The Contract Bride of Mr. Reid-Chapter 92: The flicker of a disturbing past.

Bella entered her mother’s hospital room with a bright smile, carrying a lunch box. "Hey, Mamma. I brought your lunch," she said, placing the box on the side table. "Your favorite vegetable soup with lots of green scallions. You should finish it before it gets cold." She opened the box and held the soup out to her mother.

Selena’s attention, however, was not on her daughter. Her gaze was fixed on the doorway.

Bella turned to look at the door and then back at her mother. "Are you expecting someone else?"

Selena nodded, her eyes still on the door. "Didn’t you say you would bring your husband? Where is he?"

Bella smiled. "He will come in the afternoon."

Selena’s tone sharpened. "Why afternoon? Why didn’t he accompany you?" Suspicion crept into her voice as she threw her a stern look.

Bella placed a comforting hand on her mother’s shoulder. "Mamma! My husband is not an ordinary man. He has business to attend to. He’ll be here after work."

Work? Business?

Selena’s worry deepened. "What business does he do?" she asked, her mind filled with doubt. she asked, her thoughts racing. A man who could afford such extensive medical care might not be a normal businessman. "Is he like your boss, Zack Hudson?"

Bella couldn’t help but giggle. "Zack Hudson is nothing compared to him. My husband is far richer and more powerful. He is Reid, the CEO of the Ace Group, one of the biggest business empires in the world."

As she spoke, Bella’s eyes reflected pride and admiration, knowing the stature and responsibility Theodore carried.

Selena’s heart sank upon hearing that Theodore was a Reid, one of the world’s wealthiest families. A cold dread settled over her as fragments of the past surfaced in her mind. The stark social divide between their families was a chasm they could never bridge. The Reids would never accept Bella. It was as if history was repeating itself.

Selena knew all too well the challenges and prejudices that could arise from such social differences. Fear for Bella’s happiness and future gnawed at her, knowing how easily dreams could be shattered by societal expectations.

Trying to mask her unease, Selena managed to ask, "Are you happy with him?"

Bella nodded, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "He likes me, and I like him too. We are going to his family mansion for dinner tonight to meet his grandfather."

Selena’s expression turned bleak. "Are you going to the Reid family mansion?"

"Yes, Grandpa invited us," Bella replied with excitement.

Seeing Bella’s happiness, Selena fought to suppress her uneasiness. She smiled weakly. She hoped that Theodore would always remain by Bella’s side, supporting her through whatever challenges they might face together. She didn’t want fate to repeat the history and plunged her daughter into the abyss, which had happened to her in the past, ruining her life.

"Is he good to you?" Selena inquired softly, her voice betraying her worry.

Bella’s smile softened with affectionate certainty. "Yes, he is," she affirmed, her face lighting up as she remembered Theodore’s caring and protective nature. "He is loving and caring. And he is always there to protect me."

She chose not to delve into the details of the incident at the club.

Selena nodded slowly, her heart heavy with a mixture of hope and fear. She wanted to bask in her daughter’s joy, but a nagging doubt lingered. What if Theodore’s feelings changed?

She couldn’t bear the thought of Bella experiencing the same pain she had endured. Yet, observing Bella’s unwavering confidence in Theodore, Selena decided to silence her fears. Maybe it was only her fear. Perhaps Theodore genuinely loved Bella. It was not necessary what had happened in the past would happen with Bella.

"Look at me, I kept you busy with my silly talks," Bella giggled, her demeanor carefree. "Your soup is getting cold. Finish it fast."

Selena, like a dutiful child, obediently finished her soup.

Time flew by. Theodore stepped briskly through the hospital lobby, his strides purposeful yet filled with an underlying eagerness. He had arrived, as promised, and now his heart beat a little faster with anticipation. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Bella’s number.

The phone rang a few times before Bella’s sweet voice filled his ear. "Where are you? Are you coming or not?" Her voice held a hint of impatience.

Theodore chuckled. "Impatient, huh? Can’t wait to see me?"

His teasing tone made her blush. "It’s not like that," she mumbled, stealing a glance at her mother. The truth was, she missed him, but she wouldn’t admit it. "Mamma has been asking for you."

"I’ve arrived and will be there soon," he replied, ending the call as he made his way down the hospital lobby towards the ward.

Bella turned to her mother and announced enthusiastically. "He is coming." Rushing over to her, she grabbed her hands, a mix of excitement and nervousness sweeping on her face. "I have a request. Don’t embarrass him by asking too many questions. Please..."

Selena smiled warmly, her hand gently patting Bella’s head. "All I want is your happiness, dear. If you are happy with him, I have no objections. I am just... worried." The emotional turmoil within her betrayed on her face. "You and he are from different worlds. I am afraid the social differences will come between you two."

"No, Mamma, you are worrying for nothing," Bella assured her. "Theodore doesn’t care about those things, Mamma. He loves me unconditionally." She hoped these words would erase her mother’s fears.

Selena was yet to be convinced. She wanted to warn her but before that Theodore appeared, carrying an aura of authority and righteousness.

Selena’s eyes remained wide and her mouth formed a big circle. She wondered who this handsome guy was. ’Is he Bella’s husband, Theodore Reid?’ she wondered to herself.

"Bella is right," Theodore affirmed, his deep voice resonating with certainty as he stood proudly beside Bella, his arm encircling her waist protectively. "She is the woman I love. Social status means nothing to me. All I want is her love."

Theodore’s words were like a balm to Selena’s apprehensions, washing away her doubts. His unwavering commitment and sincerity reassured her that Bella had indeed found a partner who cherished her. A genuine smile spread across Selena’s face, a weight lifting off her shoulders. She knew now that Bella was in safe hands.

She grinned.

"There is something I need to tell you," Theodore continued, his eyes moving to the woman in his arms. "We found the donor."

"Really?" Bella exclaimed. Her breath caught in her throat as she processed the news, overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion.

"Hmm." He nodded. "The doctors will take your mom for some tests. If everything goes well, the surgery will be scheduled immediately."

Bella’s heart swelled with gratitude, love, and emotions. Unable to contain her overwhelming feelings, she threw her arms around Theodore’s neck, whispering a heartfelt "Thank you."

Theodore hugged her back. "Anything for you."

Watching the scene, Selena became emotional and wiped her tears sneakily. She could tell Theodore loved Bella and could never deceive her.