Chapter 52: A Blossoming LoveKing Lucian sat alone as his hands trembled with both anger and disbelief. His mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more chaotic than the last. How could Letecia, his sister, dare to betray him? And Isabel... Isabel, the woman he loved and had tried so hard to protect that he would even sacrifice his own freedom, had now left him. And then there was Isabel. The memory of her haunted him, her absence an open wound in his soul. He had tried to protect her, to keep her safe from the dangers that lurked within the palace walls. But in the end, she had slipped through his fingers, leaving him alone and broken.He paced the room as his footsteps echoed in the silence. The burden of this betrayal hung heavy on his shoulders, threatening to crush him with its weight.As he sank into a chair, a deep sense of despair washed over him. How could he have been so blind? How could he have allowed himself to be deceived in such a way? The realization of his own naivet

Chapter 54: Birth of the True King "Tristan! It hurts!" Isabel screamed while her voice was filled with agony. "I'm here, my love. I'm right here," Tristan replied with a voice steady yet laced with worry. He held her hand tightly as his thumb brushed soothingly over her knuckles. "Breathe, just like the midwife said." "I can't, Tristan, I can't!" Isabel cried out, her grip on his hand tightening as another contraction wracked her body. Teressa who was bustling about the room, anxiously called out, "Tristan, get a basin of water! Quickly, now!" Tristan immediately nodded with a pounding heart, and rushed obediently to comply. He filled the basin and brought it to Teressa, who was already wiping Isabel's forehead with a damp cloth. "Just breathe, dear," Teressa said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You’re doing wonderfully. We’re almost there." Mrs. Hawthorne, hovering nearby, added, "We need another pillow. Tristan, fetch it quickly!" Tristan darted out of the room and returned wi

Chapter 56: Shatter Me Isabel sat by Liam's bed, gently smoothing the covers over him. The room was dimly lit by a soft, flickering candle, casting a warm glow on the walls. Liam, however, was restless, his wide blue eyes darting towards the door every few seconds. "Mother, where is father?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience. Isabel smiled softly and brushed a curl from his forehead. "He is securing the house for the night, my darling. He will be up shortly." Liam frowned and crossed his arms. "But I want him to tuck me in. I want to say goodnight to him." Isabel sighed gently, understanding her son's attachment. Deciding to tease her little prince, she pouted dramatically. "Oh, I see how it is. You love your father more than me, do you not?" Liam's eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head. "No, mother! I love you too!" Isabel chuckled softly at his earnestness. "You are very much like your father, you know that?" She then ju leaned down to kiss his forehead. "Very

Chapter 58: Giving Back His FreedomAfter the meal, Teressa cleared her throat gently, drawing everyone's attention. "Isabel, I thought I might take Liam to school today. It would give you some time to rest or tend to anything you need."Isabel, who had been avoiding Tristan's gaze throughout lunch, looked up at her mother, considering the offer. She glanced at Liam, who was happily finishing his bread, and then at Tristan, who was watching her intently. A moment of silence stretched before Isabel spoke, her voice calm and deliberate. "Thank you, mother, but I think I will take Liam to school myself today."After hearing her words, Liam's face lit up with excitement. "Really, Mother? You will take me?"Isabel smiled at her son's enthusiasm, her heart warming at the sight. "Yes, darling. I will take you."Tristan sensed an opportunity to mend the rift between them and immediately spoke up. "If you are going, my love, I would like to join you."Isabel shook her head gently, though her

Chapter 60: In his grasp once again"Stop! Let go of me!" Isabel's voice echoed through the corridor, choked with fear and desperation.Lucian's grip tightened around her arm like an iron vice as he continued dragging her towards his chambers. Isabel stumbled on the uneven floor, her heart pounding with terror. With a sudden jolt, she fell to her knees, the impact sending a sharp pain through her. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably, overwhelmed by helplessness."Please," she pleaded, her voice trembling, "let me go. Give me back my child!"Lucian remained unmoved, his expression cold and resolute. He tightened his hold on her arm, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "You dare carry another man's child? I will not let him near you ever again!"Isabel gasped, fear and defiance mingling in her eyes as she struggled against his grasp. "No! Liam needs me. Let me go! Where are you taking him?!"Ignoring her pleas, Lucian roughly pulled her to her feet and c