Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 104: Scored Points

Chapter 104: Scored Points

Ella’s POV:

Joanne smiled at my words, but I could see a flicker of relief in her eyes, as though she’d been holding her breath, waiting for my reaction.

She shifted in her seat, crossing her legs gracefully, her sleek black trousers catching the light. Her blouse, a deep emerald green, contrasted beautifully with her pale skin and short auburn hair that framed her face in soft waves.

"I’m glad you like it," she said, her tone warm but edged with a nervous undertone. "I wasn’t sure if it’d be too much, but I thought... it’s better to risk it than regret not giving it to you."

I nodded, still holding the album close. "It’s not too much at all. If anything, it’s perfect. I’ve always felt like there are parts of Arec’s life that I don’t fully know. This... this brings me closer to understanding him."

Joanne leaned back against the plush couch, her gaze drifting to the large windows that framed the city skyline. "Arec doesn’t let people in easily, you know. He’s always been like that. Even as kids, he’d bottle things up, act like he didn’t need anyone."

I listened quietly, my fingers tracing the edge of the album. It felt strange hearing someone else talk about Arec like this, someone who had known him far longer than I had.

"But," Joanne continued, turning her gaze back to me, "he’s different with you. I can see it. He lets you in in ways he never let anyone else. Even me."

Her words surprised me, and I wasn’t entirely sure how to respond. "I... didn’t realize," I said softly.

Joanne’s lips curved into a small, wistful smile. "You’re good for him, Ella. Better than anyone I could’ve imagined. And I’m not just saying that to win points with you."

I chuckled at that, the tension between us easing slightly. "You’ve already scored plenty of points with this," I said, holding up the album.

"Good," she replied with a mock sigh of relief. "Because this was my big play. If this didn’t work, I’d have been out of ideas."

We both laughed, the sound lightening the room. It felt good, natural, even. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was walking on eggshells around Joanne.

As the laughter faded, I glanced back at the album in my lap. "It’s incredible, Joanne. Truly.

I already knew how much his grandmother means to him, but this... this makes me understand why."

Joanne tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "She’s not just important to him; she’s everything. She’s the reason he is who he is today."

I glanced at the album again, the images of Arec as a boy laughing in the sun, his grandmother standing protectively behind him in so many of the photos. "That’s very admirable." I said, my voice soft. "She’s such a strong woman. But I didn’t realize..."

"That she raised him all on her own?" Joanne finished, her tone laced with emotion.

I looked up, surprised by her candor. "Yes. I mean, I knew his parents passed away when he was young, but he’s never really talked about what it was like for him growing up without them."

Joanne sighed, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. "It wasn’t easy for either of them. Arec’s parents’ deaths... it was sudden and devastating. He was just a kid, and she was left to pick up the pieces. But she never let it break her. She poured everything she had into making sure Arec grew up with love, discipline, and a sense of purpose."

Hearing this made my chest ache. I thought of the woman I’d met few times, the one who used to look at me like I’m her mortal enemy.

Who threatned to disinherit Arec if he didn’t find a wife on her own time frame. Suddenly, her over protectiveness, began to made so much more sense.

"She must have been incredible," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"She still is," Joanne said, a fond smile creeping across her lips. "Even now, she won’t let him slack off. Every week, she asks him about his work, his health, and probably even if he’s eating enough. She keeps him grounded."

I chuckled at that, picturing Arec trying to fend off a lecture about his eating habits. "That sounds like something she’ll do. She’s always been a little difficult towards me, but now I understand why she’s... cautious."

Joanne nodded. "It’s not that she doubts you, Ella. She just loves Arec fiercely. She’s seen him through his darkest days, and she wants to make sure he’s surrounded by people who truly care for him."

Her words made me pause. I thought of the weight of her expectations, of how deeply she loved Arec, and how much she wanted to protect him. It wasn’t intimidating, it was humbling.

"I hope I can live up to what she wants for him," I said quietly.

Joanne smiled, her eyes warm. "You already do, Ella. She can see how much you love him. Trust me, she’s thrilled he found you. She just doesn’t always know how to show it."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the words sinking in. I thought about Arec’s childhood, about his grandmother’s sacrifices, and about how much I wanted to honor the life they’d built together.

"She sounds like someone I need to thank," I finally said.

"You’ll have plenty of chances," Joanne replied with a grin. "Just make sure to eat her pie when she offers it. Even if you’re full."

I laughed, the heaviness in my chest easing. "Noted."

Joanne glanced at her watch and stood, smoothing her blouse as she did. "I should let you rest. You’ve got a wedding to plan and a baby to grow."

I stood as well, walking her to the door. "Thank you for this, Joanne. Really. It means a lot."

She gave me a quick hug and smiled. "You’re welcome, Ella. I just wanted to help you see how amazing Arec’s family is. They’re a part of him, and now, they’re a part of you too."

As I closed the door behind her, I leaned against it, clutching the album to my chest. I felt a newfound sense of connection, not just to Arec, but to the life he’d lived before we met.