering with pure innocence as he stared up at me. Seeing him was enough to melt away every tension in my body. I had gotten my courage once more, all thanks to my little angel, who is my exact replica besides the color of his eyes.

“I was, but I’m fine now, thanks to you, sweetheart.” I said with a bright smile, and he finally let go of me. Just then, we heard footsteps from behind.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know the call would last longer than a minute.” Roman said as he made his way to us.

“That’s fine, we were just about to go in.” I responded with a bright smile on my face. Roman was another gift from heaven sent to help me reshape my life.

He is my best friend and has been supportive of me for years. He took care of me while I was pregnant with Alfred and even after. Alfred adores Roman and often wishes for Roman to be his father. I would do anything to make my son happy, but I just couldn’t open my heart to anyone else after being hurt by Easton. Alfred may not have known about my past, but he understood that I wasn’t ready to let another man into my life just yet.

“Come on, then.” Roman said, and he pushed the doorbell button while I held onto Alfred’s hand. In a short while, the door opened, revealing a maid. Her eyes went wide the moment she saw me, but she composed herself.

“Miss Bella, do come in.” She said politely. Alfred and Roman trailed behind me as I entered. The interiors of the house hadn’t changed one bit. When I got to the living room, my gaze fell on my father. My mother was seated on the longer sofa, holding a fashion magazine, while he was seated on the circular sofa holding a newspaper.

“Mother…” I called out, and they simultaneously raised their heads.

“Bella?” Dad asked just to be sure, and mother’s eyes went wide. She flung the magazine in the opposite direction and rushed to embrace me in her arms.

“Oh, my beautiful baby, I missed you so much.” Mother cried out, and I found myself crying as well. Dad also embraced me after, and they both stared at me with pure love. This wasn’t the reaction I had expected from them, but I’m glad it turned out this way. “After all these years, where have you been? How are you doing? What-?” Mom stopped and looked at Alfred, who was clinging to my dress.

“Mommy, is she my grandmother?” Alfred asked, staring directly at her.

“Mommy?!” Mother’s eyes went wide. “Is he?”

“Yes, mother, this is Alfred, my son.” Mother quickly embraced Alfred after I introduced him.

“My heavens! I can’t believe I’m a grandmother!” She exclaimed.

“Aren’t you a fine young man?” Dad said, a bright smile on his face.

“And you’re a fine old man, granddad.” Alfred responded, and we all laughed at his bold remark.

“I honestly believed that after all these years, you two would be upset with me for abruptly leaving and not getting in touch.” My mother frowned as soon as I stated that.

“We were worried sick. We wanted you to know that the divorce wasn’t your fault because we understood how much you loved that man. Your safety and happiness are our only priorities” Mother said, and Dad nodded in agreement.

“Bella, who is this gentleman that you have brought with you?” Mother enquired with a knowing grin. Looks like they noticed Roman at last.

“Roman, these are my parents, Martha and Holden Brookwood.” I said, and Roman offered his hand for a handshake, which they both accepted.

“It’s nice to meet you, sir, ma’am. I’m Roman Lawrence.” Roman said, and Mom smiled sweetly.

“And are you my daughter’s new boyfriend?” she asked with a naughty grin, and dad just shook his head, letting out a light chuckle.

“Mother!” I exclaimed, turning to Roman with an apologetic gaze. Well, that’s my mother alright, never misses any opportunity to tease me.

“What? He’s quite a charmer, isn’t he Holden?” Mother asked, her gaze glued to Roman who didn’t seem offended by her questions.

“Roman is my best friend. He helped me a lot with Alfred and my studies. He’ll be staying over for tonight; we came back to start our business together.” I explained, and they both gave me a nod.

“Thank you so much for looking after our daughter, Roman.” Dad said, but Roman shook his head.

“If there’s anyone to thank, it’s little Alfred here. He’s been the one taking good care of Mirabella.” Roman said, smiling at Alfred, who subtly grinned.

“Well, aren’t you a charming young man? You keep taking care of your mommy, alright?” Mother said to Alfred and placed a kiss on his head before putting him down.

“Don’t worry, grandma, she’s my responsibility now.” Alfred said boldly, and we all couldn’t stop ourselves from laughing.

“And you’re my responsibility as well.” I said, ruffling his chestnut-brown hair.

“We should celebrate! We could throw a party to officially welcome you back!” Dad exclaimed, and mother nodded in agreement.

“But first, you should go and freshen up. Your room is exactly as you left it. We had the maids clean it up every day, as we hoped you would return soon.” Mother said, and I couldn’t stop myself from tearing up again. It brought me great joy knowing that my parents cared so much for me. If I had known they would welcome me this way, then I would have returned home earlier. I guess I was worried for nothing.

“I’d like that. Come on, Freddy.” I said this in an attempt to take Alfred with me, but mother held onto his arm.

“Let me take care of the little one, you must be exhausted.” She said, and I bobbed my head.

“He likes his water lukewarm and enjoys bubble baths.” I stated, and mother smiled brightly.

“Go on then. I’ll have a maid show you to your room, Roman. You must be exhausted as well.” Mother said this while taking Alfred with her. I blew him a kiss before heading to my room.

***

“Come in.” I said the moment I heard a knock on my door. The door opened, revealing mother, a small smile on her lips.

“How’s the guest list coming off, sweetheart?” Mother asked, her expression changing into one of uncertainty.

I stared at the almost blank sheet in my hand. “I think I might need help with this one.” I said, smiling a bit. I raised my head up and still found mother carrying the same expression. I know that look.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, but she shook her head.

“Nothing is wrong, sweetheart.” Mother let out a sigh. “I know things might not have worked out between you and your ex-husband, but our families have been friends for years. Your dad and I talked about it, but we thought it'd be best to hear from you first.” Mother said, and I creased my brows.

“What is this about?” I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

“We were wondering if it’d be okay to invite Easton’s parents to your party.”