YSABELLEAs I want the kids to spend time with me, too, I joined them at the kids' play center. There was nobody else inside. There were simply the four of us moving around while chasing the twins running to the pool with slides and balls in the middle of the enormous and extensive room.It must be fun if other children are hanging out around here.As much as I want to join the kids in playing, I just can't. They are already having fun with Ronan.His smile and laugh, which I hadn't seen before, were all over his face. I still am not used to seeing him on this side of Ronan Volkov. “Mommy!!!”Ashley screamed and distracted my thoughts.“Ashley, lower your voice, please.”“Come, come, come.”“I will just watch over here.”How can I smile and laugh with Ronan? I heavily sigh and eat Ashton's leftover snack. I supposedly enjoy my day off with my children, but it seems they like being with their daddy right now. Am I jealous?It's better this way.If we used the law to fight custody…
YSABELLEMy eyes widened as if our lips met for the first time in a while. My heart pounded rapidly as I felt his damp and soft lips on mine. I immediately pushed myself away from him with a trembling grip on his chest, feeling the heat gushing on my face. I can hear the faint laugh of the twins around us while our gaze locks on each other.What had just happened?However, my brows furrowed when the corner of his lips lifted. Amusement was plastered on his ocean-blue eyes.“Don't smile,” I spoke out with gritted teeth.“I'm not.”“Don't laugh.” He raises his two hands in the air, pursing his lips together. “It was an accident. Period!”“I know.” He said and his smile slowly reached his eyes.“Damn it, Ronan! Don't show me that freaking smile of yours!” I harshly threw him the balls and got off the pool with a big stride.Embarrassment filled my whole body.“Are you running away?” He exclaimed with a hint of amusement.Damn him!“Take care of the kids!”I left the kids' play center a
YSABELLEThe harsh heat of Ottawa pierced through my skin as I walked down the stairs from the private plane I rode.The whole ride in my private plane back here, I played four pics and one word games on my phone to relieve my boredom. Or should I say, to distract my mind from remembering Ronan and Candice together in a hotel?They've been running in my head all along since the plane left Vancouver premises. I just don't understand why I am feeling like this.With a sigh, I open my phone. Connor left me tons of messages. He was worried and mad for running away like that from him.This person too is a headache.My phone suddenly rang. It's my father… again.I recalled I was rude the last time I talked with him. He's still my father, after all.“How was it?” He bombarded me as soon as I answered the call.My brows furrowed at his query. “What do you mean?”“The progress of finding the weakness to take down your ex-husband.” His raging tone made me stop my feet.“No–”“Why are you so sl
YSABELLERonan sighs deeply as he still keeps listening to Candice's tantrum in another line for how many seconds before he agrees.It's not like I want to see Candice's face but I just have the courage to piss her off. “I will just drop her first.” He said with a frown before turning the car and changing lanes.I just want to tease Candice. What would she feel if she saw me with Ronan? Does she also feel what I felt when I saw them together before?The rage comes back into my chest.I want to torture and ruin Candice's life but I can't do anything since my father monitors my move. Also, she's clean. There's nothing to use to ruin her life, except being Ronan's mistress.But I can't use that because my children might get involved.Not long after, the car stopped in front of a beauty salon. I scoffed that she always takes care of herself while leaving Jacob in New York with his nannies. Why is Ronan not scolding her about being so selfish?I rolled down the window to get some fresh a
YSABELLE My eyes widened as I realized what Ronan meant. Hearing him talking gibberish makes my heart pound nervously.“Are you nuts? That's my father's subsidiary company.” I hissed.“I know.”I scoffed at how cool he was. “He wouldn't let you.”His lips curved. “Really? Then, it's a challenge for me.”“Ronan!”“What? I will do whatever I want.” He chuckled as if he found this interesting.“Are you going to aggravate my father?”He shrugged, showing no interest. “Nothing is different, I already had him fuming.”I firmly shut my eyes in frustration. He should know when and how to avoid the disaster.“You'll make things more complicated.”His smile widened as we arrived at my place without me realizing it.“Just like what I said…” I sucked in my breath as he leaned closer. “I'll do whatever I want as long as I get closer to you.” He whispered softly.His enticing eyes have drawn me in again. But I avoided his eyes before my heart went wild again.“You're crazy,” I whispered.“Crazy fo
YSABELLE Adrenaline rushed through me and sprinted to Ronan with my heart thrumming inside my chest when I saw the car start to move backward. I immediately turned off the engine and shot a glare at Ronan, who just chuckled in his seat, unbothered at the future accident. I slapped his face lightly. “You're drunk, and yet, you plan to drive home?” I said with gritted teeth.He almost crashed into the car behind.“I'm not drunk.”I glared at him with full intent. “That's what drunk people always say.”I pushed him to the passenger seat. He didn't say anything and just moved over, groaning as his head accidentally hit the window.Served him right!I looked around, hoping to find someone reliable that could help this jerk to take him to his place.“Where the hell is your bodyguard or driver?” I asked.But as expected, I didn't receive a proper response from an intoxicated man.I buttoned the coat I had which was owned by Ronan as the cold st
RONANI felt a warm palm, impatiently tapping my cheeks. As soon as her scent reached my nostrils, I internally smiled that it was no other than Belle.“Wake up.” I can sense irritation in her tone. She tapped my cheek again, but this time, it was a slight slap. “Ronan, wake up.”I moaned as I caught her wrist and pulled her to me. “Do you miss me already?”As I open my eyes, her gorgeous argentine widens as I hear her heart beating, rapidly and deafening.She abruptly pushed me when a smile crept into my mouth.“Shut up. Look at this.” She showed me the documents but my smile faded to see the documents I made about Connor and Candice. Damn it. I forgot to take it out yesterday.“What is this? Are you keeping an eye on them? Why?” I scratched my neck at the pressure she was giving me.I don't know why I'm hesitant to tell her. Maybe her feelings towards Connor might tarnish if I open this up or she won't believe me and accuse me of ruining Connor's reputation. “Tell me.” She repeat
YSABELLEI leaned in my chair as I gazed at the window. White, fluffy clouds drifted across the sky as a train of thoughts ran in my head. With a deep and heavy sigh, I cannot help but replay the words of Ronan over and over again. Confused and torn at what to believe. Candice and Connor? Meeting at the hotel? I even overthink that they have a relationship. I should not have cared since I don't have a serious relationship with Connor. It's just that, why, of all people, he's with Candice? I remember how he looked at her during the product photoshoot. Did he fall for her?I'm fuming in madness because why does it have to be Candice? And why did Connor hide this from me? I won't be mad if he falls in love with someone else. But really? Candice? Jesus Christ!Also, I badly want to know if Ronan did really talk to my father about Connor's company. But I don't dare to call Ronan or my father at all.I swirled my chair 360 degrees while contemplating where should I start with my curiosi
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,