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A Touch of Madness 65
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-19A Touch of Madness 66: Circle
"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
Last Updated : 2024-06-20A Touch of Madness 67: Circle II
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-21A Touch of Madness 68: I Circle You On a Map
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-22A Touch of Madness 69
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-23A Touch of Madness 70
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-24A Touch of Madness 71
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-25A Touch of Madness 72
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
Last Updated : 2024-06-26
Latest chapter
A Touch of Madness Epilog
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
A Touch of Madness 113 : War is Over
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
A Touch of Madness 112
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
A Touch of Madness 111
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
A Touch of Madness 110
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
A Touch of Madness 109
"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
A Touch of Madness 108
"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
A Touch of Madness 107
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
A Touch of Madness 106
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. "
