"What doesn't kill you fucks you up mentally."---- Anonymous. A tale in which the best day of King Ryder's life becomes his worst when the love of his life is killed on their wedding day. He is determined to find out who assassinated Isabella Sanchez until a certain Elena Greene crashes her way into his life, and causes more harm than intended. Her past comes to bite her in the butt and she's not the only one affected by it. "When you're being blamed for something you didn't do, you run expecting to save yourself. You escape at any cost. You focus. You think like the criminal you're not. You deal with the trauma later, or don't. Survival and happiness comes at a cost... one you pay because you have to."
View MoreIt was an autumn wedding in the late afternoon. The area faced the breathtaking sunset on the Oahu beach. At the end of each seated aisle, cherry blossom scented candles hung from tree branches.
Spread down the aisle were white leaves that were slightly moist so they wouldn’t crack when you stepped on them. There was a small group of close family and friends dressed in beach attire for comfort. On either side of the aisle, they sat in white chairs set up for them on the sand.
In the dressing room where the soon-to-be wife of King Ryder sat, getting ready for the day she had dreamed of for years, was her older sister, Annalise and her bridesmaids which comprised King Ryder’s younger sister, Mirabel, and her friends. Isabella wasn’t one to keep friends as she saw Annalise as her best friend. Outside the dressing room were men, armed to the teeth, ready to give their lives to save Isabella if need be. Ryder had made sure she was safe.
“Isa, you need to breathe. Can’t you do that for me?” Annalise asked, worry clear on her face as she looked at her sister. The girl looked like she was going to faint any second soon.
Only about six minutes remained before her wedding began; she was nervous, just like the first time she saw the king approach her at the mall. He had escorted Mirabel to the mall that day.
“I’m trying, Anna, I am.” Isabella said to her, “This is normal, right? For me to feel nervous.”
“Of course it is.” Annalise answered, applying lipstick on her sister. “You just need to not think too much about this. Pa is waiting to see you walk down that aisle and fainting isn’t going to make that happen, okay? And if you get too nervous, just look only at Ryder. Just him.”
“Just him.” She repeated. “Just Ryder.”
“Exactly.”
Annalise continued working her magic on Isabella, unable to hide the happiness she was feeling. Her baby sister was going to start a family and even become queen of Ordene. It was something she thought only happened in movies, but Isabella was proving her wrong. Disney-like love happened.
“Anna?” Isabella called her sister, almost in a whisper. “Ma’s bracelet. I want to wear it. She’s not here, and that bracelet is a reminder and a part of her I’d like to have with me today. Do you have it with you?”
Anna nodded, digging into her bag to bring out a silver bracelet that was teardrop-shaped. The bracelet was accented with a huge iridescent dark gray trillion-cut gem surrounded by transparent, vivid red and aqua gems.
Isabella put on the bracelet and looked at her sister through the mirror.
“You look beautiful, Isa.” Annalise kissed her sister’s cheek and stepped back, looking at her sister with a motherly smile. It was how her Ma would look at her. The two were in their own loving world, totally forgetting about the surrounding people.
“It’s time.” A man announced from outside the door.
Annalise, Mirabel, and Isabella shared a look.
“You’ll do great.” Mirabel said, “We’ll be right behind you.”
It was now or never.
Finally, the priest came out and asked every to stand. It was Isa’s turn. All eyes would soon be on her, whether or not she was ready. The flower girl lined the path with white rose petals as the music started. Isabella only took two steps out before her father greeted her. He escorted her down the aisle, which seemed longer than it was when she and Ryder had been planning the wedding. Her Pa became her strength and pillar; without him, she would probably faint or become frozen.
The guests looked at her, taking pictures of her dress; a V-neck crepe gown complemented by floral lace cap sleeves, an open back, and a striking train. They waved, smiled, but no one made a sound. Up ahead, trying to not shed a tear was her soon-to-be husband, the love of her life, her everything. King Ryder stood taller, his shoulders back and his eyes on her.
At the end of the aisle, Isa’s father hugged her and then presented her to her groom. Derick, her father, placed her hand in Ryder’s and smiled. As a couple, she and King Ryder stood in front of the priest.
Before Derick walked away, he patted Ryder on the shoulder; a way of welcoming him into the family.
“Was this really happening?” She thought.
The minister said to guests, “You can now be seated”. At this, friends and family followed his request.
“Dearly beloved,” he began, “we are gathered here this evening to witness this man and woman join in holy matrimony.”
He said a slightly long speech Isa didn’t really pay attention to, and afterward the couple exchanged vows, tears filling both their eyes. It was really happening.
The ring bearer came forward and presented the rings. Isabella placed Ryder’s ring on first, then he placed on hers.
The priest nodded and asked, “If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace”.
It was a question that scared Isabella because she felt there were lots of people, especially women who would do anything to sabotage her wedding with the King. After all, he was a King.
Shockingly, no one spoke a word. “With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you-”
That was when all hell let loose.
The sound of gunshot followed by the priest falling to the ground was all it took for the peaceful wedding to become chaotic. Ryder’s eyes grew wide with fear as he looked at the dead priest’s body. The only thing on his mind at the moment was to get his bride and sister to safety.
He pulled out a gun he had hidden underneath the sand in between him and the priest. He had earlier prepared for a situation like this.
“What the hell is going on?” Isa held onto his hand, frantically looking around.
Another gunshot was heard and a woman fell to the ground. Ryder brought out his cellphone from his pocket as he ran to safety with Isabella behind him. He was taking her to where they parked the SUV. His men were there.
“Theo, gather your men fast. Find my sister and make sure she is safe. I swear I’ll kill you if she gets hurt.”
Without hearing Theo’s response, he hung up. They had gotten to the car, which had five men around it.
“Get in, Isa.” He opened the door and helped her get in. “Here,” He put his gun in her hand, “use this if you have to.”
“I won’t kill anyone, Ryder.”
“You’ll have to. I can’t lose you, please.”
She nodded. “You’ll bring Anna and the rest, right?”
“Yes.” He swallowed thickly at the thought of Mirabel lying in a pool of her own blood. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to them.” He kissed her lips softly and pulled away, shutting the door. “To the safe house. Don’t stop for anybody.”
The men nodded and got in the car with Isabella.
Ryder watched the car leave before returning to the bloody scene.
“Mira!” He screamed his sister’s name, “Mirabel!”
“Get down!” A man crashed himself onto Ryder, pushing him to the ground.
“Theo.” Ryder heaved a sigh of relief when he saw who had saved him. “Where’s Mirabel?”
“She’s safe.” Theo answered, handing Ryder a gun. “The bride?”
“She’s safe.” Ryder grabbed a chair to shield himself as he shot at the masked men. “Who the hell are these bastards?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Theo aimed for one man.
“GO! GO! GO! The bride is dead!” One masked man announced.
The men bolted out of the area, leaving Ryder confused and speechless. He immediately stood up and began running in the direction of his own car. Isabella couldn’t be dead, she was safe. His men were with her, keeping her safe. Those men were talking trash, they were crazy. Isa was alive.
“You can’t drive.” Theo said when he saw Ryder sit in the driver’s seat. “You’re not in a right state of mind.”
Ryder pointed his gun at Theo. “Get in or I’ll blow your brains out.”
With hands raised up in surrender, Theo went around the car and to the passenger side. Ryder wasted no time in starting the car and speeding off.
“Where?” Theo’s question got Ryder’s attention. “What hospital?”
Ryder snatched the earpiece from Theo and put in on. “Where the fuck are you guys? Where’s Isa?”
There was a long, maddening silence on the other end of the line.
“Where the hell is my wife!?”
Ryder angrily took the earpiece off and stepped on the gas pedal. He was losing his shit.
“Where is Hyacinth Medical Center?” He asked, looking in the mirror before switching lanes.
“Up ahead.” Theo answered, “We should be able to get there in about three minutes.”
“Too long.” Ryder mumbled, slamming the steering wheel in frustration. “I’ll kill those bastards. I’ll kill them all.”
After a few minutes, Ryder and Theo arrived at the hospital. There was a body on a stretcher being pushed into the hospital for urgent treatment. The person wore a white dress, had light brown hair… Isa.
“Isabella!”
Ryder rushed out the car and pushed his way to Isabella. The sight before him tore him to pieces. Lying on the stretcher was his wife with blood pouring out of her chest. His eyes moved from her chest and to her face. He couldn’t look at her warm, brown eyes because they were close, refusing to let him see them.
“Isa, baby, open your eyes.” He held her bloodstained hand in his. “Please look at me.”
“Your highness, please let go of her.”
Ryder ignored him. “Baby, please.”
“There might be hope for her, Sir. Please let us check on her.”
Ryder unwillingly let go of Isabella’s hand and followed behind as they made their way into the hospital and to the ER. A doctor in his mid-thirties hurried to check on Isabella, much to Ryder’s pleasure.
He placed a stethoscope on her chest and listened for any sound. Any little heartbeat, but none came. Isabella wasn’t breathing and her heart wasn’t beating.
The doctor removed the stethoscope and looked at Ryder. “Who are you to her?”
“Husband.” He quickly answered, “I am her husband.”
The doctor’s expression morphed into one of sadness. He looked at Isabella and then Ryder.
“Sir, I am sorry to say this, but your wife is dead.”
Dead.
Dead?
“You’re crazy.” Ryder told the man boldly. “So you spent six long years in school and you still don’t know what you studied?” He glared at the nurse who attempted to cover Isabella’s body.
“Sir, I know you are in a state of denial, but I ask that you do not insult me. I have been doing this for quite some time.”
“Shut up.” He faced Theo, “Get me another doctor. This…” He eyed the doctor from head to foot, “Quack doctor is testing my patience.”
“But, your highness-”
“Isabella!” Annalise burst into the hospital, looking around for her sister. Mirabel and Derick were right behind her, searching for Isa.
“Ryder?” Mirabel gasped when she saw her brother about to get in a fight with the doctor. “Ryder!”
His sister’s voice caused him to halt in his action and he turned to her. He said nothing as he watched Mirabel approach him.
“Isa?” Annalise and Derick went over to her body, confusion plastered on their faces. Anna held her sister’s hand, and a frown made its way to her face. “She’s cold.” She looked up at the doctor, “Why is her body cold?”
“I’m sorry-”
“Don’t.” Derick stopped the doctor from saying what he already knew. “Don’t say it.”
How?
How could one’s happiest day turn into the worst day of their life?
But most importantly, who was responsible for this tragic incident?
Whoever it was, one thing was for sure; Ryder would chase them to the ends of the earth and make them pay.
After Quinn’s passing, I was a lot more motivated to work because staying at home only gave room for more depressing thoughts. I had no clue where to look, but one thing was certain. I couldn’t go back to my previous work. Not because of Ryder this time. Miss Miller was just difficult to work with, and I wasn’t looking forward to being an errand girl. I picked up a newspaper from the center table and went through. There was nothing much. Just boring talks with Ryder on almost every page. However, I stopped flipping when an article about Quinn caught my eyes. POPULAR CANADIAN PHOTOGRAPHER, QUINN FALLON, HAS PASSED AWAY. Although I knew the circumstances of her death, I went on to read the article. It was reported that Quinn Fallon died after getting hit by a hit-and-run driver in the afternoon of December 14th in front of a café. People who were in the café at the time of the accident said she had left the café after meeting up with someone. I stopped reading. My heart became heavy
It had been three days since we returned to Ordene, and everything was going just great. Kai and I were happy together, spending long nights in each other’s arms and just doing things that brought smiles to our faces. It felt good to be back, even though I missed my brother. Fortunately, Alistair and Annalise were still locked, which was a colossal relief to me because, no matter how much safety I felt, there was a part of me that always thought something could go wrong. It bothered me. However, seeing how things were now, I pushed the thought aside. Everything was and would remain fine. As I prepared for my meet up with Quinn, someone knocked on the door. It definitely had to be Talia. Kai wouldn’t knock on the door for any reason. Also, he wasn’t home. He’d left in the early hours of the day, saying he had a lot of work to take care of. I wasn’t even sure he’d come home early. “Come in.” I said, bringing down the eyeliner. Talia came into the room, holding a glass of water. “Are
When we arrived at the end of the jetty, I was in awe. Before me was the Baltic Sea, frozen and beautiful. I was extremely tempted to slide on the ice, but I knew better than to do such a thing. I averted my eyes to Kai to see if he was enjoying the view just as much as I was. He was. He may not have been the one I initially wanted to be here with, but standing here now, I realized no other person could make my visit to Estonia more special.“It’s beautiful.” He whispered, but I heard.He peeled his eyes away from the fantasy-like scene and to my face. “Ready to see if that legend is true?”I nodded, stepping closer to him. He gently held my face in one hand and lowered his head a little while the other hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me in. Our bodies pressed together heatedly against one another as our lips fell sleepily together. In that passionate moment my soul was opened, his breath warmed my body and nothing existed aside us. There was something about the way
I went into the living room to join Kai and Andre. Aretta was still not down. Man, having a baby seemed stressful just being with them for about an hour. I wasn’t certain if I wanted a baby or not. I couldn’t imagine having to feed another mouth that wasn’t mine, be sleep deprived and always on alert. My brain could never. I’d probably pass out on the street due to stress. “What are you asking him now, Andre?” I sat on the armchair next to Kai’s. “Just getting to know him.” He looked at Kai. “Right?” “Of course.” I narrowed my eyes at Kai. “You’re lying.” “No, I’m not.” “Your shaky pupils tell a different story.” “Leave the guy alone, Elena.” Andre crossed his legs. “We were talking about you?” “What about me?” “Just curious about stuff.” He drummed his thigh. “Stuff between us guys.” I rolled my eyes. “Mm-hmm.” Andre suddenly became serious. “Before I get to ask.” His gaze was on Kai. “Do you two live together?” “Yes.” Kai answered. Andre shut his eyes and mumbled somethi
When I tell you Jay squished me in a tight hug when I told him about what happened with Andre, it’s no joke. He wouldn’t stop telling me how proud of me he was. He really was a ‘family sticks together’ kind of guy. Even when I told them about me and Kai going over to his place for dinner, he was ecstatic. It made me happy.It was 6.30p.m, and I had just received a text from Andre, which had his home’s address. I was almost done getting ready. I wore a velvet zipper front long sleeve skinny jumpsuit, black heels and a black purse. I did my brows, then put on mascara and a red lipstick. The last thing was spraying perfume. Very important.“You look so fine.” Arianna said, looking at me like a proud mom would. “So damn fine.”“Thank you.” I sucked in a deep breath. “I’m nervous.”“About what?”“The whole dinner thing. I just hope it doesn’t go downhill.”“You worry too much.” She held my arms. “Don’t stress. It’ll make you old.”I was definitely the luckiest person in the world. There wa
I waited in the car for several minutes, waiting for Arianna to come out of the pub with either good or bad news. The bad news being he rejected the gifts. Fortunately, she came out empty-handed, wearing a bright smile. When she got into the car, she still hadn’t stopped smiling.“What got you smiling like that?”“Your brother is such a sweet person.” She said. “And good-looking, too. If he wasn’t married and if I wasn’t with Jay, I’d shoot my shots because damn!” she slapped her thigh. “That man is damn fine. His wife is extremely lucky.”It made me happy to hear her say such positive things about Andre.“Did he say anything?”“He said he was thankful and if it was possible, he’d like to meet up.”My eyebrows shot up. “Really? He really said that?”“Yeah. Do you want to go in?”“I want to, badly, but I’m afraid he’ll judge me.”“Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you? That man doesn’t seem like he could harm a fly. Why would he judge you?”I said nothing. Maybe if I had a
I dragged my feet along the street, still not wearing my coat. It was dark out and the cold air nipped at my skin, but I wouldn’t give in. I liked the feeling of numbness it gave me. I lifted my head when colorful lights flickered on the snowy floor.A nightclub.Just what I needed to get my mind off things. I was going to party like it was my last night on Earth. Anything to get my mind away from the harshness called reality. I entered the club after being checked by security outside.As soon as I stepped foot into the club, beats revved up my soul. Bodies rubbed against each other’s, sweats mixed and joy flowed in the air faster than a virus ever could. Every soul here was invited to become one, and the loudspeaker was the commander. A commander I was ready to follow for the next few hours.I made a beeline for the bar, ordered three shots of vodka and downed all immediately. It burned my throat as it went down. I didn’t care. It was exactly what I needed.I slammed the
CHAPTER 46ELENA’S POINT OF VIEW The flight to Estonia was the craziest, most mind-blowing flight of my life, with Kai confessing his feelings and opening up to me about his ex. To top it all off, Ricky cried in front of me and, to be honest, it was surprising. I never imagined I’d see him cry. Kai could not understand why he was crying. I couldn’t, too. It wasn’t as if she broke up with him. She only moved to Spain because of her academics.Ricky had said. “You don’t understand. Kayleigh is gorgeous. She’s everything. Elegant, beautiful, and caring. Guys are going to try and get her.”I still didn’t see his reason. All he needed to do was trust her.Kai then suggested. “You can move to Spain if it bothers you so much.”“I can’t leave my business here and besides, my siblings need me here.” He’d said.In the end, we let him cry his heart out while we comforted him.After about three hours of fun and crazy, the jet landed. A car was already waiting for us. Jay took the whee
Arianna and I were having a wonderful time until Kai knocked on the door. I rushed to the mirror to wipe off the ridiculous makeup on my face. Arianna was trying to do the joker’s makeup on me. It was awful on me. “Kai,” she blocked the entrance of the room with her body. “What’s up?” He craned his neck. “Where is she?” I hurriedly wiped off the makeup. At this point, I looked as if a rainbow puked on my face. “Where is who?” I heard him sigh before moving Arianna to the side. On instinct, I covered my face with my hands, creating a little space for me to see. “What’s with you?” he asked, coming closer. “Nothing.” “Then look at me.” “I am looking at you.” He put both hands on his waist, head leaned to the side. “I want to see your face.” “No. Arianna did this awful joker makeup on my face. I’m a mess right now.” “I hear Jay calling me,” Arianna smiled sheepishly. “Coming babe.” She stepped out of the room and shut the door. Little shit. Kai stepped even closer to me. “I w
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