CHAPTER 7: CHILD KIDNAPPER.Isabella blinked, bewildered by little Nicholas's hurried words."Sorry, sweetheart... What did you say?"Before Nicholas could say more, the men, with stern expressions and determined steps, were quickly approaching."No time, mommy, you have to save me. Those bad men want to take me!" exclaimed Nicholas.Isabella, initially confused, looked at the approaching men and then back at the boy. Something inside her, perhaps maternal instinct or the shocking recognition that her son was still alive, drove her to act without hesitation. With steely determination, she took the boy's hand and, with quick movements, hailed a passing taxi."Come, I'll take you to a safe place," she assured him.Sebastian's bodyguards, recognizing the situation, hurried in a desperate attempt to catch up, but it was too late. Isabella and Nicholas were already inside the vehicle, pulling away.As the taxi disappeared into traffic, one of the bodyguards, visibly agitated, stammered."T
CHAPTER 8: STRANGE FAMILIARITYIsabella almost ran towards her father's room. When she opened the door, she saw him lying in a bed, connected to a respirator. He was the man she had admired all her life."Is he my grandfather?" Nicholas asked, observing the sleeping man.Isabella whispered a "yes" as she slowly approached. Her eyes inevitably filled with tears. Her father had suffered a heart attack that had weakened him after receiving the news that he was bankrupt. The Collins family, owners of several construction companies, had lost everything after some bad investments. Isaac Collins couldn't take it. Isabella, with a melancholic expression, caressed her father's now gray hair."Dad..." she whispered.The man slowly opened his eyes and greeted her with his green gaze. He tried to remove the mask, but she stopped him."Don't do it, you need to get better, understand?" she said, trying to sound calm. "You need to get well so we can be together."Isabella said this just for the sake
CHAPTER 9: I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAINIsabella clenched her hands and gathered her courage; she wasn't going to deny that he was intimidating."Yes!" she said firmly.Sebastián looked her up and down with disdain."You? A woman who goes to bed with a man she barely knows? Who told you that you're qualified to tell me how to raise my son?"His words hurt her; he was calling her a prostitute, and she wasn't one."You don't know what exactly happened, I'm not what you think. Besides, I didn't kidnap your son. I...""No? Then why is my son with you? Tell me, what are you trying to do by getting close to my son?"Sebastián moved closer and closer until Isabella's back hit the wall. It was inevitable that his eyes roamed over her, and to him, she was beautiful. Even though she seemed like a common woman who probably sold her body, she was still beautiful. He looked at her full and provocative lips, her green eyes, her dark lashes, her white and soft skin. And a faint memory of the previo
CHAPTER 10: MANIPULATED VIDEO"I expected some competition, but I see I was wrong... I don't waste time with people who can't even arrive on time for an appointment.""I apologize, Mr. Ashford, my daughter...""Save the drama. Apologies here are worth less than nothing. The world doesn't pause for losers who beg for another chance. Better find something more at your level, something less... ambitious.""Please, Mr. Ashford, I really need this job. I'll do anything...""'I'll do anything' isn't a quality, it's desperation. Try not to waste my time any further. Understand?"Sebastián slammed the phone down on the desk."Damn it!" he roared, his voice full of frustration. "That video is manipulated."Inesa, who was with him, stood up and approached."I know, you're not capable of doing something so vile. What I don't understand is why upload this video to the internet?" She took the phone and looked at the comments, shaking her head, worried. "They're not good, Sebastián. Everyone is cal
CHAPTER 11: I WANT HER TO BE MY MOMMY!Sebastián slowly opened the door and found his son with his back turned, peacefully asleep. He entered the room carefully, avoiding any noise that might wake him. As he watched Nicholas sleep, a wave of emotions washed over him. He felt guilty for being so hard on him, knowing that Nicholas longed for a mother figure in his life. However, the fear of both of them getting hurt if he allowed someone else into their lives paralyzed him.He gently sat down next to the bed and reached out to stroke his hair."I love you, son. You're the most important thing in my life," he whispered.He leaned in to kiss his forehead, and at that moment, Nicholas opened his eyes, surprising Sebastián."Dad?" the boy murmured, his eyes still clouded with sleep."Hey, champ," Sebastián responded. "Sorry for waking you.""Are you mad at me?" Nicholas's question was innocent and filled with worry."No, son, no... I wouldn't stay mad at you for too long."Sebastián forced
CHAPTER 12: JOB INTERVIEW"Are you sure I should wear this?" Isabella asked, looking at herself in the mirror with doubt."Of course! You're going to one of the most important companies in the country; you need to look perfect," said her friend enthusiastically, trying to cheer her up."I'm looking for a job, not a new husband," Isabella replied, her tone slightly annoyed.Lucy rolled her eyes and adjusted Isabella's hair into a ponytail, laughing lightly as she responded, "You never know, maybe it'll be your lucky day and you'll find a hottie who'll make you truly happy.""Yeah, right," Isabella grumbled. "I'm not interested in that right now. All I need is money, money to get my revenge." Isabella's voice hardened.The two looked at each other for a moment. Lucy felt pity for her friend, who had lost so much in such a short time."I really can't believe Marcus did something so dirty and cruel as selling your child," she said with a mix of disbelief and sadness.Isabella, with clench
CAPÍTULO 13: A KISS FULL OF DOMINANCE AND DESIREIsabella froze. Sebastián offered her a smile full of irony."I took the liberty of investigating you after you took my son, and..." he paused, seeing the panic and shame in Isabella's eyes. "Anyway, I know you're married, for six years now. Why are you lying?" he asked with a mix of accusation and curiosity.Mateo, completely surprised, interrupted."You took Nicholas? Why?""I'm not going to touch on that topic now, just be content knowing she did," Sebastián responded coldly.Mateo shook his head, visibly disappointed. "It's a shame, you're quite beautiful, but you have bad habits," he commented, looking at Isabella.Isabella shook her head and swallowed before speaking."First of all, I didn't take your son. I tried to explain it to you yesterday and, secondly, I'm no longer married. I just got divorced. I have nothing to do with that man you say is my husband." Her last words came out hard and cold. "I'm here because I need the job
CHAPTER 14: COMPLICATED SITUATIONIsabella struggled at first, but soon surrendered to Sebastián's kiss, responding and wrapping her arms around his neck, letting herself go. The two got lost in their own emotions, as if their bodies longed to be close to each other.Sebastián was in heaven, wanting more of the woman in his arms, but the situation abruptly changed when someone opened the door and cleared their throat. They quickly separated, and Isabella was filled with embarrassment upon seeing Mateo behind them with a serious look."Sorry for the interruption, but the other candidates are waiting. I got worried when you didn't come out; I should have known you'd be using your tactics, Sebastián.""No... it's not like that, what happened is that..." Isabella tried to explain, but Sebastián raised his hand and silenced her."Since when do you care how long the others wait? I don't remember you in the past..." His phone rang, interrupting his words. He frowned when he saw the call was
CHAPTER 98: LOANSebastián adjusted his shirt cuffs as he entered the luxurious restaurant. Unfortunately, Inesa's father had insisted on having dinner the same night he was supposed to dine with Isabella. But he wasn't willing to stay too long; he would listen to what Rodrik had to say, discuss the loan, and leave."Sebastián, good to see you," Rodrik stood up and extended his hand.Sebastián took it and shook it."Likewise, Rodrik. Since you moved to England, you've forgotten about the United States."The man let out a laugh and sat down."Business in London is going well, and I like to keep an eye on my investments. However, Inesa keeps me updated on what's happening here."Sebastián smiled slightly."Yes, I imagine. Well, since we're here, let's get to the point, Rodrik. I have another engagement tonight, and...""Another engagement? More important than your father's company?"Sebastián gritted his teeth and nodded."I'd dare say it's much more important, so... if you don't mind..
CHAPTER 97: PUBLIC PROPOSAL.Sebastián slammed the table in frustration."I don't understand how this could have happened, Inesa. The Japanese were convinced; it was almost a done deal."Inesa, with a calculatedly neutral expression, replied."Well, nothing is guaranteed. They suddenly called and said there was a better offer. Although I tried to persuade them, they wouldn't budge. Now the problem is ours. We had invested a lot and didn't sign anything."Sebastián's concern was palpable."How are we going to recover the losses?"Inesa, maintaining a facade of seriousness, hid her internal satisfaction. She had manipulated the situation from the start, ensuring the Japanese withdrew from the deal."We need to find money, and a lot of it," continued Sebastián, his voice laden with desperation. "Payments have to be made by the end of the month, along with the company's payroll and..."Inesa moved closer, feigning empathy she didn't feel."Sebastián, you know you're not alone. Anyway, I'v
CHAPTER 96: INTERRUPTED RESPONSE.That night, Isabella invited Sebastián to dinner after spending the day at home. Sebastián played with Nicholas, fed Sienna, and proved to be a good father. Isabella was surprised by Sebastián's parenting skills and couldn't help but smile as she imagined Nicholas's happy childhood."And how's school going, champ? Have you made any new friends?" Sebastián asked while they were having dinner.Nicholas speared a tomato and put it in his mouth."There's a girl I like, Dad. I'm going to marry her when I'm older."Everyone at the table was stunned."You... you like her?" Isabella couldn't believe his words."Yes, she's pretty and sweet. I've decided she'll be my wife," he then looked at Sebastián and said with total seriousness, "Dad, I want you to talk to her father."Sebastián wiped his mouth with the napkin and adopted a serious expression with his son."Nicholas, I understand you like her, but love has to be reciprocal. If she falls in love with someon
CHAPTER 95: UNION OF SOULS.In her office, Inesa slammed the door shut, wishing she could unleash all her rage on something or someone. Suddenly, in a fit of fury, she swept everything off her desk. Sebastián's humiliating words kept repeating inside her."You cursed, a thousand times cursed!" she shouted.To her, Isabella was to blame for everything. If she hadn't appeared in Sebastián's life, she would have succeeded. At this moment, she would be his wife and have the man she had wanted since she met him. But Isabella had shown up to ruin everything, and not content with that, she wouldn't stop bothering him.She walked to the liquor cabinet and poured herself a glass of whiskey. There was a dark and cruel glint in her eyes."Since you insist on being my main obstacle, you leave me no choice, Isabella."She took a sip, and the liquid burned her throat."Because I always get what I want, and what I want right now is for you to disappear."Her phone vibrated on the floor. She bent dow
CHAPTER 94: "THERE'S ONLY ONE WOMAN I LOVE."Isabella read the message and didn't respond. She looked at the roses again, and the words "throw them away" were stuck in her throat. However, the anger still boiled inside her."Do you think roses are going to fix everything? After all that happened, do you think some flowers can erase it?"She grabbed her purse and car keys, stormed out, and didn't even bother to answer her secretary. When she arrived at the Ashford Enterprises building, everyone stared at her in astonishment and murmured among themselves. Louis, who was coming out of the stationery area, hurried to her."Ma'am... I mean, Miss... You?""Where's your boss?""The boss? He's... he's in the office, but he's in a meeting. If you want, I can...""No need, it will be brief."Isabella turned and went to the office, opened the door decisively, and found Sebastian meeting with another man. Both turned their faces when the door opened; however, Isabella's unfriendly face told them
CHAPTER 93: "HAS HE KISSED MOM?"In the car, Nicholas was looking at the cityscape. He felt a sense of excitement inside him; today his dad would take him to school, and later his mom would pick him up. It was like being together again. Suddenly, the same question he asked his mom came back to his mind, and this time he asked Sebastian."Dad...""Yes, son," Sebastian said, glancing at him quickly."You and Mom... are you going to get back together?"Sebastian smiled and sighed."That's what Dad is trying to achieve. It's just that Mom..." he laughed again, "she's a bit stubborn."Nicholas nodded."Yeah, Mom is stubborn. I don't know why she doesn't let you come back home if she's just going to cry alone in her room later."Sebastian's eyebrows furrowed, and his demeanor turned serious."Have you seen her?"Nicholas nodded."Yes. But then she'll say it's nothing. But I know she does it because of you."Sebastian gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He felt like crap
CHAPTER 92: "DAD, WILL YOU TAKE ME TO SCHOOL?"Sebastian's lips seized Isabella's with dominance, his eager hands slowly traversing her back as she surrendered to the sensation of his warm fingers gliding over her skin. Her hands closed in on the hair at the nape of his neck, and an involuntary moan escaped her lips, only serving to heighten the desire in both of them.In a burst of passion, Sebastian lifted her by the buttocks and placed her on top of the table, positioning himself between her now-exposed thighs. He pressed his erection against her center, and another moan escaped Isabella's lips. It was wrong, she knew it, but she wasn't strong enough to fight the desires Sebastian awakened in her.He pulled away from her lips and began leaving a trail of kisses down her neck. His warm, wet tongue licked every part of her collarbone, and Isabella closed her eyes, tilting her head back, wishing he would go as far as he wanted. There would be time to regret it later, but at that momen
CHAPTER 91: FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU AGAIN.Sebastián whispered softly, "Don't go..." as he reached out his hand to caress Isabella's surprised face. She was in shock, her heart racing and her breathing heavy. She never imagined he would wake up.Although she was tempted to say yes, the words that came out of her lips were:"No... no, I..." She stepped back and tried to sound firm. "I just came down for some water, saw the blanket on the floor and..." She frowned and shook her head. "You know what? I don't have to explain myself to you, and between you and me..."Isabella was left speechless when Sebastián stood up, revealing his defined, muscular torso, and his lack of pants. She pointed at him, surprised and angry."You...! Why are you in your underwear? What do you think you're doing?"Sebastián ignored her complaint and walked towards her. Isabella took several steps back until her back hit the dining table."What... what... what are you going to do?" she asked, nervous and anxiou
CHAPTER 90: DON'T GOSebastián looked at Isabella, waiting for her response. And she, feeling her son's desperation and the weight of the situation, nodded slowly."Alright. Your father can stay tonight," she said, trying to keep her voice calm.Nicholas beamed and hugged Sebastián tightly. But just at that moment, Elijah intervened."Isabella, I just remembered that there are some urgent legal matters we need to discuss. And we can't leave it for tomorrow," he said, looking at Isabella seriously.Isabella frowned, clearly surprised by the urgency of the matter."Tonight?" she asked, trying to understand the situation. "Can't it wait until tomorrow morning?""I'm sorry, Isabella, but it's crucial that we review it now," Elijah insisted.Sebastián gave him a hateful look and pressed his lips together in frustration, feeling a mix of fury and desperation as he realized that Elijah was determined to take over his family. Nicholas, oblivious to the tension between the adults, continued hu