That morning, the warm spring sunshine enveloped Cambridge, Massachusetts, bringing a refreshing new spirit. I stood in front of our new cafe, looking up at the newly installed sign with a sense of pride and hope. Our cafe's name, 'JOY,' shines in the morning light, welcoming the world with the promise of a memorable experience.Inside, the smell of new wood and drying paint mingled with the fragrance of fresh coffee brewed by Kate."Ace, don't run too fast inside!" I call out Ace, who has been cheerfully running between the still not neatly arranged tables. It's the weekend, and he refuses his father's invitation to play at the zoo. He says he wants to help me. He's so sweet, so Sebastian lets Ace come with me even though he's been playing around and bothering us."I just want to help, Momma!" Ace replied with a big smile, pausing to show me a box of napkins he found in one of the storage boxes.I chuckled. "Well, you can help Jane with the napkins. Make sure they're neatly arranged
"You should have told me before dragging me here." I growled softly at him as our Chinese food arrived.He chuckled softly and shook his head as he arranged the chopsticks, spoon, and fork. "You'll pass out from hunger." He said.I snorted, choosing to take one dimsum and eat it. I was annoyed that he took me to an expensive Chinese restaurant. An exclusive one. And some people were already looking at me like I had two heads around my neck because I emerged from the door still in my previous clothes.I was just wearing a black t-shirt that was already soaked with sweat and green cargo pants that must have been filthy. It was disgusting, and I looked like a gray ladybug who had just entered a fancy restaurant with a prince. It's really uncomfortable for me.But that's because Sebastian just kept quiet, and he agreed when I asked him to have lunch at one of the cheap cafes or cheap eateries. Ultimately, he brought me here, pulling my hand when I refused. But I can't ramble on for too lo
If Owen was to guess that Sebastian and I would eventually get back together, it wouldn't matter what happened between the two of us. In contrast, Kate gave Sebastian a wary look, like she was afraid that Sebastian would attack me physically. Sebastian just exchanged a few conversations with Owen without paying any attention to Kate, while Kate also looked unconcerned. By the way, this was the first time I saw them face to face after five years.Indeed, from then until now, Kate has never liked Sebastian. It seemed like she could always smell the worst man in the world's radar just through a glance. Even the first thing she said when she saw my engagement party with Sebastian was, "He's going to hurt you. He's not a nice guy." Even though it was the first time she saw Sebastian."For some time, I still haven't changed my mind about your ex-husband." She muttered, her lips twitching in an exasperated motion.I chuckled softly. "You're very consistent in your opinions.""Obviously." Sh
I stared at Sebastian's last message with mixed emotions. The rainstorm was still roaring outside, but somehow, Sebastian's invitation felt like an absurd thing but one I wanted to try.Even though there were so many unfinished business between us, maybe I could ignore that for a moment and rest my mind, letting Sebastian take us, at least to Ace."Dad, Mom," I called out to my parents who were busy with their own activities. "Sebastian wants to take me and Ace out."My mom stopped embroidering and looked at me carefully. "Is that a good idea, Bella?" she asked gently, while my father just nodded slowly."I know it sounds weird, but... it might be a good opportunity for Ace. And maybe for me too, to find out what really happened five years ago," I replied, trying to convince myself more than anyone else.Vito looked at me attentively. "If that's what you want, I won't stand in your way. I'm sure he won't hurt you," he said in a casual tone.I smiled slightly. "Thanks, Vito, but I'll b
I lay on the soft bed in this villa for hours. With tears still streaming from my eyes, I gazed out the glass window at the darkness revealing the faint outlines of green trees. It was eerie, almost like a scene from those gore and horror cabin movies. But a different kind of horror gripped me, one more menacing than any cinematic fantasy.The wooden door creaked open behind me, and I turned to see Sebastian entering. His cold, dominant presence immediately filled the narrow space. My breath hitched as he stepped into the moonlight, his harsh, beautiful face coming into view, staring at me with the same darkness he had shown me five years ago.His expression hardened as he towered over me, bending down until his face was level with mine, his blue eyes blazing. I gasped for breath, my chest rising and falling with anxiety and panic."What are you doing?" I asked.Sebastian tilted his head, like a predator observing its prey. He was terrifying. This was his true face, the one behind his
I should have turned down Sebastian's offer to spend the weekend with him here. That was such a bad idea. Why was I still so stupid?"Where are you going?" Sebastian's cold voice made my movements freeze for a few seconds."Bathroom." I replied softly, and then I stood up, wearing his oversized t-shirt because he ripped mine off.I walked into the bathroom without looking back at him. The night had fallen so dark, but the rain had stopped, and it was a suitable time to go home. I couldn't help the tightness in my chest, and I couldn't bear to face Sebastian in the next five minutes.The bathroom in this cabin doesn't leave the impression of a simple and clean cabin, but the equipment here is quite luxurious and modern. It included a bathtub, shower, glass cubicle, sink, glass, and closet.Well, of course, this being Sebastian Sanchez, he would never look at simple and cheap equipment. Austerity is an insult to him.I didn't forget to lock the bathroom door before washing my body under
Everything was blurry after I asked Sebastian to take us back because Ace was crying for home. I don't know what happened to him, but he was very cranky. He said he missed his bed at his granpa's house and wanted to return as soon as possible. It was an excellent opportunity for me, and without thinking out loud, I immediately told Sebastian that we have to go home this night.At first, he didn't agree, but Ace remained stubborn, and his crying grew louder. Inevitably, Sebastian had to obey his son despite the dislike creeping across his face. Afterward, we went home in a long silence. No one spoke at all, and I didn't want to start anything with Sebastian either, so I just stared out the window and petted Ace, who was sleeping on my lap, with my mind racing about what I had heard from Sebastian conversation with his assistant.Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my parents' house, and Sebastian got out to carry a large bag containing mine and Ace's gear while I got out of the car wit
It felt like I was running in an endless maze that was slowly wearing me out. Twisting and turning and full of foggy shadows that got in the way, I could only walk directionlessly without any clues. I didn't know where else to go.Seeking help was also futile because in this game, there was only me as a player and Sebastian, who created this maze that I had to live through. I can't ask for anything from anyone, even Vito, who apparently has a business agreement with Sebastian.But he had promised to carry out a plan to get me away from him, and all I could guess was that Sebastian would break the business tie if Vito got involved in my plan to escape from him. I was afraid that something would happen to Vito again. The legal charges thrown at him three months ago had already caused him trouble. He'd be in even more trouble if I had added to his burden by helping me leave. But he seemed okay with it when I assured him."I'll even hide you and Ace from the world so Sebastian can't find