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67: Circle II
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A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A Touch of Madness 73
Anxiety and fear continued to haunt me throughout the way home. I kept trying to focus on the road as I drove my car but the man's words still swirled in my head.And how could he know that I was trying to get away from Sebastian? That I wanted to be free of him? Was it Vito who said that to him? To everyone in the Cosa Nostra? I should have asked him that earlier but I was so shocked that I couldn't ask anything else.I parked the car in the garage and took a long breath, staring at the envelope on the seat next to me. It looked simple but classy, with a gold seal in the center. I picked it up with hands trembling with anxiety and opened the envelope slowly. I pulled out what was inside, and there was nothing in the small black art carton.It's just my name 'Isabella Rossi' and 9:30 P.M. August 18. Sanyara Club. Salem, Massachusetts.That's two days away.But, Salem.....Why Salem? Is there some kind of witch ritual they're going to do there? Are they going to make Sebastian suffer w
A Touch of Madness 74
My eyes narrowed when I saw the familiar luxury car in Ace's schoolyard. It was Sebastian's. What's wrong with him? Why is he here? I sent him a message that I would pick Ace up from school. Did he not receive my message? Or is he too busy to care?Sighing, I stopped my car a little distance away from him. He wasn't outside, apparently choosing to sit inside rather than wait outside in the sun. I took one look at his car as I passed by it to get into Ace's school. At this hour, they usually practice singing or drawing. It was usually art, and parents were allowed to join in to watch their activities.I stopped in front of Ace's classroom, and it seemed like none of the parents had picked up their children yet. Was I too early?I stare at the glass window that shows the inside of the classroom. Ace is sitting with his ponytail girl classmates, and they are painting something on a big piece of paper."Isa," the heavy call made me turn my head.I looked at Sebastian, who was walking slow
A Touch of Madness 75
Killian had yet to give me his location, and I'd told Kate that Killian had contacted me, and we'd talked on the call all the way back from lunch. Ace was in my car, but Sebastian was following close behind. I tried not to care, but I couldn't. I'd told him several times that his presence bothered me,"Who called you earlier?" Sebastian asked when I got out of my car while Ace ran into the house, calling his grandma to come back to play in her greenhouse.I frowned, "Owen, he was asking about what other training we could provide for our new employee."He frowned, his features flat and his eyes glaring at me like he didn't believe my answer. Well, he couldn't prove it wrong because I had bought a new phone, which he couldn't hack anymore. So, maybe that was the reason why he was so curious about this.Throughout lunch, I caught him looking at me suspiciously, and he checked his phone several times. I hoped he hadn't heard news about Killian. Or did he already know? And he was checking
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