When Sam and I parted ways, I didn't head straight home, wanting to have a moment to myself. Deep in thought, I realized that with my twin sister gone, I have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, the CEO of AA cosmetics to fulfill my responsibility.It's been a long time since I've handled the company on my own. But with everything finally back in its place it's clear that I have to take over.I experienced a twinge of sadness thinking about leaving the Alexander mansion and saying goodbye to the cherished memories and loved ones I hold dear. Lucas and Niall, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. Although Niall may not be my biological child, as my twin's son, he feels like my own.I had a strong desire to remain in the mansion, creating more memories with Niall and Lucas. Sadly, I couldn't find a valid reason to stay. The relationship between Lucas and myself is unclear. I am unsure of where I stand in his life and know that one day he will find the woman he w
I gazed at the necklace in awe, tears fell down my flushed cheeks. Hastily, I wiped it away before the child could notice and inquire about my tears. I didn't want Niall to witness my sorrow, fearing that he might feel the same way. It was too painful for me to bear.I took the necklace from the velvet box and held it up, admiring its beauty carefully. The child is so thoughtful, remembering to give me a gift. It makes me more guilty to explain to him that I'll be gone from the house and will probably never return.Gently, I put it around my neck. The cool silver chain rested against my skin, the stones creating a dazzling display of color in the soft light of the room. It was the first and probably the last gift I received from him and I will forever treasure it."It looks perfect on you, Mom." he said softly, his eyes shining with pride. "I knew you would like it."I reached up to touch his cheeks and whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Niall….This is so beautiful. I
"Are you still leaving?" Lucas asked me after a moment of pause. Sadness shone in his eyes. At that moment he looked like an adorable puppy melting my heart. "I have important matters to attend to, being the CEO of AA Cosmetics," I replied, my tone apologetic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "If only I don't have to attend to my responsibilities then I could just stay. However, I will lose not only millions but the company I worked hard for if I don't take care of it. I have responsibilities that I can't neglect."He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I understand," he murmured under his breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "But will you come back?" he asked, hope shining in his eyes. I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts."I promise I'll be back in a month," I told him, trying to give him some reassurance. "I won't let our time together end like this." Lucas cleared his throat. "What if you find someone else while you're away?" he asked, his brows f
The cold summer night air caressed my cheeks as though greeting me a grand welcome as I descended the stairs of the plane with my hand securely clutching at the handle of my small suitcase. Bright, glittering lights sparkled right in front of my eyes, reminding me of the night I left the country. It was summer that time too and though five years had passed, I still recalled the events as though it happened just yesterday.Forcing my thoughts back to the present, I held the knitted cardigan securely into place before my high-heeled stiletto moved across the lobby, right in the middle of skittering passengers."Miss Arabella Angelstone?" A man called my name, pulling me into an abrupt stop. Adjusting the rim of my fashionable eyeglasses, I looked at him inquiringly. Racing my voice just enough for him to hear, I warily replied, "Yes?""I'm from the car rental company." He said, slightly bowing his head in a polite greeting before showing me his company ID. "Your car is waiting in the pa
I stood in my place, motionless, like the statue of an angel perched high in the center of the fountain in front of the church. Ashen with shock and terror, I met a pair of frozen blue eyes that haunted my dreams for years.Let this be a dream. I prayed hard to the heavens while closing my eyes, wishing I would soon wake up and find myself peacefully lying on my bed. But it seems the heavens failed to grant my pleas. When I opened my eyes again, the man remained standing and pointing a gun in my direction.I swallowed deep and hard as I tried to keep myself still.The man stepped closer. A scream erupted from my lips when his hand gripped my wrists. "Shut up or I will fire the gun in your head." His sharp tone sent cold shivers down my spine. When I didn't stop screaming, his grip on my wrists tightened and he pressed the gun on my neck, instantly my mouth snapped closed.My wrists were sore and red from his harsh grip. I tried to pull my hand, but my efforts were in vain. My strength
With all the force I could muster, I kicked him hard on the crotch. Not once, not twice, but a dozen times. Making sure that the heels of my stiletto hit him on his balls.He fell off his seat, writhing in agony, unable to take the gun that had fallen on the seat out of his reach. The attack must have been so painful, or a burly man like him wouldn't be tearing up.Seizing the opportunity to escape, I grabbed the car keys that had fallen on the tattered seat. I climbed out of the car, took the child out of the backseat, and locked the man inside.I was tired, weak, and thirsty. But my strong will to survive gave me just enough strength to run while dragging the child alongside me. The child didn't make a sound. Didn't complain. I was expecting him to burst into tears and whine like children about his age do but he didn't.My heart ached watching him struggle alongside me. When the poor child collapsed from exhaustion, I nearly wept with pity. If my legs were aching from running, how m
"Mr. Alexander, your wife's gone. She ran off with one of her lovers!"Lucas Nicholas, the CEO of the gigantic Alexander Empire, didn't budge. He didn't even bother to look at Thompson, the head of security, standing on the door of the balcony impatiently tapping his well-polished shoes on the marbled floor, and repeatedly wiping off a white handkerchief across his glistening forehead. "What car did she use?" He asked coldly, a paper-blank expression plastered on his face. His hazel-green eyes remained locked at the beautiful hue of swirling amber liquid inside the glass in his hand. He found the brandy far more interesting compared to learning that his unfaithful wife took so long to run off with one of her lovers.After a moment of hesitation, Thompson replied. "Your most treasured car, Sir."Finally, that caught his attention. He frowned, praying it wasn't his favorite car or all hell would break loose."Your Bugatti," Thompson confirmed. Lucas felt as if someone had just punched
Lucas stared at the picture frame in his hand. Disturbingly, his chest tightened as he did so. Despite himself, he continued to stare at the woman in the photograph with soft amber eyes that had charmed him to his doom. Her red copper hair fell to her face in waves, enhancing her high cheekbones and full, lush lips. She was magnificently staring at him in the photograph as if she was real.The photo was of him and Alexandria seated into a wooden bench, his arms protectively draped around her slender shoulders. He looked at the camera with a lofty grin stretched across his face.It was the happiest moment of his life. He could clearly recall that day in clear and vivid detail, as though it had happened just yesterday. The photograph was taken almost five years ago. They looked fine in the photo. He wondered what went wrong. Ever since he married Alexandria, things went downhill. He set the picture frame aside and lifted the glass of brandy to his lips. It was empty. Groaning, he stag