SebastianI watch her walk toward me, each step deliberate and careful, as if she’s afraid she might shatter under the weight of her own decision.Elizabeth’s green dress clings to her figure, the slit teasing the length of her legs with every movement. The faint glow of the porch light dances across her skin, and I catch myself staring longer than I should.I wasn’t expecting her to say yes.When I asked her to dinner, I thought she’d hesitate, maybe deflect or make an excuse. But she surprised me, her soft “yes” echoing in my mind since the moment it left her lips. Now she’s here, her delicate beauty tugging at something I swore I’d buried a long time ago.I have no room for feelings, just vengeance. Vengeance for the man who killed my daughter's mother. My wife, my love.This wasn’t supposed to happen. Elizabeth wasn’t supposed to affect me like this.She’s just a pawn in a game that’s been years in the making.Tonight is about delivering the first blow, shaking Christopher’s world
ElizabethI can feel the weight of the decision I have just made.I look into Sebastine's desire, written all over.The warmth of his body is drawing me in. I can feel Sebastian's hand on my back, unzipping my dress. This time I am a willing participant, and I want him.Sebastine's hands explore me, touching me like I am something precious, something breakable. I let out a soft moan, grabbing his hair and pushing his head to my neck.His lips devour my skin, and without warning, I feel his hands on my thighs. Sebastian sets me down on the carpeted grass gently. I reach for him, planting my lips on his, ready for any consequences that follow.“Are you sure you want this?” Sebastian asks breathily...“I want you, Sebastine.”He smiles, quickly taking off his coat.I reach for him and place my hands around his neck. I pull him closer and let my hand explore him. Rubbing his hairy chest, I can feel him untie the straps to my dress. His mouth finding its way to my neck. He raises his hands
SebastianThe grass beneath me is damp and cold, a sharp contrast to the heat that clings to my skin.Sweat trickles down my temple, underneath me, but I hardly notice.The night is quiet except for the sound of her breathing, unsteady, like the rhythm of my own heart. Elizabeth lays a few feet away, her hands drawn to her chest, as if shielding herself from the world. Her eyes are fixed on the dark sky, but I can see the torment swirling in them.And God, I can feel my own.The weight of it sits heavy in my chest, a piercing ache that spreads with every second I stare at her. Tonight was supposed to be a turning point.And it is, just not the one I had expected, though.Everything had been set, every piece meticulously placed on the board. I was so close—so damn close—to delivering the first blow to Christopher.days of planning, scheming, and waiting, and all I had to do was to show up with, get a few pictures taken, and tomorrow, it would have been all over the papers. One command,
ElizabethI feel lighter today. Giddy, even.As I walk around the house, there’s a spring in my step I haven’t felt in years. I can’t explain it fully, but it feels like hope—new, fragile hope, bubbling up inside me and giving me strength.For the first time in forever, I’ve made up my mind. I’m leaving Christopher. There will be no more manipulations, no more playing dirty games. I simply need to be smarter.My fingers tremble as I sit in front of the vanity, brushing a layer of blush across my cheekbones. Last night I was reborn.My reflection looks back at me, and for once, I recognise the woman staring back. I’m not just Christopher Bell’s wife anymore. I’m Elizabeth—a woman who deserves more, who *will* have more. I swipe mascara onto my lashes, the dark pigment making my brown eyes look sharper, more alive. I smile, and it feels real. I’m ready.Today, I have so many plans. So many things to do. Chief among them is seeing my son. Edward. My heart aches at the thought of him, his
ElizabethI sit in my car, staring at the house that was once my happy place. It looms in front of me, large and cold, like a reminder of how shitty my life has become.The thought of going inside makes me sick to my stomach. My fingers grip the steering wheel tightly as if holding on to it will somehow stop the ache spreading through my chest.Celia’s voice plays in my head, her cruel words looping over and over. What did you think would happen after you lost all those pregnancies?I clench my jaw, swallowing hard.How did I let it get this far?How desperate I must be to endure years of insults from Christopher and his family. The audacity that man has—to take Edward without even telling me. “He has no right,” I whisper to myself, shaking my head in disbelief.Taking a deep breath, I force myself to move.My legs feel like lead as I drag myself out of the car and up the steps to the front door.My hand hesitates on the handle before I finally push it open. The quiet hum of the house
SebastianThe scent of Elizabeth still clings to me. I can’t get her out of my head.It’s been two days since we were together under the stars, two days since I touched her soft skin, kissed her, and held her like she was the only thing that mattered.Her smell, her taste, the feel of her—it’s driving me insane. And yet, nothing. No word from her. Is she avoiding me?Christopher is back from the wild goose chase I sent him on.I saw him at the meeting earlier today, storming around, snapping at everyone.He’s furious, and it’s because of me. My friend played his part perfectly—promising Christopher an investment only to back out at the last second.Watching Christopher’s face twist in frustration had been sweet, almost too easy. My plan is working. Piece by piece, I’m dismantling his perfect little empire. But now, with Elizabeth, it feels different. She’s under my skin, making me question everything.She hasn’t been to the office since that night. Is she regretting what happened? Or
ElizabethI see Sebastian in a different light. He is no longer the man who I slept with; he is now my protector. He is tense and determined. But it’s his eyes that catch me—dark, stormy, full of something I can’t quite name. Anger? Fear? Concern? All of it, maybe.“Where are we going?” I ask, my voice quieter than I intended. I’m trying to sound steady, but my ribs ache with every breath, and the words come out shaky.“You need to see a doctor,” he replies, glancing at me for a moment before turning his eyes back to the road. His knuckles grip the steering wheel so tightly I can see the tension in his hands.“I can’t,” I say quickly, panic rising in my chest. “I can’t go to the hospital. I can’t risk any of this getting out.”His jaw tightens, and his fingers flex on the wheel as if he’s holding himself back.“You know what? I don’t care, Elizabeth,” he says sharply. “All I know is that I need to make sure you’re okay. This isn’t up for debate.”“Sebastian, please.” My voice cracks,
SebastianI sit across from her as she sleeps, the dim light of the room casting soft shadows over her face. She looks so delicate, so fragile. Her chest rises and falls unevenly, as if even breathing is a struggle.I can see the bruises on her neck, faint but unmistakable, like fingerprints left behind by someone who had no right to touch her.It’s strange seeing her like this. Vulnerable. Elizabeth is always so guarded, her sharp tongue and stubbornness her armor. But now, as she lies here, battered and bruised, I can see the cracks in her walls. I hate it. I hate how someone could do this to her.I run a hand through my hair and lean back in my chair, never taking my eyes off her.A part of me wants to reach out, to hold her hand, to promise her that everything will be okay. But I can’t. Not yet. She wouldn’t believe me anyway.The sound of my father’s footsteps pulls me from my thoughts. I glance up as he enters the room, carrying two glasses of whiskey. He hands me one without a
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
ElizabethI step into Sebastian’s penthouse, Edward clutched tightly in my arms. I can feel the rapid beat of his tiny heart against my chest, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I breathe in relief. He’s here. He’s safe. He’s mine.“Mama, is this our new home?” Edward whispers into my ear, his small arms wrapped tightly around my neck.I press my lips to his hair, inhaling the sweet scent of innocence. “No, honey. But I’m happy you’re here with me.”His little hands relax, but I can feel his confusion. He doesn’t understand yet, but one day, he will. One day, he’ll know why I had to do this. Why I had to fight for him.I set him down, watching as he hesitates for just a moment before running into my father’s open arms. James lifts him with ease, his strong hands steadying him like he’s been doing it his whole life. I swallow the lump in my throat. This is what Edward should have always had—a family that truly loves him, not one built on lies and control.“So now that t
ElizabethShock ripples through me, leaving my body frozen in place.Of all the games Christopher could have played, I never imagined this.A proposal?Renewing our vows?He doesn't love me.He never has.So why?I can't question him. Not now. Not when I'm starting to remember. Not when I know who he truly is. I need to play this carefully, keep my face neutral, my voice steady. Whatever he’s planning, I need to stay ahead of him.“Elizabeth, Christopher asked you a question,” Celia’s sharp voice cuts through the room. There’s an edge to her tone, a demand laced with impatience.Anger simmers beneath my skin. If I say yes, I go back to being Christopher’s puppet, his punching bag. My stomach churns at the thought. I take a breath, preparing to respond, but before I can, the doorbell rings.Relief floods me. Saved by the literal bell.The house manager rushes in, looking pale. “You have guests.”Celia’s eyes narrow. “Who?”Before the house manager can answer, two tall figures step into