Mariko's POV
I was relieved when Amber had left. I didn't want to see her anytime soon. I hope that she can stay away for a while or that I don't have to run into her again. I bathed Bella. Maddie was still studying. I checked up on her and she was buried in her studies. I smiled before going back to Bella's bedroom.
As I entered the bedroom, the soft glow of her lamp revealed Bella, already nestled under her cozy blanket, her favorite stuffed bunny, Mr. Flopsy, clutched tightly in her tiny arms. Her big, innocent blue eyes sparkled with anticipation as I approached her bedside, a smile on my lips.
"Daddy, tell me a story," Bella whispered, her voice barely audible in the hushed room.
"Of course," I replied, I made myself comfortable beside her on the bed, I let her lay in my arms, an
