“After you do that and revoke our separation and the clauses of that absurd contract where I can't access the publishing house or talk about, well, you know,” Heloise pondered over the phone. “Then I'll send you the location where I'm keeping her.”“It's not enough. I want proof that you won’t hurt her!” I said it firmly, putting her on speaker, so the police could hear.“Oh, my love, you hurt my feelings. You’ll need to have a little faith in me.” Laughing, she seemed to hit something, and I heard Lis moaning on the other end.“That's not enough, Heloise!” I squeezed my free hands tightly, turning them white.“Okay, I’ll send you real-time videos every hour showing her condition. I just can't guarantee that a few bruises won’t show up, you know, she has very fair skin.” Heloise was enjoying herself on the other end of the line. “By the way, what did you see in her? Elisabeth is so boring.”“You better not touch her!” I threatened mercilessly. “Or I guarantee you, Heloise Forbs, I’ll
POV: ELISABETHVoices in the background caught my attention. I woke up disoriented with a severe headache and something warm running down my forehead. When I tried to raise my hands to the spot, I realized they were tied, just like my feet.“What?” I groaned, still dizzy, squirming to try to understand the situation. In the background, the silhouette of a blonde woman approached, the sound of her heels echoing in the room.“Look who's awake!” Squatting into my field of vision, Heloise stared at me with an amused smile. “You’re such a sleeper, Mrs. Lover.”“I've already said I'm not anyone's lover.” I murmured, still in pain. “Where am I? Why am I tied up?”“Oh, dear, you don’t remember? You had a tragic accident rushing out of the publisher.” She replied with a broad smile.“The Accident” images clashed in my mind, bringing me to full consciousness. “My God, where's Greg? Is he okay?”“Greg? Well, I'm afraid to say he's kind of” Heloise made a gesture of a knife slicing her neck and s
POV: PATRICKWe arrived at the mansion in search of the laptop and cell phone containing the tracking program for Elisabeth's chip, when the nurse came running towards the gates, screaming:“Mr. Morgan, Mr. Morgan.” She stopped by the car, and I rolled down the window with a frown.“What happened?” I looked at her firmly, sensing something was wrong.“It's Mrs. Eva, she's not well at all!” The nurse said.“Call the doctor who treats her, you know the protocols to follow!” I replied sharply, aware of how important Elisabeth's grandmother was to her, but also determined to save my Lis from the unbalanced Heloise.“Dr. Middle is already here, sir.” She spoke nervously.“What's going on?” I raised an eyebrow, alarmed. “What aren't you telling me?”“It's better if you see for yourself.” Lowering her head, the nurse stepped aside so I could get out of the car.I looked at the group with me and hurried towards the house, heading up to the room that had been adapted as an infirmary for extrem
POV: ELISABETHI felt my blood freeze in my veins, my heart pounding erratically in my chest as if it wanted to burst. My body trembled violently, the persistent chill in my spine radiating through all my limbs. A knot tightened in my stomach, twisting as I realized my color had drained away, my hands were cold and sweaty, and my mouth was dry and bitter.“Pa... Pa... Pavel...” I stammered nervously, consumed by fear.“My light, you don't look very well.” Andreev approached, and I took a few steps back when he grabbed my wrist, pressing our bodies together and burying his nose in my neck, inhaling my scent. “Wow, it's exactly as I remember.”“Please, let me go.” I said, trembling, trying to push him away.“Is this how you treat me after five long years apart?” Pavel squeezed my waist harder, rubbing his body against mine. “Do you have any idea what I went through hunting you down?”“I... I'm sorry...” I couldn't contain the wave of terror that washed over me, being near the bastard wh
I ran, stopping to hide behind the enormous crates, desperately searching for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted an iron bar on the ground and pulled it, holding it tightly against my chest, ready to use it if necessary.“You know, my Light, I always wanted to play cat and mouse with you. It always excited me to see your need to fight for survival.” Pavel pushed some crates aside, looking for me and shooting at the spot afterward. “Can't you see we were made for each other? We are perfect together.”He laughed, moving to another part of the room. I walked slowly to the back, trying to hide even more, trembling nonstop.“When you left, it destroyed me. I realized where I was wrong—my light.” Kicking other crates and shooting, Pavel continued. “I wasn't giving you the necessary attention because of work; now I understand that. But it will be different; I bought a deserted island, and now it will be just you and me; no one else will interfere.”I covered my mouth, feeling the t
POV: PATRICKI left the room, wiping my face, while my legs wobbled slightly. Robert and James supported me, looking at me with concern.“Did you take your medication today? Eat anything?” John approached, examining me. “You're pale and cold.”“I'm fine!” I pushed them away, walking out. “Today isn't an easy day, as you might have noticed.”“We understand, Major, that's why we're here.” John stepped closer again. “But we need our commander to be well to proceed. We won't be able to save your fiancée if you're not well.”“John is right. I'll go to the kitchen to get a shake for you and fetch your medication.” James started to say when I punched the wall, shouting.“We don't have time for this! Elisabeth is in danger, and Heloise is extremely unbalanced. She killed her own son, what do you think she'll do to the woman she considers my lover?” I panted, breathless.“We know that, but if you're not well, how do you intend to save her?” Robert placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firm
“Damn it!” I threatened to rush in, but Robert held me back, shaking his head.“The gun is too close to her head; he'll kill her before you get close.” Robert kept me in place.“I can't stand here and watch him hurt her like this!” I clenched my fists, consumed by fury.“Major, your emotions are speaking. Think like a soldier. What would you do in this situation if we were at war?” John kept his tone low and calm. “He's just another enemy we need to take down.”I considered his words, looking back into the warehouse and thinking about what to do.“Robert, you and James go to the other side of the warehouse and start a shootout to draw his attention. Andreev won't want to kill Elisabeth so easily; he's a damned torturing psychopath.” My fists were clenched, and my hands squeezed tightly.“He'll want to take her out of here!” John observed, and I nodded. “And what will we do?”“Did you see where his car was parked?” I smiled, my eyes burning with determination. “We'll wait for him there
“It's okay, Lis; don't cry; everything will be fine.” I smiled gently at my apprentice, extending my hands for her to fasten the wristband. “Remember, I always come up with something in the end.”“What?” Elisabeth frowned before closing the wristband. Quickly, I pulled her behind me, and we all crouched as John, dragging himself, sat up injured with a gun in his hand, shooting five times at Pavel. He hit Pavel's leg, shoulder, arm, and neck.I pushed the wristbands off my hands, threw a knife to James to free himself and Robert, and went towards Pavel, who tried to raise the gun at me. I kicked his hands, pulled his body, and began landing several punches on his face.“You bastard, this is for torturing her for so long.” I punched harder, hearing the bones in his face crack and blood mixing on his face.“Is that all you got?” Andreev smiled with blood-stained teeth, diabolically. “You're too weak to protect her.”“This is just the beginning!” I smiled darkly when Lis came up behind me
POV: GREG“Are you sure you need to leave? You could stay with us, you're the best grumpy security guard,” said Elisabeth, her eyes sparkling with happiness.Seeing Elisabeth like this was a relief. Since Patrick's departure, she had buried herself in work, trying to avoid the pain of loss. The impact had been devastating. It wasn’t fair how the CEO told her about his illness, and even less how he left, leaving a void that was hard to fill.Everything changed the day my phone rang. Patrick Morgan had defied death. Against all odds, he had achieved remission, and his prognosis was surprisingly positive. He was getting better, almost miraculously. Excited, I rushed to get him and bring him back into our lives. I had sworn I lost my best friend and brother, and I felt aimless if it wasn’t for the constant presence of his apprentice, who kept me sane and focused.When I saw Patrick coming down from the jet, emotion overwhelmed me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Patrick, you idiot!”
The pain of your absence was constant. In the garden of the house, lying in the hammock, the book rested on my lap. A lot has changed since your letter ten months ago. I took over the publishing house with praise, and we prospered increasingly. The merger with Forbs was a success, and soon Celdric became one of the active CEOs in decision-making.Greg was my right-hand man, responsible for legal matters, security, and investigations. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I came home, I had the feeling that he would be there, waiting for me, with a glass of wine, half-naked, and his mischievous smile on his lips.“You are missed, Patrick.” I whispered, closing my eyes as the breeze caressed my face. I hadn't been able to read the book until that moment. It seemed that reading your last words would be a farewell I was never prepared to say.I hesitated for a while longer, then opened the book. In the dedication, my eyes filled with tears:“For Mrs. Eva, for having raised and loved the sweetes
I stared at the envelope, afraid to pick it up, fearing what was inside... Reluctantly, I opened it and found a hardcover book with our photo from our honeymoon, smiling happily in Cuba. In the image, Patrick was whispering something silly in my ear while hugging me from behind, making me blush and provoking a genuine smile. At the bottom of the envelope, there was a letter addressed to me, written in his elegant handwriting:“My sweet Elisabeth, if you received this letter, I'm afraid my time has come. You will probably hate me for how I chose to handle this, but I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt or upset you. In a cowardly and selfish way, I decided not to tell you my biggest secret. You had already suffered so many losses and so much pain that it didn't seem fair to put you through another turbulent time.”“What is Patrick talking about?” I bit my lip, growing nervous with every word, and continued reading.“I hid the truth about my joining the army. In reality, I disc
“Who else would take care of that arrogant and conceited CEO?” I looked at him, amused. “I already told you, Patrick Morgan is my idiot.”“Seems fair.” Greg laughed, and I joined him. Together, we walked to the designated chapel. It was a simple ceremony, just Patrick’s platoon and us.I entered the church, hearing the soft sound of the violin in the background. At the altar, Patrick Morgan stood out in the wedding setting with his imposing presence. He was tall and dark-haired, and he exuded charm and elegance in his tailored suit. The dark fabric enhanced his skin tone, and the white shirt contrasted with his complexion, creating a sophisticated and attractive look. His brown hair was impeccably styled, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce my soul, locking onto mine. His sculpted body showcased his good physical shape, confirming his sensual aura. He smiled seductively when he saw me, subtly biting his lips with mischief. I blushed instantly, reprimanding him with a frown, which
POV: ELISABETHMy body still throbbed with pain, echoing the overwhelming impact of what had happened. The relief of knowing Greg was alive, fighting to recover, barely dissipated the anguish consuming me. As I put on the black mourning clothes, my reflection in the mirror revealed a profound sadness, where the eyes of that little girl who had lost her parents so long ago resurfaced in my gaze. My only family, my entire world, and my best friend, mother, and confidante had left without me being there to comfort her in her most frightening moment. The guilt for not being by her side tore at my heart. The most important person in my life was taken from me, leaving an unbearable void, an overwhelming loneliness. Then I felt his warm hands on my hips and his gentle kiss on the top of my head, a gesture of comfort amidst the abyss of loss.“Are you okay?” Patrick looked at my reflection in the mirror with understanding. “I'm so sorry for your loss, Lis.”“So am I...” I bit my trembling lip
“It's okay, Lis; don't cry; everything will be fine.” I smiled gently at my apprentice, extending my hands for her to fasten the wristband. “Remember, I always come up with something in the end.”“What?” Elisabeth frowned before closing the wristband. Quickly, I pulled her behind me, and we all crouched as John, dragging himself, sat up injured with a gun in his hand, shooting five times at Pavel. He hit Pavel's leg, shoulder, arm, and neck.I pushed the wristbands off my hands, threw a knife to James to free himself and Robert, and went towards Pavel, who tried to raise the gun at me. I kicked his hands, pulled his body, and began landing several punches on his face.“You bastard, this is for torturing her for so long.” I punched harder, hearing the bones in his face crack and blood mixing on his face.“Is that all you got?” Andreev smiled with blood-stained teeth, diabolically. “You're too weak to protect her.”“This is just the beginning!” I smiled darkly when Lis came up behind me
“Damn it!” I threatened to rush in, but Robert held me back, shaking his head.“The gun is too close to her head; he'll kill her before you get close.” Robert kept me in place.“I can't stand here and watch him hurt her like this!” I clenched my fists, consumed by fury.“Major, your emotions are speaking. Think like a soldier. What would you do in this situation if we were at war?” John kept his tone low and calm. “He's just another enemy we need to take down.”I considered his words, looking back into the warehouse and thinking about what to do.“Robert, you and James go to the other side of the warehouse and start a shootout to draw his attention. Andreev won't want to kill Elisabeth so easily; he's a damned torturing psychopath.” My fists were clenched, and my hands squeezed tightly.“He'll want to take her out of here!” John observed, and I nodded. “And what will we do?”“Did you see where his car was parked?” I smiled, my eyes burning with determination. “We'll wait for him there
POV: PATRICKI left the room, wiping my face, while my legs wobbled slightly. Robert and James supported me, looking at me with concern.“Did you take your medication today? Eat anything?” John approached, examining me. “You're pale and cold.”“I'm fine!” I pushed them away, walking out. “Today isn't an easy day, as you might have noticed.”“We understand, Major, that's why we're here.” John stepped closer again. “But we need our commander to be well to proceed. We won't be able to save your fiancée if you're not well.”“John is right. I'll go to the kitchen to get a shake for you and fetch your medication.” James started to say when I punched the wall, shouting.“We don't have time for this! Elisabeth is in danger, and Heloise is extremely unbalanced. She killed her own son, what do you think she'll do to the woman she considers my lover?” I panted, breathless.“We know that, but if you're not well, how do you intend to save her?” Robert placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firm
I ran, stopping to hide behind the enormous crates, desperately searching for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted an iron bar on the ground and pulled it, holding it tightly against my chest, ready to use it if necessary.“You know, my Light, I always wanted to play cat and mouse with you. It always excited me to see your need to fight for survival.” Pavel pushed some crates aside, looking for me and shooting at the spot afterward. “Can't you see we were made for each other? We are perfect together.”He laughed, moving to another part of the room. I walked slowly to the back, trying to hide even more, trembling nonstop.“When you left, it destroyed me. I realized where I was wrong—my light.” Kicking other crates and shooting, Pavel continued. “I wasn't giving you the necessary attention because of work; now I understand that. But it will be different; I bought a deserted island, and now it will be just you and me; no one else will interfere.”I covered my mouth, feeling the t