Tatiana advanced slowly, her emotions in turmoil as she struggled to pinpoint how she felt seeing Jolene right before her.
“What’s going on?” she finally managed to ask.
Jaxon stepped forward and handed her the device. He then explained everything. With each word and realization, Tatiana felt her heart slam against her chest. Her eyes widened as tears slowly welled in them.
Tatiana’s jaw clenched as she shot Jolene a glare. “Why did you lie? Why didn’t you tell me everything? Why did you keep it in? Don’t you know how bad I feel right now?”
Tears fell from Jolene’s eyes. “I was scared. Scared that you’d hate me and throw me aside. That hurt so much. But I knew the day would come when you’d find out the truth. I’m sorry, I just… I felt like I deserved it. I didn’t want to lose you too. My recklessness caused Issabella’s death, and I… I can’t lose you too. I just want you to be safe, Tatiana.”
Tatiana’s lips parted in disbelief. “You don’t know, do you?”
Jolene’s eyes flicked to Jaxon and then back to Tatiana. “What happened?”
“Issabella has been alive this whole time. The girl Rosa talked about was Issabella.”
Tatiana watched as pure horror flashed across Jolene’s face. Jolene stepped back and would have fallen if not for the chair behind her. Her chest heaved, and her eyes filled with tears.
“A… are you sure?” Jolene asked, her voice barely audible.
“My father has her and is planning to marry her off to a dangerous man soon. You shouldn’t have lied to me, Jojo. Do you know the trauma I’ve been through hearing you say all those things? I fucking hate myself right now for believing it! I hate myself for thinking you’d betray me.”
Jolene sobbed, her face smeared with tears and sweat. “I’m so sorry,” she said, lowering her head and gripping her dress tightly.
Tatiana rushed over and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m so sorry too. I’m sorry for pushing you away. Are you hurt?” Tatiana asked.
“A little,” Jolene muttered, and Tatiana’s eyes scanned her from head to toe. “How’s Dylan?”
“He’s fine. He kinda threatened Maximus this morning, saying he’d break his nose if he hurt either me or Cash,” she said, and Jolene laughed lightly.
“I’ve missed him,” she mumbled.
“Just him?”
Jolene chuckled and wrapped her arms around Tatiana again. “I missed you, Tatie.”
“I missed you more, Drama Queen,” Tatiana whispered.
—
Issabella stared at her baby with a small smile. Maximus had allowed her to hold her once in a while… for an hour.
A knock sounded on her door, and it opened slowly, revealing Catelyn.
“Hey, sweetie,” Catelyn greeted, and Issabella smiled widely. Ever since Catelyn arrived at the mansion, her mind had been more at ease. Catelyn had promised not to let her brother hurt her.
“I made you coffee,” she said, handing Issabella a cup.
“Thank you.”
“How’s Elsa?” Catelyn smiled at the baby, who cooed.
“She’s fine,” Issabella said, hugging the baby closer. “I wish I could be with her all the time. I wish all of this would be over.”
“It will.”
“Have you heard from Tatie?”
“No, she hasn’t called since then. I’ll try talking to my brother again. Maybe he can call off the marriage between you and… what’s his name again?”
“Silence,” Issabella completed. “I’ve seen him once. He is… scary and dangerous. I’m afraid for Tatie and the others,” she whispered.
—
Tristan’s breath was ragged, sweat pouring down his body as he watched the doctor treat his arm.
He had been in hellish pain ever since he was captured. Cassius had been making him do the so-called “voice training”…
Mr. King is a monster… He’s really a fucking monster.
After every torture session, they treated him. Why couldn’t they just end him?
“How are you feeling right now, sir?” the doctor asked in a calm voice that irritated him.
How did he feel? He felt like shit. His head was throbbing, his body ached, and his eyes were drowsy, yet darkness failed to envelop him. His mind was hazy, and he couldn’t even feel his bones.
Why? Why did Maximus do this to him? He was his brother. He had helped build his empire to greatness. He had helped Maximus take down so many enemies, doing missions that risked his life. He had risked everything for Maximus… so why?!
“Sir, how are you feeling?” the doctor asked again, breaking his thoughts.
“Fucking get out!!!” he yelled, his voice strained with pain. “Fuck!”
The door opened, and Tristan cursed again. “Fuck.”
“Hey, my artist. How are you doing?” Cassius asked as he walked in and towered over him. Tristan groaned, not in pain but in fear.
“Ready for another practice?” he asked.
“Just stop… please,” Tristan whispered, and Cassius’s brow creased.
“What? What did you just say?”
Tristan swallowed. “Please stop… just fucking stop.”
Cassius blinked. “Wow, I didn’t expect that. You haven’t sung a real song yet. Well, I might pardon you today if you tell me how we’re going to get Maya. I need every detail, Mr. In-law.”
Tristan gritted his teeth. “Fine, I’ll tell you.”
After getting the information he needed, Cassius snapped his fingers at the white wolf in the corner.
“Vuk, keep an eye on him,” he said and turned to leave.
“Oh, fuck me,” Tristan muttered, knowing what was coming. The wolf jumped onto the metal table, towering over him, its face inches from Tristan’s as it began to growl.
Tristan’s eyes went shut, fear searing through him.
—
That night, Cassius noticed Tatiana’s weak expression.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly, switching off the lamp.
“I’m fine, I just feel a little tired,” she replied, resting her head on his broad chest as he gently stroked her hair.
“I’m going to my mother’s company tomorrow. I need to claim what’s ours,” Tatiana said, breaking the silence.
“Take as many bodyguards as you want. And make sure you call me if anything goes wrong. It’s really important,” he said, looking down at her.
“What about you?”
Cassius ruffled her hair gently. “I’m going to save Maya.”
Tatiana sat up with wide eyes. “What! Tomorrow?”
“Yes, Rebel. Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No, but that was sudden. I should come with you.”
“No, you can’t.”
“Why not?” she pouted, and Cassius pulled her back to himself.
“I’ll handle it, Rebel. You don’t have to worry,” he said, kissing her lips gently before she could speak. “Don’t worry.”
“You better come back soon. I have a surprise for you,” she whispered.
“What might that be?” he asked.
“You’ll find out when you return.”
“I want to know now.”
“No.”
“Rebel.”
“No.”
His hand immediately reached for her waist, and he began to tickle her. Tatiana’s laughter echoed through the entire room.
“Cash, stop!” she exclaimed, but he didn’t.
“Say it!”
“No!!” Tatiana yelled.
“Alright,” Cassius said, massaging his fingers. “I guess I’m tickling you all night.”
“No… stop!” Tatiana laughed and screamed, her laughter filling the room. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she yelled out,
“I think I might be pregnant!!!”