Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 107: Not a Home, But a Palace

Chapter 107: Not a Home, But a Palace

Arec’s POV:

"I’ve missed you too, sweetheart," her mom replied, pulling back to look at her daughter. "You look beautiful. And..." Her gaze shifted to me, a knowing smile crossing her face.

I stepped forward, extending a hand, but she surprised me by pulling me into a light embrace. "It’s good to see you again, Arec" she said warmly.

"And you," I replied, a little caught off guard.

She pulled back, her eyes studying me with the same maternal care she gave Ella. "I can see you’ve been taking good care of my daughter."

Ella glanced at me, her smile widening. "He’s been the best, Mom."

I cleared my throat, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I’m just doing what I was supposed to..."

Mrs. Davis laughed, shaking her head. "Well, thank you for doing what you are supposed to... It’s a relief knowing she has someone like you by her side."

I bent down to grab her suitcase, offering her a polite smile. "Let me take that for you."

She waved a hand in dismissal but didn’t resist when I picked it up. "Thank you, Arec. You’ve always been so well-mannered."

As we walked toward the car, Ella wrapped her arm around her mother’s. Their laughter and quiet conversations filled the space between us. Watching them, I couldn’t help but smile.

Once we reached the car, I loaded the suitcase into the trunk, then opened the door for Mrs. Davis.

Ella slid into the backseat beside her, the two of them immediately diving into an animated discussion about the wedding.

I got behind the wheel, glancing at them in the rearview mirror. Their bond was undeniable, and seeing Ella so happy made something inside me settle.

As I started the engine, Mrs. Davis leaned forward slightly. "Arec, are you sure you’re ready for all of this?" she asked, her tone playful but with a hint of seriousness.

Ella swatted at her lightly. "Mom, stop scaring him."

I chuckled, glancing back at her. "I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, Mrs. Davis."

"Good," she said with a nod. "Because my daughter deserves nothing less than the best."

Her words carried weight, and I met her gaze in the mirror, giving her a firm nod. "She’ll always get that from me."

Her smile widened. "Well, I’m just happy to be here. The wedding, the baby... it’s all happening so fast. But I know you two will be great. I can already tell."

Ella’s laughter filled the car again, as we drove off.

---

Ella’s POV:

The drive back to the penthouse felt like it took forever, but we finally arrived, and I couldn’t wait to show Mom our home. As Arec unlocked the door and pushed it open, I watched her step inside, her expression shifting as she took in the space.

Her gaze roamed over the living room, the high ceilings, and the soft, warm lighting that cast a golden glow across the plush furniture. Her mouth opened slightly, as though words were on the tip of her tongue but refusing to come out. She didn’t say a thing at first, and I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.

"This is... this is..." she finally muttered, spinning slowly as her eyes traveled all over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

I glanced at Arec, who was leaning casually against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets, a small smile playing on his lips. He caught my eye, and we both stifled a laugh. Watching Mom’s wide-eyed wonder was pure entertainment.

She muttered again, this time under her breath, "This isn’t a home; this is a palace."

A small laugh escaped me despite my attempt to hold it in. "Mom," I teased, walking over to stand beside her. "You’re embarrassing us."

"Embarrassing you?" she repeated, turning to look at me, her eyebrows raised. "Ella, are you sure you live here? This doesn’t feel real."

"Very real," I assured her, leaning against her arm.

Her hand flew to her chest as she turned in another circle, muttering, "Goodness, I can’t believe this."

Arec chuckled from where he stood. "Mrs. Davis, if there’s anything you need to make your stay more comfortable, just let me know."

"Oh, no," she said quickly, shaking her head as though she’d been caught dreaming. "I wouldn’t want to impose. Are you sure it’s alright for me to stay here? A hotel would be fine, you know."

I gaped at her in mock horror before slipping my arms around her from behind. My baby bump pressed slightly against her back, but I didn’t care. "Do you want to leave me alone, Mom?" I said, my voice laced with fake hurt. "I thought you came for me!"

She let out a playful huff and turned her head to glare at me. "I came for your wedding, not for you."

"Mother!" I exclaimed, pulling away and holding my chest as though I were deeply offended.

Arec laughed at our antics, the sound warm and rich, filling the room. "You two are something else," he said, shaking his head.

I grinned at him, but before he could say more, his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and then back at us, apologetic. "Excuse me for a moment," he said, holding up the phone. "I’ll just take this."

With that, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving Mom and me alone in the living room.

Mom turned to me, her expression softening as her fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You look good, Ella," she said quietly, her voice filled with affection. "Really good."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, leaning into her touch for just a second.

Her eyes traveled down to my stomach, and she smiled faintly. "You’re glowing, you know. It’s like you’ve found your place. I can see it in your eyes, your posture... even your laugh. You’re happy."

I nodded, swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. "I am," I admitted, my voice a little shaky. "Arec... he’s wonderful, Mom. He really is."

She tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eye. "I can see that. But don’t let him off too easy. Make sure he keeps being wonderful."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, trust me, I plan to do just that"

We both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like old times, just me and my mom, sharing a quiet moment.

"Now," she said, clapping her hands together. "Show me around this place before Arec comes back and distracts you again."

I took her hand and started leading her toward the kitchen, eager to share every little detail of and corners in the penthouse.