Chapter 77

Liam's POV

I knocked on Collette's door and heard her soft voice telling me to come in. I can hear the tears behind that sad voice.

" Hey, sis, can I come in?" I peeked in her door before going in. She is under her covers, obviously crying.

" Hey, yeah, sure." She looked at me, and I can see her swollen eyes and red nose.

" How are you holding up? Wanna share? You know you can always talk to me, right?"

I asked her. I sat on her bed, facing her. She got up, lean on the headboard, and hugged her knees.

" I'm so scared and confused, Liam. How could Todd do this to me, to us? I can't believe he had us fooled and put Bella's and Sophie's life in danger twice." She shook her head, and fresh tears ran on her cheeks.

" I know how you feel, Cols, and I'm sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn't played around in high school and were honest with my feelings, I wouldn't have hooked up with Jenny. This would not have happened. They used you to get back at me. I am so sorry, sis." I reached for her hand and squeezed it.

" For what it's worth, I believe that Todd really loved you. He just got mixed up with the wrong people. I am still thankful to him that he told us the truth about the Wilson siblings." I told her, half smiling.

She closed her eyes, and tears ran down her cheeks. I really feel sorry for her. I can't blame her if she will never forgive Todd. I am angry too because if he really cared and loved my sister, he would have told us the truth a long time ago. Whatever his reason is, the fact remains that he is an accessory to the crime and will be put to prison for that.

" Hey, I am here. I will always protect you and support whatever your decision is. Do not forget that, okay?" I squeezed her hand again and pulled her to my chest. I let her cry some more until she got tired. I let her lie back down and kissed her forehead before leaving her room.

I checked on Bella again. I am so worried about her, especially in her condition. I can't believe we're going to have another baby. This time I'll make sure to stick around and be there for our second one until she comes out.

I missed all that with Sophie. I missed her birth, her first step, and her first word. This time will be different. I'll make sure of that.

I sat next to my sleeping finance and touched her cheek softly. My Bella, my sweet yet strong Bellaa. She has been through a lot, but she remained resilient. I admire her strength and compassion. I thank God every day that he brought her back to me.

She stirred and opened her eyes slowly. She saw me looking down at her, and she smiled. I smiled back and swooped down to kiss her softly.

" Hey, baby. Are you hungry?" I asked her. I placed my forehead on hers and stared at her beautiful hazel eyes.

" Actually, I am. Sophie and I were not able to eat lunch this afternoon because of what happened. You're little one is asking for food in my tummy." She said, chuckling and rubbed her still flat stomach.

" Then let's go and feed you both. I don't want my babies to starve." I said, laughing. I kissed her one more time and held my hand for her. She stood up and reached for my hand. I placed my arm around her waist and guided her down the stairs.

When we reached the ground floor, we saw Sophie sitting on her grandpa's lap watching TV. She looked up at us and went down from my dad's lap, and ran towards us.

" Mommy! Daddy!" I caught her before Bella does. I don't her carrying her anymore since she's carrying our second baby.

" Hey, sweetie. Did you help your Nanas with dinner?" I asked her and kissed her cheek.

" Yes, daddy. We prepared something special for mommy so that my baby brother will grow fast and strong in her tummy." She answered eagerly. Bella smiled and kissed her cheek.

" Thank you, sweet pea. Mommy and baby brother are starving already. Can we taste the food you prepared?" Bella asked her, and she nodded vigorously. We chuckled and went to the dining.

Dad turned off the television and followed us into the dining room. Mom and Aunt Agnes are busy setting the table. It looks like we are having a feast. The table is full of delicious food. They both smiled when they saw us and told us to sit down so we can eat.

" Honey, can you go and fetch your daughter? We will not start without her." Mom ordered my dad. He stood up and went upstairs to Collettes's room.

" Bella, dear, we prepared this food for you. It would be best if you ate lots of nutritious food, especially now that you are pregnant. We have salmon, stir-fried beef with broccoli, and mashed potatoes. Here taste this Mushroom soup Agnes and I made. This is good for you and the baby." Mom served the soup to Bella.

I know how happy she is about Bella's pregnancy and that she can take care of her and pamper her. We all missed Sophie's growth and development, so this pregnancy means a lot to us. I know Bella is overwhelmed with all of the attention.

But she will have to suck in because everyone will be doting on her 24/7 starting today. I watched her devoured the soup in minutes and was very pleased.

" Thank you, Aunt Carmen and mom, that was delicious. I never knew I am really starving until I saw all this food." She laughed shyly. Mom and Aunt Agnes were so pleased to see that she finished her soup and that she liked it.

" Oh, sweetheart, don't you think it's about time you call me mom too? You are both engaged and will be having another baby, my second grandchild. You are a part of this family and have been for years now." Mom suggested, and I hear Bella sniffed beside me. I reached for her hand and kissed it. She turned to me and smiled.

" Okay, thank you, mom." She said shyly. Mom clapped her hand excitedly and hugged Bella.

" Then, it's just right that Liam calls me mom too?" Aunt Agnes said, and I scratched my head and grinned at her.

" Yeah, I think I should, mom," I answered her, and we all laughed. Then Dad and Collette entered the room. Bella stood up and hugged Collette.

The two hugged for so long and cried in each other's arms. I know how strong their bond is. When the other one is hurting, the other felt it too. Then my mom approached them and hugged my sister.

" You will be okay, sweetheart. We will get through this, okay? We are here for you, and we will face this problem as a family." She whispered in my sister's ears and stroking her hair.

Then we all gathered at the table and started our meal. In the middle of our dinner, my phone rang. I checked the caller and saw that it was Detective Drew. I answered right away.

" Detective, any news?" I asked him right away.

" Bad news, Doctor. Todd's attorney posted bail, and he got out two hours ago. We tried to tail him, but he went missing. Then 30 minutes ago, we received a call from a bystander. He said he heard a gunshot at a vacant lot near the mall." He said, and I was getting nervous about what he will say next.

" My men went to check, and it was confirmed. It was Todd. Shot in the head and the chest. I am so sorry, Dr. Jones. Please relay the news to your family, especially your sister." I sat there frozen, and my first instinct was to look at my sister. This will destroy her.