The Weight of Broken Promises

Seven years into their marriage, Bella got hit with a truth—Steven had a kid. A six-year-old. She crouched behind the preschool slide, barely breathing, as Steven bent down to scoop the boy up. "Daddy, you haven't come to see me in forever." "Be good, Ollie. Work's been crazy. Listen to your mom, alright?" Bella froze. Same face. Same eyes. It was obvious. Everything about them screamed it—The man who swore he'd love her forever had been cheating on her this whole time. Steven and Bella weren't just a couple. They were childhood sweethearts. She once took a knife for him. Nearly died. Lost their baby. Lost the chance to ever have one again. Steven had held her hand back then, eyes red, saying, "I don't care if we never have kids. As long as I have you, that's enough." She still heard the shake in his voice. Now? Every promise. Every memory. All of it—gone. Chapter 1 Bella Beaufort stumbled back, heart cracking in a thousand pieces. She couldn't look. Couldn't move. One more second and she'd snap—either scream at him or break down right there in the dirt. She turned and ran. At the preschool gate, her bestie—Heidi—was already out of the car the second she saw Bella's face. "Bella, what happened? Nico said you went back for something—what's going on?" Nico was Heidi's son. She'd dragged Bella along for the parent-teacher thing. Bella looked like she'd seen a ghost. Tears blurred her vision. "I need you to look someone up." "Who?" "Steven." Her voice cracked. "He has a son." *** [Babe, I won't be back for another week. Did you miss me?] Bella stared at Steven's text as tears slipped down. Every July, he disappeared for two weeks. Said it was business overseas. Six years, she never questioned it. Now? The truth hit like a slap to the face. He wasn't working. He was with them—his lover and their kid. If she hadn't gone back for Nico's jacket, she'd still be clueless. Rain slammed against the windows. Thunder shook the walls. Lightning lit her pale face in the glass. She flipped through the photos in her hand, shredding herself with them. Maybe she should've seen it coming. The Roccas were old-school. They'd never let someone who couldn't have kids into the family. Unless... this was the plan all along. And Steven? The guy who swore he'd love her forever? Where did he fit into that lie? Her chest ached. She and Steven had been inseparable since they were kids. Everyone said they were endgame. At eight, she fell out of a tree. He jumped under her, broke his arm, and still grinned through the pain. At twelve, she got her first period and ruined her skirt. He noticed and panicked, though he had long known what this was all about. At eighteen, he risked his life in an illegal race just to win her a ring and propose. He'd told her, "Bella, I'll love you forever." That kind of love was wild, reckless—pure. And she'd fallen for it completely. The night before their wedding, she was kidnapped by one of his enemies. By the time they found her, she was barely breathing. Steven showed up swinging—broke three ribs getting her out. She took a knife for him. That was the day she lost her chance at motherhood. When his mom—Miranda— found out, she tried to split them up. But Steven, still covered in bruises, locked himself in the Rocca chapel for three days—no food, no sleep. Just rage and heartbreak. "I'd rather give up this family than give up Bella," he told Miranda. That's when she finally backed off. As soon as he healed, they got married. The whole city watched like it was a fairytale. And still—he betrayed her. Bella's phone lit up. 'Hubby.' The name felt like a cruel joke now. She answered, numb. "Babe, have you been eating? Did you miss me?" Steven's voice was soft, sweet. Before, that would've melted her. She'd have answered with love, no hesitation. Now? If she said a word, she'd fall apart. "Babe? Something wrong? Don't be scared. I'll come home right now." He was already moving. She couldn't see him. Not now. "I'm fine." Her voice was dry, cracked. "Just a cold. Work's important—don't come back." Her first lie to him. He didn't catch on. He hesitated, like something felt off, but still hovered. "Alright. Get some rest. Call me later, okay? Don't make me worry." "Mm." It was all she could manage. Just as Bella went to hang up, a woman's voice cut through the line—flirty, smug. "Steven, Ollie's asleep. We can..." Steven's breathing shifted—faster, heavier. Then the call dropped. Bella's grip on her phone tightened, knuckles white. A chill crawled over her skin. He was with that woman. Bella didn't let herself think past that. A sob ripped through her chest, brutal and raw. Like her heart had been crushed in someone's fist. She'd tried to believe he only saw the woman for the kid. But now? He'd made his choice. Heidi burst in, eyes wide, but stopped cold when she saw Bella—shaking, shattered. "It's not worth it, Bella. Not for a man." Tears hit the photo in Bella's hand, blurring it. Heidi pulled her close, voice sharp with fury. "Steven's trash. He fed you all those sweet lines when he proposed—and now he's hiding a whole family behind your back?" Bella shut her eyes, letting the tears fall. Her heart had already decided. Chapter 2 The rain cleared by morning. Bella hadn't slept a minute. All night, her head spun. She'd seen love at its purest—how could she ever settle for a heart that had already changed? She was Bella, the girl who once loved Steven with everything she had. But she was also Bella Beaufort, the Beaufort heiress. She couldn't stomach even a grain of deceit. With that resolve, she made a call. "Dad, remember how Beaufort Corp wanted to expand into Inglane? Heidi's husband's from the royal family there, and she's heading back in a couple weeks with her kid. I want to go with her and check things out." Jonathan frowned. "Did Steven tell you to bring this up?" "No. This time it's my choice." She let out a bitter smile. Even her own dad saw her and Steven as one. Jonathan was thrown. His daughter had never once left that Rocca boy's side. Why was she suddenly set on going so far away? "Bella, did Steven hurt you?" His tone sharpened. Bella pressed her lips together. "Dad, don't ask right now. Once I'm in Inglane, I'll explain everything." The Rocca and Beaufort families had been tied together for generations, their marriage sealing the bond even tighter. She refused to drag her family into the fallout. In the end, Jonathan gave in. "Alright. Come by Beaufort Corp later and get familiar with the plans." Bella nodded and hung up. She dragged herself out of bed to wash up. Her eyes were swollen, and the bitterness in her chest wouldn't quit. The lawyer had already sent over the divorce papers, but she still hadn't figured out how to tell Steven. After all those years, it wasn't something she could just toss aside. She covered the tear-stains with makeup, slipped into a crisp, professional outfit, and stepped out. Downstairs, Heidi was having breakfast with Nico. Bella figured she'd scared him yesterday. "Aunt Bella, you're up!" Nico ran over, grabbed her hand. “Mom said your heart was sad yesterday. I can make it better!” Six-year-olds—too sweet for this world. Bella brushed his cheek. “Good boy. I’m okay now. Go back to your mom.” He nodded, still confused, then skipped back to Heidi. Bella's mind flashed to Steven laughing with that other boy yesterday. If their baby had lived, they'd be older than him by now. She forced down the ache, gave Heidi a quick explanation, and slipped out of the house. But the second she stepped past the gates, she froze. Steven leaned against the car, looking wrecked, a cigarette hanging from his lips. Smoke blurred his face. Bella's chest clenched. The records showed his side chick—Ada Fowler—and her son both had July birthdays. Ada's just passed—the boy's was still coming. So why was Steven back already? Her stare must've given her away. Steven looked up, confused at first, then his tired eyes lit up when he saw her. He crossed the distance fast and yanked her into his arms. The heat of him used to mean comfort. Now it burned. "Feeling better?" His voice was soft, loaded with worry. "I heard you yesterday and knew something was off. I drove back overnight. When you weren't home, I guessed you'd be here with Heidi." He really did sound worried. But Bella couldn't wrap her head around it. If he'd loved her that much, how could he live so easily with another woman and a kid? Her lips shook. She swallowed the bitterness and forced out, "I'm fine. I was just heading home." Steven let out a breath. "Next time you're sick, tell me. Don't scare me like that." His voice was so soft, so gentle, it almost tricked her into thinking nothing had changed. Then Bella caught movement—a slim figure under a tree. Ada. On her phone. A beat later, Steven's cell lit up. He checked the screen, hesitation flashing across his face. "Something urgent at work. I need to handle it." Bella's stomach dropped. She wasn't stupid. She'd seen the name: Ada. The bitterness burned, but she forced a smile. "Go ahead. Work comes first." Guilt flickered in his eyes before he pressed a kiss to her forehead and slid into the car. The second he got in, Ada ended her call. She swayed her way over, smirking. "Hi, I'm Ada Fowler. I'm—" Her eyes caught Bella's tight expression, and the words shifted. "So, you already know about me and Ollie. Perfect. Enjoy the show." Chapter 3 Bella grabbed a cab and tailed Ada in silence. At the hospital, she stopped at the doorway, the scene inside slicing through her chest like glass. She bit down hard on her lip, forcing herself not to make a sound. Steven's son lay hooked up to an IV. His little face was pale, fragile, heartbreakingly weak. Steven was pacing, agitated. "What the hell is wrong with you people? You can't even treat a kid's fever?" The doctor at the bed—Bella knew him. Jeffrey. Steven's closest friend. "Steven, the kid's got a cold and a fever from a chill," Jeffrey snapped. "If you can't handle it, don't rip into my staff. "And seriously, I don't get you. Didn't you say you'd pay that woman off once the kid was born? Now one sniffle and you're dragging me here? What if Bella finds out?" Silence stretched before Steven finally spoke, voice rough, worn down. "What do you expect me to do? He's just a kid. Every time I try to send Ada away, Ollie cries nonstop. I can't let him cry forever, can I?" Jeffrey let out a sharp laugh. "Please. Is it really the kid who can't let go, or is it you? You know damn well which one." Steven groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Don't start. I've only ever loved Bella. But my family needs an heir. You have to keep this from her—I won't let her get hurt. And Ada... she gave me a child. I can't just throw her aside." Right then, the door creaked open. Ada slipped in, tears streaking her face. "Steven, it's all my fault. I didn't take care of Ollie. He spiked a fever after you left last night. He cried for you the whole time, but I didn't want to disturb you and your wife..." Steven pressed a hand to the boy's burning forehead and sighed, his anger fading. He pulled Ada against him. "Don't cry. I'm not blaming you. This is on me—I haven't been a good dad." Ada clutched his shirt, fingers tracing his chest. "I know I'll never compare to your wife, but I can't stand seeing our son like this..." Steven's eyes hardened. "No one gets to make my son suffer. And you—take care of yourself. Look at you, crying your eyes out." He reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek. The softness of it cut straight through Bella's chest. Her fists clenched so tight her nails carved crescents into her palms—yet she felt nothing. Or maybe nothing could ever hurt worse than this. The rain was coming down hard when Bella left the hospital. Soaked and half-numb, she drifted through the storm like a ghost. Water blurred her eyes, but it couldn't wash off the shame burning under her skin. By the time she reached Beaufort Corp, her heels had torn up her ankles—blood mixing with rain on her skin. The receptionist froze, then sprinted over. "Ms. Beaufort! What happened? Should I call Mr. Rocca? He'd freak if he saw you like this." Bella didn't flinch. Of course they thought Steven still loved her. Everyone did. But love like his? Built on lies. She brushed past the receptionist, voice rough. "I'm fine. Rain caught me off guard. Grab me a clean outfit." She slid her black card into the girl's hand and locked herself inside the nearest meeting room. The second the door shut, Bella crumbled. She thought those photos had numbed her. But seeing them in real life—Steven, Ada, and that kid playing happy family—ripped her wide open. Her sobs filled the room, raw and messy. She wanted to scream. How could he be the same guy who once promised forever and now raise a kid with someone else? A knock snapped her out of it. The hallway was empty. Just a stack of clean clothes, her black card, and a warm cup of tea sitting at the door. Underneath the cup: a handwritten note. [Ms. Beaufort, don't worry. I didn't call Mr. Rocca. I know you don't want him to worry.] Bella's jaw clenched. She ripped the note to pieces and dumped it in the trash. Clothes in hand, she changed in the restroom. A little while later, the Beaufort heiress was back—flawless, untouchable. She marched into the CEO's office and threw herself into work. No breaks. No distractions. Steven kept texting. She didn't open a single one. By evening, drained and cold, she headed home—ready to pack up and disappear first thing in the morning. But the second she stepped inside, a kid's voice called out from the living room—and there was Ada, standing like she belonged. Chapter 4 Ada wore a maid's uniform, and across the room, a little boy had trashed the place. When Bella walked in, Ada popped up from beside Steven and flashed a polite smile. "Mrs. Rocca, you're back. Madam Miranda sent me to look after Oliver." Bella's lips pressed tight, breath catching. How dare Steven—how dare he bring them here? Steven noticed her face shift and rushed in. "Babe, I texted you this afternoon. Maybe you missed it. Mom brought Oliver back from an orphanage. She said he was meant to be with us." All the heartbreak she'd spilled in that empty meeting room was gone. What was left burned hot. They really thought she was stupid. "Steven, are you trying to rip my heart out on purpose?" Her voice shook with fury. Steven frowned, thrown by how hard she snapped. "Don't be mad! You know my family needs an heir. I saw how much you still grieve for the baby we lost, so I gave in to Mom. If you don't like it, I'll have him sent away right now." Everyone knew Steven loved Bella. His one rule—Bella first. Even now, he was ready to toss out his own son if she asked. That kind of twisted devotion only made her stomach turn. She was about to lay it all bare when the boy—Oliver—suddenly wailed. "You're a bad lady! Daddy, why are you with this bad lady? Don't you want me anymore?" The shrieking drilled into Steven's skull. "Oliver! Who told you to talk like that?" Then to the household staff: “Are you all deaf? Get him out of here!” Staff scrambled to scoop up the crying kid and rush him off. Ada panicked. "Mr. Rocca, it's all my fault. Please don't blame Oliver." As she said it, her eyes clung to Steven, all soft and pitiful. Steven sighed, voice dropping. "I'm not blaming him. He's just a kid—he doesn't know better. Go take care of him." Bella watched it play out, her chest icing over with every second. She yanked away from Steven and went upstairs, slamming the door in his face. He lingered outside, frustrated but still trying to sound gentle. "Babe, it's my fault. I'll send the kid away first thing in the morning. If you don't want me with you tonight, that's fine. Just rest. We'll talk tomorrow." Bella slid down against the door, listening as his footsteps faded. Her chest ached so deep it felt hollow. What difference did it make if the kid stayed or not? Blood doesn't just disappear. In the end, the one who'd have to leave... was her. She didn't answer. She locked the door. Alone, she slumped against the cold wood. Once Steven’s footsteps disappeared, whatever strength she had left gave out—and she slid to the floor. She was just so tired—bone-deep, soul-deep tired. She didn't know how long she sat there until her phone buzzed. She unlocked it with numb fingers. A text—from an unknown number. Ada. [You shut Steven out. Don't blame him for coming to me.] Bella's eyes flew wide. She pushed to her feet and stepped out of the bedroom. At the end of the hall, the study light glowed. The door hung half open. Inside, Ada's syrupy voice drifted out. "Steven, that hurts..." Steven's grunt cut rough. “Didn’t want pain, but still trying to seduce me? You really don’t know how to behave—even after having a kid.” Bella froze, ice tearing through her veins. She never thought Steven would fall this low, this fast. Ada's soft moan slipped out, shaky but deliberate. "I just saw how upset you were after fighting with your wife... I wanted to cheer you up." "Don't make excuses for being easy," Steven snapped. "If you want Ollie to stay in this family, don't pick fights with Bella." Bella couldn't take it. She didn't even know how she made it back to her room. In the bathroom, she gripped the sink and retched until her stomach burned. Only when the pain twisted sharp did she slowly lift her head to the mirror. No tears left. She was the proud Beaufort heiress. This—this wreck—wasn't who she was meant to be. She sat hollow for what felt like forever, until the sky bled pale. Only then did she finally crawl into bed. This time, she was done. She didn't want him anymore. Chapter 5 Bella came downstairs and froze. Ada was setting the table like she owned the place. After a whole night of working her charms on Steven, Ada was no longer in her maid uniform. She'd traded it for a sleek designer dress that clung to her. Her face carried just enough of a resemblance to Bella's to make the comparison sting. No wonder Steven picked her. "Mrs. Rocca, you're up. Come have breakfast," Ada said, smiling too sweetly. She tilted her head, just enough to show off the love bites along her neck. On her wrist, a glittering bracelet caught the light. Bella's chest tightened. She knew that piece instantly. The Rocca heirloom Miranda used to wear. Steven had once begged for it on Bella's behalf, but Miranda refused, saying it didn't belong on a woman who couldn't give the family an heir. Now it sat proudly on Ada's wrist. Bella clenched her fists, the weight of it all crashing down. Everything she'd held onto felt like a joke. She'd kept quiet out of respect for their families' history, but in the end, Miranda had chosen Ada as the one to stand at her side. Even Steven's buddy at the hospital yesterday knew about Ada. The only idiot in the dark was her, strung along by Steven's empty promises. A bitter laugh slipped out. If Steven had really wanted a kid, she could've accepted that and walked away. But after what happened in the study last night, her chest still burned. She almost wished she could just slap him across the face. Almost—but not quite enough. She wanted him to regret it forever. Steven strolled downstairs, looking fresh, like he'd slept easy. When his eyes caught Ada's, she ducked her head, all shy. Then he turned and saw Bella's pale face. His smile faltered. "Babe, did you catch a cold in the rain yesterday? Maybe I should skip work and stay with you." Every second near him made her feel suffocated, dirty. "No," she said flatly. "Work's more important. I'll rest at home." Steven frowned. She used to cling to him; now she was shutting him out. But he knew when she made up her mind, there was no swaying her. He looked at the staff. "Take good care of Bella." They traded glances, unimpressed by his little show, and nodded. Just then, Ada stepped up and reached for Steven's collar. "Your collar's crooked. Let me fix it." Without even thinking, he bent his head for her. That tiny, thoughtless move cut deeper than anything else. The staff sucked in a quiet gasp, eyes darting to Bella, afraid to even breathe. Steven caught himself too late. He jerked back, forced a polite distance, and muttered thanks. "I'm off to the office." He bent down to brush a kiss against Bella's forehead. "Be good. Wait for me to come back." His voice was the same soft tone he'd used in the study last night. Chapter 6 At the table, Bella stared at the food, but it tasted like nothing. Steven's fake sweet act, Ada's smug little performance—it all spun in her head until she felt sick. She shoved her chair back and headed upstairs to pack. The mansion was just ghosts now, and she needed to rip them out. Ada slipped in after her. "Ms. Beaufort, you're good at pretending. Ollie's the Rocca heir, and I'm his mom. You don't belong here." Bella's smile was sharp and cold. "So what?" Ada blinked, then doubled down. "I know you don't want a divorce, but stop clinging to the title of 'Mrs. Rocca.' The family will never accept a woman who can't have kids." Bella laughed, short and cutting. "'Mrs. Rocca'? If you want it that bad, take it." She pulled the divorce papers from her bag and held them out. "You know how Steven feels about me. He won't make divorce easy. I'm giving you the papers—if you're capable, get him to sign and send them back. If not, get used to being the secret lover for life." Ada's eyes lit up as she snatched them. Spotting Bella's signature, she squinted. "You're really willing to leave Steven?" Bella's chest clenched. Love had swallowed most of her life—how could walking away not sting? She shut her eyes, forcing it down. When she opened them, only ice was left. "I'm not fighting over a man." She'd once risked her life for Steven. Betrayal killed that. Ada sneered, sure Bella was just putting on a show, but still walked off with the papers. Bella stared at the walk-in closet stacked with Steven's gifts. All she felt was empty. She packed her clothes, documents, the basics—nothing left behind. Steven's gifts? Boxed up and shipped to the auction house. If she was leaving, every tie had to be cut clean. The staff peeked from the hallway, whispering, but she didn't explain a thing. By the time she finished, the sun was already slipping past noon. Sitting in the living room with her suitcase, she waited for Heidi to pull up. That's when it hit her—she hadn't seen Oliver all day. Had he really been sent away? Still trying to piece it together, she saw Steven rush in, Ada and Miranda right behind him. "Mrs. Rocca, where's Ollie?!" Ada cried, throwing herself at Bella and shaking her arms. Bella stumbled back, slamming into the corner of a table. Pain shot through her side. She gasped. "What are you even talking about? How would I know where he is?" Ada only sobbed harder. She snatched a fruit knife off the table and pressed it to Bella's throat. "Mrs. Rocca, I know you hate Ollie, but how could you hide him from Mr. Rocca and send him away? Give me back my Ollie!" Chapter 7 Oliver was missing? Bella froze. The knife had already nicked her neck, a sharp sting burning her skin. "Get a grip. I don't know where he is!" Ada shook like a madwoman, knife trembling in her hand. "Impossible! You're the only one who hates Ollie. You even had vans here moving your stuff today. If it wasn't you, then who?" Her eyes were bloodshot, voice cracked from crying, looking every bit the desperate mom of a lost child. "Mrs. Rocca, please, give me back Ollie. He's all I have left." Then, out of nowhere, she dropped the knife and clutched Bella's wrist. "Ollie is my life..." Bella tore free, her chest twisting at the words but only feeling mocked. She couldn't hold back. "Give him back to you? He's an adopted kid from an orphanage—what does he even have to do with you? Why should I hand him over?" "He's my—" Ada blurted, then cut herself off, breaking into sobs. This time, Bella didn't let go. Her eyes narrowed, sharp as glass. "He's your what? Say it." "Enough!" Steven's voice snapped across the room. "Bella, stop being so harsh." Bella just stared at him, stunned. They'd grown up together, and he'd never—ever—talked to her like that. Ada had a knife at her throat and he said nothing. But the first time he actually raised his voice? To defend his side chick and her kid. One word hit her like a punch: disappointment. She was so done. Steven's face shifted when he saw it, and he scrambled to backpedal. "Bella, that's not what I meant. Ollie was adopted into the family, but she's always cared for him. She just... lost it—" "Save it." Bella's tone was pure ice. "Steven Rocca, for the last time—I don't know where your son is. If he's missing, call the cops." Her voice was too calm, too cold. It crushed him, and he didn't even catch that she'd just called Oliver his son. Just then, Steven's assistant, Bobby, burst in. "Mr. Rocca, we found the kid. He was in a van headed out of Valmora. Luckily, it hadn't gotten far—Oliver's already on his way back." Everyone exhaled in relief—everyone except Bella. Her stomach dropped. She was the one who'd called for vans today to move her stuff. Of course, all eyes would swing her way. Miranda lounged on the couch and let out a sharp snort. "You can't have kids yourself, and when I give you one, you're still not satisfied. You just want this family line dead." The words cut deep, ripping open scars Bella thought had already bled enough. Her eyes flicked to Steven, desperate—but he wasn't looking at her. He was staring at Ada, face unreadable. Her chest clenched tight, no air left to breathe. A bitter laugh slipped out. "You're right. I should've never risked my life for Steven. I should've let him die." Her voice was steady, but her heart cracked wide open. Steven's head snapped up, eyes locking on her. The thin line of blood at her throat burned into his sight. "Bella, don't say that." He lunged forward, reaching for her hand. She yanked back, cold. It wasn't anger that gutted her—it was the silence of a heart already frozen. And knowing these same hands had just held Ada made her sick. Bella looked away, lowered her head, and pulled out her phone. She texted Heidi again, asking how close she was. Still no reply. The mansion fell into heavy silence, broken only by Ada's sobs. Not long after, Oliver was brought back. The second he spotted Bella, he ducked behind Steven and pointed straight at her. "Daddy, it was her! She tried to throw me away. It was her!" Miranda shot up, face hard. "Bella, what else is there to say? Ollie's just a kid—would he lie?" Steven's gaze flickered. Their eyes met, and Bella saw it clear as day. He doubted her. Chapter 8 Helplessness slammed into Bella. She forced a thin smile. "Forget it. Believe whatever you want. Nothing I say matters." "Daddy, see? She admitted it! You have to punish her!" Oliver clung to Steven's sleeve, sneaking a glance at Ada. One tiny nod from her, and he relaxed. Steven crouched, smoothing Oliver's hair. "Good boy. Daddy will always protect you." Then his tone snapped cold. "Take Bella to the chapel. She doesn't leave until I say." Final. No arguing. He stood, helped Ada up, and the three of them walked out like a picture-perfect family. Not even one glance back. Ada did. Her smug spark sliced Bella open. Outside, a car engine roared to life. Miranda smirked, chin lifted, and waved the staff on. Some of the old servants whispered as they dragged Bella away. "Mrs. Rocca, don't worry. We believe you. Mr. Rocca must have his reasons. He loves you—he wouldn't really let you suffer." Bella gave a bitter half-smile. She was leaving soon anyway. None of it mattered. The chapel punishment was brutal. Days on her knees. Staff, following orders, hurled insults, shoved, slapped—drilling it in again and again: she was nothing. She stayed silent. Took it all. Bit her lip until the taste of blood spread across her tongue. Let despair sink deeper. Her mind drifted back seven years—Steven kneeling here almost seventy-two hours just to marry her. His ribs had nearly cracked again, one breath away from permanent damage. It hadn't just been Miranda forcing him—Heidi warned her. Even her own parents. Everyone knew the Roccas worshiped heirs. But she pitied him. Believed in them. Married him anyway. And now? This was her punishment for loving the wrong guy. 'Steven, I hope you regret this for the rest of your life.' *** By the fourth morning, the Rocca chapel doors creaked open. Steven stepped inside. "Honey, I've come to take you home." His voice was hoarse, his face worn and exhausted. Bella didn't move. Her hollow eyes stayed fixed on the memorial plaques. The ancient chapel was untouched by time, every Rocca patriarch carved into brass and marble, candles burning nonstop. She'd been stupid to believe Steven would ever give up an heir. This ending was hers alone. Bella didn't answer. She pushed herself up, legs dead from kneeling so long, every move ripping at the cuts on her back. The second she stood, her body gave out. She hit the ground—except Steven caught her. "Bella, when you screw up, you take the punishment. Otherwise how do you set an example for a kid? And this was just kneeling." Just kneeling? Then what were all these bruises hiding under her clothes? She let out a harsh laugh and shoved him off. "Remember what you told me? That if I didn't want the kid, you'd send him away." Steven frowned, sighing. "My family needs an heir. He's the best option. We're married—you should think about me too." She'd heard that line so many times it was burned into her ears. She smirked. "Really? If I didn't know better, I'd swear he was your own kid." Steven froze, eyes flicking away. "No way. I'll only ever love you. But Ollie's a good kid—he listens." Love or not, Bella didn't care anymore. Still, the weight of all those years, collapsing into nothing, pressed so hard she thought she might snap. "Steven Rocca, how long do you plan to—" deceive me? She never finished. Ada strolled in. "Ollie's begging to hit the amusement park. Let's all go." Her eyes slid over Bella. "Though Mrs. Rocca looks a little too fragile, maybe she should—" "She's not going." Steven's voice was flat. Then, to Bella, just as cold: "Tomorrow's Ollie's birthday. We're throwing a banquet, announcing him officially. As his mother, you'd better be ready." Bella's chest hollowed out. 'his mother.' The words tasted like poison. She limped out of the Rocca chapel and spotted Heidi waiting down the path, nerves written all over her. Without looking back, she headed straight for her. Steven's voice chased after her. "I'm taking Ollie to the amusement park. I won't be home tonight. Rest. Tomorrow morning I'll send someone for you." She didn't turn around. Just a soft, "Mm." But as her figure disappeared, panic clawed at Steven's chest. Still, he forced himself not to bend. He knew Bella's pride. If Ollie was going to be recognized, this fight had to happen. She loved him—he believed that. After the first pushback, she'd give in. Meanwhile, Bella sank into the car with Heidi holding her up. "Bella, I grabbed your suitcase. And this—that woman shoved it at me." Bella tore open the envelope. Inside: divorce papers. Steven's signature at the bottom. Through the window, she caught sight of the three of them—Steven, Ada, and Oliver—laughing as they piled into another car. Her eyes iced over. "Take me to the airport. We're leaving now." Inside, she muttered, ‘You made your choice, Steven. So here’s mine—I’m done.’