The drive lasted for a long while, during which Sebastian did not say anything to Zachary. He sat in the back, scrolling through his phone in silence, while Zachary kept stealing glances at him through the rearview mirror.Zachary wondered what was going through the man's head as he drove, because his expression was unreadable."Sir, we have been driving for almost an hour now, don't you think we should stop now, or do you have any particular destination in mind?" Zachary asked the man, but he was ignored outright. The man continued to scroll through his phone, feigning ignorance to his question.Zachary didn't bother the man anymore. Instead, he drove for a while, then stopped the car in the middle of nowhere.He turned turned off the engine, letting it rest from overheating.They were at an"What if the meaning of this, Zachary?!" Sebastian scolded the man, as he rolled down the car windows"I did not give you the instruction to stop the car now, did I?""No, you didn't, sir," Za
The second Sebastian heard that the boy has been found, he left Fowler and bolted outside.Cuddled in Pendel's arms, was his son, Reynold, looking all frail and exhausted.He rushed to Pendel and took the boy from him, oblivious to the young man who was kneeled on the ground, beside Zachary, sobbing uncontrollably and begging for forgiveness.He carried the boy in his arms, calling his name softly,"Reynolds....Reynolds...your daddy is here." He coerced the boy pleadingly, shaking him softly, but he neither stirred nor open his eyes."Please, wake up, son, your daddy is here...please, wake up."Sebastian's heart immediately flew into panic mode, seeing how unresponsive the boy was.He turned to the man who was sobbing on the floor and queried him,"What did you do to my son?!"The ground reverberated at the intensity of his anger and agitation."What did you give him?!""N--nothing.." The man stuttered direly, and Zachary slapped his hard against the back of his head,"Speak up, bastar
Meanwhile, despite Sebastian's reassurance, Isabel couldn't sleep in peace, knowing her son was in the hospital and his condition is unknown. She was restless and impatient, coupled with the fact that she couldn't reach both Sebastian and Zachary, her worries worsened.Several times during the course of the night, she tried to reach either of them to know how Reynolds was faring, but it was impossible to.They wouldn't pick up, nor would they return the call and after a while, all her calls were sent to voicemail.Isabel didn't understand why that was happening, but it intensified her anxiety.She paced to and fro the manor, her panic rising as her heart weighed with worry and plenty morbid thoughts.What if something has happened to Reynolds and they were scared to call her? What if whatever happened to him intensified, and he's in a critical condition now?No matter how many optimistic words Brittany spoke to her, she couldn't brush off the thoughts from her mind.Something must've
"I tried to leave the office, but Principal Anderson blocked my path. That was the last thing I remember, before waking up hours later, in that room." Reynolds continued, looking at both Sebastian and Zachary,"Ms. Shakira said plenty awful things about you and mommy, especially mommy."Sebastian needed no soothsayer to guess the awful words Shakira must've said to the boy's hearing, about him and Isabel."She called mommy plenty unsavory names, claiming that mommy stole you from her, stole her position and ruined her life." The boy continued,"She claimed that I was the key to separating you and mommy, because you are with my mommy because of me. She also talked about using my kidnap to create a rift between you and mommy.""What rift?" Zachary asked confusedly, staring at both father and son."I don't know, but they were going to make my death look like daddy's fault, so my mommy would leave him." He explained to the man,"I overheard their conversation. She claimed that I was the on
After the reunion between Isabel, the twins and Reynolds, Isabel instructed Brittany to take the boys upstairs, while she go to prepare breakfast for Reynolds."Ma'am, you don't have to do anything. I will make breakfast for the young master." Brittany offered, wanting to save her the unnecessary stress, but Isabel insisted,"Don't worry, Brittany, I can manage."Everyone was amazed by how instantly her whole demeanor has changed, just by the boy's appearance. Isaurned to Reynolds, then said to him,"You should go up and freshen up...your breakfast will be ready soon.""I'm not hungry, mommy. Daddy got me breakfast while we were at the hospital, and I got Popsicle when daddy dropped by the mall to get me new clothes."Sebastian half-smiled, hoping Isabel would spare him a glance, but she didn't. She was acting like he was nonexistent, which bothered him a lot."Okay, but let me make you some dessert. What would you like to have?" She asked the boy, her whole attention fixated on him,
Isabel woke up quite early the next morning, after not having much sleep, only to be faced with the information that they were moving."Moving where, and why?""Ma'am, I cannot say why, but that was the order we received this morning from Mr. Bernadotte." Brittany explained to her, going to keep her freshly pressed laundries in her closet."And where is he?"Anger was building inside her, although she tried to keep her voice down and neutral, because the boys were still sleeping."I think sir is in his study now.""Okay."He must have a reasonable reason. He'd better.She calmed herself, looking at her sons who were still sleeping peacefully. Alexander was sprawled on his end, his limbs thrown everywhere, including on Oliver's body.She chuckled softly, amused at his careless sleeping position, which reminded her of hers, according to Sebastian."You're one heck of a careless sleeper, Isabel, but I'd rather sleep with you by my side, than anyone else." He would tell her jokingly, then
Isabel did all she could to convince Sebastian to let her go, but he remained adamant, refusing to let her go."I'd rather die, than let you go, Isabel. I don't care how many motherfuckers try to pull us apart. I will find my way to you every fucking time.""Sebastian---""I am not listening to you, Isabel. I am undeserving of you. Do you think I don't know that?" He asked the speechless Isabel, pacing in front of her,"Don't you think I know that you are better off a man like me? Don't you think I know that you will have a less chaotic and dramatic life being away from me? I know all that, and I wish I can be selfless enough to let you go, but I can't and I won't." He told her, stopping in front of her."Despite everything that has happened, I chose to be selfish and chose my family. I chose you, Isabel and I will over choose you and over again. I don't give a fuck who has a problem with that.""Sebastian, think of our sons and their safety. What if someone tries to hurt them again?"
Isabel couldn't catch any wink of sleep that night, as she kept thinking about Madam Magdalene's words of advice.The words were stuck in her head, replaying like they were taped to her memory. No matter how much she tried to shut the voice, the continued to play relentlessly.Of course, she love Sebastian and it was undeniable that he loves her too. Maybe, a lot more than she loves him. However, she loves her sons more. She loves them more than anything in the world, and wouldn't trade them for anything.She could survive anything, but not something happening to any of them.Reynolds's disappearance nearly drove her insaneAfter much tossing and turning, she pulled her weight up from the bed, and picked u her phone which she'd left to charge, on the nightstand.She unplugged it, then dialed Sebastian's number, hoping he would pick up.Fortunately, he did after the second ring."You're still awake, Isabel?" He asked her, his low voice filled with concern,"How are you still awake by th
Sebastian and Isabel returned to New York about three weeks later, after Damien was charged for violating his probation, kidnappings and attempted murder.He was tried in court where although he pled non-guilty, he was given a fifteen years sentence, with no possibility of an early bail.Damien was devastated by the judge's sentence, and tried everything he could to shorten his sentence, but the judge remained absolute."You not only defied the law, but you constituted more crimes, Mr. Giddorti. No matter who you are, you should be made to face the full consequences of your action." The judge told him,"Your sentence remains unchanged, Mr. Giddorti. Fifteen years in the Stafford Creek Correctional Facility in Aberdeen, Washington without the possibility of an early bail, no matter what."Sebastian and Isabel were present in court when he was tried and the former was overjoyed, knowing that his biggest rival was down.Shakira did not make it in the hospital, thus narrowly escaped senten
With the detective permission, Sebastian waited until after the Ob/gyn finished her assessment on Isabel, and assured them that their baby was alright, before going to see Shakira.But, before leaving for the ICU, he'd to speak to Deputy Rivera. The man had come to speak to them, concerning getting official statements.Sebastian and Isabel gave theirs first, then Moses gave his. And to the man's conviction, it tallied with the statement Pendel had given them.Thereafter, he called the detective aside, while Sebastian waited with Isabel."What do you think they're discussing about?" She asked him,"You need not to worry about it, Isabel. I will take care of everything."Sebastian told her like he always did, then turned to Moses who was seated farther away from them, asking him,"Did you later put a call across to Pierre and Mr. Gonzalez?""Yes, sir. I have done that, and explained the situation to them. Mr. Gonzalez is on his way."Sebastian nodded with a proud smile, squeezing Is
Sebastian refused to go see the doctor,no matter how much the doctor begged him."I don't care if her insides are spilling out of her body through her mouth, I do not want to lay eyes on that bitch, else I would expedite the process of sending her to hell." He spat with disdain,"She brought this on herself and she nearly killed my fiancée had I not intervened early. Tell her that I wish her nothing but the worst death ever, and I pray she goes to hell after that."The doctor was flabbergasted.It was a miracle that she made it out of her unconscious state, after they managed to remove the bullets from the vulnerable locations she was shot at.However, he knew that she wouldn't make it past the morning. She did lost a lot of blood and one of the bullet had severed her anterior spinal artery and her spleen.She was as good as death, but somehow, was given a second chance, which wouldn't last up to six hours.She was on her deathbed and has requested to see the man. He'd personally a
Sebastian's eyes fluttered open, groggily taking in his surroundings. The bright morning light streaming through the hospital window made him squint and look away from the window.He was met with an unfamiliar ceiling and the sterile smell of a hospital room. His mind was foggy, and his body felt heavy, as if an invisible force was weighing on him.As he tried to sit up, a jolt of pain shot through his head, making him wince."Fuck!" His hand instinctively went to his temple, but it was restrained by a cold metal cuff attached to the bed frame. He tugged at the cuff, but it wouldn't budge.Confusion and panic began to set in, but they settled the second realization dawned on him.The memories of the event of the night before came crashing on him like a blizzard on a snowy night and he lwt out a loud sigh. He couldn't believe that he was being held like a criminal.Sebastian Bernadotte, CEO of Bernadotte and Sterling Groups, was being cuffed to a hospital bed like a common crimin
The first sight that shocked Sebastian as they were led out of the house, was seeing Jarvis's lifeless body on the ground, near the entrance.His immediate thought was Isabel, as he watched the body.Is she safe?God, let nothing happen to her. He prayed within himself.Nothing had better happen to her and his child, else he would kill Damien himself, spending the rest of his life in jail."Sir!" One of the men outside called, rushing towards them,"Speak to me, Howard. What have you got?" The man holding Sebastian probed him."Sir, so far we've rounded five casualties" He informed the man,"Make that seven!" Someone hollered from the side of the house, stealing all their attention.Pendel emerged from the darkness, and from behind him were two armed men."There are two casualties at the other side of the house. Caucasian armed male and female."One of the men shoved Pendel, who was cuffed top, pushing him to where Sebastian and Damien were standing."We received report about a h
Meanwhile, Sebastian and Pendel relentlessly went after Damien and Shakira who were trying to escape through the back."Sir, Giddorti is hiding in there, and I think he's out of bullets " Pendel informed Sebastian, who was hiding by the other side of the door,"Cover me, while I go in.""No...go after Valande and the man, I will take care of Giddorti myself." Sebastian told him instead,"I think it is time we put an end to all this. Me and him.""But, sir....""Go, and make sure Shakira doesn't escape.""Okay, sir."Pendel left immediately, following Sebastian's order, while he tucked his gun into the back of his pant."Giddorti, I know you are in there and I sure know that you are out of bullets." Sebastian began, taking steady steps into the room,"I can perceive the nauseating smell of your fear from here, you son of a bitch." He scoffed,"I might be a bastard, Bernadotte, but I am not as cowardly as you are. You allowed another man take the fall for your sins, when you should be
Moses and Isabel have walked halfway through, when suddenly, a light flashed through the darkness, from a near distance.Moses was immediately on alert, raising his gun for action."Stay close, Ms. Hadid. We have an unwelcomed guest ahead of us." He told Isabel, slowing his step, so as not to alert whoever the other person was.With his one hand on the trigger, and the other holding Isabel's hand, they carefully approached the light.Suddenly, Moses stopped walking, which made Isabel stop too."Stay here and wait for me, Ms. Hadid."Without questioning, Isabel waited in the spot he asked her to, hiding behind two tall trees."Get down, and no matter what you hear, do not come out until I ask you to." He warned in a low whisper,"And once I tell you to run, you run as fast as your legs can take you." He dug his free hand into his pocket, pulling out a car key, which he handed to her."Head north, till you get to the main road. Take the Chevy and drive to wherever you can you'll be s
"Stay here and don't make any fucking sound!" Damien ordered Isabel in exasperation, bolting out of the bedroom as another gunshot fired in the air.He slammed the door shut, leaving Isabel confused, and shaking with terror.What could be happening out there?Were they under attack?Despite her trembling limbs and pounding heartbeat, she got up from the bed, to go see what was happening. Just as she apprroached the window, another shot was fired, louder than the previous ones.Isabel's body reverberated with trepidation, causing an immediate abortion of the idea in her head.She thought of hiding somewhere to save herself, but a crazy thought flashed her mind instantly.Escape, Isabel! You should be using this opportunity to escape from this hellhole.Her instinct screamed at her, while shots continue to fly outside, instilling fear into her.If you think anyone is coming to save you, then you are dreaming. You are responsible for the safety of your baby and yourself, and this is
Meanwhile, Isabel had almost dozed off, when she was awoken by the sound of running engine approaching the house from a distance.Her eyes opened and she listened keenly as the car drove closer to the house, lights from its headlights fairly illuminating the bedroom, through the window.Finally, the car came to a stop in front of the house, and its engine quieten down. For some reason, Isabel's heart was beating crazily.Not because she was scared, but because she didn't want to face them, knowing either of them would come to check up on her, to be certain that she haven't escaped. She didn't want to see their disgusting faces, Shakira's especially.A couple of hours ago, she was faced with the most shocking and unexpected revelation, aside being abducted.Sebastian wasn't the mastermind behind her kidnap, like she'd earlier suspected.It wasn't him. In fact, he might have no idea about it, except that Austin have informed him.Instead, it was Damien Giddorti and Sebastian's ex-fi