The Genetic Bride: Alpha's Obsession

CHAPTER 13: When The Spotlight Calls Again

BELLA'S POV

Upon finishing dressing Sebastian's wound, I freshened up quickly and changed into a smoky blue one-shoulder midi dress.

I had plans for today—and that was to visit my parents’ grave. It’s been a long time since I last went.

Originally, Selene was supposed to be my companion for today, as we also planned to go shopping afterward to select an advanced gift for Mom. She'll be turning fifty-five next week, and for sure, there will be a grand ball—as it also meant a reunion of allies from all the packs in Eldenhart, which has long been governed by the Whitlocks.

Sebastian offered to go with us, and naturally, we couldn’t say no once he said so. Even if I didn’t want him to, especially since his wound was still fresh.

I was fixing my look in the mirror and finalizing my light makeup when the thought of my horrible dream flashed back.

Goosebumps rose across my skin, uninvited. I didn’t know if I could shake off that dream so easily. The growing uneasiness inside me refused to fade, not even with the warmth of Sebastian’s arms earlier.

I exhaled a sharp breath.

It was just a dream. None of it was real.

Once I finished, I grabbed my clutch and headed out.

As I neared the winding staircase, faint voices floated up from the living room. It was Selene and Mom. Maybe they had a visitor this early.

When I entered the living area, three people looked up at once.

“Ah, there she is,” Ava smiled brightly.

“You look even more stunning than the last time I saw you, Isabella,” the other familiar woman said as she stood and greeted me with a warm smile.

Her tailored black suit hugged her tall frame with effortless authority. The salt-and-pepper hue of her short hair added a sophisticated touch to her aura.

I blinked in surprise. “...Naomi?”

She chuckled softly. “I’m glad you still remember me.”

A rush of old memories flashed back—the flashes of bright studio lights, endless fittings, and her steady voice guiding me through the chaos.

She’s Naomi Reid, my handler and devoted manager since the start of my modeling career.

“Of course, how could I forget?" I smiled, and we hugged.

“And I’ve been trying to get updates about you ever since everything went silent.” Her gaze softened as we pulled apart. “You had us all worried.”

I lowered my gaze for a moment, unsure how to answer that. My voice felt small when I finally said,

“I’m sorry I made you worry. Things happened too fast.”

“Indeed. Lady Ava already told me everything just a week ago,” her eyes flicked toward Mom.

“I didn’t expect to see you here. How are things going on your end?” I asked as we settled down on the sofa.

Naomi smiled again—this time, with something gentler behind it. “Everything is well. Actually, Sebastian asked me to come. He told me you might be ready to come back to the spotlight anytime soon.”

I paused for a few seconds.

Did he really do that? Sebastian?

Mom stepped in. “I spoke with him a few days ago. Well, we can’t keep you here forever. Sebastian agreed to let you go back to work once you’re ready.”

My heart swelled with gratitude for this family. Since I came here, they’ve shown me nothing but kindness and unconditional love.

And I couldn’t thank them enough for it.

I looked at her with grateful eyes, and she simply held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Way to go, Bella! I’m thrilled to see you back in the spotlight!" Selene joined in excitedly.

I paused again, chewing over some thoughts. “I’m not sure I’m ready for anything yet.”

I already told Sebastian about this.

There’s no doubt—I missed my old job. But I don’t know why there’s something inside me that still feels reluctant, especially when I’m still struggling with the missing pieces of my memory.

Naomi didn’t press. I knew she understood.

“I know this might still be overwhelming for you, as you’ve just recovered from the accident,” she began, her voice easing into something more motherly than professional. “You can take your time, Bella. No need to rush. The clients were hoping for your big comeback, and they completely understand your situation too. Your booked fashion shows are still lined up—even after two years. And there are new offers for brand ambassadorships in Europe. They stayed because you earned their trust.”

My lips parted. I wanted to speak—say something—but the words wouldn’t come.

I was just... overwhelmed. Even after my unannounced leave, they were still waiting for me. Patiently.

“I’m always here to help you get back there—when you’re ready,” she added warmly. “We’ll take it slow. No pressure.”

The truth was... I didn’t know what I wanted at this moment. My mind felt like a blank page with water-damaged edges.

But somewhere deep inside, something stirred.

A flicker of the girl I used to be.

The one who loved the spotlight—who worked hard, who had dreams. Before everything was taken away.

I looked back at Naomi and gave her the smallest nod and smile.

“Okay,” I said quietly. “I’ll let you know once I decide.”

Naomi smiled warmly, her eyes shimmering with pride. “That’s all I needed to hear, sweetheart.”

The conversation drifted into more casual tones—Selene eagerly chiming in with the latest fashion trends, Ava mentioning the upcoming social season in Eldenhart.

But my mind wasn’t fully there.

It still wandered—to the last runway I walked… the blinding lights, the sound of camera shutters, the adrenaline that came with stepping onto the stage.

I used to love that feeling. The control. The rush. The applause from the eager crowd.

Am I really ready?

I bit down gently on my lip and blinked away the inexplicable heaviness in my chest.

Naomi must’ve noticed, because her voice softened as she reminded me again, “You don’t have to answer anything now, Bella. The world can wait a little longer.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

Selene, perhaps sensing the shift in mood, reached out and linked her arm with mine playfully.

“But if you do decide, we’re going shopping later, remember? A little wardrobe revival might help bring that confidence back.”

I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath. “You just want an excuse to splurge.”

“Absolutely,” she said with a wink.

But as the laughter faded into the quiet between us, I couldn’t ignore the faint tug in my chest—that creeping sense that something was waiting for me on the other side of all this light.