YSABELLE “He's Steph Johnson, a private investigator.” I firmly shut my eyes in embarrassment. I just wasted my tears for just a guy whom I thought was having a romantic relationship with Ronan. Biting my bottom lips as I avoided their eyes, I fidgeted at the end of the couch. We were now inside one of the rooms. Not too dark but to be honest, I want this room to be darker than the night sky and hide from their eyes. I want this corner of the couch to swallow me alive and vanish in front of them. I was so dramatic earlier, to the point I wanted to create a scene but I just stopped myself from creating a noise since the whole room was in total silence. Ronan should not have hidden this from me to avoid misunderstanding. “Since you're here, I think you also need to listen to this.” Ronan’s words made me confusedly look at him. “What about it?” Probably about finding Connor and Paul. “Paul Bautista was a former hitman.” My lips parted at Mr. Johnson's words. A fo
RONAN I saw Belle’s eyes panicked as she stared at her own father. Anxiety and fear were running inside her for what her father would say.“One more word and you will pay for it, Mr. Volkov.” He sternly said. Rage was through his eyes.My brows furrowed as I stared at him, with full intent. His fury was pure and I felt like he was taken aback by what I said.“Father–”“I apologize, Mr. Cortez.” My words made Belle frown at me. I handed him a gusset envelope. “Also, this is the information of the men who attacked you the other day.” I showed him a picture of a woman. “And this one… I think you know her.” His eyes widened, the same as Belle's.“What?! You know Shaine Reyes–”“Mr. Volkov, a word with you inside.”He went back inside the room. Rage was evident through his tone and I could not help but smell something fishy.I sigh deeply as I hold Belle’s hand. “Stay here.” I kissed her forehead before heading inside.Belle’s confused eyes were the last thing I saw before I completely c
YSABELLE I sat up on my bed and I scratched my messy hair in annoyance. I woke up because of my dry throat knocking for at least a droplet of water. My whole body felt worn out. Probably because I was so emotional yesterday– wait, it's quarter to twelve before it hits midnight.I scanned my surroundings inside my room, wondering where Ronan was. But I only groan as I remember that I kicked him out of my room because he's good at keeping secrets.It's not like I'm suspecting him of secretly doing something inappropriate with my father but I want to know everything.As I stepped out of my room, the first thing I saw was Ronan uncomfortably lying on the couch wearing a frown on his face.Even when he's sleeping, he loves making that face.I was about to walk past him but I noticed him softly whimpering. Is he okay? Is his wound in pain?“Ronan?”I immediately walked to him, worried about what was going on with him. His hands curled into fists, sweat dripping down his neck, and the wa
YSABELLE Ela knocked on the door to wake me up which he usually does every time I need to be ready early for work. She and Ana were already preparing our breakfast when we came out of my room.While the twins were not awake yet, I helped them prepare the table while Ronan needed to use the bathroom.A smile painted on my lips. Probably, he needs a cold shower.But I still couldn't get over the diamond ring on my finger.This was the first time my heart fluttered over something material. It's worth being over the moon with this cute gorgeous thing that fits perfectly around my finger. I wonder where Ronan put our old wedding ring. I never saw him wearing it around his neck again.After our breakfast, Ronan chooses to wash the dishes. I excitedly watched him and leaned at the counter while gazing at his broad back. He really looks cute and sexy wearing my pink apron.I giggled silently, causing him to turn to me with a frown. He's not angry. He's just confused at my out-of-the-blue l
YSABELLE I was already breathing heavily in anticipation but I didn't expect him to nuzzle his face into my short curly hair. My head fell back as I grasped tightly at the edge of the table, silently crying for pleasure.My eyes abruptly opened and closed my legs, causing his head to be hit by my thighs. “W-Wait, the door–”“It's locked. I won't let anyone see your gorgeous clit.” He part my legs with an alluring smile. “Over my dead body.”With a groan, I pushed him lightly. “It's my clit, not yours.” I completely closed my legs and removed myself from the table, looking around for my underwear.Where did he throw it?My vagina was still wet and I could still feel his tongue down there. But I need to stop my libido. Jesus! We're in a public place!An arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back on my work table. I was about to protest but meeting his seductive eyes made me crave for more.“What's yours is mine.” He split my legs again and eased my naked lower body. “What's mine i
YSABELLE I was gazing outside the window here in the cafe, waiting for the tea I ordered for me and Mr. Willow, Candice's father. He had gone to the men's room for a while.I don't know what to say to him but he wished to see Jacob. He needs Ronan’s permission first before someone will communicate with us.Because of our situation, it's difficult to meet and see anyone except my family.When the tea was served, Mr. Willow was still not coming out from the restroom. I grabbed my phone and dialed Ronan. He needs to hear out about this. But I still couldn't get in touch with him.I was startled when Mr. Willow sat opposite my seat, wearing a frown on his face.He looks decent right now. Unlike before with his ragged look in New Brunswick where we first met.“If you want to see Jacob, you need to talk to Ronan first, Mr. Willow,” I said directly to the point.I indeed can't guarantee his freedom to see Jacob. He's not my son, after all.He scoffed before he chugged down the iced tea. He
YSABELLE As we were having our breakfast, I kept glancing at Ronan, curious about what he thought about what I had said last night.He remained silent as soon as I burst out what I was thinking. Probably, he doesn't want to talk about Jacob's real father. He's still not ready to let him go.After our breakfast, he goes to the bathroom. I waited for him to come out and keep myself busy playing with the kids.I've been bothered by his silence since last night.There's no way to force him to know the truth. Not because I don't want Jacob to be with us. However, if someone takes the child against his will, he will be confused. Only Ronan can control Jacob.But he's still young. So, I respect Ronan's decision to keep everything from the kid.The bathroom door opened and Ronan came out. Our eyes met and we remained staring at each other as if I was waiting for something from him.He sighs deeply as he gestures to my bedroom. I sprinted to the room but as soon as Ronan locked the door, he
YSABELLE I placed the tea on the table as my father's gaze roamed in every corner of the living room. His old wrinkled hands clasped on the head of his gold dragon walking cane.I'm surprised that he knew the address and even let him come in. Did Ronan tell him to come?His gaze stopped at the tea on the center table.“I didn't know you were coming. It's early, so the foods–”“No need. I'm not hungry.”He took a sip of his tea and a satisfied smile crept on his lips. That's his favorite tea. Ronan and my father have the same taste preference when it comes to drinks.“Where are the others?”I'm talking about my relatives, especially my two cousins, Cleo and Jessica. They adore the twins more than my uncles and aunts.“They won't come. You already know why.” A disappointing sigh escaped from me. I know they hate Ronan because of the past. They knew the story and maybe they hated me for being with Ronan again.Since the news of me with Ronan in public broke out, I can't get hold of th
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,