The Light of Love (Children of Genius)
Chapter 7. Unexpected

A month after Reo begins to undergo the healing process, their lives suddenly become more complicated when Roberto's lover suddenly appears. The presence of the woman, named Isabella, brings unexpected conflict in an already fragile situation.

Isabella appeared with a face full of dissatisfaction and a sharp look when she saw Ella and Reo.

"So, this is it, the new family you're trying to build, Roberto?" ask the woman in a high tone.

Ella and Reo looked at each other, surprised by this suddenly tense situation. Roberto tried to explain, "Isabella, I know this can be confusing, but ..."

Isabella cuts him hard, "confusing? You think I'm gonna ignore it?" isabella asked with a hunting breath.

"I felt like I was thrown away, after they came not knowing which way!" he continued later, not giving them time to explain.

Ella tried to explain slowly, after Isabella was done with how many questions she had.

"The two of us are just trying to provide the best support for Reo. It's not about replacing anyone" Ella said, trying to calm down.

Isabella laughed cynically, hearing the explanation of the woman she thought was trivial because it was not worth her.

"Of course, of course. But what will happen after Reo recovers? Is Roberto going to be a "part" of this family too?" the question seems to be insinuating.

Roberto tried to calm the situation down, "Isabella, let's talk about this more calmly."

However, the atmosphere heats up even more as Isabella expresses her hurt feelings and feels abandoned by Roberto.

"I think we have a future together, Roberto. But it turns out, you care more about this little boy than about me."

Ella tried to keep her cool, knowing that the situation was getting more difficult. He never knew of Roberto's relationship with the woman who came without him.

"We don't want to hurt anyone. We just want to give the best for Reo" Ella said, in a soft tone.

Isabella stared intently at Reo, creating an even more tense atmosphere.

"So, are you really going to replace me in your life?" he asked again, with a suppressed voice but full of intimidation.

Roberto feels sandwiched between two important women in his life, and tries to explain wisely. He himself seemed to forget about the existence of Isabella, when faced with the situation Reo several months ago.

And Ella had forgotten all by herself, had never considered such a situation because she had never asked Roberto, had a family or not.

Ella was only focused on Reo's recovery, so forget about anything that should have happened during these 5 years.

"Isabella, I understand how you feel. But, I also have a responsibility towards Reo. I wanted to be a good father to him" said Roberto, who roused Ella from her daydreams.

Isabella shook her head in disappointment, for these words of Roberto had never been desired.

"I don't know, Roberto. I need time to think things through, because you promised to spend the rest of your life with me."

Isabella's words remind the man of his memories with Isabella. His girlfriend who has been taking care of him for the past few years, after he got into a lot of trouble with the law.

This conflict left them in greater uncertainty. As they seek to build a bridge between the past and the future, they realize that the decisions they take will have a profound impact on everyone involved.

***

In the weeks that followed, Isabella's dissatisfaction became clearer and more tapered. He often ignored or even avoided Roberto, creating an uneasy atmosphere between them.

Reo, sensitive to the feelings of others, begins to sense Roberto's mood swings. The man who "said" was his father.

"You know, I don't like you!"

Reo looked at Isabella with eyes full of confusion and sadness. He did not understand why someone could suddenly feel dislike for him. The mixed feelings in him made him not know what to do.

But Isabella just left, not waiting for Reo to say something.

"I'm ..."

"You, it's not important to me!"

When Ella came back, she saw an anxious look on Reo's face and tried to ask, because she didn't know what was going on at the time when she wasn't there by her son's side.

"What's up, honey?"

"Same__"

Before Reo gave an answer to her mother's question, Isabella suddenly appeared at the door.

Isabella replied in a mocking tone, "Oh, there's nothing. I was just talking to this little brother."

Ella felt the atmosphere tense and tried to maintain calm, but she also did not want Isabella to say no to Reo.

"I don't know what you're talking about with my son, but .. I hope you understand."

Isabella just laughed cynically. "Hehehe ... You're right, a very important role. Especially the role of the savior angel who came and took Roberto's attention away from me."

Ella, feeling her heart getting hurt, yet she fully understood this complicated situation. Ella tries to confront Isabella by trying to stay calm.

"Isabella, we don't want to hurt anyone. We want to create a positive environment for Reo, for the sake of his health. I-I'm sorry if your relationship with Roberto is a little strained."

Isabella ignored Ella's comments and apologies. He left the room saying defiantly.

"We'll see, until when you can protect this little angel."

The situation grew tense and complex, leaving Ella feeling even more depressed and worried about what could happen next. He knew that it was necessary to find ways to handle this conflict wisely, especially to protect the feelings of Reo who was still vulnerable.

Reo, just looking with a confused face at his sad looking mother. He did not fully know what exactly was happening to the situation of the adults.

In her place now, after digging deeper into Ella's background, Isabella finally learns the reality that led to a drastic change in Roberto and Ella's relationship.

"Oh, so it's like that."

Isabella nodded her head a few times, trying to understand their circumstances which of course she could not accept.

"I know how jerk Roberto was in the past. But I will never let them take it from my side!"

The news that Reo is the result of their relationship ever going further, makes Isabella even more angry and feel betrayed.

Inwardly, Isabella had already made a plan to separate them all.

"We'll see who gets Roberto!"