I retraced my steps, my mind racing with a mix of fear and determination. I had to find Sandra and make sure she was safe. As I approached the last place I had seen Oliver, I spotted a note on the ground. I picked it up, my hands trembling as I read the words scrawled across the paper."If you want to see your friend again, come alone to the abandoned warehouse on Elm Street. Don't involve the police or anyone else. This is your only chance."My heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation. Oliver had taken Sandra hostage, and he was using her as leverage to get to me. I stood there, clutching the note in my hand, my mind racing with fear and desperation. I knew I had to call the police, but a part of me hesitated. What if involving them only put Sandra's life in more danger? Oliver had specifically warned me not to involve anyone else. But I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I had to try and save Sandra.With trembling hands, I dialed the emergency number and explained
She looked shaken and scared, but physically unharmed. I rushed to her side, embracing her tightly."I'm so sorry, Sandra," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I should have protected you. I should have never let this happen."Sandra held onto me, her voice filled with forgiveness. "It's not your fault, Naomi. You did everything you could to save me. I'm just glad we're both safe now."We stayed there, in each other's arms, finding solace in the fact that the nightmare was finally over. The police assured us that Oliver would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that they would do everything they could to ensure our safety.In the days and weeks that followed, Sandra and I leaned on each other for support. We attended therapy sessions together, As the days passed, the weight of guilt and fear continued to bear down on me. Despite Oliver being apprehended, I couldn't shake off the feeling that danger was still lurking around every corner. Reuben's ransom was st
We arrived in our new country with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Everything was unfamiliar, from the language to the culture, but we were determined to start afresh and build a better life for ourselves and our unborn child.Finding a job proved to be more challenging than I had anticipated. The language barrier and my pregnancy made it difficult for me to secure employment. I spent hours searching online, sending out resumes, and attending interviews, but I faced rejection after rejection.Each rejection felt like a blow to my self-esteem. I couldn't help but feel discouraged and frustrated. I had always been independent and hardworking, and now I felt like I was letting Sandra down.But Sandra never wavered in her support. She reassured me that finding a job would take time and that our main focus should be on our well-being and the health of my baby. She took on the responsibility of providing for us, working tirelessly to make ends meet.I couldn't thank Sandra enough for h
I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears, determined to compose myself before stepping out of the bathroom. I didn't want Reuben to see me in such a vulnerable state. I splashed some water on my face, trying to wash away the pain and sadness that still lingered.As I walked back to the dining area, I kept a close eye on Reuben, making sure to avoid any direct contact. I didn't want him to notice me and potentially ruin my already fragile emotional state.I continued to serve customers, forcing a smile and pushing aside my own heartache. I focused on providing excellent service, distracting myself from the thoughts of Reuben and the woman he was with.Time seemed to pass slowly as I anxiously waited for my nanny to arrive from the daycare with my baby. I knew that once my baby arrived, I would have a reason to smile and find solace in the love I had for my child.Just as Reuben was about to leave, the nanny arrived with the baby in her arms. My heart skipped a beat as I realized th
I returned home to Sandra. As I walked through the door, I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. This was my safe haven, a place where I could let my guard down and be myself.Sandra greeted me with a warm smile, immediately sensing that something was wrong. I tried to hold back my tears, not wanting to burden Sandra with my pain. But she knew me too well, and she gently pulled me into a comforting embrace.As we sat on the couch, I played with my baby Liam, marveling at how much he had grown in the two years I had been away from Reuben. I couldn't believe that I had managed to stay away from him for so long, but now I couldn't ignore the burning desire for revenge that consumed me.Sandra, sensing my inner turmoil, tried to calm me down. She reminded me of the progress I had made in building a new life for myself and Liam. She urged me to focus on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.But I couldn't shake the anger and resentment that had built
As I stepped out of the car, holding Liam's hand tightly, my heart raced with anticipation. Returning to the city after two long years, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The bakery, the place where I had grown up and where my passion for baking had flourished, held a special place in my heart. I had hoped to find solace and familiarity within its walls, but as I approached, my heart sank.The bakery, once bustling with life and the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods, now stood dark and empty. The sign that had proudly displayed the name "Naomi's Bakery" was gone, replaced by a plain, nondescript board. My breath caught in my throat, and a wave of agony washed over me.I couldn't understand why the bakery had been closed down. Had it fallen into disrepair during my absence? Or had the royal families, angered by my disappearance, taken it away from my family as retribution? Questions swirled in my mind, but the answers eluded me.Desperate for answers, I
As I followed the guard through the grand halls of the palace, my heart pounded in my chest. It had been years since I last saw Reuben, and now he was the king. The thought of facing him, of confronting the person who had broken my heart and allowed my family to suffer, filled me with a mix of fear and anger.As we entered the throne room, I couldn't help but notice the opulence and grandeur that surrounded me. The room was adorned with gold and jewels, a stark contrast to the empty darkness of Naomi's Bakery. But I refused to be swayed by the extravagant display. I was here for my family, for justice.As I walked further into the room, the maids and servants nearby whispered amongst themselves. I could hear snippets of their conversations, words of how my baby Liam looked so much like Reuben. It sent a pang of both joy and sadness through my heart. Joy at the resemblance that connected Liam to his father, and sadness at the reminder of what we had lost.Finally, I stood before the th
lAs I looked up, Salie's expression softened slightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and longing. It was clear that forgiveness wouldn't come easily, that healing the wounds of the past would take time and effort.As I continued to plead with Salie, tears streaming down my face, she interrupted me with a mix of anger and frustration. "Naomi, do you even realize what our family has gone through because of you?" she exclaimed. "The royal family came to our bakery, spreading lies about how you ran away from your obligation as Reuben's betrothed. They disgraced us, Naomi!"Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I had no idea that the royal family had spread such false accusations, tarnishing our family's name and reputation. Salie had tried to find me, to defend our honor, but I had gone off track, lost in my own pain and confusion for two whole years. The weight of guilt settled heavily upon me as I realized the extent of the damage I had caused."Salie, I had no idea," I wh
lThe weight of Demetrius's words hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart raced, and a sense of dread settled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't believe what I had just revealed to him in my moment of desperation. I had unknowingly given him a weapon to use against me and Reuben."You can't be serious," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You wouldn't stoop so low as to deceive the Queen and claim my child as your own."Demetrius's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, but I would, Naomi. I would do anything to secure my place on the throne. And what better way than to present the Queen with an heir, one that she believes is mine."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the extent of Demetrius's wickedness. He was willing to manipulate everyone, even his own mother, just to fulfill his lust for power."But the Queen will see through your lies," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "She knows the truth, and she will never accept you as the rightful King."
The events of the past few hours came rushing back to me, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Demetrius had captured me once again, and I was at his mercy.Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of the door creaking open filled the room. Demetrius stepped in, his eyes filled with a sadistic gleam. My heart pounded in my chest as he approached me, his presence filling the room with a suffocating aura."Well, well, well," Demetrius sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Look who's finally awake. Did you miss me, Naomi?"I shrank back, trying to create as much distance between us as possible. "Demetrius, please, let me go. I beg you. There's nothing between us. I want to be free."Demetrius chuckled darkly, his voice laced with contempt. "Oh, Naomi, you always did know how to make me laugh. But you see, you're mine now. And I won't let you slip away again."Tears welled up in my eyes as I pleaded with him, my voice trembling. "Please, Demetrius, I'm begging you. Think of the
Chapter 156Jade pleaded with me to reconsider my decision, I could feel my resolve weakening. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the love and happiness I had shared with Reuben. But deep down, I knew that returning to the palace was not the right path for me or my child."Jade, please understand," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I can't go back. I can't live a life that isn't true to myself. And I can't bear to grow up in a world of duty and tradition."Jade's eyes filled with tears, and he reached out to gently touch my arm. "Naomi, I can't force you to do anything you don't want to do. But please, consider the consequences of your decision. Reuben loves you, and he wants to be a part of your life."I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my choices. "I understand, Jade. But for now, I need to do what I believe is best for myself and Please, respect my decision and don't come back."Jade's expression was filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. He nodded slowly,
It had been two weeks since I left the palace and settled down in the bakery with my parents and sister, Salie. Life had taken a drastic turn, and while I missed Rueben dearly, I knew that leaving was the right decision. The weight of tradition and duty had become too heavy to bear, and I needed time and space to sort through my emotions.But lately, something unusual has been happening to me. I had been feeling nauseous in the mornings, and my appetite had changed. The thought crossed my mind that I might be pregnant, but it seemed impossible. Rueben and I had never been intimate more than once, and I couldn't fathom how it could have happened quickly.The morning sickness persisted, and I couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at the back of my mind. I confided in Salie, who listened attentively and offered her support."Naomi, it's possible that it's just a stomach bug or something you ate," Salie reassured me, her voice filled with concern. "But if you're really worried, maybe y
Surprised by my mother's statement, I turned to face her, confusion evident in my eyes. "Rachel?" I repeated, my voice laced with uncertainty. "But mother, I thought we agreed that it was best for Naomi and me to part ways."The Queen's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mix of understanding and determination. "Rueben, I understand your reasoning, and I respect your desire to do what is best for both yourself and Naomi. But we must also consider the implications of breaking the promise made by our forefathers. The council members and the people of our kingdom hold great importance to tradition and stability. By choosing Rachel as your queen, we can maintain that sense of continuity while also fostering a sense of unity among our people."I took a moment to absorb my mother's words, feeling torn between my own desires and the weight of responsibility placed upon me. The council members watched me expectantly, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and concern.But as I glanced a
Exhausted from the weight of my decisions, I decided to lie down for a quick nap. Sleep had eluded me in recent days, my mind consumed by thoughts of Naomi and the consequences of my actions. As I drifted off into slumber, I hoped for a moment of respite from my troubled thoughts.But even in my sleep, I found no solace. My dreams were plagued by visions of Naomi, her tear-streaked face filled with anger and rejection. I reached out to her, desperate to explain myself, but she turned away, her words echoing in my mind."No, Rueben. I can never forgive you. You have hurt me too deeply."My heart pounded in my chest as I jolted awake, my body covered in a cold sweat. The image of Naomi's tearful rejection lingered, haunting me even in the waking world. But as I blinked away the remnants of my dream, I realized I was not alone.Standing by my bedside was my younger brother, Jade, his concern evident in his eyes. Jade had always been the calm and level-headed one, a stark contrast to my i
As I turned to walk away from the queen, my heart heavy with the weight of my decisions, her voice cut through the air like a knife."Think, Rueben," she sneered. "Think about what you've done to that poor girl. You took her innocence and claimed not to know her. Do you honestly believe she would ever accept you back? Even if you were to beg on your knees, she would never be your betrothed again. You have lost, Rueben. You have lost everything."Her words pierced my soul, each one a painful reminder of the irreversible damage I had caused. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I stumbled back, feeling as though the ground beneath me was crumbling away.No, it couldn't be true. I couldn't have lost Naomi forever. I couldn't bear the thought of a life without her by my side, of never hearing her laughter or seeing her smile again. But deep down, I knew that the queen was right. I had betrayed Naomi in the worst possible way, and there was no coming back from that.Tears welled u
As I closed the curtains, blocking out the view of Naomi's house, I made a vow to myself. I would do whatever it took to earn her forgiveness, to prove that I had changed. It wouldn't be easy, and there were no guarantees that she would ever accept me back into her life. But I couldn't live with the regret of losing her without trying.But as the days turned into weeks, my frustration and anger began to consume me. I couldn't shake the image of Naomi's smiling face, her laughter echoing in my mind. It haunted me, a constant reminder of what I had lost.Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I found myself smashing things around my apartment. The anger and regret boiled inside me, fueling my destructive actions. It was as if the physical pain could somehow alleviate the emotional turmoil I was experiencing.But no matter how many things I broke, the pain remained. I couldn't escape the reality of what I had done to Naomi, the hurt I had caused. It was a heavy burden to bear, and I f
A few days had passed since the intense encounter with the reporters, and I was determined to move forward with my life. I had made the decision to take my younger sister, Salie, out for a day of shopping, hoping to distract ourselves from the chaos that had consumed our lives.As we walked through the bustling shopping mall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom. The weight of the world seemed to lift off my shoulders, replaced by a newfound lightness. Salie skipped ahead of me, her laughter filling the air, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget about the pain and betrayal that had plagued me.But as we turned a corner, my heart skipped a beat. There, standing in the middle of the mall, was Rueben, arm in arm with Rachel. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a surge of anger and hurt wash over me. How dare he show his face after what he had done?Rueben's eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw a flicker of remorse. He began to approach me, his lips parting to