Okay, my knees are trembling, my hands were shaking, my pride is going low, and my mind is going crazy! I don't know what to do right now.

Alright, inhale...exhale....just relax, Belle. All you have to do is get out of the car and knock on the door then ask for your mother's name. That simple.

"Madam, are you alright? Want me to knock on their door?" Mike turn his body towards me, he was on the driver's seat as I use one of Rafael's car. Hope he doesn't notice though.

Seriously, when I told him not to call me Mrs. Knight, fortunately he didn't call me that ever again since then but he changed it into madam. Well, this man is really stubborn.

"N-no, Mike. I'm gonna do it. Just building some courage" I said, letting out some heavy sighs and shaking my shoulders as warm ups.

"Wait, Madam, someone is leaving."

I immediately turn to the direction to see who was coming out. I lean forward near the window to have a closer look. The park I have is parked on the other side of the road for us not to be noticed.

Oh my...

A woman opened the gate as she got out, looking around like she looking for someone.

Mama...

My vision starts to blur as I notice that I am about to cry. My mom looks so clean and...different.

Good different.

I can't help but smile at the sight of her. She probably didn't noticed us but I catch her eyes taking a glimpse of this car. She won't see us anyway because this is a one-way mirror. Only us inside the car can see outside.

She may look older but she still look beautiful. I smiled as I saw those long blonde curls that I inherited from her.

She looks really happy.

Mom raised her hand, calling a taxi. She got in and the cab started to drive "Hurry, Mike! Follow that cab!" I snapped, pointing at the direction.

No need to tell him twice. He started the engine and carefully followed the cab as it goes to many different direction. Where is she going? God, my heart is beating fast.

After a turns and follows, the cab stopped to a simple normal looking restaurant. She gets out of the cab then entered the place.

"That is where she worked, Madam. Your mother is a waitress and from my investigation, that restaurant is owned by his husband's sister." Mike informed me but I am too busy watching her got inside.

She was smiling.

I have never ever saw her smile before.

The way her smile gives warmness in my heart. I know that I am very happy to see her in that state. This is better than she is before though. So much better.

"I'm coming in" I finally breathe out as I grab my shoulder bag to hang it on my shoulder and stepped out of the car. "Don't you want to come in, Mike?"

"No, thank you, Madam. I don't want to ruin your mother-daughter moment." Mike let out a soft chuckle making me smile at him. "Ill be waiting here and please take your time."

I nod my head at him then walk towards the entrance of the restaurant. I put my back sunglasses on to keep a little disguise. I don't want people saying that the billionaire's wife is meeting up with her mom for the first time and the next day it will be on the news headline.

I got inside, the place is kinda full but I saw a vacant table on the side so I took it. The place is kinda full, many workers are eating here because the foods are really cheap.

I saw mom as she put some apron and tie her hair in a ponytail. She went to look around the place, maybe searching for something that she will assist for the day.

But it looks like fate had whispered on her ear as I saw her walk towards my direction causing me to look down on the table and I saw the menu list and made it as a cover to my face, pretending that I am looking for something to order.

"Hi, can I have your order now?" She asked, kindly. Oh my, she is finally talking to me.

"Oh...um..." shit, this is not part of my plan "I will have the...erm...the Burger steak pease. With lots of gravy" I ordered, still hiding my face and changed my voice a little.

Mom started writing it down "...and for drinks, dear?"

"W-water, just water." I replied, clearing my throat. Mom left my table and went to the counter and gave them the paper of my order.

Phew, that was a close one.

Darn it, how will I talk to her and tell her who I am. I need to talk to her.

I need a better timing.

Patience, Belle. Wait for the right time and I will not leave this restaurant until I have a chat with her.

After an hour, my steak is nearly finish and I still can't get a proper timing. My mom is very busy that she doesn't even stop from moving. She mops the floor, cleans the tables and wipes the windows. Seriously, is she a waitress or a maid in this shop?

My mom can win the most hardworking worker of the month, if you ask me. She would come near my table and then I will hide my face again so she must have already noticed that. But what can I do? I don't have the guts to just step in front of her and tell her that it's me. That's embarrassing!

I didn't take my eyes off her as she works around and serves some orders. My hopes suddenly went higher when I saw a middle aged woman holding two garbage bags in both hands. She called my mom and because they are far from me, I can't hear what she is saying. But based on their actions, the woman told my mom to bring out the garbage.

My mom put her mop down and took the orders. This is my chance.

She used the other door and I took the moment. I stood up from the table, place a 50$ on the table then followed her. I quicken my steps as I finally been able to reach her when I was already on the door.

There she is...

She put the garbage on the bin and my heart melts at the sight of her working so hard. She really does change.

I open my mouth after I take a deep breathe and ready myself to face the new her in front of me. Shit, my heart is beating too fast. I don't think I can handle this. I can do it. You can do it, Belle.

I gather all of my strength just to release a voice to come out but then it came out cracked.

"Mama"

Then she froze on her spot as her face slowly turns to me. She blinks multiple times, might be guessing who I am or telling if this is really me. I immediately caught her eyes that is very watery in a split of second.

"Oh my dear, Isabelle." She breathe out but before that, I noticed that I am crying with my mom.

~~~•••~~~

"My, my, Aly...I didn't know you have such a beautiful daughter." One of the staffs teased u when the customers got fewer just minutes later.

When she noticed that it was me, she ran to me and hug me with all of her might. She was crying without stop and this is something that I am expecting. I thought she will just remember me and no hugging and crying.

I guess not all expectations are happening.

Right now, mom and I are still in the restaurant. But I really feel the slight awkwardness between us. Like we are waiting for each other who is gonna talk first. I was busy sipping on my juice while she just stared at me.

"So...um..." she started off, she was rubbing both of her thighs like she is very nervous. "How are you, Belle? Of course, I know how successful you have been since the last time we see each other."

"Uh...still the same" a soft chuckle escaped from my lips. "I'm still the same Isabelle Heinrich, Mom. The only thing that has changed is my clothes." I joked.

Mom smiled a bit and there is really something in her eyes. They kinda tell me that she is happy right now.

"I-I really can't believe that you are here in front of me, Belle." She rested her chin on her palm as her elbow was leaned on top of the table.

"Me too, Mom. You don't know how shock I am when I found out that you got into rehab, now married to a normal decent man, working in a legal way and quit your former life." I said straightly at her. "I mean, what is the reason, Mom? When did you realize that you had such a despicable life?"

I thought mom is gonna deny me when I said those things which are actually true. I really need some answers from her and I want her to know that this is me. Straight forward and strong. I'm not weak anymore like when I left her.

"I-I don't know, my dear." She scratched her head then her face didn't fake. She gave me a very sad, regretful look "I was too addicted to drugs and I didn't know the actions I've done to you. I was so bad and I really regret them all, Belle. Please...I hope you forgive me. I really do regret that time when I find out that runaway. I really wanted to look for you. But when I saw myself, I don't deserve it. I deserved to be left alone. I'm a very miserable evil person."

Oh, no. I don't know what to say to my Mom. She is looking down, trying to hide the forming tears at her eyes. "I really am sorry, Belle. I don't deserve your forgiveness but I just want my daughter back"

I just froze there and stare at her.

Forgive

A very strong word that takes up a lot of courage to say it to someone. But I won't survive in my life if I continue loathing on my Mom. Its time to let go and be happy.

She had her life and I had mine. Whats wrong with giving her a chance in my life. This is the missing piece of my heart.

Mom...

I slowly reach for her hand, causing her to look at me with teary red eyes.

"I forgive you, Mama."

Her face lighten when those words soon came out from me. Her tears fall down on her cheeks as she smiled like she was the happiest woman on earth. "Thank you, Isabelle. Thank you" she slowly stand up from her seat, to walk around towards me and hugged me.

The hug made me a little stunned but I didn't hold back. I also wrap my arms on her and lean to her and for the first time, I felt something that I have been longing to feel.

A mother hug.

My Mom unwrap her hug then sat down on her seat, wiping her tears. "You don't know how happy I am, child. I'm so happy."

I smiled back at her as I realize the real reason why I am here.

"Mom..."

"Yes,sweetie." She sniffed.

"I want to ask you this and this is the real reason why I met up with you here." I started and sighing before I could finally say it. "Tell me something about this older sister of mine. I want to know."

"Your sister?" Her eyes was full of questions. "Gabriella"

My forehead frowned hearing the familiar name. "Gabriella, you say?"

Oh no, the moment of truth. I have to know this, to finally answer my questions.

"Gabriella. Her name is Gabriella, she was 8 years old to be honest when she got lost. She had those long blonde hair and nice kind face that exactly looks like you."

Looks exactly like me? "Mom, could this be her?" I asked as I bring out a photo of me and Gabby that we took while we were on the mall. We were both smiling at the camera, she had her arms around my waist and we just look pretty.

Mom gasped quietly. "Oh my God this is her! Belle, this is your sister!" She just started to raise her voice. "That's your sister! Where is she?!"

"Calm down, Mom." I raised my hand at her "She is not with me but that is why I am here. I want to gather some answers about her. I want to make sure and let it come out from you. Let me ask you, are you sure she is my sister?"

"Yes, Belle. She is your sister. As a mother, I'm sure that is her. Where is she? How is she?" She ask continuously.

"She's doing great, Mom. She married a rich businessman which happens to be a friend of my husband and she is very successful with her store." I told her, grinning. "Small world, huh?"

Mom let out a contented smile "I'm glad then. That is the happiest thing that I heard in my entire life, to hear how successful my children became"

Only Gabby, Mama.

"How about you and your husband?" She suddenly being the topic that I am really avoiding.

"M-me and my husband...we are good." I weakly replied, not able to make an eye come contact. I can't tell her that I've been in a very complicated situation with my husband at this point.

Actually, my husband didn't know that I am here with you, Mom. I even stole his trusted and loyal assistant to accompany me without my husband knowing.

"Good? How long have you been married?"

"Almost a year" once again, my voice breaks down and became weak.

"That's great, dear. But what's wrong? You don't look like happy. Is your husband treating you well?" Her eyebrows touched in confusion.

I nod my head quickly "Of course, Mama. We just had a lot of problems."

"That's good"

"Huh?" What does she mean that having a problem is good?

"Good...because having a problem will only make your relationship with your husband better, am I correct?"

I don't follow.

Mom just chuckled and continued her explanation. "It's only challenges, dear one. Because, it is simple as that you are gonna know that your husband is not gonna give up on you no matter how hard that problem will be. You both need to sail the boat together in a strong storm because the moment you got married...not only those matching rings are connected but also your heart and soul."

I raised my head to look at her. "Belle, I don't want you and Gabby to be like me and your Father. If I can just wish for something, that is that your two won't follow the footsteps that I have been through." Mom reached for my hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Love is the most important thing in the world, my child. You two can face anything as long as you have it. Am I correct?"

I was wordless when he said that. I don't know what I should tell her about our problem. It's not just any problem that normal married couple encounters. "Your Father gave up on us and look what happened. Our life turned upside down and that's what I prayed that will never happen for the both of you. I'm sure you see something in your husband that made you marry him, am I correct?"

Oh yes, money.

"He's...different." I oddly respond, letting out a weak chuckle escaped me.

But Mom leaned her head closer like she is waiting for me to add more. "...and?" She urged me but I don't know what to say anymore. Until...

All the memories flashed back in my head.

His eyes that sees through my soul every time since the night he bought me at the auction. I won't forgot that he fired all of his staffs in his hotel because they disrespected me. When he held my hand at our simple wedding and the sensations I feel when his pink soft lips touches mine. At the different environment he introduced me at our honeymoon. The way he says I'm beautiful at Steve's party. His touches that sends millions of volts through my body. His piercing brown hazel eyes that can make my drown....and don't forget the time when he promised that he will still support me after our deal.

And the way I saw him and Marissa at the back of their house.

So devastating and shameful.

But as much as I want to ignore it, Rafael had done so many wonderful things in my life with him. He introduced me to a world that will only exist in my dream....and that is every time I'm with him. That's a dream come true.

"And...I love him" I just spoke without thinking but I quickly got into my scenes and repeated "I love my husband, Mama. I will love him until the moment of my last breath."

An amused and delighted smile formed from her lips "Then I'm happy for you, Belle."

"But there is a problem..."

She looked at me questioningly "Problem?"

I ready myself to tell him that my husband doesn't love me back but just that moment, Mike entered the restaurant as he searched the crowd and stopped when he saw me and Mom. He quickly marched to us and I already know why he's here.

"Excuse me, Madam. Sorry for interrupting, but your husband is on his way back to the hotel and he called me to pick him up." He told me with his head bowed slightly and his one hand is placed in front of his chest like the way butler do when talking to his master.

Mom looked at me "I guess you'll be going now."

I sigh and rolled my eyes. "Yeah, time to go back to my personal jail" I muttered to myself. "I'm sorry Mom but I guess our conversation ends here. "

"I know, dear." She nods her head as we both stand up from the table as she escorted us out towards the parking space in front of the restaurant. But before I could get in the car, Mom hugged me and I noticed her eyes were teary once again. "I want you to be happy, my love. Being married is one of the hardest jobs in the whole world but it is definitely worth it. Am I right?"

"Yes, Mom." A smile formed from my face. But I want to be happy too. "I hope this will not be our last talk, Mom. I badly need your advice"

"Well, I am always here, Belle. Lets start a new relationship"

I agree with that but time is ticking and I have to get back. I gave her once last smile before Mike opened the door for me and I hopped inside the car.

I saw Mike bowed his head and said farewell to my Mom before walking around the car to get in the driver's seat. I wave at my Mom as the car started the engine and drove away.

Phew, that really went well. All of my worries and fears faded just like that and I am so happy that she feel the same. She changed a lot and that is a good thing. The best thing to be honest.

I love her advices and all of them made scene though.

How I wish that Rafael and my situation is just as easy like that. In a click, bam! He already loves me.

Love cannot be controlled and made huh?

Gabby is my sister.

How delighted I am to hear that. My family is building back together and I'm praying that this will bloom into something better. I don't want to expect anymore or I will only just be hurt.

Being hurt is not in my list but it is what I always feel everyday.

I swallowed hard as I think of Rafael. What life could be ahead of me? What is planned for me? Be left by the man I love? Is that it? That is something that my heart surely can't handle.

Shit, what face am I gonna show to Rafael after our last conversation? I can't face him right now. He is just gonna ignore me and shove our agreement to my face. I'm such a fool for falling for him! I knew this is coming and I made sure that I will stop this feeling when I feel it but there is nothing I can do.

The more you resist, the more you gets hurt.

Why is life so difficult?

When will I ever experience a life with no pain and hurt? A life that I will only feel happiness and contentment. I badly need the answer to that question. But I know that is never gonna happen in my entire life.

This is not a fairy tale, Belle. This is real life. I don't have a prince charming, riding a horse to save me.

My future is only in that club. Well what do you expect from a woman who didn't even finished studies? Maid, waitress, a whore? Those are the only choices I have.

But I'm happy that I really knew who my sister is. My family is back. Mom is cleaned, Gabby became the woman I dreamed to be, rich and loved. Then insert me to the picture. Nothing.

Oh dear, what life awaits me.

We arrive back to the hotel, Mike dropped me off and he escorted me up to the office.