Christabel's POV I closed my eyes, still basking in my husband's warm embrace. The air was tense, but I chose to find the little good and bask in it, and that was being in Andre's arms. "Adam, did you ask officer Loid about when the evidence would be released to the public?" I asked, breaking the silence in the car. We were on our way to the hospital. There was an update on Joan's surgery, and we couldn't be more anxious than we already were. "I didn't ask, but judging from how the public reacted I think it would be pretty soon." Adam replied, as he drove. The stress was all written on his face, and you could tell at a glance. The one I was worrying about was Andre. I looked at his face, he had been silent all these while. "Hey, what's wrong with you?" "Nothing." He buried his face between my neck, and I could feel the heat of his breaths on my skin. "I'm just thinking of a lot of things." I caressed his hair, "like what?" "Just what we've been through and all that." An
Christabel's POV I continued to comfort Katherine, even as she wept her guts out. It was actually good she was pouring out her feelings, instead of bottling them up. Sadness washed me, as her sobs were the only thing I could hear aside the beeping sounds of the heart monitor hooked to Joan. But my head couldn't stop racing with the thoughts that Bobby might have been behind this. "Katherine, why don't we take a sit?" I offered, my legs were starting to give out. The day had been stressful, and I was already drained. She didn't answer me, but her moving to seat, showed she agreed. "Are you alright now?" I asked softly, my voice barely loud, but I was sure she heard. Katherine sniffed, "sorry about that," "Don't say that, you deserve to feel or react like that, and I don't mind. I am here for you because you are family, and Joan is my nephew too, so don't apologize to me." I lectured, my voice still trying to be soft, but firm. Katherine looked down at her hands, and I pass
Andre's POVMy eyes stayed coldly on her body, as she struggled to explain. "Christabel, I want an explanation," I said, watching as her eyes darted from mine. Scratching her hair with pale fingers, she laughed, "It isn't a big deal Andre, so don't get worried, I can explain." My eyes squinted unconsciously, "then tell me how this happened."I didn't mean to be cold, but I couldn't help it as my eyes continued to take her body. Her dress was filthy and stained with smashed fruit juices, but what caught my eyes was a stain that didn't look like the rest.Standing out amongst the stains, was a patch of dried but dark liquid. I called it liquid because I didn't want to think it was blood. She sensed my mood and decided to talk.Christabel licked her lips, "it was at the station. Those people were saying bad things about you, and I couldn't just watch it happen but there was this blonde woman who kept instigating the crowd. Turns out she was working for Bobby."My eyes dropped danger
Andre's POVThe words of the reporter still rang in the ward, but I wasn't paying attention to it anymore. "How can this happen?!" John bounced to his feet, staring fiercely at the TV screen. "What happened to the security guards at the company? Why didn't they do their jobs?!"He was right. What happened to the security team?Jimmy nodded his head at his words, "But you can't blame them. What could they have done against the crowd?"John wasn't having it, he argued back, "So what?! They were paid to guard the place. If they couldn't do anything, they could have called the police to come and handle it!""John is right!" Melody interfered, "I think those security men are to blame." Yes, but why are these people doing this? The police already released a statement to clarify the case." Fred sided with Melody, his reasoning a bit deeper. Adam stood still, his eyes fixed on the television, but his cold voice pierced through their arguments. "This isn't the time to yell, we need to think
Andre's POV Pulling up in the car lot, I could already spot Mark waiting for my arrival, and behind him were a few bodyguards. Adam had parted ways with us earlier in the hospital, but he still sent his bodyguards over to ensure our safety. Trotting over, Jimmy's footsteps could be heard from a mile away. John had been silent the whole way, which was oddly strange of him. Once I was close, he greeted me, then passed a nod to John and Jimmy. "Are the investors here?" I asked, walking forward, with him trying to catch up with me. "Yes sir, but I told them we could meet at the restaurant a few blocks away." Mark adjusted the glasses on his face. Getting closer, the smell of smoke wafted through my nose, and the cries of the firefighters cut through the haze in my brain when my eyes saw the burnt building in front of me. The company was burnt, with little to no hope for recovery. "Sir," Mark's shaky voice drew my attention, shifting his glasses on his face uncomfortably. "The pl
Christabel's POVIn the ward, apart from the beeping sounds of the heart rate monitor machine, the occasional drawing of noses could be heard. Stroking my back, Melody's voice came from beside me. "Belle, don't cry." I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't stop myself. This wasn't how the day was supposed to be. After receiving the good news, I thought we could have a break. Bobby was out on the loose, but we underestimated him. Since he was part of the Mafia, he should have connections and would be very hard to catch. He might be the one behind all these.My palms were clammy, and my heart was racing filling my chaotic mind with scenes. Katherine was seated on the chair beside Joan, but this time her attention wasn't on him.Tina was beside her, trying to offer comfort, but I could tell from how constipated her face was, that she wasn't holding on.We had unanimously decided to turn off the television. I couldn't say if that was a wise or foolish decision, but I agreed to it. If I he
Christabel's POVAfter she told me her daughter was dead, the old woman and I had some talking to do. She was the only surviving member of her family so far. Her husband, Charles, died years ago from a heart attack after learning of their daughter's death.It wasn't hard to notice how much they cared for their daughter. I could tell by the way Clara's eyes would soften at the mention of her.Clara's family was wealthy, and so was her husband but they didn't have any heirs.Before they could have Belle, they spent years trying, so when they had her, they pampered her like crazy.It was just so sad she died. I didn't bother to ask how she died, and Clara didn't tell me. I didn't want to open closed wounds. Clara held up the doll in her hands. "I made this for her when she was five, but she never got to play with it."Intrigued, I asked, "Why?" "That spoiled brat didn't want something that hurt me." Clara laughed, "I sewed it with my own hands and got my fingers prickled, so she didn't
~Beep.~Beep.In a different ward, a pale-faced Christabel, with her eyes tightly closed lay on the bed with a serene expression on her face. A drip was connected to her, and a heart rate machine was hooked up.The ward was empty, devoid of life, but just outside the room were family members who gathered a doctor, with worry etched on their faces.They continued probing the poor man, and if it weren't for his experience, the doctor would have broken down.Christabel's POVMy eyes were heavy.My head was fuzzy.I tried moving my arm, but I couldn't.~Beep.~Beep.It was that annoying sound again. Could someone help me shut it off?Why was I here?What's going on?"An…dre," I croaked, my voice scratchy, it hurt.My head was beginning to throb, and behind my eyes, tears gathered but I couldn't peel them open."An… Andre~"I called my husband's name, expecting him to show like he always does, but I was met with nothing. Where was he? Why isn't he coming to hold me like always? Lifting
Christabel's POVStaring at my reflection in the mirror, I grinned hard, my heart beating as I swallowed.I turned my head to the side, taking a close glance at my makeup but there was no flaw I could point out.Suddenly, a loud voice came followed by Melody's bouncy self. "Christabel, are you ready?"I couldn't get to answer because she let out a scream, her eyes flashing with excitement as she took in my form. "Oh my gosh Christabel, you are so beautiful!" She gushed, taking a deep look at me. I beamed at her, standing with a pose so she could see me perfectly."Andre would trip when he sees you."I blushed at her words, shyly lowering my head to look at the floor. For someone so young, Melody was too chirpy for her good. Nonetheless, I bit my lip, looking at her with doubt on my face, "do you think so?""Of course!" She assured causing some of the doubts to roll but still, I was nervous. Today was a huge day for me and Andre, as it was our official wedding.You might be wonder
Andre's POV"Adam!" I yelled as I ran into his mansion, anger clouding my features. "Adam you better get out here 'cause it's urgent!"My voice raked through the air, straining my throat. My heart pounded like a drum, anxiety climbing like a spider over my heart. A few hours ago, I was in the office, reviewing some documents when I received a distress call from Christabel.Before I could panic, I received a message next from Bobby telling me to meet him at a warehouse I wanted to save Christabel from being raped by Joan.This fucking bastard!Did he know I almost died because of him? But here he was lusting after my wife!I rushed to study, grabbing him by the neck before he could react. I roared into his face, "If you don't follow me now, I don't care what's going to happen to your son!""What the fuck is wrong with you Andre?" Adam snarled, smacking my hands off his clothes."What's wrong?" I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "What's wrong is that stupid son of yours going t
Bobby's POV"Shit!"I cussed as I walked through the streets, lowering my head while adjusting the hat on my head. The sound of sirens blaring filled my ears, causing me to groan. I balled my fists, as I threaded through the dark street, the flickering light from a street lamp, obscuring my vision.It was late at night, but everything seemed like day to me. I pushed a wooden board out of the way, looking behind to see if there was anyone following before I went in. The room went dark as I closed the only source of light from getting in before walking in deeper. "Bobby is that you?" A deep voice sounded in the dark and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Ignoring the question, I strolled deeper into the room only for me to stop, as he stood in front of me. "What do you want?" I growled, feeling a vein tick at the side of my neck. Through the dark, I saw him flinch, shaking his head as he backed away, probably recognizing my voice."S–sorry," he stammered, taking steps back.He should
Christabel's POV"Are you ready?" Andre's voice wafted into my ears as we stood in front of the huge doors leading to the courtroom. Licking my lips, I hummed in reply while putting on a serious face. Andre sensed my emotions, so he wrapped his huge palms around mine. Today was the day we claimed everything that was ours back. After Andre's words in the hospital three weeks ago, things had taken a drastic change. Adam and Katherine had refused to believe their son had a hand in any of the things happening, so they stormed off looking for him. However, they were crushed by the truth. It was right in front of us the whole time and we failed to notice it.To prevent Bobby from harming his stupid nephew, Andre had planned on sacrificing himself.At first, Andre didn't believe it, but when he called and didn't get a reply from Joan he knew it was true. Having been discovered, John, Jimmy, and Joan all ran away without a trace, the action casting pain on the couple. "Let's go, Christa
Christabel's POVSitting in the ward, the constant sound of the heart monitor's harsh beeping penetrated my ears, making me squeeze the pale fingers in my hands tighter. My eyes strayed onto Andre's sleeping figure on the bed, my heart aching at the sight of him. His face was as pale as a sheet, his hair long and messily curled on the pillow.On his face was a mask which allowed him to breathe. A fog covered the mask as he breathed through an oxygen mask, his chest a slow rise and falling.My eyes rested on his wrist, which was bandaged, a patch of blood appearing on the white material.What were you thinking Andre?"I felt my eyes sting, and I blinked to stop the water from falling. Thinking of what happened that day was like a nightmare I wish to wake up from.Coming to the apartment and finding Andre with his left wrist slashed, and a kitchen knife beside him was indescribable.I remembered through my haze how I frantically ran into the apartment, not knowing what to do and it
Christabel's POVI looked out the window, the morning sun hitting my eyes.It's been a month since I last saw Andre or spoke to anyone in particular.After that day, I didn't return to the apartment or bother going to Adam's. I went to my grandma's old house.Before she died, she left the property in my name, and I was glad the house was still standing despite how wrecked it looked.Andre had somehow gotten wind of where I stayed but that was two days after.In my haste to get away from him, I cut off every trace that could lead him to where I was, but a McDonald was always a McDonald. Criminal or not, Andre braved through the streets, looking for me, and that touched me only a little.I squinted my eyes, hoping I could catch a glimpse of his figure on the porch, but he wasn't there.Andre had been coming for weeks without stopping, trying to talk to me, but nothing he said made sense to me. I was sure he was trying to make excuses. I wrapped my hands around myself, letting the curt
Christabel's POVAnother crash.Another yell, followed by a female's screech, which made my heart thump a thousand times per second. Calm down, Christabel.I exhaled through my lips, gripping the table as hard as I could, my knuckles going white."How dare you?!" The male's voice boomed through the wooden doors, echoing in the empty restaurant. I couldn't make do with what the woman said, but it riled the man up. "I gave you my trust, everything you needed, and this is how you repay me?"The man's shout caused me to jerk this time.My brows creased, and I couldn't help but narrow my eyes as I listened to the voice. "Listen, that shit you pulled in front of the media? You are going to take it down!" Was that Andre's voice?I squinted my eyes, my heart racing as I listened deeply."I can make you if you don't do as I say." The man growled, his voice a deep rumble through the restaurant.Oh gosh! It is Andre's voice. My eyes widened, and I stood to my feet. I have to stop him!Thi
Christabel's POVHolding onto my bag while I crossed the road, I couldn't help the tension that suddenly built in my heart.Pausing in my steps, I lowered my head, looking at my toes through the flat sandals I wore. My heart was racing, and I felt my breath stuck against my throat as I thought of what today was. Today was D-day, meaning it had been two days since I met Jacqueline at the parking lot, and I still didn't dare to tell anyone. Clutching my bag, guilt washed over me.Andre had told everyone about meeting Bobby at the court, as well as the possible hand he had in the case while I kept quiet about mine.What was I to do anyway? I couldn't walk up to Andre and tell him I had made a deal— well, sort of, with Jacqueline.That would shatter him."Hey, get off the road!" An angry yell came from behind me, causing me to snap out of my daze. Hurriedly, I apologized to the red-faced man who had bags of groceries in his hands, before making way for him as he cursed while moving.Si
Christabel's POVThe drive home was uneventful. I was stuck in my head, even forgetting about lunch. I drove to the garage, sighing as I turned off the engine. I closed my eyes, running my hand tiredly in my face. Meeting Jacqueline had drained the energy out of me.Since the news of what Jacqueline said on television had caught the attention of the media, we had decided it was best to move. It wasn't Adam's mansion but one of Andre's.He had bought a small apartment in one of his friend's estate— although I have no idea who that friend was. I unlocked the door, closing it with a bang as I stepped into the apartment.The apartment was huge, facing a wonderful landscape.Andre had planned to surprise me with this apartment for our honeymoon, but that was also destroyed by Bobby's incessant butting in. Pushing the door open, the door closed with a gentle click.I walked into the apartment and saw the light in the living room on. Was Andre back? I dropped the keys into the key tray a