CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE

ALARIC’S POVMy body leaned into the door as my palms warmed one another while I watched Isabella sitting on the bed, her delicate fingers moving over the rim of her teacup. The cottons were down yet I could see her face scrunched and I could tell that something was going on in her head.For the past few days, she had barely left the bed. It wasn't that I was complaining but seeing her not being herself stung. I missed having the colors of her paint mess up some parts of the house. Her teasing me with them. My ears ached to hear her laugh again, to feel the bumbling hum of her chest. To see the spark that ignites her eyes.I missed my wife. Seeing her this way reminded of when Bianca lost my twin, how she had slowly fading and ended up a worse version of herself. The thought of it happening to my wife was disheartening.My heart clenched. “Everything okay?” I asked, breaking the silence in the air.She had been too deep in thoughts to notice me even though I had on the same perfum

Last Updated : 2025-08-14

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY TWO

ALARIC’S POVSitting behind the wheel, I couldn't stop thinking about the call. Deep down, I was torn between telling the cops and not, and at last, I kept it to myself. Pulling out the case immediately would raise suspicion so instead I let myself march out of the building.The woman was innocent.The words rang in my head countless times. But was I to believe that?The phone’s ringtone sliced through the air causing me to startle a bit as I jotted out of the haze. My mind going back to the previous caller but I picked up despite that.“Hey, Son. You with Ruby?” I blinked in relief the second I realized it was my father-in-law. Getting used to calling her Ruby wasn't that easy. “I’m out but I will head home soon.”Nothing was said for a while from the other end, and something in my heart grew as I heard muffled sounds underneath.“We’ve been trying to get through to her to no avail. Her mother and I are worried.” He paused, muttering something inaudible to someone before he returne

Last Updated : 2025-08-15

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE

ALARIC’S POVThere was a shyness in the way she spoke, and seeing her cheeks turn bright red ignited a fire in me.My heart softened as I reached out to tilt her chin upward then towards me.“You look pretty when you are shy.” I pointed out and watched her lashes flutter. Her skin soft beneath my fingers. Running my thumb over her cheek in a circle, I felt my cock grow harder. Her lips parted slowly, my Adam’s apple bobbing up and down in an attempt to control this beastly desire that threatened to escape me.“Make love to me. I want to feel whole again.” She finally let out.My body froze as my eyes moved from her face to the baby. I just couldn't bring myself to do that.“Is, you were at heaven’s door a week ago. I can't do that to you. You need to heal.” My voice was calm and soft as I spoke but her expression changed.Her lashes moved again as she blinked.“Tell me.” She paused and ran her tongue over her lips. “Do I—” There was another silence. Restrain from saying something sh

Last Updated : 2025-08-16

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOUR

THIRD PERSON’S POVWas it sane that since her confession Alaric had men out there gathering information on all the women who once worked with The Crawford? Especially those who got married when she was eight. It was barely twenty minutes ago so there was no information yet.Isabella was still in bed with her parents now sitting with her, her mother slowly stroking her hair.“Why didn’t you tell us?” She questioned, her voice almost extinct.Isabella lowered her head. “I didn't want to bother you.” “Nonsense, my child. Nonsense. You are allowed to bother us all our lives.” Alexander cut in, holding her palm in his.Her mother picked up her second palm, now rubbing at it gently.“We have lost you once, Ruby. Please don’t make us go through that again.” Hazel pleaded, the ache in her heart lessening a bit. “We will make sure we hire the best doctor for you. We will do anything.”Isabella’s lips cracked in a smile.There was a big relief within Alaric seeing her face lit up a little wit

Last Updated : 2025-08-17

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE

THIRD PERSON’S POVHazel had held Isabella’s hand throughout their walk to where the private jet was. While their grandchild was wrapped in Alexander’s arms. Seeing her about to leave made Alaric’s chest beat so fast. Giving in to his urge, he pulled her close in a tight embrace, sniffing in her smell one more time.“I will miss you.” He whispered, and her heart gave a tiny squeeze as her eyes watered.Saying she was sacred would be an understatement in this case. She was terrified of what being with strangers could do to her. Yes, they were her parents, but she had never stayed with them. What if they changed towards her? Or ship her somewhere far?“Why can't you come with us?” Isabella let out the second they separated.Alaric sent a smile that she couldn't see.“I have something to deal with this weekend, so that I will be there as early as Monday.”She pouted her lips, nodding.“You will be fine.” He added.Fine? She thought.He was supposed to be her eyes. How was she suppose

Last Updated : 2025-08-18

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX

ISABELLA’S POVThe cool air kissed my face as soon as I was led out of the jet. The blades from it still sending big waves all around. Beneath me was something solid.Floor? Soft palm wrapped around my right hand, and I could immediately tell it was Mother’s. She led me gently towards wherever this was. Deep down not being able to savor in the experience of visiting a new place was heartbreaking. As we proceeded, my nose caught sniff of a smell in the sky. Everywhere reeked of grass.“Where are we?” I asked, then quickly added. “Like right now?”“The field. We are close to the house.”’ I nodded, swallowing the lump of saliva in my throat. From behind me, I could hear Father shouting out an order to someone. “My baby?”“She is fine. She is with her grandfather.” That calmed the stir in me a little. I had no idea of how many minutes it took but I knew I counted my steps all through, as the only way to get my mind off reality.One hundred and twenty steps. One hundred and twenty one

Last Updated : 2025-08-19