My head throbbed when I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the curtain moving in the wind. Then, there was nothing. This was Sebastian's room. I was in his room in his house.I felt the two arms wrapped firmly around my waist and realized someone was behind me. Wrapping me so tightly in his arms. I moved, trying to break Sebastian's hold. Instead, he pressed himself closer to me.Now, I'm starting to try to put together the broken pieces of sense in my completely messed-up head. I remember this afternoon I was with Kate, walking around Cambrdige to look for a suitable place for my cafe branch, and then Kate offered me to use Beau's shop. Then, we both went to Ivory, Kennan's bar, and...Oh my god.Killian.Killian was tied to a chair and tortured by Sebastian and his men. That image haunts me now, realizing that Sebastian would be more than capable of hurting me as well. Hurt other people that I care about.The jolt inside me made me falter. Sebastian had knocked me out with hi
Sebastian's face instantly changed from cold fire and burning anger to more gentle and caring. He let go of me instantly, and I saw a flash of regret in his eyes. We were both transfixed for a moment, surprised by Ace's sudden appearance. The silence between us was so tense it was as if the whole world stopped moving in that instant.I turned to face Ace and immediately knelt down to level with him. "Ace, baby, why are you awake?" I asked in as gentle a voice as possible, even though my heart was still pounding from what had just happened.Ace gripped his stuffed train tightly and walked over with small, unsteady steps. "I heard you talking. Why are you yelling?" he asked, his big, clear eyes looking at me in confusion.Sebastian also moved closer to us, his face looking calmer but still showing concern. "I'm sorry, Ace. We didn't mean to scare you," he said as he knelt down next to me. His hand gently touched Ace's shoulder. "We were just... discussing."I shot Sebastian a sharp look
I sat up after Sebastian rolled from on top of me to my side. I pulled the blanket over my breast and looked up at his smiling face."Why do you look so happy right now?"Sebastian chuckled. His big smile was something I rarely saw. It would appear when he was playing with Ace or when he was happy and I was obeying his words. And now... yeah, he must be satisfied that he managed to trick me again and lock me up here.He'll also probably smile when he's done taking out the people who got in his way. That's for sure. He's a cold-blooded killer."I've given you my body, now give me my phone.""You don't need a phone, we'll spend our time here without being bothered by phones." He replied casually.I wrinkled my nose. "The thing is, I don't want to spend more time with you, Sebastian." I got off the bed, picking up the dress pyjamas he had thrown on the floor earlier. "I have a lot of things to take care of. I have a meeting because I'm going to open a branch of my cafe somewhere, and I c
Sebastian : Flashback.I stood in front of the large mirror that adorned the wall of this hotel room. The soft rays of light from the bed lamp cast subtle shadows along the wall. I looked at myself, a familiar face, but with eyes that sparkled with anxiety and guilt.What have I done?I could hear the soft sound of Reina's hair as she approached from behind. "Sebastian..." Her voice was like a whisper from a long lost past, yet so close and real now.I turned around, looking at her. Reina stood there with shining eyes, full of a passion I couldn't ignore. She was so different from Isabella - wilder, freer, unbridled and not innocent. There was something in her that attracted me, despite my best efforts to restrain myself. Her thin nightwear barely covered her skin, and the glow of the hotel lights cast soft shadows on her curves."Why are we here?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. Even though I knew the answer, even though every fiber in my being had understood it long b
Flashback : SebastianMy life is built on well-drawn lines and impeccably connected patterns. I'm a man of reason, strategy, and, most importantly, control. This is often accompanied by a seductive sense of manic fixation. Some might say I'm just... a sociopath. A perfect representation of plot holes and uncertain outcomes. A little too black to be grey. Too grey to be black.I'm not an enigma to most people, which I like. My father taught me that people fear you when they can't understand you. They respect you, love the slightest bit of your attention, and cringe at your authority. That is why I have made it my mission to remain as clear as possible in the public eye. The eldest heir of the Sanchez family. The rest will remain a mystery. Some call me a beautiful mystery.A mystery is as seductive as sin. But still a mystery.They saw my exterior and my personality in public, but no one knew what I was up to until it was too late. However, those details didn't distract them, and they
I walked into my parents' quiet house, Mom said that she and Dad had to leave for a while to a party for Dad's business relatives, while Ace was still with Sebastian and Vito. I didn't know what they were doing until late afternoon. I just hoped that nothing bad had happened between them because Vito had never liked Sebastian, and Sebastian too.I walked into my room, frowning at my empty clothes room even though I remembered that I had put all my clothes in here after returning from the hospital. Was it Sebastian who brought all my clothes to his house when I passed out at his club two days ago? Yeah, of course he did. If not him, who else would have the courage?I checked Ace's room, and yeah, his clothes that were in the dressing room weren't there either. I suppressed my annoyance that had risen to the top of my head and sighed heavily. I won't worry about my clothes and Ace's clothes, I'll buy them later since I still haven't changed my mind about me staying at my parents' house
Honestly, I didn't want to know about whatever happened between Reina and Sebastian because I was sick of being around them five years ago. And now, their past is following me back after I've been trying to build myself up.Sebastian screwed it up.Reina added her seasoning to the invisible wound inside me that had already healed. It was now gaping wide open.Not wanting to hear any more, I returned to my seat on the back porch with trembling fingers.Reina is pregnant... with his child? Is that why she's bothering me and asking me to leave Sebastian? I would if I could, but...I close my eyes. Damn, I should be able to leave Sebastian voluntarily. Surely, I would have left seconds after I met him again two months ago. Reina doesn't need to worry about it. But now I understand about her situation. Sebastian's baby in her belly... she must be very stressed about wanting attention, but her fiancé is spending time elsewhere with his ex-wife and their son.I close my eyes. Guilt washed ov
The stinging came along with the flowing blood. I spent some time staring at myself, not knowing what to do. My head was filled with curses for myself. I wondered at myself for having such a bad temper. It often led me to do reckless things.I bit my lip, and let Sebastian pull me onto the couch, I let him pull the shards of glass from my hands and put them in a small bowl, I let him clean the blood from my hands. The alcohol he poured on my wounded skin made me wince. Stinging came, but the pain didn't seem to strike me so deeply. Maybe I had a problem with my mentality because I didn't feel anything at all. A part of me seemed empty, and hollow.He wrapped my hand with a bandage while muttering, "We should go to the doctor." He held the back of my hand gently and carefully. Gazing at me with his gentle worried gaze.I withdrew my hand from his gently. "Can you go back to your home? I want to spend some time alone."Sebastian sighed softly. "I can't leave you like this. Your emotions
Five years later.The sound of joyful laughter fills our warm living room. I rubbed my forehead, holding back a smile as I watched our twins, Athena and Azriel, run around yelling at each other. Both were still wearing the superhero costumes they got from Janet's birthday party, complete with fluttering red capes as they ran around the living room."Nana! Azzy! That's enough!" I called out, trying to be a bit chatty even though it was hard to hold back my laughter at their behaviour. "Stop chasing each other around the house. If you want to play superhero, do it in the garden!"Athena paused for a moment, looking at me with wide eyes full of innocence. But instead of obeying, the girl shook her head quickly, grinning as she turned to chase after her twin, who ran away. "I don't want to go outside! It's fun here!" she said, her cheerful laughter filling the room."Yes, but I will lose my sanity if you two keep shouting like this!" I tried to put on a angry face, but Azriel just jumped
Sleepiness strikes hard because I haven't slept in two days. It’s crawls over my eyes, making them feel heavy, yet every time I close my eyes, flashes of horror always appear, stopping me from falling into a comfortable sleep. The clock on the wall ticked softly, breaking the silence of the night that felt too quiet. But suddenly, a rumbling sound came from outside. The sound of slamming doors and hurried footsteps. It gets closer, echoing up to my bedroom door, then...The door opened with a bang, and Killian walked in with a tense face. Without a word, he grabs my hand, gripping it roughly. "We're leaving now," he said coldly, his voice low but filled with a frightening haste."What happened?" I demanded, resisting his grip even though there was barely any strength in the resistance. "Don't ask too many questions," he said coldly as he dragged me out of the room, his steps quick, almost running.We walked down the creaking stairs through the narrow, dimly lit hallways. I tried to
Isabella POV.I couldn't sleep. I couldn't close my eyes completely. I stared at the scenery behind the glass. I was expecting something. To someone to come and get me. Sebastian. I wish Sebastian were here.I hug my belly tightly, holding my babies. My chest feels tight, my heart beating wildly in the silence of the night that feels so foreign. Outside, the waves were constantly crashing against the cliff, making a sound that somehow made my body tense up even more. Beyond the windowpane, I could only see the dark, endless sea with no sign of life. Only my own shadow was faintly reflected, looking so fragile in the middle of this cold room.I rubbed my stomach lightly, trying to give warmth to my two unborn babies, hoping they could feel my false calm. "Everything will be okay," I whispered almost silently, more to calm myself than for them. But, I knew I needed to reassure them and tell them their mother would fight.My heart refused to calm down, pounding like it was rebelling
The broken glass on the floor scattered like the shattered remnants of my hope with each passing minute without Isabella by my side. I stared at Marc and Diaz with a sharp look to make them tremble. My chest was beating hard, each beat full of anger and fear that couldn't be suppressed."Useless," I hissed, my voice hoarse and low. They both looked down, not daring to raise their heads.Marc tried to speak, his voice sounding weak, like a child caught in the act. "We've checked the small ports, contacted everyone who might know their whereabouts—""But it came up empty, didn't it?" I cut in, hitting the table so hard that Marc jerked back. "My wife is missing somewhere, and you guys can only stand here like fools!"I looked at Diaz, who gulped, his eyes troubled as he looked at me. But I didn't give him a chance. Every second without news of Isabella made my blood boil. To think that she might be trapped in the hands of a bastard like Killian... my mind was filled with images of a t
My head throbbed violently as the harsh sunlight pierced my eyelids. Heavily, I sat up, trying to understand where I was. Rough wooden walls and small windows with dull curtains emitted light all around me, making this room feel even more alien and rough. My heartbeat quickened, panic creeping up from my toes to my head. This was not a room on our private island, not a place I recognized. The walls were weathered, and the overpowering scent of sea salt pierced my nose, mixed with the damp, unfamiliar smell of wood.The memories swirl, fragment by fragment, starting to return, like pieces of a nightmare creeping in slowly.The silent night on the island, Killian's sudden grip, the thin, cold smile on his face, then the hallways of the house echoing with unfamiliar steps. My memory stops at the moment he pulls me towards the boat, waiting at the dock, as I struggle, trying to escape. But all my efforts were in vain. Killian's grip was like an iron shackle I couldn't break.I stood uns
"I'll be back tomorrow morning before you wake up." Sebastian's voice sounded lazy from our connected call. "I have so many things to take care of. I promise we'll have a good time once I'm done with all this. But I feel bad leaving you alone there."I chuckled softly. "Yeah, that's okay. There's Janet here. I don't feel alone."He chuckled on the other end of the line, his low laugh almost drowned out by the slightly crackling signal. "Yeah, my cousin with her... unique personality," he continued, his voice trying to sound serious but instead sounding full of warmth. "She'll probably set your whole life in pink if you let her. Just make sure she doesn't end up redecorating our house or... suggesting weird names for our baby."I smiled, imagining Janet, who could vigorously transform the house into a sea of pink, complete with flashy accessories. It was like relentless energy ready to fill every corner of the room, chasing away any loneliness I might feel while Sebastian was away. "T
"It looks like your Abuelo has other ambitions."Apparently, he seemed to welcome me not because I was his grandson's wife but because we had a son, and two more twins were about to come out to greet the world. It was like he welcomed a treasure and an asset rather than a great-grandchild. It made me wonder how Sebastian's father had grown up under pressure from his father and how Sebastian had grown up under pressure from his grandfather.I nestled comfortably on his chest. He sat on a lounge chair, his hands cradling my growing belly. In front of us is a beach and a vast ocean.It was a beautiful sight. Sebastian tightens his arms around me, his warmth contrasting with the sea breeze gently brushing against my skin. In front of the calm blue sea, I can feel everything, as well as the freedom that has been almost foreign since meeting his grandfather.Sebastian bowed his head, his lips touching my head gently. "I want our kids to have a choice," he whispers, his voice almost drowne
Silence hung in the air as Sebastian's grandfather folded his arms, his eyes never leaving my face. With a small gesture, he nodded as if encouraging himself to continue the conversation that, perhaps, he had planned for so long."And... what about your son? Ace? Your father told me that he is a cheerful and smart boy." His voice was low, but his tone was unmistakable. Demanding an answer, he turned to Sebastian and to me.I let out a small sigh, trying to keep my smile genuine as I replied, "Ace is a wonderful boy. Smart, full of energy, and very curious." Talking about my son in front of someone who looked so critical felt strange, but I didn't want to show any doubt.Sebastian, who had been standing quietly beside me, shifted slightly. His arm slowly wrapped around my waist, signaling he wouldn't let me face this alone."Oh, really?" he looked at us, alternating between me and Sebastian. A faint light in his eyes showed interest, albeit with skepticism. "He must meet me one day. I
The phone in my hand vibrated softly, displaying a name that instantly warmed my chest. Ace's face appeared on the screen with one touch, and his wide smile greeted me. His hair was a little messy, as usual, and his school uniform was already rumpled here and there. "Momma!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "I just got home from school!" Seeing his face is always like a breath of fresh air in the thick Mexico City air. I smiled softly, adjusting the position of my phone so I could see him better. "How was your day at school, baby?" Ace shrugged his little shoulders, his face glistening with childlike satisfaction. "Good! I learned about dinosaurs today. They're cool, Mom. I like T-Rex, but my friends say I look like a velociraptor." He chuckles, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. I chuckled softly my feelings had drifted to a lighter place with his laughter. "Oh? Velociraptor, huh? You're fast like them." "I'm smart too!" he added quickly, his face full of confidence. "