The Family's Embrace

The early morning sun filtered through the car's windows as Alex drove Isabella to his family's estate. They hadn't been there in months, not since the chaos with Ethan had unfolded, and now everything felt different. The air was lighter, but tension still simmered beneath the surface—mostly from Alex, who hadn't been thrilled about his parents' invitation for them to stay.

Isabella, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. She knew how strained things had been with Alex's family when they first married, especially with his mother, who had always favored Sophie as Alex's future wife. But now, with the news of her pregnancy, it seemed like the dynamic had shifted completely. They were treating her like royalty, especially his father. She had been surprised when Alex's father personally called to invite them, his voice warm and enthusiastic, congratulating her on the baby and insisting they visit.

"Are you okay?" Alex asked, breaking the silence as they neared the estate.

Isabella glanced at him, her hand resting on her growing belly. "I think so. It's just... I didn't expect your parents to react like this. Your mother especially."

Alex gave a tight smile, gripping the steering wheel a little too hard. "I didn't either. But things change when a grandchild is involved, I guess."

Isabella smiled softly. She couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, knowing that at least for now, the hostility between her and Alex's mother seemed to have evaporated. She only hoped it would last.

As they pulled up to the sprawling estate, the large gates opened slowly, and Alex drove through the long driveway lined with ancient trees. The mansion loomed ahead, elegant and grand, a reminder of the power and prestige of the family. Alex parked the car, and as they stepped out, his father was already waiting for them on the front steps.

"Isabella!" his father, James, called out with a wide smile, striding over to greet them. He enveloped her in a warm hug, a gesture that caught her off guard. "It's so good to see you. And how's my grandchild?"

Isabella blushed at the attention. "We're doing well, thank you."

James turned to Alex, giving him a firm handshake before his expression softened. "I'm proud of you, son. You've got a good woman here."

Alex nodded, though his grip on Isabella's hand tightened slightly. He had always been close to his father, but seeing him so warm toward Isabella—and by extension, the baby—was a new experience for both of them.

As they entered the mansion, the staff moved quickly to take their bags, offering refreshments immediately. The house was as impressive as ever, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and luxurious furniture that screamed old money. But Isabella barely had time to take it all in before Alex's mother, Veronica, appeared at the top of the grand staircase.

She descended gracefully, her face lighting up with a smile that almost didn't seem real. "Isabella, darling," she said warmly, reaching out for her hands. "Look at you. You're glowing."

Isabella blinked in surprise. This was the same woman who had barely spoken to her the last time they had visited, and now she was acting as if they were the best of friends. "Thank you, ma'am," she said politely.

"No, no, dear," Veronica corrected her with a soft laugh. "You can call me Mother now. After all, we're family."

Isabella glanced at Alex, unsure of what to say, but Alex remained silent, his expression unreadable. He clearly wasn't as thrilled about his mother's sudden change of heart as she was.

Veronica led them to the sitting room, where an elaborate spread of snacks and tea awaited them. "You must be exhausted from the trip. Sit down, relax," she insisted, practically pushing Isabella onto the plush couch. "You shouldn't be straining yourself. And working in the office—my goodness! You should really stop working now that you're pregnant. It's not good for the baby."

Alex, who had been standing by the window, stiffened. "She's perfectly fine working, Mother. The doctor said light activity is good for her."

Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense. You know how stressful your business can be, Alex. Isabella shouldn't have to worry about any of that. She belongs here, where we can take care of her properly."

Isabella opened her mouth to protest, but Veronica was already giving instructions to the staff, talking about preparing a special room for Isabella and making arrangements for her to stay indefinitely.

James chimed in, smiling broadly. "She's right, Alex. Isabella's health comes first. Besides, with the baby coming, it'll be better for her to be surrounded by family. We can make sure she has everything she needs."

Alex's jaw tightened, his gaze darkening. He didn't want to cause a scene, but the idea of his parents taking control of Isabella's care didn't sit well with him. He had already made his own plans to ensure she was comfortable and well-protected, and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel smothered or overwhelmed by his parents.

"I appreciate the offer," Alex said, his voice calm but firm, "but Isabella is my wife. I'll take care of her. She's not going to stop working unless she wants to, and she certainly isn't staying here without me."

Veronica's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, Alex. I'm only thinking of her well-being."

Isabella, sensing the tension between mother and son, placed a hand on Alex's arm. "It's okay, Alex. They're just trying to help."

Alex's eyes softened as he looked down at her. "I know, but I don't want you to feel like you're being taken away from me. I can take care of you just fine."

Isabella smiled, touched by his protectiveness. "I know you can."

James cleared his throat, sensing the growing awkwardness. "Why don't we sit down and enjoy the tea? We don't have to make any decisions right now."

The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully, though Alex remained on edge. Every time his mother made a suggestion about Isabella's care or their living arrangements, he had to bite his tongue to stop from snapping. Isabella, on the other hand, took it all in stride, smiling politely and deflecting Veronica's more overbearing comments with grace.

Later that evening, as they prepared to leave, Veronica pulled Isabella aside. "I really hope you'll consider staying with us, dear. It would put my mind at ease knowing you're safe here. You're family now, after all."

Isabella nodded politely. "Thank you for the offer. I'll think about it."

As they drove away from the estate, the tension in the car was palpable. Alex hadn't spoken a word since they got in, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"Are you okay?" Isabella asked, breaking the silence.

Alex glanced at her, his jaw still clenched. "I'm fine. I just... I don't like the way they're treating you like you're theirs to take care of. You're my wife. You're carrying our baby."

Isabella smiled softly. "I know. But they're just excited, Alex. Your parents are happy about the baby. It's not a bad thing."

He exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "I know. But I don't want them to take you away from me."

"They won't," Isabella said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me."

Alex smiled then, a genuine one that reached his eyes. "Good. Because I'm not letting anyone take you away. Not even my parents."

And with that, the tension between them finally eased as they drove home, ready to face whatever came next together.