A new routine had developed in Dragana's estate. Each morning, Isabella would wake up early to accompany Sebastian for breakfast and see him to the gate, then she would check on Lucas before spending most of her day in the library. She had discovered a hidden gem in Dragana's mansion. A library. That apparently belonged to her deceased husband, and though she didn't share the same passion, she diligently kept the library in good shape and updated even after so many years after his demise. She claimed it is the calmest place in the estate. It's a spot she goes to when she needs to unwind. And the first time Sebastian took Isabella there, Dragana was a little peeved. Because for so long, the library felt like a sacred place. For her family. Though she didn't mention her annoyance to Isabella, she did to her son. Who argued that Isabella was a book lover like his father, and even questioned his mother, what was the need of having a perfectly up-to-date library if no one uses it? Challen

Isabella didn't move for a while. Not just because of what Dragana had said, but more of how she had said it. Like she was washing her hands of their case. But could she really blame the woman? She was already in too deep, risking her neck for people that are neither her family nor old friends. “I think you should listen to her.” Lucas spoke up softly. He didn't sound confident, nor did he try to dictate his wishes. From whatever he understood about himself so far, there is nothing in his past that suggests he is equipped to give sound advice or to take up a fatherly role. “I am not trying to dictate what you should do, but if someone has indeed kidnapped your boyfriend, their aim must be to lure you out. And doing exactly what they want seems dumb, doesn't it?” “Nowhere as dumb as raising your father - in - laws kids!” Isabella snapped. Lucas' face fell. He quietly got his feet wobbly, picked his clutches ready to exit. It was evident his presence was the last thing Isabella needed

Things seemed to stagnate as days went by. In all directions. Frederic hadn't managed to find Lucas or Isabella, and Asher wasn't the cooperative type, even after he woke up two days ago and Frederic showed him the recent update on his fugitive girlfriend. Asher had laughed, asking the old man if he thought his girlfriend would be that stupid to take the bait. But in his heart, he knew Isabella was too compulsive, and she would have come looking for him. He was sure Dragana had intervened in a way. As he lay on the hard ground with nothing to cover his cold frame, Asher began doubting anyone would find him. Just the day before, he had learned he was not being held in Frederic's mansion. Of course, the man wasn't dumb to risk himself like that. For a man who was almost starved, Asher didn't find it himself to regret being involved in Isabella's mess. His only rue was the fact that he might be an additional to the people who she loved and lost. And he feared she might spiral back into

Asher grinned. In as much as he hated to see Isabella cry, it thrilled him immensely to see her emotional reaction due to his return. She squealed, decidedly freezing in her steps as undoubtedly happy tears flowed non-stop. “Go hug him already.” Dragana prompted, but Isabella didn't budge even a muscle. She wanted to. Badly. But her body didn't obey her mind, no matter how much she willed it to. Anyone present couldn't keep their emotions in check as Asher did the moving. More like limped to where his girlfriend stood and pulled her fiercely into his arms. For the two emotionally drained lovers, it felt like coming back hone as after months of starvation in the desert. They clung into each other and for the first time ever, Asher didn't give a damn who was watching or not. He broke down and sobbed his heart out alongside his girlfriend at the glare of their friends shamelessly. Thing is, no one would have dared judge them among their spectators be because none could claim dry eyes. T

It had been over three weeks since Isabella and her old man returned to their old mansion. Though Lucas was adamant about it, the two have already enlisted the mansion for sale and a new place is almost ready for them to move in. Isabella felt they had a lot of bad memories in the house to keep kivbg there like nothing had happened. Especially after Edith's hearing a week ago where she finally had the guts to tell Lucas to his face that he didn't father her daughters. And though Asher had already told Isabella and Lucas that days prior, it still sounded so callous and cold coming from the horses mouth. That left Isabella conflicted. On one hand she hated her step siblings, Jacinta and Olivia. But after the revelation, she pitied them more. Must be hurtful to know of their shameful bloodline. One moment they called him grandfather the next they can't fathom calling him father. After much negotiations, she and Lucas agreed the two had no choice in how they got into the world. But at the