"How did you find out?" Vera asked, her eyes wide in surprise at Bella's question.
"I actually remembered," Bella said casually, popping another chip into her mouth.
Vera and the twins exchanged stunned looks.
"You did?" Kayden asked.
"Yes. I woke up this evening and... everything came rushing back." Bella smiled faintly.
Vera's eyes glistened immediately.
"How much do you remember?" Jayden asked softly.
"Everything." Bella's lips curved into a small, proud smile.
Jayden exhaled. "Well, I guess I'll have to change my major. Didn't see that coming."
"But how? How come you suddenly remember now?" Kayden asked, still baffled.
Bella smirked and glanced at Chris. "Well, I had an emotional breakdown this morning. Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess."
Everyone's attention was glued to her now.
"So I went to take my bath and... I must have passed out," Bella explained, her tone calm though the memory unsettled her. "Then I had a dream...no, more like a nightmare. I remembered the accident in detail. At first it felt like a dream, but I knew it wasn't. After that, the past just... came back to me."
Tears brimmed in Vera's eyes. She stood abruptly and wrapped her arms around her daughter. The twins followed, squeezing Bella tight. Overwhelmed, Bella let her own tears flow.
"I told you," Bella said shakily. "If you'd told me the truth about the accident seven years ago, maybe I'd never have lost my memories in the first place."
"I'm sorry I hid it from you, darling," Vera whispered, holding her daughter's hands.
"It's fine, Mum. I know you did it out of love. I don't blame you," Bella reassured with a gentle smile.
"I'll have to inform Tatiana in the morning," Vera said, wiping her cheeks.
"Yes, Mum," Bella agreed.
The weight of the evening caught up with her. Bella stretched and yawned. "I'm getting sleepy. Goodnight, everyone." She kissed her mum and the twins on the cheek before heading upstairs.
A hand caught her wrist just before she left.
"Don't I get a goodnight kiss too?" Chris asked, putting on a ridiculous puppy face.
Bella rolled her eyes, scoffing. "Jealous much?" Still, she leaned forward and brushed a quick peck over his lips before darting upstairs.
She had just stepped into her room when the door opened again.
"Mum? I didn't know you were sleepy too," Bella said, smiling.
"I was already dozing off." Vera chuckled, following her in. But Bella recognised that look, the sparkle in her mum's eyes whenever she wanted to gossip.
"What is it, Mum?" Bella asked, amused.
"You know what," Vera said, wiggling her brows mischievously.
Bella groaned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"It's about you and Christian." Vera leaned closer, her smile bright and knowing.
"God, you act like a sixteen-year-old sometimes," Bella muttered, but she couldn't help smiling.
"So tell me, Ella." Vera's voice softened, her eyes pleading.
Bella blushed furiously, burying her face in the pillow. "Well, the truth is... I don't even know what we are yet. We haven't defined our relationship. But..." She peeked up shyly. "There's definitely a spark."
Vera shifted closer, lifting her daughter's chin so their eyes met. "Ella, do you love him?"
Bella bit her lip. The question lingered. Do I? she asked herself. "Honestly, Mum... I don't know. I'm attracted to him. I like him as a person...he's smart, funny, caring, sometimes bossy... but he's always there for me. He's told me he loves me, more than once. And I think he means it. But I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know what love feels like. How do you even know?"
"You just know, my darling," Vera said warmly. "No questions asked. You'll feel it in your heart. And from the way I've seen him look at you, he adores you. I have no doubt about his feelings." She squeezed Bella's hand gently.
"Thanks, Mum," Bella whispered, hugging her.
"Now that you've got your memory back," Vera said, her voice shifting into mock sternness, "it's high time I scolded you for being so irresponsible at that gala."
"Mum, I'm not eighteen anymore, plus I was an adult," Bella laughed, hopping off the bed to dodge her.
Then, with a mischievous grin, she added, "And just so you know... we had sex."
Vera froze, her eyes wide. "Again?"
"Mum! You're embarrassing me." Bella blushed, covering her face.
Vera's expression softened, her voice tinged with concern. "I hope you know what you're doing, Ella."
"It just happened," Bella admitted, rubbing her neck awkwardly.
"I don't want you to regret anything. Promise me you'll think carefully before making decisions like that."
"I promise, Mum," Bella said, hugging her again. She turned off the bedside lamp and curled into bed.
"Goodnight, Mum."
"Goodnight, princess," Vera whispered back.