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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ElizabethThe air is warm, and the whispers in the wind carry a gentle melody that wraps around me like a soft embrace.It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the world stopped spinning so fast.A year of peace, happiness, and love. I take a deep breath, letting the warmth fill my lungs, and I can almost forget the pain that once consumed me.My father finally let me leave, and Sebastian had bought us a beautiful manor.He said it was the last thing Sarah had requested before she vanished.So far, she has kept her word and hasn’t returned. I glance around the garden, where flowers bloom in vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the darkness that once surrounded my life.We finally named our son Michael James Valdez, and Edward is more than happy to have two more siblings.The Bell name is nothing but a bad memory now, a shadow that lingers in the corners of my mind.But as I stand here, reading Christopher’s name out loud, I can still feel the pain and anger just below the surface.
Sebastian“Sarah!” I exclaim, the name escaping my lips like a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “So you came here, the last place I saw you before you pretended to be dead.” My voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. “I did. You’re the only person who knows it, and I knew you would come searching at some point,” she explains, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.I walk over and sit opposite her, the familiar surroundings of the manor bringing back a flood of memories—some good, some painful. “The last time we were here…” she begins, her voice trailing off as she looks around, lost in thought.“You were cheating on me throughout,” I interject, the bitterness rising in my throat.“I was,” Sarah confirms, her gaze unwavering.“Why?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.“I don’t know, Sebastian. I loved Christopher, and I thought you could make me forget him. Turned out I was wrong,” she admits, her voice softening.“You co
SebastianThe sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the ranch as Elizabeth and I sit on the porch. The wooden boards creak softly beneath us, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees.I glance at her, taking in the way the light dances in her hair, and I can’t help but feel a sense of peace, even amidst the chaos that has surrounded us.“I don’t think my father will ever let me leave this ranch again,” Elizabeth says, her voice tinged with frustration.“I know I wouldn’t,” I reply, releasing a long sigh.The weight of everything hangs heavy in the air between us. Things are awkward; the last time we were together, I didn’t know I had a son.When I asked her to marry me, she didn’t give me an answer. Everything has been a roller coaster since then—me being kidnapped, ending up shot and in a coma, and then her being kidnapped and almost dying. It’s been a whirlwind, and I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still caught in the storm.“So, I have a so
ElizabethThe dirt is cold beneath me. My body aches, every breath dragging fire through my chest. But I keep moving. I drag myself forward, inch by inch, the rough ground scraping against my skin. Smoke curls through the air ahead, thick and choking. I can see the commotion now—shadows moving, voices raised. I am so close. My lips part to call out, but the effort is too much. My body gives out. Darkness crashes over me like a wave. And then, through the void, I hear him. “Elizabeth!” Sebastian’s voice cuts through the silence. Desperate. Terrified. A weak smile tugs at my lips. He’s here. They all made it. And Sarah… Sarah actually saved them. The voices grow distant, fading like whispers in the wind. Everything gets lighter, quieter, until there is nothing at all. ……..Warmth surrounds me. Softness cradles my aching body. There is no pain here, only a strange sense of peace. Is this heaven? I inhale slowly, my chest rising with ease. The air smells familiar—clean linen, fr
ElizabethShe looks different. Red hair. Green eyes. Lighter somehow, as if the weight of the past has peeled away all parts that were Celeste. But the anger—oh, the anger—is still there. It simmers beneath her skin, sharp and blistering.Sarah tilts her head, lips curling in amusement."Elizabeth, it seems you are a glutton for punishment." Her voice is the same. Cold. Mocking. A phantom from a life I barely remember. I struggle for breath, my ribs screaming with each inhale. "Well, you look different," I rasp between gasps, my body barely holding itself together. Sarah flicks a strand of red hair over her shoulder, eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Yeah… it felt more like me." She shrugs, as if shedding Celeste—the woman she once pretended to be—was as simple as changing clothes. "Her role was done." She turns her gaze to Christopher, her expression shifting into something darker. "Where have you been, my love?" she asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’ve been looking for y
Elizabeth The stars. They spin above me like scattered jewels in the black sky, swirling and shifting, refusing to settle. My head throbs with a sickening pulse, each beat reminding me of the impact. I try to lift my hand to my temple, but the pain is almost too much to bear. My vision is blurry, and I taste metal on my tongue—my blood. Everything hurts. Everything is wrong. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my mind. The wrecked car door hangs open beside me. My body shakes with every breath I take. The world around me is spinning, but I force myself to focus. I need to move. I need to get out of here. Christopher. I twist my neck, forcing my heavy head to turn, and there he is—slumped over the steering wheel, motionless. His chest rises and falls in uneven breaths, but for now, he's still unconscious. Good. I can’t stay here. Not like this. I look around. There’s nothing, just endless darkness around me. But I can’t think about that now. I need to get away. I need to
ElizabethI can see the horror in their eyes. Sebastian. Eric. Detective Adams. They stand frozen, their bodies tense, their hands twitching at their sides as Christopher drags me toward the front door. Detective Adams's gun is steadily pointing at Christopher, but he is frozen in place.Their helplessness is written across their faces, burning into my soul like a scar I will carry forever. Sebastian’s eyes lock onto mine, wide and desperate, pleading for me to hold on, to fight.But I can’t fight. Not with Christopher’s bruising grip digging into my arm, not with his breath hot against my ear as he hisses, one wrong move and your children die. I watch, my breath catching in my throat, as Sebastian reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black card. The same card we all know will leave no trace. His hands tremble as he extends it toward Christopher, his fingers curling tightly around it like he wants to crush it into dust instead. "Take it," Sebastian spits, his voice laced with
ElizabethI see an opening. The front door. It’s right there, just a few steps away. If I run now, I might make it before Christopher gets up. But my children. I can’t leave them. I won’t leave them. My heart pounds, my body screaming for escape, but my mind is already made up. I turn, my feet dragging against the floor as I push myself toward the staircase. I need to get to them. I need to make sure they’re safe. I take the first step, my legs burning, my ribs aching from Christopher’s last blow. But then I hear it—movement. “Elizabeth!” His furious scream echoes through the house, slamming into my back like a physical force. My entire body seizes with terror, but I don’t stop.I can’t stop.I push forward, every step feeling like a mile, every breath like shards of glass in my lungs. I can hear him behind me. Fast. Too fast. I force my legs to move, digging deep into whatever strength I have left. Just a little more. Just a few more steps. But then— BANG!The front door fl
ElizabethThe dining table stands between us. My breath is ragged, my pulse wild. Christopher watches me with a twisted smirk, his dark eyes burning with something cruel. The air in the room is thick, suffocating, pressing against my chest like an iron weight. "Where are you running to, Lizzy?" he asks mockingly, tilting his head like a predator cornering its prey. "I'm not running, Christopher," I say defiantly, my voice steadier than I expect. "Then stop." His tone sharpens into a command. "No, Christopher!" I scream, my hands trembling as I glance around, desperate for anything—a weapon, a way out, anything to put an end to this nightmare. "I will not let you leave my children without a mother. Not because you couldn't do better!" Christopher lets out a low, humorless laugh. His fingers twitch at his sides. "You're a menace to me, Elizabeth," he spits. "I married you to make my life better, to make my legacy stronger. But what did I get?" His voice rises, raw with rage. "You d