Chapter 2

"Bella, what are you doing?"

Jessica looked puzzled, carefully observing her daughter, who seemed hurried and busy packing clothes and other essential items into a large suitcase.

Jessica was curious and wondered where Bella was going at this late hour. Moreover, her daughter had yet to mention or hint at any plans to travel shortly.

"I have to move, Mom."

"W-what did you say? Move?"

Bella then closed and fastened her suitcase. She turned, trying to maintain a calm expression so her mother wouldn't worry. On the way home earlier, Bella thought about what excuse to give her mother. That's why she tried to stay calm. A moment later, she smiled and replied, "I got a new job today, Mom."

"You already got a job? Where, dear?"

Jessica was increasingly curious. But, judging from her expression, she was also happy to hear that her daughter had finally found a new job after being unemployed for a while due to being laid off by the previous company.

"At one of Renata's friend's companies. She introduced me. Her friend needed a young accountant to fill a recently vacant position."

"Ah, I see." Jessica nodded, understanding. "So, why are you packing?"

Again, Jessica tried to understand, searching for the connection between packing and getting a new job in a different city.

"Because this company is located far in Manchester, I decided to stay in the accommodation provided by the company temporarily. Besides saving time, I can also save expenses because I don't have to travel back and forth."

Bella, of course, was exaggerating. There was no way she would be straightforward with her mother about agreeing to rent out her womb for someone else. Bella was 1000% sure her mother would be sad and angry, especially if she found out that Bella was taking this action to earn money to support both her living expenses and Jessica's weekly dialysis costs.

"So, you have to move? And Mama—"

"Don't worry," Bella quickly interrupted. "Mama won't be alone here. Renata also helped arrange an assistant to accompany and care for Mama's needs while Bella works in Manchester. Tomorrow morning, the assistant will come here."

Jessica still looked confused. Realizing this, Bella approached and tried to reassure her. There was a sense of pity and guilt because, after tonight, she might not be able to see her mother for a long time.

"Don't be sad, Mom," she whispered. Bella reached for her mother's wrist and gently held it. "Bella promises to visit Mama during work breaks. Bella will also call Mama frequently when she's there."

Jessica nodded and smiled. She hugged Bella, then gently stroked her daughter's messy hair. She was not ready to let go of her 27-year-old daughter.

"Mama is not sad, Bella. It's just that I feel sorry for you, having to work hard to provide for and meet all of Mama's medical needs. Truly, Mama apologizes for inconveniencing you."

Bella loosened her hug on Jessica. She wiped away the tears that seemed to be falling on her mother's cheek.

"This is Bella's duty, Mom. Whatever it is, Bella will do it. The important thing is that Mama can get treatment and become healthy again."

Jessica nodded. She hugged and kissed Bella for a long time before finally letting go of her beloved daughter, bidding her farewell for the time being.

In reality, Bella didn't move to Manchester. Julia's residence was in the upscale Kensington area of London, just an hour's drive from her current home with her mother.

Upon arriving at Julia's residence, Bella was warmly welcomed by the homeowner. The supermodel seemed happy and invited Bella to enter her prepared room.

"From now on, you will occupy the room I have prepared for you for the next few months."

Bella nodded. As she entered, her eyes scanned the entire room. She was amazed when given a room two or three times the size of the studio she had occupied before.

There was a large bed, a sofa, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom complete with a bathtub and water heater. Even a balcony with a comfortable chair allowed her to enjoy the view of the flower garden and swimming pool next to the house.

"You can go to the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You are free to request any food from the chef. And if you need anything, I have also provided an assistant to help you."

Then, Julia called out a name. A moment later, a woman around thirty approached the room.

"Her name is Lilia. She's the assistant who will help with all your needs. If you need anything, please ask her." Then Julia turned to the assistant. "Lilia, I ask you to serve Bella while she stays here. Make sure all her needs are met and nothing is lacking."

"Alright, Ma'am. I will make sure of that."

Bella nodded in understanding. She needed help to follow Julia's instructions.

"Ma'am..." Bella whispered before Julia left her room.

"Yes? Do you want to ask something?"

Bella nodded. While there was an opportunity, Bella wanted to make sure of it.

"After staying here, can I still visit my mother?"

Julia waited to answer. Rotating her eyes, she thought for a moment.

"I think you can't leave my house during pregnancy, Bella."

"But, Ma'am—"

"I don't want the public to know that there's a pregnant woman in my house. The media will surely ask and dig deeper for information. It will undoubtedly give a bad image to my career and my big name. So, before the baby in your belly is born, you can't go anywhere except for the routine schedule to go to the hospital."

Bella swallowed the words that had gathered on the tip of her tongue. Hearing Julia's seemingly non-negotiable statement, she surrendered to the reality.

"Don't worry. I will make sure your mother is fine. Moreover, there is the best assistant I sent to take care of all her needs."

Bella complied. After all, she had chosen and agreed to the collaboration between her and Julia. That meant she had to be ready to accept all the consequences that would come.

***

On the first day at Julia's house, Bella still felt awkward. Waking up early because of hunger, Bella decided to shower, then went downstairs, intending to go to the dining room.

There, she found Lilia and other assistants busy preparing breakfast.

"Miss Bella?" Lilia called when she noticed Bella's presence. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Like a caught person, Bella nodded awkwardly. She felt uncomfortable because going to the dining room was too early. But she wouldn't lie that she was hungry right now. Last night, Bella didn't eat because she was busy packing and arranging clothes when she arrived at Julia's house.

"Can I have a glass of cold milk?"

Lilia smiled.

"Of course, you can. Please have a seat. After serving the food, I will get you a glass of cold milk."

"Hmm... how about I get it myself?" Bella offered. Moreover, she felt terrible interrupting Lilia, who was busy setting up and serving breakfast on the table.

"Don't, Miss." Lilia sounded prohibitive. The assistant seemed to shake her head. "Let me do it."

"It's okay. I can get it myself. Besides, it's just a glass of milk."

Lilia eventually nodded in agreement. She pointed her finger to indicate the cupboard next to the refrigerator.

"Please take a glass from the cupboard. The milk is in the middle row of the refrigerator."

Bella looked understanding. She opened the cupboard Lilia meant, then took a tall glass. A moment later, Bella opened the refrigerator right next to her. She took a box of full-cream milk and poured it into the glass she was holding.

"Perfect."

Bella smiled and turned around. At the same time, as she took a step forward, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing the milk in her hand to spill and, of course, splatter on the person in front of her.

"Mr. Edward."

Bella screamed in surprise. Her eyes widened, finding Edward standing and staring coldly right before her. Worse, the milk she was holding had stained the white shirt the man was wearing.

"Oh God. I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to."

Bella quickly grabbed a tissue that was available next to the refrigerator. Intending to help wipe off the milk stains on the shirt, the man immediately stopped Bella's hand as if he didn't want to be touched.

"Sir, I-I just want—"

Edward shook his head. He slapped Bella's wrist to keep her away from him. Then, he left without saying a word.

Bella froze. A moment later, she closed her eyes briefly while cursing the foolishness she had committed. How could she make a mistake on the first day?