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CHAPTER-68 The Beginning of Us

ESTELLA'S POV

I was helping Charlotte pack her bags. She was moving out today, and her things were all over the room. Finally, we finished packing. I hugged her tightly and said, "Lottie, I am so happy for you!"

But Charlotte didn't look happy. She whispered, "Ella-Bella, I am happy because I'm going to live with Ian. But I will miss our girl moments."

I smiled and squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, Lottie! I'll visit every week, and whenever I do, we'll plan a girls' outing. If Ian dares to interfere, I'll kidnap you from him—because I had the first claim on you long before he did!"

Charlotte laughed softly. "You promise?"

"Promise," I whispered back, and we shared a warm hug.

"Now, come on," she said. "Get ready. I'll take care of the rest."

"Now go get ready! I'll make breakfast," I said, leaving her room to prepare her favorite pancakes.

As I flipped the pancakes, my mind wandered. Ian would be here soon to pick her up. It felt bittersweet.

A week ago, Ian had asked Charlotte to move in with him. At first, she was worried about leaving me, especially after everything I had been through recently. But I reassured her that she should enjoy her life. I also decided it was time for me to move back to my dad's house.

It had been three months since the kidnapping incident, but the memories were still vivid. Those days were hard. Initially, I faced terrible trauma, nightmares, and anxiety. I was admitted to the hospital for a week because of weakness and stress. My family and friends were my pillars of support.

The revelations about Dr. Vincent, Dr. Robert, and their horrifying human body trafficking ring shocked everyone. When I regained some strength, I gave my testimony in court against Vincent, Robert, and their accomplice, Paul. Evidence proved their crimes, and while Dr. Vincent died falling from a cliff during the investigation, Robert and Paul received life imprisonment. The hospital where I worked underwent massive changes, with all its management taken over by the medical council.

Because of the trauma, I decided to take a break from my job as a doctor. I wasn't ready to go back to work yet because I had anxiety and nervous breakdowns. But I am taking treatment now, and I hope to return to my duties soon.

While I was lost in these thoughts, the doorbell rang. I quickly wiped my hands and opened the door.

"Alaric!" I greeted him with a warm hug. Ian was right behind him and hugged me too."Welcome, you two!" I said, leading them to the living room where Charlotte was waiting.

When Ian saw her, he smiled, and she welcomed him with a kiss. She gave Alaric a big hug too.

We sat down and started enjoying the breakfast I had prepared. We laughed and talked about random things, teasing Ian and Charlotte about their new living arrangement. It felt so good to be surrounded by my loved ones.

While we ate, Ian shared a surprise. "Next week, I'm organizing a party at my farmhouse to celebrate me and Charlotte moving in together!" he said.

We all cheered and got excited about the party. It sounded like it was going to be so much fun!

After breakfast, we helped Charlotte and Ian load her bags into Ian's car. I hugged her tightly one last time and said goodbye.

"Take care, Ella-Bella," she said with a soft smile.

"You too, Lottie," I replied.

Alaric stayed back with me since he wanted to drop me off at my dad's house. Ever since the kidnapping, Alaric has been extra careful about me. It feels like I have my old best friend back—the one who was always there for me.