ElizabethI drive through the familiar woods, the trees towering above me like ancient guardians.The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the road. I remember the first time Sebastian took me home through these woods.I was in so much pain then—my ribs cracked, my heart crushed. But as we drove past the gigantic oaks, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a calm that seemed to wrap around me like a warm blanket.Today, however, is different. The blood rushes through my body, my hands slick with sweat as I grip the steering wheel. Anxiety coils in my stomach, tightening with every passing moment. I can’t shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.I pull up to the expansive mansion, my heart racing as I get out of the car. The grandeur of the place looms over me, but I don’t have time to admire it. I rush toward the entrance, my feet pounding against the stone path.I ring the bell and wait impatiently, my heart thudding in my chest. Each second feel
Elizabeth“Celeste, what do you want?” I ask, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down, the air thick with tension.“I’ve tried to keep you out of this, Elizabeth, but you keep dragging yourself into the middle, don’t you?” Celeste replies, her tone dripping with disdain as she walks toward the cabin entrance.I slowly follow her, determination fueling my steps. I need to find Sebastian. I need to know he’s still alive, and I ignore all signs of danger that scream at me to turn back.“Help me understand,” I plead, my heart racing. “What did I ever do to you? What did Sebastian do to you?” “I remember when you came to the asylum, and you tried to make me hate him. Why?” I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.“Believe it or not, I was trying to keep you out of it,” Celeste says coldly, her eyes narrowing as she glances back at me.“Keep me out of what?” I demand, pulling her arm to stop her.She turns to me, her face a m
ElizabethI stand frozen in place, the world around me fading as Celia’s screams drown out all noise in the cabin. My heart races as I look down at the blood pooling around Christopher’s leg, the crimson stain growing on the wooden floor. The look of betrayal in his eyes says everything.“You shot me!” Christopher screams, his voice filled with pain and disbelief.“Next time it won’t be your leg!” Celeste yells, her voice sharp and filled with rage. “Tell Elizabeth why this happened to her!”“Sarah, please stop this!” Sebastian begs, his voice desperate, but it only seems to fuel Celeste’s fury.“Shut up, Sebastian! You didn’t have to lose your life because of someone’s jealousy and greed!” Celeste screams, her eyes wild.“You didn’t lose anything!” Sarah—no, Celeste—shouts back. “I lost you! My heart broke, and I almost lost everything!”Sebastian’s voice trembles as he pleads, “And for a minute, I thought you would avenge me, Sebastian. But you met Elizabeth and forgot. I had to wat
Elizabeth“Mother!” Christopher screams, his voice filled with anguish.“What did you do?” He turns to Celeste, his eyes burning with fury. “What did you fucking do?”“I made you watch, Christopher,” Celeste replies, her voice cold and mocking as she lifts the hand again, letting it drop with a sickening thud. “I thought you liked that—watching as other people pay for your mistakes. You knew your mother ordered Elizabeth’s mother’s death. You knew she killed your father when he found out. You watched me beg you to save me from that crash. You just watched as I screamed in pain, and you were carted off. You left me in that car to die!”Her words cut through the air, and I can’t believe anything that’s happening around me. I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up.As Celeste starts to walk across the room, I glance at Christopher, who is still sobbing, his face twisted in grief and rage.I can’t let this continue. I need to get to Sebastian. I start crawling toward him,
Elizabeth BellI watch myself pressing the makeup sponge to my bruised cheek. The mirror is unforgiving, reflecting back a face I barely recognise, hidden beneath layers of foundation. My black eye stands out despite everything I try to mask it with.How did I get here?How did I let things go so wrong?"Elizabeth," Christopher’s voice cuts through the silence, sharp and angry.“Hurry the fuck up in there. Don’t make me wait. And make sure you look presentable. I don’t need people asking questions.”I swallow hard, forcing down the anger that rises every time he talks to me like that. I answer him quietly, "I’m done."Standing up, I smooth the glittering black dress clinging to my body, its sequins catching the light.My hair is a glossy sheet of black that falls to my shoulders, and my hazel eyes—once full of life—look dull now. I swipe a finger over my red lips, fixing the lipstick. I know, objectively, I look beautiful. But right now, it feels like a mask.I step out of the room an
Chapter 2ElizabethI can’t move.I’m staring at Christopher, my mouth open, heart hammering, and he’s looking at me as if nothing unusual just happened.As if he hasn’t just agreed to trade me to another man like I’m some lose change.My mind spins, disbelief and horror mingling as Sebastian’s voice breaks through.“There’s no going back if you agree to this, you know,” he says to Christopher, his voice edged with dark amusement.Christopher scoffs, barely glancing at him. “I know that, Sebastian. I know exactly whats at stake.”A nauseous feeling rises in my stomach, and I turn quickly, making my way to the bar as my legs threaten to give out. The man I loved once and trusted completely is now using me as a gambling chip, tossing me around like I’m nothing.What the hell is wrong with him? How did we come to this?I reach the bar, my hands shaking as I order whiskey, downing the first shot in one gulp and feeling the burn slide down my throat, a temporary numbness.I barely hesitate
ElizabethI drag myself through the front door, each step weighed down with exhaustion, bitterness, and anger that’s simmering just below the surface.The night’s events play over and over in my mind, each memory igniting fresh resentment. Christopher, the man I once trusted with my life, had crossed every line and left me feeling like nothing more than a dirty pawn.I move slowly through the darkened hallway. I reach the bedroom, my heart pounding. Maybe it’s the whisky still swirling in my veins, or maybe it’s the realisation that I have nothing left to lose. Today is the day.I will leave him. Christopher Bell's over. no matter what it takes.As I push the door open quietly, my eyes fall on the bed, and I have to suppress the urge to laugh.There he is, sprawled out and sleeping soundly, and he’s not alone. Curled up next to him, her blonde hair spilling over his shoulder, is a woman—a slim, young figure, her arm draped possessively around his waist.I don’t even blink. Of course,
ElizabethIts Monday morning. I sit on the edge of the couch, watching Christopher play with Edward on the floor. I can’t tear my eyes away as I watch him lift our son into the air, spinning him around until Edward is giggling uncontrollably.It’s these rare moments that mess with my mind and make me second-guess everything.This gentle, loving version of him is the man I fell in love with, the father I want Edward to have.When Christopher glances up at me, a softness in his blue eyes, he gives me a kind smile—the kind that used to melt me.For a split second, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimpse of the man he used to be.“Get ready, Elizabeth,” he says, his voice breaking the moment.“You’re coming with me to the office today.”I blink, completely thrown.“What? Why?” My voice comes out sharper than I intended, laced with suspicion.I don’t trust this. I don’t trust him.He chuckles, shaking his head like I’m overreacting.“I thought maybe you should go back to work. Get your old job
Elizabeth“Mother!” Christopher screams, his voice filled with anguish.“What did you do?” He turns to Celeste, his eyes burning with fury. “What did you fucking do?”“I made you watch, Christopher,” Celeste replies, her voice cold and mocking as she lifts the hand again, letting it drop with a sickening thud. “I thought you liked that—watching as other people pay for your mistakes. You knew your mother ordered Elizabeth’s mother’s death. You knew she killed your father when he found out. You watched me beg you to save me from that crash. You just watched as I screamed in pain, and you were carted off. You left me in that car to die!”Her words cut through the air, and I can’t believe anything that’s happening around me. I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up.As Celeste starts to walk across the room, I glance at Christopher, who is still sobbing, his face twisted in grief and rage.I can’t let this continue. I need to get to Sebastian. I start crawling toward him,
ElizabethI stand frozen in place, the world around me fading as Celia’s screams drown out all noise in the cabin. My heart races as I look down at the blood pooling around Christopher’s leg, the crimson stain growing on the wooden floor. The look of betrayal in his eyes says everything.“You shot me!” Christopher screams, his voice filled with pain and disbelief.“Next time it won’t be your leg!” Celeste yells, her voice sharp and filled with rage. “Tell Elizabeth why this happened to her!”“Sarah, please stop this!” Sebastian begs, his voice desperate, but it only seems to fuel Celeste’s fury.“Shut up, Sebastian! You didn’t have to lose your life because of someone’s jealousy and greed!” Celeste screams, her eyes wild.“You didn’t lose anything!” Sarah—no, Celeste—shouts back. “I lost you! My heart broke, and I almost lost everything!”Sebastian’s voice trembles as he pleads, “And for a minute, I thought you would avenge me, Sebastian. But you met Elizabeth and forgot. I had to wat
Elizabeth“Celeste, what do you want?” I ask, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down, the air thick with tension.“I’ve tried to keep you out of this, Elizabeth, but you keep dragging yourself into the middle, don’t you?” Celeste replies, her tone dripping with disdain as she walks toward the cabin entrance.I slowly follow her, determination fueling my steps. I need to find Sebastian. I need to know he’s still alive, and I ignore all signs of danger that scream at me to turn back.“Help me understand,” I plead, my heart racing. “What did I ever do to you? What did Sebastian do to you?” “I remember when you came to the asylum, and you tried to make me hate him. Why?” I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.“Believe it or not, I was trying to keep you out of it,” Celeste says coldly, her eyes narrowing as she glances back at me.“Keep me out of what?” I demand, pulling her arm to stop her.She turns to me, her face a m
ElizabethI drive through the familiar woods, the trees towering above me like ancient guardians.The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the road. I remember the first time Sebastian took me home through these woods.I was in so much pain then—my ribs cracked, my heart crushed. But as we drove past the gigantic oaks, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a calm that seemed to wrap around me like a warm blanket.Today, however, is different. The blood rushes through my body, my hands slick with sweat as I grip the steering wheel. Anxiety coils in my stomach, tightening with every passing moment. I can’t shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.I pull up to the expansive mansion, my heart racing as I get out of the car. The grandeur of the place looms over me, but I don’t have time to admire it. I rush toward the entrance, my feet pounding against the stone path.I ring the bell and wait impatiently, my heart thudding in my chest. Each second feel
ElizabethI stretch my hand out, reaching for Sebastian, but my fingers brush against the cold sheets where he’s supposed to be sleeping next to me. Embracing our love with me.A wave of disappointment washes over me. He’s not here. I need to find him. I need to be honest.I’ve made my choice, and it’s time to stop lying to him. I need to tell him about our son.I want him to know how much of a survivor our little boy is, fighting against all odds and being born with a smile always on his tiny face. I want to tell Sebastian that he’s not fussy, that he’s a joy to be around. I want him to finally give our baby a name.Quickly, I turn to the other side of the bed, my heart racing.“Where is he?” I wonder aloud, a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. I slowly get out of bed, my feet touching the cool floor, and I pick up his shirt from the floor, slipping it on. It smells like him, and for a moment, it comforts me.“Sebastian?” I call out, my voice echoing softly in the quiet room as
SebastianI run my fingers along her skin, feeling the warmth radiate from her body.The soft light reflects off the cream bedding, making Elizabeth look like a goddess, her sweat glistening like tiny jewels on her olive skin. I can’t help but admire her beauty and her new strength, but a knot of uncertainty tightens in my chest.“Why did you pick me?” I ask, my voice low and heavy with emotion. “Michael is amazing, kind, and he loves you.”She looks away for a moment, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as if searching for the right words.“I can’t help what my heart wants,” she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. “I’ve changed so much. I feel like there’s a darkness in my heart, and Michael doesn’t deserve it.”“This is all my fault, Elizabeth. I did this to you,” I say, sighing deeply, the weight of my guilt pressing down on me.“No, Sebastian. My torment was there long before you came along; what I was going through was only unearthed because of your help,” she replies, her ey
SebastianI stand on the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.The city lights twinkle below, but nothing feels the same since I’ve been back.I steal a few precious moments with my daughter, but the rest of my time is devoted to helping Elizabeth win her war. It’s a battle that I started, yet here I am, caught in the crossfire of emotions.I take a long sip of the whiskey in my hand, the warmth spreading through me, but it does little to ease the turmoil inside.I fight every impulse that tells me to grab Elizabeth, to kiss her until she remembers how it felt to be together. The few times I’ve stolen a kiss from her have been electric, but then I saw her with Michael. The way her lips caressed his, how gently they were together—it is driving me insane.She has moved on. She doesn’t love me anymore.I swallow hard, the whiskey burning my throat as I think about how I’ve avoided her since.I’ve pulled back every time she reached for me, unable to sto
ChristopherI sit on the cold steel seat in the tiny interrogation room, the gray walls closing in around me like a vice. The air is stale, and the fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting a harsh glare on everything.I can’t believe what just happened. Did I really just lose Bell Energies? The legacy of the Bell family? My heart races, and I feel a knot tightening in my stomach.Elizabeth had actually done it. That bitch has cornered me, embarrassing me in front of everyone.I can still see the smirk on her face, the way she reveled in my downfall. It’s maddening.“Mr. Bell, your silence means nothing here. Tell us where Celeste is,” Detective Adams says, his voice steady and unyielding.I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms, trying to project confidence.“I don’t know,” I whisper, my tone dripping with annoyance. How can they expect me to know where she is?“Tell us what happened. Tell us your side of the story, Mr. Bell. Why is Mrs. Bell accusing you of trying to kill her, of
ElizabethThe glass doors of Bell Energies slide open with a quiet whoosh as I step inside. The air is thick, laced with the familiar scent of polished wood and expensive cologne.It’s the same building I once walked through with my hidden shame, the same halls that were once used to humiliate me. But today, everything feels different.Every step I take is heavy, my heels clicking against the marble floor like a countdown to the inevitable.My heart pounds in my chest, but I refuse to let my fear show. I’ve come too far. I won’t stop now.Edward’s sleepy embrace, Michael’s lingering gaze, and my father’s firm nod flash through my mind. They’re safe. That’s all that matters. I did what I had to do. Now, it’s time to finish this.Sebastian is beside me, his presence steady. I can feel his eyes on me, searching, waiting. Eric walks slightly ahead, his movements sharp and focused, like a man preparing for battle. And then there are the detectives, their hushed conversations crackling with