SebastianThe room is silent, but the air feels thick, like something heavy is pressing down on us. Eric is staring at me, his green eyes wide with panic.His gaze pierces me, searching for an answer I don’t have the strength to give.“What is it, Sebastian?” His voice is sharp, cutting through the quiet like a knife. “What did they say?”I swallow hard, my throat dry.My hand trembles as I lower the phone, its screen going dark.I can feel the weight of his stare, the tension growing with each passing second.“Sebastian!” Eric’s voice rises, frantic now. “What’s going on? Say something!”I open my mouth, but the words don’t come.My chest tightens, and my knees feel weak.The walls seem to close in around me, and before I can stop myself, I’m sinking to the ground.My legs give out completely, and I collapse onto my knees, the phone slipping from my hand and clattering to the floor.“Sebastian!” Eric is by my side in an instant, gripping my shoulders. “What the hell is going on? Talk
SebastianThe morning light seeps through the glass walls of my penthouse, too soft and warm for the weight in my chest. My phone buzzes on the counter, the sound slicing through the silence.I grab it immediately, my pulse quickening when I see the name. Agnes.We can meet today. But make sure Christopher isn’t watching me.That’s easy today. James Alexander is already here.“Dad’s on his way up,” Eric announces as he walks into the kitchen, his tone almost casual, like we didn’t spend the night spiralling in fear and guilt.“Should we, like, get breakfast or something?” I ask, my nerves making my words uneven.My hands are clammy, and I wipe them on my pants, trying to ignore the anxiety clawing at me.Eric chuckles, opening the fridge. “Dad makes breakfast,” he says, as if that’s supposed to calm me.But it doesn’t.Not even close.My mind flashes back to the last time I met James Alexander—the blow he landed across my face still feels fresh, and I can almost hear the scorn in his
ChristopherThe noise outside my office pulls me from my thoughts. A muffled voice, high-pitched and frantic, pierces through the heavy oak door."You can't go in!" my assistant screams, her voice shaky with panic.“Move.” A second voice, deep and commanding, cuts through her protests.I push back from my desk, my chest tightening as I stride toward the door. My footsteps echo in the quiet office, the tension in the air thick enough to choke me.“What the hell is going on?” I bark, yanking the door open, ready to reprimand whoever thought they could disrupt my morning.But I stop dead in my tracks.Shit.Standing there, just outside my office, is James Alexander.His broad frame fills the hallway, his shoulders squared in a pristine dark suit that looks like it cost more than my car.The cowboy hat perched on his head casts a shadow over his sharp, weathered features, but not enough to hide the cold fire in his eyes.His boots—polished, pointed, and scuffed just enough to show he’s wo
SebastianThe roar of the engine hums under me as I punch the gas, the force pressing me back into the seat.The tension in my chest eases—just slightly—with each mile we put behind us. The winding streets blur past, the steady growl of the car calming my racing thoughts.But no amount of speed can untangle the knots in my stomach."Do you think Agnes has anything useful?" Eric asks from the passenger seat, breaking the silence."What do I think?" I glance at him briefly, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "I hope she does. God knows we need something."Eric hesitates, then asks the question I’ve been asking myself all day.“Do you think there’s any chance…any at all…that Elizabeth’s back?”I shake my head. The idea is too good to be true, and we both know it. “That would be a miracle,” I admit quietly. “But miracles don’t happen when Christopher’s involved.”Eric nods solemnly, his face grim. “Still, we can hope.”Hope. I cling to the word, but it feels paper-thin in my hands.This
ChristopherThe tires screech as I pull into the long driveway of my estate.The roaring engine echoes my frustration, but it does nothing to calm me.How the hell did James Alexander find out that Elizabeth is missing?The thought loops in my head like a bad song, over and over, until I want to scream.It doesn’t make sense. I planned this perfectly. Every move, every detail—I was meticulous. Yet somehow, James, that smug bastard, knows something.I slam my fist against the steering wheel, the sharp pain grounding me for a moment.“Shit!” I scream, my voice echoing in the car.I pull up to the house and kill the engine, but I don’t move.I sit there, my mind racing. James Alexander wasn’t supposed to be in the picture.Not now.I made sure Elizabeth was isolated, didn’t I?I convinced her that her family never cared.The memory of her tear-streaked face surfaces, and for a moment, guilt flickers in the corner of my mind.But I squash it down, bury it deep where it can’t touch me.I r
ChristopherMy heart pounds so hard it feels like it might burst out of my chest. My palms are clammy, my breaths too shallow, too quick. This cannot be happening. Not now. Not like this.I pace back and forth in the cold hallway outside the padded room, the doctor’s words echoing in my head.“She’s awake.” Awake. The word feels heavy, like a stone sinking into my gut. It’s one thing to hope Elizabeth is dead—it’s cleaner, final. But ordering her and her unborn child to be killed? That’s a line I can’t cross.I can’t do it.I won’t do it.“Get it together,” I hiss under my breath, raking my hands through my hair.My reflection in the small, smudged window of the door catches my eye. My tie is slightly askew, my shirt wrinkled, my face pale.I look as shaken as I feel.“Go in there and find out what she knows,” I tell myself, my voice barely audible. That’s all I need to do. Find out what she remembers. Nothing more.Taking a deep breath, I push the door open cautiously.The padded roo
ChristopherI pace the length of the dining room, my fists clenched so tightly my nails bite into my palms. The fury bubbling inside me feels like a volcano ready to erupt."I can’t believe that man has the nerve to threaten me in my own house," I shout, my voice echoing off the walls.I slam a hand onto the table, the crystal glasses rattling in protest.“Calm down, Christopher,” Celia says, her tone dripping with annoyance as she lounges in one of the chairs, whisky glass in hand.She’s watching me like I’m some unruly child throwing a tantrum. “He’s bluffing. James Alexander doesn’t have anything on you.”I whirl around to face her, my teeth grinding together. “On us, Mother. Don’t forget that.” My voice is sharp and biting, and it makes her flinch slightly. “This mess isn’t just mine to clean up. James Alexander is our problem.”She snorts, dismissing me with a wave of her hand.“James Alexander is your problem now. If it’s too much for you to handle, maybe you should let Celeste
ChristopherI sit at the head of the long conference table, fingers drumming against the polished wood.My heartbeat thunders in my chest, but I keep my face calm and controlled. This is my house. My company. I can’t afford to lose my cool—not now, not with the sharks circling.One by one, they walk in: shareholders, board members, vultures in tailored suits, their faces unreadable but their intentions clear. Power. Money. Control.Sebastian strolls in next, flanked by a man he introduced to me as Eric.Eric has the kind of face that’s hard to trust—sharp, calculating eyes, a permanent smirk etched on his lips. My stomach churns as I watch them settle into their seats.Across the room, I catch Celeste’s gaze. Her calm exterior doesn’t fool me. The way she fiddles with her pen, the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth—she’s just as uneasy as I am.More people file in, and then Celia walks in, head held high, her presence commanding the room. She doesn’t even look at me as she takes
ElizabethWeeks have passed since that chaotic night, and now I find myself trying to grasp the little moments of happiness.Sebastian is still in a coma, and the authorities are still trying to find Sarah and Christopher.I’ve come to accept that the last few years of my life were a lie, a twisted tale woven with deceit and betrayal. As I cradle my baby in my arms and watch Edward play in the park, his laughter mingling with the gentle breeze that flows through the trees.But even in this moment of joy, I can still feel the pain in my heart.Celia killed my mother. Celia destroyed me, and now she’s dead. I wish I had the chance to make her pay for what she did. The thought gnaws at me, a constant reminder of the darkness that has shadowed my life.I look down at Edward’s innocent face, and a wave of happiness washes over me.Despite everything going on, my children are safe and blissfully unaware of the chaos that surrounds us. I can’t help but smile as I listen to the giggles, the s
ElizabethI drift in a deep dream state, surrounded by darkness. It feels heavy, like a thick fog pressing down on me.I try to move, reaching out for something—anything—to hold on to, but my limbs feel weighted, as if I’m stuck in quicksand that won’t let me go.Suddenly, images begin to flicker in the darkness.I see my two sons, their laughter ringing like music in the air. They’re playing, their faces lit up with joy, and I can’t help but smile. I dream of happiness, of a life filled with love and laughter. I see Sebastian, his eyes sparkling as he frolics with our children, their giggles echoing around us.But then, everything shifts. I notice blood dripping from Sebastian’s chest, the bright red stark against his skin. My heart drops, and I try to scream, to call out his name, but no sound escapes my lips. I try to run to him, but I’m stuck, frozen on the ground, unable to move.Just when I think I might drown in despair, a bright light pierces through the darkness. It’s blindin
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