Gael Hours later... "Did you send for me, Sir?" Ulisses asks entering my office. "I did!" I say, emptying the whiskey glass and placing it on the table, making an unnecessary noise. "I want you to keep an eye on Mr. Thompson. Follow him wherever he goes." "May I know what this is about, Mr. D'Angelo?" "I know he knows where she is, and I know it's only a matter of time before he leads us to her. And when you find her, I want you to bring her to me." "Yes, Sir!" He turns to leave the room. "And, Ulisses?" "Yes, Sir?" "If you fail again, I'll make sure you never work as security in this city again!" He swallows hard. "I won't fail, Sir! I'll bring Mrs. D'Angelo back as soon as I find her." "Great! Take photos of Mr. Thompson's outings. I want to know every step he takes without exceptions." "Yes, Sir!" He leaves, closing the door, and I refill my glass. At night, I stagger up the stairs, holding onto the railing. I can't believe I let all this shit happen to me! I grumble men
A few days after the escape... "Hi! Good morning, Little One!" I say, lazily stretching on the bed and smiling, staring at the ceiling. I place a hand on my still flat belly and sigh, counting to three. As soon as I finish my count, I jump out of bed and head straight to the bathroom, directly to the toilet, which is already with the lid up for my baby's first reaction of the day. "Wow, you could take it easy on your mom here!" I scold, preparing for the next wave of nausea. As always, I feel weakened, and I lean there, waiting for my strength to return. "Until when will you be so naughty, baby? Mom needs a break," I grumble and smile amidst my agony. Minutes later, I am refreshed and stepping out from under the shower. I dry off eagerly and dress with the same enthusiasm to finally meet Marlene. I decide to have my breakfast at the bakery. In the morning, this little town is even more charming. The shops are already open, some people are walking on the sidewalks, and I laugh when I
EvyOn Christmas night...Christmas night arrived, bringing with it a sense of melancholy and memories of happier days with my family. During this time, Judy loved decorating the house with her ornaments and lights, and the colors of red, green, and gold prevailed both outside and inside. The dinner table always showcased a lavish spread with a united and joyful family. Even though her children were no longer kids, beneath the enormous and gleaming Christmas tree, there were always gifts for all of us. We had reasons to smile and give thanks every year. However, today won't be exactly like that for me. I contemplate looking at the table set for one person, with a small dish of lasagna I made earlier, a jug of orange juice, and cutlery neatly arranged next to a lonely plate.I also took care to decorate the house to reminisce about the joy of the most special person in the world to me. I placed a red candle with delicate golden details in the center of the table to add a touch of sophi
EvyHours later...Hearing the sounds of the little heartbeat is thrilling. I always knew it was there, tucked away and protected within my belly, but hearing its sounds for the first time made me certain that soon it will be in my arms, and I will love it above all else. I will fight for it with all my strength. And no one will ever take it away from me, never! I will protect it and keep it safe with me forever."Look what a magnificent surprise!" I wake up when Dr. Benjamin speaks with an unusual excitement."What, doctor?" I immediately look at the screen, and my heart almost skips a beat."You're not expecting one baby, Evy. It's two babies.""Twins?!" I whisper, astonished by such information, and I swear I don't know whether to laugh or cry."Twins," he confirms. I bring my hands to my face and soon find myself smiling through tears. "Congratulations, mommy! Now let me check how they are doing. Hmm, everything is as it should be. The circumference of their heads, the weight of t
EvyThe next day..."You're beautiful, Evy! I'm addicted to you," he whispers by my ear, and the warmth of his breath makes me gasp slightly. I turn to face him, and at that moment, my cell phone starts ringing... Wait, my cell phone? I abruptly open my eyes and find the day already bright outside. I mumble a quiet curse and grab the phone that insists on ringing. I look at the screen and stare at Bia's name, and then at the time. Damn! I jump out of bed in exasperation."What the hell, I'm late!" I growl and answer the phone. "Good morning, Bia!""Evy, where are you, dear? I have to travel in a few hours!""I know, I'm sorry! I'll be there in a few minutes.""Alright! I'm waiting for you here at the store.""Okay!" I end the call, throw the device on the bed, and rush to the bathroom. I take a quick shower and put on the first outfit I see. I drink a glass of juice, devour a generous slice of orange cake, and put some cookies in my coat pocket to eat while driving. I sling my bag ove
GaelIt's hard to say how I feel at this very moment. I'm walking the thin line between doing something crazy and drowning in a sea of emotions I don't want to feel just thinking that she's a few steps away from me. Inside me, a river of boiling blood flows. I'm furious, but I miss her too, and of course, I won't let this weakness show to her at any moment. Not after what she did to me. To feed my thirst for making her pay for her betrayal, I'm still locked in my office, sitting in my chair, staring at the pictures of Dylan next to her.Actually, too close to her. So close that he could kiss her if he wanted, and in one single photo, the damn kiss happens. I grip the bracelet I bought on my last trip tightly and press the object so hard between my fingers that the pain feels like a balm to me. And pissed off, I pound the table, taking a deep breath immediately afterward. I need to keep my damn self-control! I mentally growl and stand up from the chair, pacing back and forth in the roo
GaelI couldn't sleep last night, and restlessness was consuming me. I decided to stay in my office and practically drank a whole bottle of straight whiskey without ice. I ended up passing out on the office sofa, and my dreams were haunted by a past of betrayal and pain. I woke up with the sun just rising on the horizon. I forced myself off the sofa, feeling my body protest instantly. After climbing the stairs, I walked down the hallway and stopped in front of the guest room, feeling my heart tighten in my chest."Why don't you just end this, Gael? Why don't you let her go for good?" Reason screamed loudly within me."Why?" I ask myself the same question. The answer is as clear as crystal water.She's expecting my child, an heir, and he's mine, I know he is! I lean my head against the wood and close my eyes tightly.I remember my dream, my haunting, and I clench my fists, distancing myself from there as quickly as possible.***"Good morning, Mr. D'Angelo!" Dana, the cook, says surpri
Gael"How has she been behaving?" I question Ulisses as soon as he enters the office in my house. The man stands upright in front of my desk, places a woman's purse on it, and then positions himself like a soldier in front of me."Very well, Mr. D'Angelo! She hasn't made a single sound.""But have you checked if everything is okay?""I had to open the door a few times to make sure everything was fine.""Okay, Ulisses, you can go now." I observe the man leaving my office, and with a deep breath, I think about Paul's words. His advice mingled with his—the only person who led me into the depths of darkness. Roland D'Angelo, my father. "Love On The Brain" starts playing suddenly, and curious, I open her purse, finding her cellphone. I hold the device and grip it tightly between my fingers when I see it's a call from Dylan Thompson.What the hell does this bastard want with my wife?! I mentally snarl and carefully drop the phone on the tabl