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A Touch of Madness 93
Sebastian.I leaned my arm on the doorway and stared at the mother-son interaction in front of me. Ace laughed loudly as Isabella tickled his waist. I winced at that and immediately moved closer. My heart was unsettled by Ace's movements. I was afraid he would kick his siblings, who were still on his mother's belly."Poppa!" Ace yelled, but he moved to hug Isa.She immediately hugged Ace back and kissed the top of his head.I shook my head, taking Ace from his mother's arms. "It's dangerous, Ace. Don't hug momma recklessly from now." I said to him as I sat on the chair by the bed and put him on my lap."But why?" he asked with some annoyance.Isabella chuckled, stroking Ace's hair, which had been partially shaven by my mom in Madrid yesterday."You didn't tell him?" I asked Isabella, holding back my amusement at Ace's confused expression.Isa shook her head. She looked at Ace. "Ace..." her pale face painted a beautiful smile—the one I always mused about how it could drive me crazy. "
Last Updated : 2024-07-31A Touch of Madness 94
"We're moving to New York," Sebastian's low voice made me tense. He was beside me, flanking Ace, who was sleeping between us.I turned to him in surprise. I didn't know how to respond to that. I would be screwed if Sebastian kept me by his side. This time, he would definitely keep me so close, and on the other hand, the cosa nostra was there, the place where I was supposed to be and the place where I could take help to keep Sebastian away from me. So I didn't need to figure out what to do with it, but I'd be better off in Boston with my parents."Why New York?""The construction of our house is finished. We're moving there.""Construction?" I blinked. "But.. but.." I stammered while Sebastian looked at me calmly. "I can't move. I'm comfortable here.""You'll be comfortable there, too," he replied while smoothing Ace's hair. "My company is there, and I can't keep traveling by helicopter when I work.""That has nothing to do with me," I frowned. "You can do whatever you want. I don't ca
Last Updated : 2024-08-27A Touch of Madness 95
I don't think I can because......damn it.I stare at the vastness of the pine trees beyond the grounds from here, and I find that there isn't a single house or crowd of any kind. Sebastian had really locked me in here."Momma. Momma. Look!"I stared at Ace, who jumped into the lake from the edge and landed on a large white swan-shaped swimming tube. Sebastian, who was on his side, laughed when Ace almost fell. I shook my head at the two of them."What if there are crocodiles or snakes in the water?" I shuddered in horror. The lake was indeed beautiful. The water was so clear, and the bottom was dominated by beautiful stones. But that doesn't guarantee the lake will pass by deadly animals, right?"Everything is well taken care of, Momma," Sebastian replied, pushing Ace's float and making the boy laugh. "Nothing will happen."Sebastian could be sure of anything, but not me. We were in the middle of a terrible pine forest, even though I thought this house was tranquil and calm. Still, w
Last Updated : 2024-08-30A Touch of Madness 96
Heavy footsteps approached, and I knew without turning around who was coming. Sebastian. I could feel his presence even before he was actually near me. He always had a way of making me think trapped-both physically and emotionally."What are you thinking, Momma?" His deep, calm voice broke the silence. I didn't answer right away, letting myself feel the moment and searching for the right words to say.Then I felt his embrace from behind, his hands ending up on my stomach, rubbing it gently. A peck was present on my exposed shoulder."I don't know what I was thinking," I finally said, still staring off into the forest. "Everything feels messed up, Sebastian," I whispered."I know it's been hard for you," he said, his ordinarily authoritative voice now sounding softer. "But I've thought things through. I won't let anything or anyone hurt you.""What if it's you who ends up hurting us?"Sebastian was silent for a moment, absorbing my piercing question. His heartbeat quickened against my
Last Updated : 2024-08-30A Touch of Madness 97
"Are you okay there?" Mom's soft voice made me smile."Yes, I'm fine. How about you, mom?" I asked while stirring the cream corn soup I made for breakfast. Several maids moved around me, helping me prepare the breakfast menu."Yeah." She replied. "Now, your sister is back home, you know."I squinted. Sure she is. She must have been delighted when she found out I was away from home. "She's very happy, huh?""Oh Jesus. Are you guys still continuing that cold war?""She's still annoying, mom. I'd settle our argument if only she'd lower her ego a little.""Why don't you? You're the oldest here."I rolled my eyes. "It's not my fault.""Oh, well, whatever." Her voice was so tired of me. "Sebastian told me when you were in the hospital. That you were pregnant...?""Yes, mom. You'll get twin grandchildren in six months.""Oh, my God. I'm so happy right now."I chuckled softly."But you're okay, right? Sebastian treats you well, right?""Yes, he does," I said, taking a moment to ask the questi
Last Updated : 2024-09-07A Touch of Madness 98
Vito got out of the car and looked at me with surprise at my belly, which was already showing a slight bulge.He shook his head softly as he approached me. "You...""Yes," I cut him off and swallowed. "Some things are going on, and I want to tell you all about them."Vito sighed and nodded. He opened the passenger door and led me gently inside. I sat back in the car seat as the car drove away from Sebastian's company."Where is Ace?""He's with his father," I replied. "He comes to Sebastian's meetings, and it keeps me from worrying when I'm with you right now.""Do you trust him now?""I don't know who to trust anymore, Vito. Honestly, everything feels right and wrong at the same time." I sighed. "Hey, did you know that I lost my memory? It was precisely the two-month-lost moment, and..." I shook my head, smiling wryly. "That's ironic. Did you know that, too?""I know, but I don't want to talk about it because I think it would be better if you remembered it yourself, " he said."How
Last Updated : 2024-09-09A Touch of Madness 99
The air in the room was thick and heavy with unspoken tension. Sebastian stood by the large window, his silhouette erect yet tense, illuminated by the glow of the streetlights outside. His back was to me, but I could feel his cold gaze even though he wasn't looking directly at me."What are you talking about?" his voice was low, almost a hiss as if the anger that had been suppressed for too long was finally starting to crack.I let out a long breath, trying to calm my stomach, which seemed to be twisted with anxiety. "Grandpa. He wants me to be initiated after I give birth."Sebastian still didn't turn around. His hands moved slowly, rubbing his temples as if trying to cope with something more than just a headache. "Initiation?" He repeats it, his voice dry and flat, but I know it's not just a question."Yes." My answer was thin, almost choked. "That means I have to... have to kill someone.""I know what it is."The ticking of the clock on the wall gets louder, hitting every second wi
Last Updated : 2024-10-09A Touch of Madness 100
Sebastian. I looked at Isabella, who was lying beside me. Her breathing was slow and steady. Her face was calm, but I could tell there were traces of tears that hadn't completely disappeared from the corners of her eyes.Behind that calmness, there was a turbulent storm—fear, confusion, all the things she was trying to suppress.I reached out, touching her cheek gently. Her skin felt warm under my fingers, but there was an emptiness that hadn't disappeared from her eyes since some time ago. Damn, I've made her cry too many times.Guilt hits me hard—stronger than anything I've ever felt. How many times have I brought her to this point? How many times had I pulled her back into a world she should never have entered? And now, with all these crazy plans, I'm asking for more.Asking her to risk her life again. But I had no choice. I would never let anyone from Cosa Nostra or her grandfather touch her and our children, even if it meant I had to destroy everything they had built.Isabella m
Last Updated : 2024-10-10
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. "
