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
YSABELLE Ronan noticed me, stiffened as he also turned his gaze at the person through the door.His emotionless eyes remained staring at us. But suddenly, he ran away, causing Ronan to follow him.“Jacob!”We thought he was going to his room, but our eyes widened when he ran downstairs and dashed out of the house.He's too young to run away from home!We thought the securities would get hold of him but swiftly dodged them and sprinted to the gate. My heart pounded nervously as I watched him disappear from my sight. A car ran past me, sprinting to the gate. Ronan chased Jacob together with the other bodyguards.I remained standing still, gazing at the gate. I firmly shut my eyes as I pushed back my hair, anxious at what had happened. “Mommy…”My attention was switched to Ashley’s watery eyes. Behind her was Ashton, who worriedly gazed at the gate. I immediately wrapped them in my arms, soothing their worries about Jacob.Oh God! I hope they find him.***I walk back and forth, anxio
YSABELLE The man carried the kid who allowed him to do so before they entered a black SUV. With the thought thebjid was Jacob, I memorized the plate number and which way they went before I ran to my car and started the engine as fast as possible.I hope I can catch up with them.Through the rearview mirror, I saw the vehicles of my bodyguards matching my speed behind. I let them follow me in case something bad happened.My sweaty fingers tightened around the steering wheel as my heart was pounding frantically, afraid that maybe I was just wrong that the boy was Jacob.I need to make sure he is not Jacob.I step on the gas, dodging some of the cars, so I can catch up with the car I've been looking for.Some were mad for doing the overtakes, but I only apologized silently. I devastatingly pushed back my hair as I kept sighing, annoyed that the car might have gone somewhere else.I was on the verge of giving up when suddenly one black SUV ahead, a few meters from my car, took a turn on
YSABELLE The sound of Candice's father, Mr. Willow, inside the home, made my hair on my arms stand up. With certainty that it was his voice, I cautiously peered in the window once more. I first saw the grumpy face of Mr. Willow while staring at his right front.I couldn't see the person he was looking at from a distance. I can't even hear anything after Mr. Willow scowled at him for being loud. Is this charge kidnapping? Jacob voluntarily comes along with him and Mr. Willow is his grandfather. Also, I'm trespassing on this private property. God knows who owns this place.My pulse was racing while adhering to the wall. My whole body stiffened against the cold and nervous about what to do right now.But my eyes widened when I heard footsteps. Adrenaline rushed through me and carefully ran behind the corner without looking if someone was out there, but I was glad no one caught me.I looked around and saw a closed door. I believe this is a back door.Not wanting to get caught but needi
YSABELLE I groaned in pain when Mr. Willow yanked my hair, forcibly dragging me out of the cabinet. Fear enveloped me as we exited from the kitchen.The hell?I couldn't grasp anything but stumble on my feet and refrain from digging on my scalp. I winced in pain when I suddenly flew on the floor.“I know you will only cause trouble, Ms. Cortez.” He hissed as he closed the door.My eyes went wide as I sprinted and banged on the door. But too late, he had already locked the door.As I knew his presence was still behind the door, I dared to question him.“Why did you have to abduct Jacob? You could speak with Ronan–”I stopped when he snorted.“I'm pleased with the sum he offered, but if I don't get the boy, his real father will murder me.”My ears perked up at his words.“Y-You know Jacob's father?”“I'm sorry, I don't have any choice and I can't return the money given by Mr. Volkov.”Footsteps slowly moved away from the door, taken aback and banged at the door again with my firm fist.
YSABELLE I walked back and forth in front of the closed door where that masked guy exited without even saying anything after he didn't take my bait. Seriously? He didn't even laugh at my idea to get his own child.Of course, I was just bluffing. I won't backstab Ronan just to save my life. I will not leave here without Jacob.“But first… how to get out?”Damn it.A smile crept on my lips as I thought of something useful this time.“Hello? Is anyone out there?” I banged at the door, enough that unseen creatures woke up. “I urgently need to use the bathroom!” I pleaded while acting as if the shit was on the verge of coming out.But the whole house was still quiet as always. Are there even people living here? Why is it so quiet?“Hey! Let me use the bathroom for once! It's coming out!!” Still banging at the door as if I want to wreck it and get out of here. “Do you want this house to smell like shit? I'm doing it!! Right here at the door–”The door suddenly opened and Mr. Willow's dis
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,