Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 108: Mother’s Concern

Chapter 108: Mother’s Concern

Ella’s POV:

The tour through the penthouse was going well. Mom had been thoroughly impressed with every detail, from the polished marble countertops in the kitchen to the soft, inviting tones of the guest bedroom. She had a way of marveling at things that made me see them in a new light, as though she were experiencing them for the first time.

I closed the door behind me, trailing after my mother as she admired the details of the penthouse. Her fingers grazed the edge of a glass sculpture near the window, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"It’s beautiful here, Ella," she said, turning to me. "A little modern for my tastes, but I can see how much care he’s put into this space."

I nodded, my gaze sweeping over the room. "Arec wanted it to feel like home. He’s very particular about the little things."

Before she could reply, the front door swung open, and Arec stepped in, his presence filling the room. He moved with purpose, his sharp eyes locking onto us briefly before he glanced at his watch.

"I need to run out for a bit," he announced, crossing the room to stand beside me. "Is there anything I can bring back for either of you?"

I shook my head, smiling up at him. "We’re fine. Just take care of what you need to."

My mother echoed my response with a polite shake of her head, but her eyes twinkled with amusement as she watched Arec came over, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before leaning in to press a quick kiss to my lips. His lips were warm and reassuring, leaving a flutter in my chest as he pulled away.

"I won’t be long," he murmured before stepping away.

I watched him leave, the sound of the door clicking shut leaving a lingering silence in the room. My heart fluttered as my gaze lingered on the spot where he had stood, my mind replaying the simple gesture of his affection.

"Hmm," Mom said, her voice filled with amusement.

I turned to find her watching me, her eyebrows raised and a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"What?" I asked, feeling my cheeks heat under her gaze.

"I’m just happy," she said, linking her arm with mine as we made our way back to the living room. "I’m happy it was him and not Klaus."

The mention of Klaus made my stomach turn, and I frowned, my thoughts momentarily darkening. "I’m also happy it wasn’t Klaus," I muttered, my voice tinged with bitterness.

"Don’t think of him," Mom said quickly, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. "I’m sorry to even mention his name. Forget I said anything."

"It’s okay, Mom," I said, taking a deep breath to push the unwelcome memories away. "Let’s not let the likes of Klaus ruin our happy reunion."

I tugged her toward the couch, eager to shift the conversation. As we sat, I leaned into her side, feeling the comforting weight of her arm around my shoulders. "I’ve really missed you, Mom."

Her eyes shone with warmth as she took my hands in hers. "Oh, baby, I’ve missed you too. More than words can say."

For a moment, we sat in a comfortable silence, the bond between us needing no words. She looked around the room again.

"You’ve changed," she said suddenly, pulling back to look at me.

"Changed?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded, her eyes scanning my face. "You’re more confident now, more at ease. There’s a lightness about you I haven’t seen in a long time."

I smiled, feeling a little shy under her scrutiny. "Well, a lot has changed," I said softly. "Arec... he’s been amazing. And this baby..." I placed a hand on my stomach, my voice trailing off.

Mom’s hand covered mine, her touch warm and steady. "I’m so proud of you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "But..."

I looked up at her, noticing the slight furrow in her brow. "But what?"

She hesitated, as though trying to find the right words. "It’s just... everything has happened so fast, Ella. Arec’s status, his family, the wedding, the baby, it’s a lot to take in. Are you sure you’re ready for all of this?"

Her concern was evident, and I couldn’t blame her for it. She had been through so much herself, and I knew she didn’t want me to face the same struggles.

"I know it seems overwhelming," I admitted, "but I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life. Arec and I... we’re building something real, something solid."

Her eyes searched mine, looking for any sign of doubt. "I just don’t want what happened to me to happen to you," she said quietly.

I squeezed her hand, my heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. "Mom, that’s not going to happen," I said firmly. "Arec isn’t like... him. He’s kind, and he’s honest. And he loves me."

She nodded, but her worry lingered. "I know he does," she said softly. "But life has a way of throwing curveballs, especially when you’re in the spotlight. Just promise me you’ll always put yourself and your happiness first."

"I promise," I said, my voice steady.

But as I said the words, a fleeting thought crossed my mind. If things hadn’t changed between Arec and me, if we had stuck with the contract wedding, would my life have turned out like my mother’s? Abandoned and left to raise a child alone?

I shook the thought away quickly. No, even if Arec and I hadn’t developed real feelings for each other, he would never abandon his child. He wasn’t that kind of man. But I was grateful we had found something real. This was no longer about a contract; this was about love.

"Ella?" Mom’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I blinked, realizing I had been staring off into space. "Sorry, what?"

She gave me a curious look. "What were you thinking about just now?"

"Nothing important," I said quickly, forcing a smile. I wasn’t about to share my fleeting doubts with her, not when she already carried enough of her own.

She tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Thinking about Arec, hmm?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I laughed, the sound bubbling up from my chest and chasing away the heaviness of my thoughts. "Maybe a little," I admitted.

Her laughter joined mine, filling the room with a warmth I hadn’t felt in years. "I’ve missed this," she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I’ve missed you."

"I’ve missed you too, Mom." I leaned into her touch, savoring the moment.

"It’s just strange you know?" Her voice soft.

"Seeing you so grown up. It feels like just yesterday you were still my little girl, climbing trees and running around barefoot."

I chuckled at the memory. "And you were always chasing after me with bandages for my scrapes."

She laughed, but the sound was tinged with sadness. "I wish I could’ve protected you from more than just scraped knees."

I squeezed her hand. "You did your best, Mom. And that’s all anyone could’ve asked for."