The CEO'S safe Haven

CHAPTER 7

Isa pov

it's been six weeks since I became.Anastesia's babysitter, I was happy and fulfilled

I enjoyed my job and I was being paid daily, so I was able to save and clear most of my debts one by one

If I continued like this by the end of the quarter I would have gotten a new house and paid all my fees to resume my online school or even start a business

My life was taking such a good turn , I was happy
Even though I didn't see Leo as often and he didn't make it uncomfortable by bringing up the past or trying to rekindle anything between us

Something I was greatful for
I became more happy especially when I get to spend time with Anny

As I reached for the door handle, ready to start my day, I heard a faint knock. My heart skipped a beat as I hesitated, wondering who it could be. I hadn't expected anyone, especially not at this hour. I took a deep breath, turned the handle, and opened the door.

That's when I saw him. My father. Standing on my porch, looking older and wearier than I remembered. Eight years had passed since we last saw each other, eight years since our bitter argument that tore us apart.

His eyes, once full of warmth and love, now pleaded with me.
"Hey buttercup" he tried buttering me up but I wasn't having any of it
"Don't call me that" I clapped right back angrily

'Isabella, please...' he started, his voice cracking.

My mind raced as I tried to process this unexpected reunion. I hadn't forgiven him, hadn't forgotten the pain he caused. But here he was, standing in front of me, begging for my forgiveness.

'What do you want, Father?' I asked, trying to sound detached, but my voice betrayed me.

He took a step forward, his eyes welling up with tears. 'I want to make amends, Bella. I want you to come home.'

Home. The word stung. I hadn't had a home since he left eight years ago, since he broke our family apart, by dishonoring the self acclaimed home with that woman's presence.

'Why now?' I asked, my guard still up.

He sighed, his shoulders sagging. 'I realize I made mistakes, Bella. I was blind to my own flaws, and I hurt you and your mother. But I've changed. I want to be a part of your life again
'i tried finding you but I couldn't, I hired the best private dectatoves FBI,LAPD,DCS, but none of them could find my little girl.' He was tearing up
"The thought of not having to see you again, hurt me so deep, until Leonardo met me at the Debs trojan ball and told me you two reconnected, he was supposed to tell you about me and arrange a meeting, but I couldn't wait to see my little girl again"

I searched his eyes, looking for sincerity, looking for the father I once knew. And for a moment, I saw him. The man who used to read me stories, who used to make me feel safe.

But the wounds ran too deep. I couldn't just forget.

'I need time, Father,' I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, understanding in his eyes. 'I'll wait, Bella. I'll wait for as long as it takes.'"

"He nodded, understanding in his eyes. 'I'll wait, Bella. I'll wait for as long as it takes.'

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at him, this broken man who was once my rock. I wanted to hate him, to shut the door and never look back. But a part of me, a small part, still loved him.

'You can't just show up here and expect everything to be okay,' I said, my voice firm but shaking slightly.

He took another step forward, his eyes locked on mine. 'I know, Bella. I don't expect forgiveness overnight. But I want to try. I want to prove to you that I've changed.'