New Arrival and I'm Flustered

Isabella's POV

Dad led me into the house. He didn't let me go, as if I would fall. 

I quickly got tired and wanted to move by myself. 

"Dad, I can walk," I said. 

"Hell no. You look pale," he complained. 

I rolled my eyes. He was being dramatic. He was also sweet, but I wanted to breathe right now, and he wasn't letting me do that. 

"You know, I won't break, right?" I asked, taunting My father.

"Shh, just walk will you?" He responded. 

"Dad..." I complained. 

"Don't argue. I have a surprise for you," he said, smiling. 

I wondered what that was. 

We got to the dining table, which was filled with food. He sure prepared for a feast. 

There were mashed potatoes, warm bread, wine, rice and a large bowl of turkey. 

"Dad," I called softly. "What's the occasion?"

He smiled and pulled a chair for me. "You'll find out soon."

I raised my eyebrow studying him. 

"Don't give me that look," he said. 

I took my seat, forcing myself to focus. My father poured me some wine and then filled his glass. 

He glanced at me. "Eat, Isabella. You need your strength."

I picked the fork and started eating. I opened my mouth ready for the second bite when someone appeared. 

A familiar voice filled the room. "Oh, I've missed home!"

I turned, and the moment I saw her, I jumped up. "Mom!"

Eleanor Sterling stood by the door, dressed in a fitted navy-blue suit, her dark hair neatly styled. Her eyes sparkled when she spotted me. She opened her arms and I ran into them like a little girl.

"Oh, my sweet girl." She said hugging me tightly. 

"Mom, I...I can't breathe."

She pulled away, laughing.

"Dear lord. You look pale. Have you been eating properly?" Mom asked, examining me. 

I rolled my eyes. "Mom, I'm fine."

She didn't seem convinced. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Before she could push further, my father cleared his throat. "Are you done smothering her, Eleanor? Dinner is getting cold."

My mother sighed but smiled as she walked over to him. "Still impatient, I see."

She kissed him on the lips before taking her seat. It was always comforting to see them like this. No matter what happened, they always seemed strong together.

"I heard about the company," Mom said, sipping a glass of wine. "It was all over the news."

Silence filled the room.

I set my fork down. Dad's grip tightened on his wine glass, almost breaking it. 

"I've taken care of it," Dad added. "Gabriel Knight has agreed to invest in Sterling Tech."

Mom immediately turned pale The moment she heard Gabriel's name. 

Her hand trembled slightly as she lowered her glass.

I noticed it immediately.

"Mom?" I frowned. "Are you okay?"

She blinked and quickly forced a smile. "Yes, I..." She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. "I'm fine."

No, she wasn't.

I knew my mother too well. That tiny reaction, the way she held her glass just a little too tightly. It meant something.

My father didn't seem to notice, but I did.

Something about Gabriel's name had shaken her.

Before I could ask, she reached for the serving plate. "Pass me the turkey, darling."

I hesitated, then sighed and handed it over.

I helped mom and the maids clean up after dinner. Dad had already disappeared into his study. 

"Who's the new guy, Bella?" Mom asked, out of nowhere. 

I nearly choked. "What?"

She laughed at my reaction. "You heard me."

I shook my head. "There's no one."

Her brow lifted. "Then why are you blushing?"

I groaned. "Mom, seriously."

She nudged me playfully. "Come on. You can tell me."

I hesitated. I didn't want to talk about it. But Mom wasn't going to give up. 

I sighed. "Fine. There's...someone."

She gasped. "I knew it!"

I quickly added, "It's not what you think. It's not a relationship or anything serious."

Her eyes twinkled. "Now I really want to know."

I bit my lip, debating how much to say. "We started as enemies."

Her brows shot up. "Oh, this just keeps getting better."

"It's complicated," I admitted. "We...slept together on our first date."

My mother clapped her hands, grinning. "Oh, my sweet girl! I'm so proud."

"Mom!" I groaned, covering my face.

She laughed, clearly enjoying this. "Oh, don't be shy. So, who is this mystery man?"

I hesitated.

Did I really want to say it?

She poked my arm. "Come on, tell me."

I exhaled, my heart pounding. "Mom, fine. It's Ga—"

A maid suddenly appeared at the garden entrance. "Mrs. Sterling, your phone is ringing."

My mother sighed but smiled at me before standing up. "Hold that thought."

I let out a breath of relief. Saved by the bell.

She took the phone from the maid and answered. "Clara! Oh, it's been ages."

Clara. One of her closest friends.

Mom laughed and started talking. She walked into the house, forgetting me, and I smiled. 

Mom's voice was loud, and she soon disappeared into the house with her, describing the exotic places she had visited.