YSABELLEI stared at the twins inside their new study room while leaning at the door. One of the guest rooms was renovated into their study room.Their private tutor, Ms. Ami, was the best educator we found for our children. She has an excellent background and I know she is trustworthy since it's Ronan who hired her.The kids were surprisingly behaved, especially Ashley.As much as I wanted them to have a normal school life, I couldn't risk anything. Our situation was beyond normal. “Why homeschooling?”I was startled at Cleo’s sudden appearance behind me.“Cleo, you know how dangerous the outside world is.” I hissed quietly not to disturb the people inside the study room.Seeing the kids learning quietly was making my heart flutter but saddened at the same time.It was supposed to be my job to teach them first. I was supposed to be their first teacher. But here I am, struggling to cope and spend time with my children. Both Ronan and I have been so busy with the company and issues i
YSABELLEShaine's death left us all in confusion. I was left in deep confusion, here inside the car alone outside the hospital.Ronan doesn't want me to see Shaine's body in the morgue. The police said it was too gruesome to watch the body because she was burned inside the car.I gulp nervously as I scratch my head in frustration. I don't know why I'm even nervous. The car door suddenly opened, and Ronan got inside with a frown all over his face.“Too gruesome to watch?”He nodded as he fixed his sleeves before gesturing to the driver to start the car.“She doesn't have any relatives. So, after the autopsy, they will cremate her body.”My brows furrowed. “She's an orphan?”“Yeah.”I didn't know she was.But according to the police, she's still with Paul, working with him to hunt me and Ronan down.“How about Paul?”“The police will intensify their search for him.”“What if he was the one who killed her?”This time, his brows furrowed at me. “Why would he even kill her? She's his only
YSABELLEAfter the police left the room, Ronan and I became silent, reading the air between us while staring intently at my father on the bed.What did you just do, father? Did you kill Shaine?No… he can't do that. Well, it's in his blood for having a cold heart and brutal hand, but I always keep convincing myself that he's different from his brother.He won't kill someone because he cares so much about his reputation. He won't tarnish his own name that he built for years.“Let's go back. It's getting dark.”Ronan suddenly stood up and walked out of the room. Seeing his shoulder fall down made me worried. He was now entangled with my father's name because of me, our children, and our company. He looks… worried and doesn't know how to defend his name in the eyes of those who will judge my father.But my father is not the culprit.His car was only seen coming in and out of the place where Shaine was found dead.With a sigh, I followed Ronan until I found him waiting for me inside th
YSABELLEI stood up from my chair after my lunch, ignoring Ronan’s presence the whole morning. Even though he always makes a way to get close and talk to me. He didn't deserve my attention.As I was about to exit the dining hall, Ronan’s phone beeped loudly. Someone just sent him a text.Who could it be?I tightly shut my eyes in annoyance. I'm not curious. I shouldn't be curious.Without a word, I completely exited the dining hall. I'm still mad at him for not believing in me. We're talking about my family. He should at least side with me even though he's also suspicious about my father's extracurricular activities.I headed upstairs to my room and got some of my clothes. I'm going to wash in Ashley’s bathroom.But before I could leave the closet, Ronan blocked my way through the door.“Candice was found.”I should feel relieved at his news, but why do I feel irritated when he says her name?I rolled my eyes. “Then? Do you want to see her badly and fly to the U.S.?”“I'm just tell
YSABELLEI flinched when I heard a ringing sound coming from under the pillow. It's obviously not my phone because it's an iPhone.I groaned as I opened my eyes and scanned my surroundings. Just then, I realized something heavy was leaning on my chest.It's Ronan, peacefully and comfortably sleeping with his head covering my naked chest.“Ronan, your phone.” “That's not mine.” He murmured and buried his face in my cleavage.I groaned as I scratched my head. “It's yours.”“Nah–”“Answer it, or I will kick your ass? Choose.” It didn't take him a second to remove his head from my bare chest, groaning and mumbling something.First thing in the morning, he gets on my nerves. He really has a talent for that.“Why are you so hot-headed and short-tempered these days?”“It sounds annoying.”He stretched his arms as he sat on the bed. I watch him as he answers his phone lazily, wondering who called this early– no, not early. It's already ten in the morning.We skipped breakfast.“Yes?” He ans
YSABELLEAs soon as Ronan barged inside the room where the detective and Mr. Willow were, I abruptly sprinted to follow him.“Ron–”When I got hold of his arm, I felt him tense. He was definitely fuming in rage while giving Mr. Willow a death glare. But Mr. Willow only sent a smirk to Ronan, provoking him.“Yes, it's your mother, Volkov.” Mr. Willow's grin widened.My jaw clenched, seeing him wearing those ugly smiles plastered on his face. He's also making my blood boil.“Do you think I would believe your lies?!” My hand tightened in Ronan’s arm when he growled. He's reaching the limit, or maybe it's already in the danger zone.“She paid me to kill your father!”“SHUT THE FUCK UP!”I flinched in surprise when Ronan suddenly shouted but my eyes widened when Ronan pulled out the gun of the detective. He pointed the gun at Mr. Willow, causing my almost heart attack.The detective was taken aback as I held Ronan’s arm to stop him from doing what he wanted to do.“Ronan, stop it–”“YOUR
YSABELLE"Ronan?" I called and headed downstairs.He was already gone when I woke up.As I arrived in the dining hall, I saw the maids preparing our breakfast."Where's Ronan?" I asked as soon as I sat on the chair, ready to dig in."He left early without breakfast, Madam."My brows furrowed.I stood up and ran upstairs to get my phone. I tried to call his phone, but he's not answering my calls. Where did he go this early?With a sigh, I went back to the dining hall to have my breakfast alone.Maybe he went to the police station or cemetery.After my meals, I decided to visit my Dad in the cemetery, hoping to see Ronan because his father's tomb was near to where my father was.But he's not here.Seeing my ex-father-in-law's face wearing a smile in that huge picture frame made me realize the pain that his wife is the only one who wants him dead. He might have felt betrayed, but the thing he did was more painful.If it's true that Connor is his son with Lucia…I sighed deeply as I place
YSABELLEI immediately helped Ronan before he got hurt by the sharp objects that scattered on the floor. However, I saw a red stain on his knuckles, which confused me.Did he intentionally knock down the vase?“Are you okay?” I asked but he shook his head while messing up his hair. He smells alcohol too. “Did you drink?”I held his face to look at me in the eye, and yeah, his eyes were unfocused.“Do I smell bad? I'm sorry if I am.” He hoarsely said under his breath while bowing his head.He really looked apologetic.“Not at all.” I slowly pulled him to stand up. “Let's treat your wound.”We were staggering as we entered our room before I called the maids to clean the mess outside.I cleaned his wounds and put on ointment. I'm glad the wound is not that deep.He never became aggressive yesterday when he drank and hid behind the couch. I wonder what more severe happened today that led him to let out his anger through the poor, expensive vase.“I… I will take a shower first.”He was abo
YSABELLEI woke up when a hand accidentally hit my face. I groaned in pain and got up only to see Amara sleeping soundly beside me. A chuckle escaped from me while caressing my cheek.It's not that painful, though.I covered Amara with a blanket and got off the bed. I glanced at the clock marked four am. It was early, but I couldn't go back to sleep, so I decided to waste some of the hours jogging around the mansion to replenish my mind.I was about to enter my room but the door of Jacob’s room suddenly opened. Jacob came out of the room, dragging his luggage behind him. I approached him with a confused look in my eyes. “Jacob, where are you going?”“I have an early flight to Australia.”My brows furrowed. “Why? I mean, Ronan would–”“Classes are starting next week. I already bid my goodbye to Dad, Ashley, and Amara last night.”He looked down, avoiding my eyes as if he were guilty of something.“That's… earlier than I thought.”I scratched the back of my neck as silence between us
YSABELLEI open the door of the police car because I don't plan to ride Ronan's car. But Ronan closed the door and turned me around to face him."Belle, it's not what you think. Nothing happened between us–” I pushed him in irritation, but he only grabbed my hand and pinned me to the car. "Please believe me." He pleaded.I refused to meet his eyes as I struggled to pull my hand away from his grip and push him out of my way. But he's a man, and I'm only a woman who couldn't even move this guy away from me."Get out of my face." I snarled.His Adam's apple moves before firmly saying, "No."I'm tired. I don't want to argue with him. Also, there are people around us.I avoided his eyes but only to see Jacob's inside the police mobile, silently waiting."Talk to him."Through my peripheral vision, I saw him looking in the direction I was staring. He slowly let go of my wrist while sighing deeply. With furrowed brows, I glared at him and saw him only solemnly staring at Jacob."Don't just s
YSABELLE"Jacob? Are you alright-"Before I could even continue my words, Candice suddenly pushed me, causing me to fall on the floor. She immediately sat on my stomach, wrapping her fingers tightly around my neck."Don't let your guard down, bitch,"I tightly shut my eyes as I struggled under her, trying to push her and take her hands off of me. Damn it! I'm losing my breath and it feels like my veins are about to explode any moment now.With gritted teeth, I also did the same to her neck, burying my nails in her skin and I'm doing my best to escape from this nightmare–"Enough!"Suddenly, the weight in my stomach disappeared, as well as the violent hands of Candice from my neck. I coughed so hard, trying to catch my breath while caressing my neck from the pain she had caused.Shit! I almost became a memory! Sweat trickled down my temple as I hazily looked in front of me, trying to focus my sight on the person who took Candice off of me.But my eyes widened to see an unexpected man
YSABELLEI anxiously swallowed the lump stuck in my throat as I stared at Candice intently, waiting for her response. She inhaled sharply as her eyes didn't leave mine. Suspicion lingered in her eyes and I can't help but curl my toes in nervousness.If she's dumb enough to believe my words–"Okay."My left brow rose abruptly.Uhmm... I didn't expect that, but that's what I want to happen.With a sigh, she reached for my chain around my ankle as she took out the keys from her pocket. The corner of my lips lifted when she finally inserted the key in a lock."If you had just done that before, we wouldn't have led to this kidnapped thingy." She mumbled under her breath. Once she released my ankle, her face lifted on mine. "So-"I strike her face with my knee, causing her to fall on the ground with loud screams in pain."FUCKI"I whimpered in pain as I caressed the knee I used because of the strong impact it created on her face. I bet I broke her nose."Yeah, fuck you bitch." I said under
YSABELLE"Congratulations! You have been fooled for the second time!"My chest twisted in pain as my eyes wavered while staring at the picture on Candice's phone. I hate seeing him on the bed with another woman. It felt like the past resurfaced again and again every time Ronan interacted with them.However, as I kept staring at the photo, Ronan was sleeping in an uncomfortable position, which made me frown. He never sleeps on his stomach because it makes him feel uncomfortable, and his neck the next morning would definitely give him pain.Something is not right.My eyes caught Candice behind the phone, grinning from ear to ear while staring at me as if waiting for something interesting to happen.Did she take the picture? For what? To brag about it to me? If she likes Ronan that much, why does she let that woman sleep with Ronan?I trust Ronan... after all those years we've been together... I know he won't waste it just like before. But I have the right to get mad and feel betrayed.A
RONANI kicked the door in rage as I stormed out of the club where I last saw that woman. I did everything I could to find her information and make sure I could get hold of her. But the owner of the club didn't know the woman. She's not a regular here.I had already sent the little information I'd got to Kevin to do the rest of locating this woman. I should not have left that morning. I only want confirmation if something happened between us or not.As far as I remember, I didn't get drunk that much to the point that I collapsed and blacked out. Did she put anything in my drinks? No, she didn't offer me anything.Damn! My head is aching up now.I slammed the door of my Ferrari, and the first thing I saw when I entered the car was Belle's picture on my dashboard, together with my children.She was so gorgeous with those smiles.My chest twisted in pain as the face of the woman came across my mind."Jesus, what have I done?" I tightly shut my eyes in fury as my fingers tightened around
YSABELLEA door was wide open behind me. With a small light coming from outside the door, a silhouette of a woman at the doorway sent shivers down my spine. Though, I can't clearly see her face due to the darkness inside the room.Who is she?-- Wait... Where's Jacob?“Who's there?” I asked as I was about to try to stand on the ground, getting my balance, but a chuckle echoed inside the room, which made me freeze.That familiar laugh…My pulse anxiously thrummed as I squinted my eyes to focus on the face of this lady wearing a dress with short, wavy hair.A sly grin formed on her lips, which made my legs tremble in fear."Ca-Candice?"It couldn't be right… I abruptly closed my eyes when the lights suddenly switched on."Yes, dear."My soul almost left my body upon hearing her voice. Is it really her? I slowly raised my gaze and met her grinning face. "When have you been out?" She wore blonde artificial hair and put on heavy makeup. Maybe to make sure no one recognizes her."You don'
YSABELLEJacob doesn't have any choice but to follow me inside the building. I know he's scared to face Ronan, but I don't want him to bury a rage deep down in his heart about Ronan.We headed straight to the CEO's office but found his office empty. He's not around, and neither is his secretary.I called the receptionist through Ronan's telephone, and a woman answered immediately."Hi. This is Belle Volkov. Where's Ronan?""Good day, Ms. Volkov. As far as I know, Mr. Volkov is not around."My brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean he's not around?""Mr. Volkov didn't come to work."My ears perked at her words as my jaw clenched.If the people here tell me he's absent from work, it means Ronan has no other outdoor meeting or anything related to the company.Where is he? He's not at home, and if he goes somewhere not related to work, he always tells me so I won't get worried. But why he didn't tell me anything today? Because he's angry?"Where's his secretary?""He's on sick lea
YSABELLE “Why didn't you talk to him?”“He refused to let me visit Mom, so there's no need to ask his permission to go back to Australia.”I can sense his irritation just by mentioning Ronan. I can't blame him. Ronan just does whatever he wants, not even realizing what Jacob might have felt.He's just a child wanting to see his parents and know how they are doing. But Ronan didn't understand his feelings, which added to Jacob's frustration.“He still needs to know. Wait here, I will call him.”I walked to the door, but he stopped me by holding my hand.“He's busy and still angry at me. Also…” He looked away and turned his back on me as he let go of my hand. “I don't want to see or talk to him.”“Jacob, he's only doing this for your own good. You already know the past of your mother and your biological father, right?”“I just want to talk to them. Is that a crime?”I was taken aback at his words.“N-No, it's not.”He stared at me with mixed emotions. His eyes filled with anger, pain,