RONAN It was a bright and sunny morning. White, fluffy clouds drifted across the sky as we came out of my car. Our pair of sunglasses and hats were the highlight as soon as we walked in the busy street of the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls BIA.To ease the mind of Belle, being stressed out about our situation, I took her and the kids to the amusement park here in Niagara Falls.The kids were leaping excitedly as we headed inside the Odditorium at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Niagara Falls has a quirky and interactive museum presenting crazy and mind-boggling artifacts from around the world displayed for the public.Ashley exclaimed in horror, seeing the shrunken heads, decorated skulls, and 2-headed animals. But I found Ashton seemed interested in everything he saw.We made our way to the moving theater as we viewed 4D films and, at the same time, rode along them. At Louis Tussaud’s waxworks, Belle excitedly took a picture with a wax figure of Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson as a black
YSABELLE As soon as we received the call from the police that they had already found Candice in New Brunswick, Ronan and I immediately sprinted to the station. I'm glad that Ela and Ana were back from Paris yesterday to watch over the twins. Ronan was quiet the whole ride and I was bothered about what he might do to Candice, so I tagged along with him.Nothing more information has been shared over the phone as Ronan was eager to talk to Candice just because he's worried about Jacob.He's still his son.As we came in, the authorities greeted us with a frown on their faces.What's going on? They looked like they were carrying bad news on their shoulders.“Where is she?” Ronan hissed as he looked around.Our eyes stopped at the new look of Candice inside the cell. Her blond hair turned black and she lost weight inside her ragged clothes and disheveled hair.My heart pinched in pain, seeing her turn into a drastic change.What happened to her? But… where's Jacob?Ronan was about to ask
YSABELLE Connor immediately yanked me out of my unit. His hand tightened around my wrist as we entered the elevator, dragging me inside.“Connor, please, stop this.” I pleaded, but he remained silent.The elevator was in total silence as we headed down to the first floor. I attempted to ask him where we were going, but seeing the fury in his eyes, my tongue backed out.He said today is our wedding day, which is true. It's indicated in the wedding invitation but I completely forgot.Did Ronan succeed in winning my father's heart? I guess so.He opened the door of his car when we arrived outside the building. I obeyed as I didn't want to create a scene in a public place.I know he's mad, but I don't think he will hurt me because of rage lingering through his veins.“Connor, where are we going?” I asked as soon as he started the engine.“I want to be with you.”I firmly shut my eyes as annoyance delved into me. “Connor please, let me go. We both know this is not gonna work.” I begged, t
RONANBefore the sun rose on the horizon, I helped the search for Jacob in the Fredericton, province of New Brunswick where they located Candice. “Mr. Volkov, we will start asking around using his picture.”I nodded and followed them by asking anyone whom I encountered if they saw Jacob, showing his picture in public.I'm afraid that Candice hides him well. But is he even safe?Even this morning when I visited her in her cell, she didn't talk to me this time and kept her mouth shut. She only stared at me, her eyes filled with sorrow and pain.I can't even look at her.Why the hell did this happen to her?They tested her last night, the result came out this morning and she was positive for drugs.Damn it.Now, my worries about the safety of my son are getting deeper.But things were not on good terms as soon as the heavy rains interrupted our search and rescue.Rage filled me as I couldn't think straight. My mind was on Jacob's whereabouts, God knows where Candice hid him.As we were
RONAN Adrenaline rushed through me as I sprinted to where the house was, ignoring the simultaneous calling of the men behind. I know it's dangerous, but Belle’s life was at stake inside.I'm glad that I have my own gun, tucked inside my pants before coming here.Gunshots were heard in the air before I could even get nearer the house. I ducked in my head as I continued running as if my life depended on it.Footsteps behind me were heard, and I saw the enforcers and my men following me behind while exchanging bullets with the men on the second floor.With a groan, I lay on the ground as I reached the corner of the house, trying to hide myself well. As soon as I knew no enemies around, I carefully walked inside.However, Belle was gone on the chair where she was tied. Where the fuck are they?“Great move.”Connor's voice behind me stopped me.I scoffed as I felt the tip of the gun at the back of my head, aiming at me like an asshole.He's such a coward for attacking me behind my back.
YSABELLE Faint waves of laughter, clattering on the ceramic, and warm fingers wrapped around my cold hand made me come back to the real world. I slowly opened my eyes, and the light coming from the window made me wince and groan. “Mommy?” That was Ashley’s voice.As I fully open my eyes, I first see my daughter's ocean-blue eyes welled up in tears. Next to her is Ashton, wearing the same emotions through his eyes. They seemed delighted, but at the same time, scared that I had just woken up.Ashton and Ashley immediately went up to me, wrapping their arms around me as if they were gone for a year. My heart felt warm as I finally had them in my arms.I groaned as I tried to sit up on the bed. I was in an enormous unfamiliar room, but I could smell the scent of antiseptic everywhere. It feels like I'm in the hospital but in a luxurious room.That's when I noticed my father at the bottom of the bed, standing still while gazing at me. Why do they seem worried? What happened– Oh! My head
YSABELLE As soon as we arrived at the hospital, Ashley excitedly reached for the vase on the center table.“Mommy, I will put this here!” She leaped on the couch while carrying a bouquet of roses that we bought at the shop in front of the condo unit.“Sure, baby. Be careful.”“Yes, I will!”“Tone down, Ashley.”Ashton's scolding made me remember Ronan. A smile painted on my lips when Ashley stuck out her tongue to Ashton.With a deep sigh, I placed the groceries on the table. I plan to cook Ronan’s favorite food for lunch. I prepared everything I needed and started rummaging in the kitchen while thinking of Ronan.I did my best to remain focused on what I was doing, but my tears betrayed my mind.Yes, Ronan was still in the hospital, remaining conscious.It's been a week since that encounter happened. And until now, neither Paul nor Connor has been found.The police did everything to investigate their motive, especially Paul. They are both wanted, and their faces are everywhere, so
YSABELLE As soon as I entered the room, I sprinted just to see Ronan when I heard he was awake. His alluring smile was the first thing I saw when my eyes landed on his. He was not sitting on the bed, with Ashton and Ashley eating fruits in front of him.“Ronan…” I called as my eyes became watery.“Hey… gorgeous.” He faintly said.My heart leaped as he called me, running to him with tears escaping from my eyes. My arms were tightly wrapped around him as I heard his faint and soft chuckle.Thank God, he's awake!“Did I worry you?” I nodded as I buried my face on his neck, careful not to touch the wound on his chest.“I'm sorry for sleeping for so long.” I shook my head because he should not say sorry for getting a rest. “Why are you not saying anything?”“I miss your voice,” I whispered. “Then, talk to me.” He whined.I immediately distanced myself away from him. The frown was now all over my face.“Why did you come there? You should have been looking for Jacob. Look what happened
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,