CHAPTER 65Nicholas stepped into Isabella's house with a slight feeling of tension, though he tried to remain calm. This was the first time he had met Irene in person since she had been found.In the living room, Irene was sitting on the sofa, cradling her baby, who was peacefully asleep in her arms. The baby, named Selena, was a symbol of hope amid the chaos they were facing.Nicholas smiled warmly when he saw Irene. He carried a bouquet of flowers in his hand, which he gently offered to her. "These are for you, Irene. I hope they can brighten your day a little."Irene looked at Nicholas with a weary face but filled with gratitude. She accepted the flowers and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Nicholas. They're beautiful."Nicholas sat down beside Isabella, who had accompanied him inside. "How are you feeling now?" Nicholas asked softly, his tone full of concern.Irene sighed, her eyes glancing at Selena, still sleeping soundly in her arms. "I'm... still struggling. There are days when I fe
Sarah sat down in front of Felix's desk, her eyes focused on the man in front of her, who appeared calm despite the tense atmosphere between them. She had just informed Felix that she had filed for divorce from Louis—a difficult decision but one she believed was the only way to be with Felix again.However, Felix's response was far from what she had expected."I don’t want to continue this relationship, Sarah," Felix said in a flat, almost emotionless tone. "Our relationship is over, and I don’t want us to go back to how things were."Sarah was taken aback by Felix's words, her eyes widening in shock. "What do you mean, Felix? Do you know how much I've sacrificed for this? I left Louis... for us. For a second chance at us."Felix took a deep breath before looking at Sarah with a serious expression. "I know, Sarah, and I appreciate what you've done. But I've made my decision. I'm going to London, and I won’t be coming back to New York."Sarah's face instantly paled, her entire body fee
Isabella was sitting in the backyard, enjoying a quiet afternoon with Irene and Selena. Though Irene still looked tired, she was starting to feel better after several weeks of therapy. Isabella helped look after Selena, gently rocking the stroller as she engaged in light conversation with Irene, trying to create a sense of normalcy in a life still filled with uncertainty.But the peaceful silence was abruptly interrupted when an unfamiliar black car sped into the front yard. Before Isabella could react, the car door opened, and Rudolf stepped out with quick strides and a determined expression.“Irene!” Rudolf shouted coldly and threateningly as he rushed toward her.Irene froze in place, too shocked to move. “Rudolf? What are you doing here?!” Her voice trembled with deep fear.Sensing danger, Isabella sprang into action, but before she could do anything, Rudolf roughly dragged Irene into the car. “You’re coming with me, Irene. Now!” he commanded, ignoring Irene’s growing panic and pr
Felix lost track of Rudolf’s car after Rudolf managed to speed through an intersection. All they could do was return to Isabella’s house. Irene's sudden abduction had shaken everyone, and now Felix felt a great responsibility to help Isabella and her family find Irene before it was too late.As Felix parked the car in front of Isabella's house, he could sense the tension inside. When he entered, all eyes were on him."Isabella!" Rose called, rushing to hug her daughter with a sense of relief. "What about Irene?"Isabella shook her head weakly, looking deeply regretful. "I don’t know what Rudolf is planning, but I’m afraid he’s going to do something worse to her."Felix looked at Isabella seriously, trying to offer as much calm as he could. "Don’t worry, Isabella. We’ll find her. I’ll ask Kevin to track Rudolf’s car. We saw his license plate, so that can be a clue."Isabella nodded quickly. "Yes, I saw it before his car disappeared. He might have even switched cars by now."Felix immed
Rudolf pulled Irene out of the car, which he had deliberately arranged from a friend outside the city. Irene struggled, trying to resist with what little strength she had left. However, Rudolf was a man, and his strength was clearly greater than Irene's."Let me go! Please, let me go!"No. Rudolf didn’t let her go. Instead, he roughly dragged Irene into a house deep in the forest. It wasn’t the same place that Kevin had successfully tracked down. Rudolf had swapped cars halfway through the journey, changing it according to his plan, and left his phone in an abandoned house to mislead Isabella and Felix’s pursuit. It had all been carefully planned.When Rudolf reached a room, he threw Irene onto the bed. Irene’s breath caught, and she suddenly lost focus, overwhelmed by the fear flooding her chest. She raised her hands, staring at Rudolf, pleading."Don’t do this!"Rudolf grabbed Irene’s hair, causing her to wince in pain. "Do you think you can leave me? No, darling. You will always be
The gray sky over the cemetery created a sorrowful atmosphere. Isabella stood near the coffin, holding Selena tightly in her arms. The baby seemed calm, despite the sadness surrounding them. Many mourners had come to pay their respects to the departed, but Isabella could barely focus on anyone. Her mind was too burdened by the recent loss she had experienced.Among the crowd, Nicholas and Felix stood not far from Isabella. Nicholas glanced at Felix, his eyes narrowing in confusion and slight irritation. He knew Felix was supposed to be in London, starting a new life away from all the drama in New York. Yet here was Felix, calm and present at this important event for Isabella.Nicholas approached Felix, his voice low but with a growl. "Why are you here, Felix? Aren't you supposed to be handling your business in London? I thought you'd left."Felix looked at Nicholas without emotion, though there was something faint behind his eyes. "I changed my mind," he replied briefly, as if he didn
Felix sat at the dining table, staring at Isabella who was seated across from him. The atmosphere between them was tense, filled with unspoken burdens. Felix couldn’t take his eyes off Isabella, even though he knew that what he was about to say might worsen the situation. But he couldn’t hide his intentions any longer."Isabella," Felix finally spoke, his voice soft but firm. "I need to talk to you about something important. About us."Isabella looked at him with tired eyes, trying to understand what Felix was about to say. "What do you mean, Felix?" she asked, frowning, unprepared for a serious conversation, especially after the funeral and all the emotional weight she had been carrying.Felix took a deep breath, preparing himself. "I’ve ended my relationship with Sarah."Isabella stared at Felix in shock. Sarah, the woman who had been part of Felix's life for the past few years, was no longer by his side. But instead of feeling relieved, Isabella felt confused."Why are you telling
Isabella sat in her parked car in front of her parents' house, her eyes staring blankly out the window. Today had been too long, she thought. After giving her testimony at the police station about the disappearance of her twin sister, Irene, and all the drama that followed, Isabella felt physically and emotionally exhausted. Memories of Irene continued to haunt her, and even now, in a place that should have made her feel safe—her parents' home—her mind was filled with anxiety she couldn't shake off.Isabella slowly opened the car door, taking a deep breath to calm herself. The sound of the engine turning off signaled that the night was about to grow quieter. She stepped out, gently closing the car door, and walked slowly toward the house. This house had witnessed so many events in her life, from the warmth of her childhood to the crisis currently haunting her family.As she reached the front door, Isabella paused for a moment, listening to the strong beat of her own heart. When the do
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