The next day, Alex arranged for their move to his parents' estate. It was a bittersweet moment for him, torn between the need to keep Isabella safe and the desire to be by her side at all times. They packed Isabella's essentials—her favorite clothes, a few personal belongings, and items for the baby. He also made sure to arrange for some of her comforts from home to be delivered later.
The ride to his family's mansion was quiet, with both of them deep in thought. Isabella stared out the window, watching the city slowly give way to the more suburban, upscale area where Alex's parents lived. Her hands rested protectively on her belly, and she tried to push down the nerves bubbling up inside her.
Alex reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You're going to be okay, Isabella. My father will be there to greet us, and I'll talk to my mother again to make sure everything's perfect for you."
Isabella nodded, but her stomach still churned with worry. She hadn't forgotten how cold and unwelcoming Alex's mother had been the first time they met. But now, with a baby on the way, things seemed to have changed—at least on the surface. She hoped that her mother-in-law's newfound warmth wasn't just an act.
When they arrived at the mansion, Alex's father, James, was waiting at the entrance, his face lighting up the moment he saw them. He came forward, enveloping Isabella in a gentle hug before shaking Alex's hand.
"Welcome back," James said warmly. "Isabella, it's wonderful to see you. You're glowing."
Isabella smiled, grateful for his kindness. "Thank you, Mr. Grey. It's good to be here."
James waved off the formality. "Please, call me Dad. You're family now."
Alex's mother, Veronica, appeared a moment later, her expression a bit more reserved but still noticeably softer than before. She walked up to them, her eyes lingering on Isabella's belly before meeting her gaze.
"Isabella," Veronica greeted her, offering a small smile. "It's good to see you. I hope you'll be comfortable here."
Isabella smiled back, trying to push away the lingering doubts. "Thank you, Mrs. Grey."
Veronica's smile faltered for a second, but then she nodded. "You should rest. I've had a room prepared for you, close to ours. And if you need anything—anything at all—please don't hesitate to ask."
Alex stood beside Isabella, his arm protectively around her waist. "Thank you, Mother. I'll make sure she's settled in."
As they walked inside, Isabella couldn't help but feel the weight of the mansion's grandeur. It was beautiful, no doubt, but it was also intimidating. She glanced at Alex, who gave her a reassuring smile.
The room they led her to was luxurious, with a large bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a view of the sprawling gardens. A comfortable seating area and a small desk sat in one corner, and there was an attached bathroom that looked like something out of a five-star hotel. Lian had clearly put effort into making the space inviting.
"Are you sure about this?" Isabella whispered to Alex as they unpacked some of her things.
"I am," Alex replied, turning to face her. "I know it feels strange now, but you'll be safe here. My parents will take good care of you, and I'll visit every chance I get."
Isabella sat down on the edge of the bed, her hands resting on her belly again. "I just… I don't want to be a burden."
"You're not a burden, Isabella," Alex said firmly, kneeling in front of her and taking her hands. "You're my wife, the mother of my child. There's nothing more important to me than your safety and happiness."
She smiled, feeling reassured by his words. "I'll miss you, though."
Alex kissed her hands softly. "I'll miss you too. But this is only temporary. Once things are more secure, I'll bring you back home."
Later that evening, they had dinner with Alex's parents in the grand dining room. The atmosphere was surprisingly light, with James asking Isabella about the pregnancy and Lian occasionally chiming in with advice. It felt like a shift had occurred, and Isabella began to relax, feeling more at ease.
After dinner, Alex and Isabella went for a walk in the gardens. The evening air was cool, and the sound of rustling leaves filled the space between them. Alex held her close, his arm around her shoulders as they walked slowly, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
"I'll be leaving for my trip in a few days," Alex said quietly, his voice filled with reluctance. "But I promise I'll call you every day. And as soon as I'm back, I'll come straight here."
Isabella nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I know. I'll be fine."
They stopped by a small fountain, the sound of trickling water adding to the serenity of the moment. Alex turned to face her, his hand cupping her cheek gently.
"I love you, Isabella," he said, his voice soft but filled with conviction. "More than anything."
"I love you too," she whispered back, her heart swelling with emotion.
They shared a tender kiss, the world around them fading as they held each other close. For that moment, everything felt perfect—safe. But they both knew that the challenges ahead were far from over.
The next morning, Alex made arrangements to return to the city for work. Isabella watched him pack, her heart heavy but understanding the necessity of his absence. She would stay with his parents, but the thought of him being away still left her feeling vulnerable.
"I hate leaving you," Alex murmured as he zipped up his bag. "But I'll be back soon, I promise."
"I know," Isabella replied, trying to sound braver than she felt.
He kissed her one last time before heading to the door. "If you need anything—anything at all—you call me. I don't care what time it is, I'll be there."
Isabella nodded, watching him leave. Once the door closed behind him, the room felt emptier, but she reminded herself that this was temporary. She had to be strong, for herself, for Alex, and for their baby.
As the days passed, Isabella settled into the routine at the mansion. James often checked on her, making sure she had everything she needed. Veronica, while still somewhat distant, was kinder than Isabella had expected. She even offered to show Isabella some of the gardens and teach her a few family recipes.
But even as she tried to adjust, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface. The danger hadn't disappeared. Ethan was still out there, lurking in the shadows. And as much as she wanted to relax and focus on her pregnancy, a part of her knew that peace would only come once the threat was truly gone.