"I know I won't be saying this since I'd put you in this situation but congratulations! You're free now!"Samantha Ryans came to me, teary eyed. The next thing she did made a smile appear on my lips. She hugged me tight and without warning she burst into tears."I- I honestly don't believe you when you tell me you will do your best to free me. I'm even thinking if you could actually do it, it will take months before it happens but you made the impossible possible."I hugged her tight like a sister. Laying a comforting hand on her shoulders, I told her. "A promise is a promise. I'll make it come true at all cost."Samantha wiped the tears from her eyes with the handkerchief I handed her. "Let's get out of here before I change my mind." Jokingly, I told her and pulled her hands to the door.Once outside, Samantha pulled into a stop and lifted her eyes up to the sky, savoring the fresh morning air and the warm sunlight caressing her face. She stayed in prison for a year and she's savori
"Is it just me or everyone had been staring at me the moment we entered the restaurant?"Froom looking at her food, Samantha raised her head and surveyed the expanse of the first class restaurant with a brief glance. When she finished, she shifted her gaze to me."I did notice that." Samantha replied then shrugged her shoulders. "You are Alexandria Alexander so it's no wonder people will look your way." She added. Ignoring the crowd, she continued to eat.I let the matter drop and continued eating. I'm almost done with my food when my phone rang. I ignored the call at first but my phone won't stop ringing. With an exasperated sigh, I picked it up. "Hello?" I could barely keep the annoyance in my tone as I said the words."Where the hell are you?" Lucas asked.I was so surprised to hear his voice that it took me a few seconds to reply."Why?" I asked him back instead of answering his question."Goddammit." Lucas muttered under his breath. "Just tell me." I could instantly tell by the
The trip back to the house had been short and eerily quiet. When the car skidded into a stop on the driveway, I clambered out of the car first before Lucas could open the door for me and skittered to the door of the house. Without a backward glance, I made a beeline straight to the stairs then went to my room where I spent the rest of the afternoon all by myself.Lucas was still mad at me. I did him a huge favor and I didn't show myself until lunch time. After lunch however, I immediately returned to my room where I spent the hours hauling the contents of my expansive wardrobe to the bed and separated (as I call it) the decent over the indecent ones.The indecent clothes I reffered to were the slimy, scanty clothes that hid nothing from imagination once worn. That includes the see-through nighties, gowns with plunging necklines and the scandalous crop tops that made shivers run down my spine by just looking at it.After separating the indecent clothes from the rest, I hung them on the
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Readying a smile on my lips I faced the crowd with my chin held high. As expected, I received death glares from across the room as Lucas and I walked through the aisle to greet the birthday celebrant. Pretending not to care, the smile on my lips widened.Anyone could look at me now with hatred in their eyes as though I'm a spawn of Satan but I will keep showing them I don't care about what they think of me. I made a mistake in the past, I admit making them, and I'm trying to correct those mistakes. Their opinions don't matter to me now.Shifting my attention to my husband, I saw him looking straight ahead and when I followed his gaze, I immediately caught sight of his older sister. Mary Therese was easy to spot in the crowd since she's the only one in the room who's wearing a black veil and a loose tunic dress with the same color. Everyone else is wearing a white attire.Lucas pulled into a stop in front of his older sister. I noticed the only ado
Something soft and warm touched my heart. I feel as though I played the piano a thousand times before. Even with my eyes closed, my fingers moved to the keys with ease, like a butterfly fluttering its wings.My lips opened and an angelic voice I didn't know I possessed, filled the room, enchanting everyone inside of it.You were the Word at the beginning…One with God the Lord Most High… Your hidden glory in creation…Now revealed in You our Christ.What a beautiful Name it is…What a beautiful Name it is…The Name of Jesus Christ my King…My eyes half opened. Slightly raising my head, I found myself staring straight into Lucas. He had this dumbfounded expression on his face.Was he expecting that I would embarrass myself? I just proved him wrong then.My eyes returned to the piano, my hand continued to move tirelessly against the keys while I continued singing with my eyes half closed.The song finally ended, a blissful smile emerged from my lips as the piano sound faded. The silence ru
Lucas gently pushed me to the chair and I sat down."You shouldn't have drunk that." He said in a lecturing tone, referring to the pina colada which I accidentally mistook for pineapple juice."I thought it was pineapple juice." I reasoned. "It tastes like pineapple juice! It's super delicious! More delicious than the plain pineapple juice you brought me." I exclaimed, framing my dizzy head with my hands. Wishing for the dizziness to just magically disappear.Perhaps the drink hit me hard and I couldn't stop talking. "It's sweetened pineapple juice, isn't it? But why was I drunk? Pineapple couldn't make someone drunk." I mumbled under my breath, wondering if I'm still making sense. But I don't care, I just wanted to talk."I said it's an alcoholic drink," Lucas replied, mildly irritated by my senseless question."Was it?" I asked innocently."It is." He confirmed. When my gaze landed on him, I saw him looking at me with an unusual frown on his forehead. "For God's sake Alexandria, yo
He's kissing me. My drunk brain slowly processed the thought that it actually took me a full minute to realize what's going on. By the time I did, I was already under a spell and tearing my lips from his seemed next to impossible. My eyes fluttered close when his lips began to move rhythmically against mine, coaxing me to move my lips and join the flow. My will to push him away melted like a candle. All the reasons I still have with me left my body and I began to respond to him hungrily.As though my hands had minds of their own, they freely clung to his neck.His lips moved gently at first, then it grew deeper. His tongue invaded my mouth. Without inhibitions, I opened my lips and fought with his tongue.It feels so wrong and yet so right. I never imagined doing this to any man except to him.Even with my clothes still on, I could feel the strong warmth of his body pressed on my own. Down there I could feel something hard pressing on my thighs. A tiny little shiver ran down my spin
Sometime later Lucas stirred from the bed. "Bella?" He called her name. Recalling how she spelled the name in her drunken state brought a rare smile to his usual poker face. He waited for her to respond and when she didn't, he lifts his head so he could look at her only to find her peacefully sleeping with her cute little mouth slightly parted open.He swallowed deep and hard as his hot gaze survey her delicate countenance. Her high cheekbones were tainted in red and her cute small lips swollen from the aftermath of their passionate love making. She's effortlessly beautiful even in her sleep and her state of undress made the temperature inside the room feel like a sauna."Lovely," he mumbled under his breath, brushing the tip of his fingers on her smooth porcelain skin. He can look at her forever and not feel tired at all. Lucas thought to himself with a sudden jolt in his chest.Something inside him had been awakened tonight. It was an emotion he couldn't name because it was the fir
"Are you still leaving?" Lucas asked me after a moment of pause. Sadness shone in his eyes. At that moment he looked like an adorable puppy melting my heart. "I have important matters to attend to, being the CEO of AA Cosmetics," I replied, my tone apologetic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "If only I don't have to attend to my responsibilities then I could just stay. However, I will lose not only millions but the company I worked hard for if I don't take care of it. I have responsibilities that I can't neglect."He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I understand," he murmured under his breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "But will you come back?" he asked, hope shining in his eyes. I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts."I promise I'll be back in a month," I told him, trying to give him some reassurance. "I won't let our time together end like this." Lucas cleared his throat. "What if you find someone else while you're away?" he asked, his brows f
I gazed at the necklace in awe, tears fell down my flushed cheeks. Hastily, I wiped it away before the child could notice and inquire about my tears. I didn't want Niall to witness my sorrow, fearing that he might feel the same way. It was too painful for me to bear.I took the necklace from the velvet box and held it up, admiring its beauty carefully. The child is so thoughtful, remembering to give me a gift. It makes me more guilty to explain to him that I'll be gone from the house and will probably never return.Gently, I put it around my neck. The cool silver chain rested against my skin, the stones creating a dazzling display of color in the soft light of the room. It was the first and probably the last gift I received from him and I will forever treasure it."It looks perfect on you, Mom." he said softly, his eyes shining with pride. "I knew you would like it."I reached up to touch his cheeks and whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Niall….This is so beautiful. I
When Sam and I parted ways, I didn't head straight home, wanting to have a moment to myself. Deep in thought, I realized that with my twin sister gone, I have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, the CEO of AA cosmetics to fulfill my responsibility.It's been a long time since I've handled the company on my own. But with everything finally back in its place it's clear that I have to take over.I experienced a twinge of sadness thinking about leaving the Alexander mansion and saying goodbye to the cherished memories and loved ones I hold dear. Lucas and Niall, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. Although Niall may not be my biological child, as my twin's son, he feels like my own.I had a strong desire to remain in the mansion, creating more memories with Niall and Lucas. Sadly, I couldn't find a valid reason to stay. The relationship between Lucas and myself is unclear. I am unsure of where I stand in his life and know that one day he will find the woman he w
When we reached home, the first light of dawn pierced through the dark sky. Lucas and I quickly went to Niall's room to check on him. Finding the little boy peacefully asleep relieved my anxiety. Afterwards, we headed straight to bed, craving a few hours of rest.The night had been intense, unforgettable. While Lucas drifted into a deep slumber, I stayed awake, observing the steady rhythm of his breathing, thinking I'm going to miss him when I'm gone.I tried to push the thought out of my mind but I couldn't. My time in this house was limited. I couldn't stay here forever, this isn't my home. Eventually, I would have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, a businesswoman accustomed to being alone.I gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face, feeling a pang of regret. But if Lucas were to express a desire for me to stay, I would consider it. But the reality was, that was not an option as he harbored no feelings for me.I couldn't find the courage to confess my feeli
"I have a gun, Bella. If you make so much as a scream, I'll kill Niall next door."I froze, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach "No you won't." I gasped, "He's your son.""Do you think I won't kill him?" Her laughter filled the air with chill. "I once killed you… I won't hesitate to get rid of my son for the sake of revenge.""You're evil!" My teeth clenched."Is that a compliment?" Alexandria giggled. "Turn around, I want to witness the fear in your eyes when I get rid of you."I obediently did what she told me. She was wearing a servant's uniform, and concealed her hair color behind a brunette wig. No wonder no one noticed her sneak in, she blended well with her disguise."You won't get away with this." "Oh, really? I've done this before Bella. I was never caught and I'm sure not this time."Her lips curled into a smug smirk. "Lucas will take time to return, by the time he reaches here, you'll be dead."Shock reverberated through me. Panic threatened to consume me, but I ref
Three days later.I took a deep breath and strode inside the study, clutching the DNA result which arrived from the lab this morning.What I have to say to Lucas would change everything.As I approached him, I noticed a furrowed brow and a slight hunch in his posture. He was completely engrossed in the papers scattered across his desk, and seemed oblivious to my presence. It was as if the world around him had faded away, leaving only the task at hand to capture his attention.I didn't want to interrupt him, but what I have to say can't wait.""Lucas."With a lift of his gaze, he met my eyes. His frown, which had been etched on his face just a moment prior, vanished in an instant."Is there anything you need?" he inquired, rising from his chair and striding purposefully in my direction.I shook my head and handed him the envelope which I had already read."A DNA result?" His frown returned and he unfolded the paper. As he finished reading, a look of indescribable shock washed over his
"I just want to talk to you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I know you're angry with me, but I think we need to clear the air.Ms. Hamilton crossed her arms and shot me a murderous glare. "And why should I talk to you? You slept with my fiancé.""No, we never slept together. I lied to you because I was envious of your relationship and I wanted to destroy it but after I learned you're pregnant I felt guilty and wanted to correct my mistakes.As the conversation between us started to heat up, Peterson finally got in between."Alexandria is telling the truth, Lily....Nothing happened between us!" He exclaimed, his thick brows almost meeting halfway in frustration.Peterson continued on, " She made everything up! She lied to everyone, trying to ruin my reputation!""I cannot believe what you have done," she said, her voice trembling with anger, her eyes never once leaving my face.I took a deep breath, aware of a countless pair of eyes watching us like a freak show. "Ms. Ha
As I walked down the stairs, I felt the soft rustle of my cocktail gown brushing against the polished wooden steps. I had spent hours getting ready for this moment - carefully applying makeup, curling my hair, and choosing the perfect dress - all to impress Lucas, who was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase.He looked up as I approached, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You look stunning," he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "Absolutely breathtaking."I couldn't help but blush at his words, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation fill me. "Thank you," I mumbled.Lucas took my hand and led me towards the door, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and husky.I nodded, feeling a sudden burst of confidence. This was it - the moment I had been waiting for. With Lucas by my side, I knew anything was possible.As we stepped out into the night air, I felt his hand slip around my waist, pulling me close. "You
"Eros was so worried about you, Bella. He thought you're dead.""Oh my god. I felt so terrible. " I bit my lower lip. "How was he doing?" Sam took a deep breath. "Well, before I explained to him what had happened to you, he was utterly devastated. Somehow he was relieved to know you're doing fine.""Phew... I hope he understands that I can't just show up without knowing the situation there first. I wouldn't want to spoil our plans by revealing to Alexandria that my memory has returned.""Don't worry Bella, Eros understands. In fact he said it's better you stay here for a while until Alexandria is caught."Feeling a pulsing ache in my head, I begin to gently rub my temples. "She's as elusive as a fish," I mutter to myself, "I wonder where we should even start looking for her.""You don't have to search for Alexandria. Eventually, she will come to you to finish on her own accord."I raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What exactly do you mean, Samantha?"She leaned back in her chair, tak