ISABELLA’S POV“We found something.”It was early morning, and Alaric and I drove to the station after the policeman called. My body was still sore from last night, and my heart was beating so fast that I held tightly onto Alaric’s hand. The street was barely empty, yet he managed to maneuver his way, and in minutes, we were standing in front of the police station. I dragged in a big breath as I wondered what news awaited me. This was either going to scar me for life or save my best friend. It was as though he noticed my fear because he held my hand.“If you ever feel uncomfortable, let me know, and we are out of here.” His words held a reassuring tone, which made me slightly calm. Two unfamiliar faces were there when we got to the office they had directed us to. One was sitting in front of a laptop while the other man, who seemed older, stood beside him. “From the tattoo in the picture, we managed to narrow it down to these three men.” The older man informed me, and I watched the
ISABELLA’S POV Was I dumb for sending a message to this unknown person? Even though the doorman claimed a delivery man delivered it, I wanted to believe he would come again. It was three in the night. I couldn't sleep, even though Alaric had done everything to calm me down. Our flight was scheduled to leave in the morning, and I was pacing up and down the room. “Be a man and face me, coward.” This was the message in the paper I had given him. Did the mystery man collect it yet? My nerves went on the verge of breaking. My heart was hammering so fast against my ribcage while my fingers were as cold as ice. After long, heart-crushing minutes of thinking, I finally snuck out of the room and headed down the elevator. As soon as I stepped out, I saw him in the corridor. “Any news?” I asked and watched him shake his head in denial. An exasperated sign slipped free, and I ran my fingers through my hair, a million trains of thoughts whirling in my head. The weather was chilly, best f
ISABELLA’S POVWhen I got to the restaurant, four people were inside. It was 6:45, so I sat at the corner, checking the time while I awaited the mystery man. Somehow, the time seemed to stretch longer. “Your chicken, ma’am.” I heard a waiter say, causing me to raise my head and look his way. He was dressed in a brown shirt and pants with a white apron around his neck and holding a tray.“I didn't place an order,” I informed him, watching him smile before placing it down.“You don’t have to worry, ma’am. It has been paid for.” With time, he disappeared behind the doors, standing in the far corner of the shop.My eyes darted around the room in confusion. Something vibrated against my lap, and I pulled out both phones to realise it was the burner phone. “How do you like your chicken?” The voice on the other end penetrated the air.“Who are you? What do you want?” I questioned, firmly gripping the phone. I tried to stop my voice from cracking.“You didn't come all that way to play games
ISABELLA’S POVSomething wet hit me in the face, and I sprouted my eyes open with a loud gasp to see a mean-looking man staring down at me. My face was drenched with water, and its stench hit my nostrils. It smelt terrible. My head was banging so loud.“Wakey, Wakey, sweetheart.” He laughed hard.“Where am I?” I slurred on my words. It was as though my body barely had enough strength to rely on. This huge man stood upright, flexing his muscles and endless tattoos. We were in a place that looked like an abandoned warehouse, with rusting metals and dust. “Death’s den. You asked for us.” He mocked and settled on a dirty-looking sofa on my right. The door opened before he could speak further, and footsteps approached as random words filled the air. I watched them walk in, the three men I posted with another, and he looked exactly like Mireille’s man. My heart flipped.I lurged forward to scratch his face, only to be pulled back by something tight and cool wrapped around my hand. “Let m
ALARIC’S POV“How can you tell me to calm down?” I roared, hitting my fist against the wall. A sharp pain coursed through me, but I barely felt it. “My wife is missing, dammit. I don't know what she is going through or if he has his hands on her.” Anger surges through me. The urge to pull this policeman’s gun and shoot the culprit between the eyes engulfed me.The only problem is that we haven't found him yet. If they don’t, I will.I went into our hotel room this morning only to find it empty, and she wasn't even picking up. I had always known my wife to be stubborn and adamant. I should have expected this; maybe I would have been more prepared. I was standing in their office, more like pacing up and down their office. I watched as they tried to track her number since her phone was switched off. It was 11 am already, and it didn't look like she was coming home anytime soon.“Are you sure she didn't mention something to you? We can only deem her missing after twenty-five hours.” Anot
ISABELLA’S POVI can’t tell how long had passed. Every bit of will had started to seep from me for the hours that passed. My throat was so parched to the point that I could drink my pee. Would that be bad? My stomach was rumbling too. Damn! I should have eaten the rice when I had the chance. Finally, the door burst open with a kick, and I looked up dreamily, hoping it was food. “Step out bitches. Time for some exercise.” The hefty man with the bushy brown beard spoke before five men walked in, pulling each by the arm and shoving us out the door. I dragged my feet weakly as they led us, wiping those who slowed us down. I was so weak, and I knew this wasn't going to be easy.I mean ditching them and finding my best friend. I had to think fast. We had to find a way to leave before being sold. A bright idea popped into my head, and I put my feet forward, causing the lady before me to trip. She crashed into someone, then another and soon, some were on the floor. The men got so pissed,
ISABELLA’S POVSince they carried Mireille out of this room, I could not sleep. I have spent most of my time crying and blaming my cursed life for making life difficult for me. For us.Was she buried? Where?Those men never came back, so I had no idea who to ask. Days had passed that I was sure of because my strength had diminished, and now I could barely breathe. I haven't had food or water since I stepped in here. My stomach had stopped rumbling at this point, and the worm in it had started feasting on my insides, causing me sharp pains. My throat was so dry that even a drop of water would go a long way.“Is anyone there?” I yelled with all my strength, and desperation to cling to dear faith consumed me. My eyes barely had tears left to cry. “Hello,” I added weakly. My head was falling forward.The door creaked open, and a young-looking male walked forward. He wasn't as huge as the others but he still looked scary. He wore a white cotton shirt, black leather pants, and brown shoes.
ALARIC’S POVIt didn't work. The police’s effort, the attempt to get the girl to recollect anything, nothing worked. Two days of agony went by, and after night, staring at the space and hoping I didn't have to do the feared, I eventually picked up the phone and made that one call I never wanted to make again.“To what do I owe this call, Mr Wolfe?” Nam’s mocking voice cut through the air, and I felt my stomach churn in annoyance,I exhaled; my palm balled into a fist on my knee. “I need a favour.” I finally let out, and silence lingered in the air, then a crack.“Nothing is free, Wolfy, but what is life without comprises.” He laughed. “You know where to meet me.” With this, he ended the call.I ran my fingers through my hair, a voice scolding me for turning to my worst enemy. But I would do anything for my wife, even if it meant plucking every fingernail of mine off its bud. Hot coal dug deep into my skin even if I had to watch. Isabella wasn't just my wife. She was the reason the s
ALARIC’S POVAfter we settled down and placed orders, I noticed Mother’s eyes lighting up as she looked around the room.“Ever being here?” She shook her head. “Always wanted to come with Ethan.” Her smile slowly disappeared.That was my father’s name. And as much as I wanted to ask her why she stayed, I didn’t want to ruin the moment. Our orders were served, and a few spoons were put into it. A voice spoke from behind, and my mother’s eyes shot up like fireworks were set off.“Uncle,” I said, slicing through the tension in the air. He cleared his throat and then looked at me.“May I?” He pointed to the spare chair.Something seemed off. Very off. But I nodded.“I didn’t think you would be here.” He pointed out. I noticed Mother’s eyes were barely leaving him, and now and then, her cheeks would turn red. My father’s brother? Could there be something between them?“I had to take Mom out,” I informed him. He nodded and slowly turned towards her as though he were conscious.“The color
ALARIC’S POVI didn’t notice my missing mother until the maid knocked on my door to inform me. I frowned as I paced the room, dialing her number repeatedly, but it wasn’t connecting. “Switched off.” I frowned, tossing my phone on the couch. What was she up to now?I dialed the number I had vowed never to dial, and after the third attempt, he finally picked up.“What?” He sounded uninterested.“Is Mother there?” There was a brief silence, and I could hear Chris chatting in the background. These were having family moments that he didn't ever have with me. My heart ached a little, and someday, I would love to ask him why he despised me so much. Why did he marry her when he knew he would forever hate the sight of me?“Do I look like her nanny to you?” he bellowed, and I think it was on the loudspeaker because Chris chuckled underneath.“If you want to apologize to Father, just say so. You don't have to use this means. If you are sincere, I can beg Father to let you come work for us aga
THIRD PERSON POVBianca’s revelation had shattered what was left of their relationship. Alaric had avoided her no matter what she did, and she spent most days crying herself to sleep. She could feel her soul slowly dispersing. Every now and then, she could have sworn that someone was watching her. Maybe the grim reaper, and it was time she righted her wrongs and induced death early if it didn’t come as fast as it should. She was in pain every single day, her bones aching like they were melting under a fire. Living was demanding. She had gone through every person she could think of who knew Isabella closely but got nothing. Until now, she was standing in the middle of a bar five hours away from home. She had flown down to Navellyland, a small town that he had to be in. This information cost her a lot of money, but she was glad his company could help.Her eyes darted round the room to see him, but he was nowhere near there. Sighing, she headed to the bartender and requested water. “T
ALARIC’S POVFather was holding a meeting with the board, introducing his son with so much pride. Something he had never done when it came to me. The people had sent me questioning glances or maybe mockery. I could hear them saying the mighty Wolfe had fallen. The man who thought he knew it all.“I promise to do better than my brother here.” Chris shaded, and they smiled, nodding. I can see we have been having some financial crisis. Brother must have had a hard time handling it, but I have spent my life preparing for this.” He smiled at me.Why weren't they seeing this? This bratty side of him? They thought I was worse. He seemed like a terrible version of me. I guess he was the father’s true son, after all.“Please cooperate with him to grow this business some more,” Father announced, and Chris cleared his throat. He adjusted his blue suit alongside his shoulder pad before pushing several documents toward them.The logo looked familiar—very familiar—and then it dawned on me. It was o
THIRD PERSON’S POVElena’s heart had gotten as cold as ice. Even as she bled and pain shot through her bones, she managed to keep an expressionless self. She couldn't forget how she had laid there in tears as they erased the only evidence of Devan that she had. Was it weird that she had prayed never to wake up? When Father told her that he had found another potential man for her to marry and requested she go on a date with him, she nodded in agreement and retired to her room. She was still nursing her wound, but he didnt care. He seemed happier than ever. Chris and his family had cut off the engagement and withdrew from every project, advising their partners to do the same. They had announced it on TV and even paid the newspapers to carry the news because, according to them, it would dent their image. Elena didn't care anymore. All her obsession about marrying Alaric had evaporated. The only man she loved was gone after all. The only one who made living worth it. Her father had stor
THIRD PERSON’S POVDevan wasn’t expecting anyone, yet when the door had been kicked open, and he was pulled out in his singlet and pants, he knew his time was up. He had known loving someone dangerous would burn him beyond recognition, yet he hoped they would last forever. He wished he could give her the life she was used to, and that was why he was working on himself, applying for jobs, building websites every time he could, and praying for an investment that would change everything. Although Elena had volunteered to help him get a job or start a business, he did not want anything more to do with her father’s money. He tried to build it all on his own. Become the man for her. Until he met Elena, he had lived a dull life after losing his family and home in a fire. He has lost everything, and Elena's showing up has become the light in his cramped tunnel. The stars in his dark, moonless sky. The fireworks that spark up his world.The police officers cuffed him and drove him down to the
THIRD PERSON’S POVElena could feel every breath in her heart. She was pregnant. Her head spun so fast, and the world was rotating in her face. The sound of the beeping from the metal in the room sounded clearer, and she could even hear the sound of her blood rushing to her eyes. Her mother smiled hard at her, happy they were finally saved from the debt. With the baby, the Wolfe would have no choice but to accept her, and finally, she would watch her husband become himself again. Happy and stable. Bianca’s eyes widened in shock as Elena’s past admission to no sex between them echoed in her head.“Who is the father?” Bianca questioned, causing her mother to throw her a questioning look.“What do you mean? Elena, what is she talking about?” Her mother’s eyes darted from them both. Her breath hitched.Elena’s heart was beating so fast and ramming against her chest. She had tried to be careful and used after-sex pills, so how?“Your daughter and I never had sex,” Alaric announced, scoffe
ALARIC’S POVI was storming into my house with my heart hammering so loudly. Getting my memories wasn’t just a blessing but a curse, too. Not only am I left with just the memories of my wife, but we were divorced, too. I had no memory of signing one, so how?“Mother!” I roared as I came close to the sitting room. I knew it had to be them; that was why they were adamant about me getting married to Elena. “What did you do?” My neck veins popped.But she froze the second she saw me. I could tell they were discussing something because Elena sat there, her palms folded on her lap, her head lowered, and her wounds covered.“What did you do to my wife?” “I know you worry about Elena, but she is…”“Isabella, Mother. My real wife.” Her face fell when I dropped the bombshell, and Elena’s eyes widened. Mother rolled her eyes. “That bitch ran off with another man. I didn’t want to hurt you with such sun, son. She abandoned you….” Her arms folded over her chest.“Lies. Those are nothing but lie
THIRD PERSON’S POVAlaric pushed the phone’s button and watched it come on. Nearly a thousand missed walls from the same caller were saved as MM. By the way, those are weird acronyms.This was supposed to jot his memory, but nothing happened. There was a password on it, and worse, he had no fucking clue what it would be. Cussing his pitiful self, he turned the phone off and kept it in his pocket. He could bypass it with his laptop, just not the office one. But before that, he had Elena to take care of. It was more like getting rid of forever. He was going to tell her to steer clear of him.Soon, he was walking into a place that was supposed to be his home, filled with chaos and stress.“Where is she, Mother?” He sounded slightly uninterested because he was.His mother stepped aside to show Elena, now sitting up, her body bruised so badly. He gnashed his teeth.“Who did this to you?” Elena couldn’t speak. She couldn’t turn in her Dad. He had only done this because he was stressed. He