Chapter 38

Bella's POV

Two days had passed, but no news about the stalker. He also stopped sending me photos or calling me. I was both relieved and scared. He's probably hiding somewhere and watching us. Today is the first day of school.

I woke up early to help my daughter change into her uniform and fix her bag. I can't believe she grew up so fast. She will be turning six this year on Christmas eve. I still haven't told Liam about her, but I'm planning to tonight. He said he's taking me out to dinner by the lake. It would be the perfect time to tell him.

I only hope he won't get mad or hate me for hiding it from him. I hope he will believe me and not turn his back on me. It will be the death of me if he looks at me differently. I have to let him know that I did not plan it. I was so in love with him that I abandoned all reasons and let that happen.

I don't regret what happened between us, even if he won't accept me. Sophie is the best thing that ever came into my life and the best decision I've ever made.

" Sweetheart, are you ready? Let's go eat our breakfast before going to school, okay?" I held my daughter's hand and led her to the kitchen, where my mom made us pancakes and bacon. I poured milk on Sophie's glass and a coffee for myself.

" Good morning Nana!" Sophie greeted her grandma cheerfully.

" Good morning, my beautiful Princess. Are you excited for your first day of school?" Mom asked her, and she nodded eagerly. I smiled and pinched her cheek softly.

" Good morning, mom. I hope the car is in good condition today." I greeted my mom and kissed her cheek.

" Good morning, dear. Yes, I think it is in great shape, hon. The mechanic sent it yesterday and said they fixed whatever needs fixing on that old car." Mom said, smiling. She is now cleaning the counters and the stove.

" Alright, off we go, baby. Say bye to Nana." I stood up and brought our plates and mugs to the sink, and took our bags. I was putting on my shoes when my phone sounded. A message from Liam, and it brought a smile to my face.

" Good morning, baby. Good luck on your first day of work. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come and see you off. The clinic called so early, they needed me there. Please kiss Sophie for me. I'll see you tonight, don't forget our dinner date. I love you, baby." He texted, and I smiled so widely. Sophie is looking up at me, so I dipped my head and kissed her forehead. That's from your daddy, baby, I said in my mind. She smiled at me and hugged me.

" Thank you, babe, and it's okay. I'll see you tonight, okay? We are going now, or we'll be running late. Take care, babe. I love you too." I responded to his text and went to our car. I fastened Sophie's belt first at the backseat, and then I went to the driver's seat to start the car.

It was a 20 minutes drive to Glendale School, depending on traffic. When we entered the school ground, I found a good spot for the car under a big tree. I turned off the engine and got out to get Sophie, and entered the school.

I sent Sophie first to her room and introduced her to her teacher before going to the Principal's office. I haven't seen nor talked to Tom ever since our last date. I have to apologize to him for being dragged into this investigation, but I'm not saying he's off the hook.

I knocked on his door and waited for him to tell me to come in before going in. He stood up when he saw me enter and came close to me.

' Bella, I'm so glad you're here. Are you okay? What was that all about the stalker thing? You don't really believe it's me, right?"

" Good morning, Mr. Peters. No, of course not, and I'm sorry if you're dragged into this mess, sir. We were only trying to discover who that person is. Don't worry. The police are doing their best to locate the guy." I told him, smiling, keeping a distance just in case.

" Good. I wouldn't want anything to happen to my colleagues, especially you. So are you ready for your first day? The kids are eagerly waiting for you in your room." He changed the subject real quick and sat back in his chair.

" Yep, ready as I'll ever be. I am excited and a little bit nervous, to be honest." I told him, laughing awkwardly.

" Bella, can I invite you for dinner tonight? After work?" He suddenly said but of the blue. I was caught off guard and didn't know what to answer. Then I recovered quickly and declined his offer as gently as I could.

" Oh, I'm sorry, Mr.Peters, but Liam is taking me to dinner tonight," I told him, smiling apologetically.

" Really? That was fast. Is it safe to say that you chose him over me? You know what, you don't have to answer that, it is quite obvious. I am happy for you, Bella, and I hope you'll have a successful life with the Doctor." he said, smiling sadly. I smiled back and thanked him.

" I better go, sir. My kids are waiting for me. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity to teach here, Mr. Peters, and I hope you will find the one suitable for you. Have a good day, sir." I stood and went to the door.

My day was filled with fun and laughter. My students are so sweet and easy to teach. At lunch, I took Sophie to my room and introduced her to the kids who remained, and she made friends right away. After school is done, I gathered my things and went to fetch Sophie in her room.

Her teacher Ms. Rivers was a kind and sweet woman. She said goodbye to her teacher and went to the parking lot. There are few cars left, and some students loiter in the ground waiting for their parents. I unlock the door and let Sophie in. She fastened her seatbelt on her own because she said she's a big girl now.

I went to the driver's side and placed my bag on the passenger seat beside me. I turned on the engine and wait for it to heat up when my phone rang.

" Hi, babe," I answered happily. It was Liam calling.

" Hello, love. How's my two Princess? Ready to come home? How's your day?" He asked so many questions. I laughed at his excitement.

" It was fun and exciting, and Sohpie made a lot of friends today. Baby, say hi to daddy." I passed the phone to Sophie, and I put it on speakerphone because I'm already driving out of the parking lot.

" Hi, daddy! I love school! But I love you the most! I miss you, daddy!" She shouted eagerly, and my heart soared. She really loves her dad, and that's all I asked for.

" Aww, my princess, you make daddy cry. I love you too, sweetheart, so much. Now pass the phone to mommy. I want to speak to her." Sophie gave me the phone.

" Baby, drive slowly and be safe, okay? I'll wait for you at home. I can't wait to see you, and I'm excited about our dinner tonight." He told me, and I smiled even though he can't see me. He has been giving me butterflies ever since I started crushing on him.

" I will, babe. I miss you too, a lot today. I'm excited about our dinner too. I have something to tell you. Oh shit!" I exclaimed. I am running a bit too fast. Then I realized the brakes are not working.

" Bella, what is it?! What's going on?! I can hear Liam shouting and panicking. I tried, again and again, to step on the brake, but nothing happened.

" The brakes won't work, Liam! We are running too fast! Oh, God! Oh, God!" I screamed. I looked at Sophie, so scared of what might happen next.

" Bella! Baby, please tell me what's going on! Try to slow down, babe. Try to look for a safe way to make the car slow down!" Liam is full-blown screaming now.

" I can't, Liam! Oh, my God! Liam! I love you! I'm sorry!" That was the last thing I said before the car swiveled and toppled over many times. I can see the broken glass flying around us. I looked at my daughter, and she was creaming. Oh, God, please protect my daughter. Take me. Take me instead.