Chapter 14
Stepping into the Bridges Mansion once more, Nestor barely recognized the woman who flung herself into his arms like a frightened rabbit. In the past, he might have held Josephine close, soothing her trembling shoulders. But now, his embrace was cold–he shoved her away without a trace of tenderness.
“The video is real, Josephine. Untouched, unedited. I never realized what a convincing actress you were.“?
Josephine seethed with hatred for whoever had spread the video, but she forced herself to look innocent, tears shimmering in her eyes. Clutching at his sleeve, her face was the picture of misery.%
“Nestor, you don’t believe me either? But that wasn’t me… I swear, it wasn’t!“Z
Looking at her false tears, Nestor felt regret twist in his chest–a regret he’d tasted too many times before.2
How could he have loved someone so cunning, so deceitful, for all those years? How could he have hurt Daphne–the one person who truly loved him–for the sake of someone so malicious?2
If not for Josephine, he and Daphne might have been happy together. He pictured it: watching her belly grow round with their child, learning how to be a father, caring for his family.%
Instead, their child was gone–lost before ever taking a breath. He and Daphne were separated by a chasm wider than any ocean. He didn’t even know where to find her anymore.%
She’ll never change, he thought bitterly. Suddenly, he grabbed Josephine by the chin, his eyes cold and hard. “Don’t worry–I’m not handing you over. I want you alive. When I find Daphne, you’ll beg her for forgiveness yourself.”?
With that, he flung her aside, letting her crash to the floor. Not so much as a flicker of sympathy crossed his face.
He tumed to leave, waving a hand. Instantly, several burly security guards strode toward her.%
As Josephine stared at the blank–faced men, Nestor’s words echoed in her ears, sending chills down her spine. Gone was the pretense of innocence; she scrambled to her feet and tried to run. But how could she outrun trained professionals? In seconds, they’d pinned her to the ground and bound her hands and feet.
They marched her toward the basement.
“Nestor! You can’t do this to me!“?
Dragged along the floor, Josephine’s cries rang through the mansion, chilling the staff to the bone. But not a soul dared question Nestor’s decision. Meanwhile, Daphne had arrived at her very first private island.%
The salty breeze swept over her as she stepped onto the dock. Here, she was the island’s sole owner.?
A sprawling villa, white beaches, a sparkling pool and tennis court–every amenity she could ever want. Occasionally, harmless wildlife darted by, adding a touch of life to the quiet paradise. Whether for a holiday or a lifetime, it was the perfect retreat.
Daphne fell in love with it instantly.2
She didn’t close the island off completely. Instead, she designated a portion as a resort, hired a dedicated staff, and kept just enough guests around so it never felt toc empty or too crowded.
The island lay just off the Greek coast. Whenever she grew bored of paradise, Greece was only a short boat ride away.2
Daphne had never felt more at peace.
The days slipped by–five years, in fact. Then, one afternoon, an unexpected visitor arrived on the island.
Nestor had changed a great deal in five years.2
His presence was calmer, heavier, touched with a trace of melancholy and darkness. It seemed he’d been waiting on the island for some time before he finally found ber–seated in a sunlit comer of a small café
The sunlight was gentle, dappling across her lowered lashes as she stirred her cappuccino. The golden glow framed her delicate features, drawing every eye in the
rooms
After brushing off the fifth hopeful stranger of the day, someone else’s shadow fell across her table. This time, the newcomer didn’t speak, didn’t sit, just stared at her as if spelbound.
Dephine frowned. She looked up, ready with a sharp dismissal, but when she saw his face, the words died on her lips.
Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to leave. She tossed back the last of her coffee and stood, but before she could escape, a hand caught her wrist. it’s been a long time, Daphne.”%
Nestor’s voice was husky, laced with hope and a tentative longing &
She pred his fingers from her wrist, one by one, saying nothing–not even sparing him a glance
She acted as if she’d never seen him before in her life
