Sarah stared blankly at the man above her. Her blue eyes locked with the brown gaze of the English-born man who had become her husband. It had been a few weeks since they got married, but Sarah couldn’t let go of anything whenever they made love. She couldn't reach climax, and everything ended in pretense.“I’m going to finish, darling!” Louis’s groan marked the end of their heated sex that night.Or at least, that’s what they did as part of the formalities of marriage on top of business matters. Louis turned and rolled over to Sarah’s side. His breath was still heavy from the remnants of their activity together.“Can you look at me when we make love?”Sarah’s heart raced, but not from passion. The question hung between them, heavy with meaning. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Her body, tense under the weight of Louis’s words, seemed to freeze. The room, dimly lit by the streetlights outside, felt suffocatingly small, as if the walls were closing in on her.“What do you mean?
Felix drove through the quiet streets after dropping Isabella off. The night felt heavy, weighed down by the situation with Irene still haunting his mind. His thoughts were filled with the address they had just discovered, but a phone call interrupted his focus.It was Sarah.Her voice was trembling, choked with sobs. "Felix... I don’t know what to do. Please come."Felix's heart tightened. He had never heard Sarah cry like this before. Worried, he turned his car around and drove to where Sarah was. When he arrived, Sarah stood outside, her eyes swollen from crying. As soon as she saw Felix, she ran into his arms, clutching him tightly as if she were drowning."I can’t... I can’t keep doing this," Sarah whispered between sobs.Felix, though still burdened by the situation with Isabella and Irene, felt the immediate need to comfort Sarah. "Let me take you home, Sarah. You need to rest."But Sarah shook her head, gripping Felix’s jacket even tighter. "No, I don’t want to go home. Please
When Felix's car arrived in the garage, Isabella was enjoying cereal for her breakfast. And Isabella could see that Felix was still wearing the clothes from the night before when they were searching for Irene. Isabella smiled."You didn’t come home last night?"Felix loosened his shirt collar and sat across from Isabella. "No. I was checking on something. Have you had breakfast?"Isabella nodded. "Uh-huh, I just finished." She offered, "Want me to make you breakfast?""Sounds good. I’ll take a shower while you prepare it.""Alright."Felix left his phone and bag on the table and then headed to his room. They really looked like a real couple now. Isabella grabbed a new bowl from the kitchen shelf and placed it on the table. She was about to pour some fruit-flavored cereal into it when she noticed Felix’s phone light up. A message notification appeared on Felix’s phone, sparking Isabella’s curiosity. She leaned in and peeked at the message that popped up on the screen. Instantly, her br
"Are you leaving now?"Isabella picked up her shoes, which she had carelessly tossed aside, and started putting them on. Nodding, she smoothed out her white outfit and said, "Yep. I’m going to the office to work and see my handsome husband’s face."“Ew. You sound disgusting,” Emily replied.“At least it’s better than spending all day in your room looking at men’s private parts on your dating apps, Emily.”Emily laughed and threw a small pillow from nearby at Isabella. "You’re annoying, Bella."“I’m heading out now. Bye!”“Take care on the road!”Isabella felt better after talking with Emily, though of course, she didn’t really provide any solutions. She then headed to the office, slipping back into her role as Irene, the personal secretary and contract wife of Felix Kingston. When Isabella entered the office, she could feel the busy atmosphere surrounding Felix at his desk. He was deeply engrossed with his laptop, eyes and hands focused on the screen. Isabella had to clear her throat
"Isabella? Are you listening?"Isabella gasped. It was as if she had seen lightning on a bright, sunny day. The news was completely beyond her expectations. She blinked in disbelief before finally shouting, "What? A niece? How do you know it's… Irene's daughter?"Nicholas let out a short sigh, as though he was tired of answering rhetorical questions like the one Isabella had just asked. He pulled out his phone from the pocket of his suit and busied himself for a moment before showing the screen to Isabella. "She registered her as a daughter, Bella."Seeing the phone pointed at her, Isabella quickly took the smartphone from Nicholas’s hand. She examined the data displayed on the screen thoroughly, reading from top to bottom carefully. She still couldn’t believe the data until she looked at Nicholas again. "This doesn't make sense, Nick.""What do you mean?""She just got engaged.""You know, in America, you can have a child without being married. What's the problem with that?"Isabella
Isabella arrived at her parents' house with a bouquet of lilies and a bag of pizza in her hands. She was wearing a yellow cropped hoodie and a knee-length denim skirt, which made her look feminine on this bright Sunday. Her heart was filled with hope that Rose and Ben's condition had improved since the last few days.Knock! Knock! Knock!After waiting a few minutes, the door was finally opened by Ben. When he saw his daughter, Ben smiled."My daughter!"Ben was always warm and enthusiastic. While hugging Isabella, Ben said, "You came on a good day, Bella. Your mom made custard pie with chocolate sauce." Isabella pulled away from the hug, looking excited. "That's your favorite, isn't it?""Really? I wouldn't miss it, Dad." Isabella lifted the pizza in her hand, showing it off to Ben. "I also brought pizza for us.""That looks delicious. Let's go inside."When Isabella entered the house, Rose had just finished preparing the chocolate sauce and placed it next to a tray of custard pie. Sh
Isabella returned to her house feeling upset and disappointed. She knew that her marriage was just a contract. However, Felix had promised that he would try to start his life with Isabella, without Sarah. But it seemed like that was just bullshit. Felix always prioritized himself in any situation.Isabella had been checking the clock on the wall and her phone screen over and over again. Felix’s number was still unreachable until now. She sat on the sofa, then went back to her room, then to the kitchen, doing other activities, but even after finishing all of that, Felix still hadn’t returned home."Where are you, Felix?"Knock! Knock! Knock!The sound of knocking on the door startled Isabella. She had been lying on the sofa, wrapped in her pink blanket, but immediately jumped up and slipped into her furry slippers. She ran excitedly to the door, hoping that the person knocking for the second time was Felix.“Where have you been, Fel—Kevin?” Isabella looked confused. She glanced around
Isabella gripped the steering wheel tightly. She was using Google Maps to find the location written in the data Kevin had given her. She didn’t completely trust Kevin, but she trusted Felix, and Felix had entrusted this task to Kevin. She changed direction, battling the night with all the emotions swirling in her head.This was about finding Irene, her twin sister who had suddenly disappeared a few weeks after her engagement to Rudolf. That should be Isabella’s priority now. But somehow, her focus was split between thinking about Irene and wondering what was really happening between Felix and Sarah.Isabella’s car sped toward a small town on the outskirts of New York called Marysweet Avenue. She had heard a little about the place before but had never been interested enough to visit. As far as Isabella could remember, Irene had mentioned this place once. It was a rural area on the city’s border, where Irene had conducted research for her college project.As Isabella entered the road le
Isabella and Nicholas’s wedding unfolded just as they had envisioned—intimate and serene. The bright blue sky and soft breeze created the perfect atmosphere for their celebration of love.Under the shade of tall trees and surrounded by wildflowers, guests enjoyed food, music, and moments filled with warmth.Isabella stood beside Nicholas, wearing her simple yet elegant wedding gown. From where she stood, she could see their closest friends and family, their smiles lighting up the small garden. Her heart swelled with warmth when her gaze fell on someone she never expected to see.Felix Kingston entered the garden, holding Sarah’s hand tightly. They walked side by side, and a warm smile spread across Felix’s face—a smile unlike any Isabella had seen before.Though Sarah still appeared somewhat fragile, her face showed newfound hope and happiness, as if they had left the darkness of their past behind.Isabella smiled softly as Felix and Sarah waved at her from afar. Seeing Felix truly ha
"She’s growing up so fast. It feels like just yesterday she learned how to roll over." Ben chuckled from his rocking chair, watching Selena with pride. "She’s brought us a joy we never expected. Irene would be so happy to see us all together like this."Isabella fell silent for a moment, reflecting on Irene with mixed emotions. Though the pain of her loss lingered, she felt that life was slowly returning to normal. They had been through so much, and now it was time to move forward.As the room filled with warmth and light-hearted conversation, the sound of a car pulling up in the front yard caught Isabella’s attention. Curious, she stood and peeked out the window. A smile spread across her face—it was Nicholas.Nicholas stepped out of the car, carrying a large box."Hey," he greeted cheerfully as he made his way to the door. "I brought something for Selena."Isabella opened the door and welcomed him with a warm smile. "You really can’t visit without bringing gifts, can you?" she tease
Felix drove with a heavy heart after leaving his office. His brief encounter with Isabella had given him relief and a renewed sense of hope. But there was still something he needed to resolve before he could truly move forward.He knew that Sarah, the woman from his past, needed him more than ever. Instead of heading to a café, Felix stopped in front of a run-down apartment on the outskirts of the city. According to Kevin, his informant, this was where Louis—the man who had ruined Sarah’s life—was hiding.Felix clenched his jaw as he stood at the door. Without hesitation, he knocked hard, gathering all the anger and regret he had held inside for so long.The door opened, and Louis appeared with a smug expression. "Felix," he said mockingly. "What do you—"Before Louis could finish his sentence, Felix’s fist collided with his face. Felix struck him repeatedly, his punches fueled by rage. Louis tried to fight back, but Felix’s vengeful strength left him powerless. With one final blow, L
Nicholas met Isabella at the park. She was wearing a white, knee-length dress with open shoulders, making her look elegant yet simple. She smiled as she saw Nicholas approaching, holding two cups of iced coffee. The soft afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the falling maple leaves, making them shimmer."For you," Isabella said, handing Nicholas one of the iced coffees. "I figured you’d need this after such a long day."Nicholas smiled as he took the coffee and sat down next to her on the bench. "Thanks. You’re right, it’s been a tiring day," he replied with a relieved tone.They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the tranquility of the park. Isabella sipped her coffee, then broke the silence with heartfelt sincerity. "I really want to thank you, Nicholas. Without you, I don’t think Rudolf would have received the punishment he deserved."Nicholas nodded slowly, then, with a serious tone, said, "Actually, I can’t take all the credit."Isabella looked at him, puzzled. "Wha
Nicholas successfully ordered his men to capture Rudolf based on information from Felix and his informant, Kevin. The arrest went smoothly, with little resistance, and Rudolf was soon taken to the police station under tight security.The next morning, the long-awaited trial began. In the courtroom, the atmosphere was heavy. Bright lights cast shadows on the walls, and the gallery was filled with faces showing hope, anger, and anxiety. At the prosecution table, Nicholas sat with a calm yet focused expression. As the lawyer handling the case, he knew that even the smallest mistake could jeopardize his argument.Rudolf sat in the defendant’s chair, handcuffed, his face blank and without remorse. He seemed indifferent, as if the charges against him were nothing more than a game. However, Nicholas knew the truth—behind that calm demeanor was a dangerous and manipulative man, someone who had destroyed many lives.As the judge opened the session, Nicholas stood and began firmly."Your Honor,
Isabella was visiting her parents' house and saw Selena, her little niece, cradled in the arms of Ben, her father and Irene’s. She embraced Ben warmly, feeling the unique comfort that only family could provide. Then, she handed over a box of formula she had brought especially for Selena.Ben smiled as he took the box. "Always so thoughtful, aren’t you?" he said warmly.Isabella smiled softly. "Always, for Selena." She looked at the tiny baby, sleeping soundly in Ben’s arms. "I just want to make sure she never lacks anything."They sat together in the living room, where a peaceful atmosphere surrounded them, even though the world outside was in turmoil with scandals and gossip. Isabella could feel Ben’s attentive gaze on her."So, it’s really over?" Ben asked cautiously, as if ensuring that his daughter had made the right decision. "I read about you and Nicholas on social media..."Isabella took a deep breath, feeling ready to answer. "Yes, the scandal got out of hand," she said calmly
The atmosphere in Felix’s office was more tense than usual after he and Nicholas successfully located and captured Rudolf the previous day. Their professional relationship kept bringing them together, forcing them into awkward encounters. Nicholas entered and stood before Felix."I know you want to resign from the office," Felix finally said, breaking the silence with a calm tone. "But you don’t have to do that."Nicholas leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"Felix looked directly at Nicholas, without hesitation. "I’m going to London. There’s business I need to take care of there. And more than that, I’ve decided to end my pursuit of Isabella’s love."Nicholas paused, surprised. "You’re just giving up?"Felix let out a long sigh, as if releasing a burden he had carried for a long time. "It’s not about giving up. It’s about accepting reality." He lowered his gaze briefly before continuing, "Isabella chose you, Nicholas. I have to learn to accept that."Nicho
As he reached the intersection, Felix noticed a black car parked by the roadside. Inside, a man in a leather jacket sat waiting, his expression unreadable. It was Kevin, the informant who had been helping Felix gather information about Rudolf. Felix turned off his engine and stepped out. The cold air immediately stung his skin, but he ignored it. Under the light drizzle, Kevin also exited his car, and they faced each other at the side of the road."Felix," Kevin greeted briefly, pulling up the collar of his jacket against the chilly wind. "I have news."Felix gave a sharp nod. "Tell me."Kevin slid a hand into his jacket pocket, retrieving his phone, and showed Felix a message. "We’ve found Rudolf. We tracked him to the outskirts of town, hiding in an old motel. He’s planning to flee the city tonight."Felix narrowed his eyes, his body tense. "What is he carrying?""Evidence," Kevin replied with a serious expression. "Documents and photos linking him to Irene’s murder. It seems he’s t
"Have you taken him back?" Nicholas asked, his voice low but firm.Isabella shook her head, a faint yet certain smile on her face. "No. It’s all over."Nicholas exhaled deeply, as if a heavy burden on his heart had lifted in an instant. Without saying a word, he clasped Isabella’s hand, finding peace in their shared silence. The engine purred softly, and the car rolled away from Felix’s house, leaving that chapter behind.The next day, Felix walked down the hallway of his family home, preparing himself for a confrontation with his parents. Tension hung in the air, and he knew what awaited him behind the door. As he entered the elegant living room, his mother, Sophia, stood with a furious expression on her face. In the corner of the room, his father, Michael, sat silently, observing with sharp but unreadable eyes."Felix!" Sophia shouted angrily. "You’ve been lying about your marriage to Irene all this time. You’ve brought disgrace to our family!"Felix held his breath for a moment, no