Time was running and fast. Claire Oxford still hadn't gotten any form of news from Gabriel Manifold. Was Ordinaz Rodrigo really that hard to find?

Reverse was certainly the case in time past.


In fact, the stout man took pleasure in showing of his not so attractive self in public even if it disgusted more than half of the street at that time. While she was his wife, he forced her to go on tours with him, as he would call it.

It seemed he found joy in such acts.

But now that she needed him in public so he can pay for what he did to her and what he might be planning to do to her son, he had hidden himself well.


But then, is the world really that large that a rich man like him wouldn't be found? Certainly, no matter where he was, with the right methods being used, he will be hunted down.

As she sat down and stared at nothing, Mrs. Oxford had to wonder if Gabriel's incapability was the reason she had not heard anything so far. But she had reasoned it well before giving him the job. So, since he has a reason to work at a fast pace- that being Isabella- he should be giving her good news faster than she hoped.


But it was almost a week already and the hearing for the divorce seemed to be coming closer to an end. So, driven by hatred and the spirit of protectiveness, she picked her phone and dialed Manifold's number.

After so many rings, he finally picked his call.

'Mrs, Oxford.'

"Gabriel," she simply acknowledged him. "Why am I yet to hear anything from you?"

'Listen, we are all trying our best to find this person. But he really isn't easy to find.'

"But I made it easy by pinpointing his potential locations, what excuse are you trying to give me? I have given you a guarantee, but if you don't do as you are told within a reasonable time frame, kiss goodbye to Isabella and your freedom."

'Are you threatening me now?' He gave his signature maniac laughter. 'Woman, I might be working for you, but that doesn't mean you have the right to talk like you own me . I told you, it is hard to find your man. If you are so eager to get rid of him. Why don't you do it yourself?'

Claire almost chuckled. "I guess you like the sound of prison then. Since you will soon be rotting in one."

'And you think I will go down alone?' he retorted. 'I will make sure your son knows everything and I mean everything. And unluckily for you, if I have gotten rid of your man by that time, I will make sure your name goes down with mine.'

"You are threatening me now?"

'Well, motherfucker, that's what you get for being hasty.' The tone of his voice relaxed. 'We are working on locating him. When we do, we will swing into action. Till then, please watch how you speak to me. I am crazier than I seem.'

"You are threatening me," Mrs. Oxford stated bluntly. Gabriel Manifold certainly was underrating her. If only he knew how venomous she could get if trampled on. "If you say you are doing your work, fine. But remember, the way things are right now. Isabella is already slipping off your hold. Good day."

Anger flowed through her as she dropped the phone. If not for what she aimed to achieve, what would she be doing with someone like Gabriel Manifold?

From his responses earlier, she could tell he could decide to act in a mischievous manner as time goes by. So, she knew she had to find a way to counter any form of backstabbing from the man.

So, she picked up her phone and searched for the number of an old friend of hers in the police force.

~

Ever since the last hearing, Isabella found it hard to sleep. Whenever the night crawled in, her mind became a projecting screen and she would see the past as though she were watching a movie. And the past never ceased to hurt.

Tossing one more time to come to face Charles who was deep into the sleep business, Isabella let out a low sigh and watched his face which looked so serious yet innocent as he slumbered on.

Wondering out of the blue, how life would be once she is finally divorced, her mind began playing something else. It was an imagination but it was a good one. She could see a life where she would find her smile again. A place where she would be with peace of mind, she wouldn't know anything like fear of being injured or pushed to and fro with force.

And in each scene, she could see Charles in it. And that was how it was meant to be. Right from the moment they met each other back in London on a boat cruise. He was always meant to be part of her life.

"I hope you are enjoying the view," came Charles's thick voice which was cracked a bit. Isabella smiled. As he stretched and had his eyes open within a second, she broke into a bigger grin. His hand pillowing his head next, he asked, "Why are you still up?"

"I was thinking."

"About me?"

Her cheeks flushed. "Maybe." His hand snaked to her waist and he had her lower body glued with his. "I was just imagining a future with you."

As his warm lips found her forehead, Charles's warmth enveloped her even more. "I would like to believe that that future is now. You are already with me and that's all that matters."

Her hand went to his cheek and she caressed through its smoothness. "When did you ever learn to sound so cheesy?"

"Remember the first time we kissed?"

"There were fireworks that night," Isabella softly said as she went back in time. "The air was so chill in a good way and the waves of the ocean, so beautiful and gentle."

Even Charles smiled. "That scene alone was cheesy. I think I learnt how to be more of a lover then."

"I am glad. That we met that way."

"So, Isabella..." His hand seemed to travel even lower, towards her buttocks. "What do you say we do about your inability to sleep?"

Isabella shifted even closer into his groin. "What do you have in mind?" she asked, intended sexiness in her voice.

"Hmm." He caressed her soft butt cheeks through the slim night gown she had on. "I have so many things in mind. But for now..."

"Yeah?" her voice thickened as he shifted the cloth and had his warmth on her flesh, running through it in a torturing manner. Charles's lips went to work and he captured her lips gently.

Seeing as the position wasn't favourable for her, Isabella got up and positioned herself on him, her lips wearing a seductive smile.

"Gosh, you are so gorgeous." His eyes feasted on the outline of her un-caged breasts which stood firm and teased him from where they are. Isabella felt even hotter as his intense gaze fell on her exposed thighs and as his large hands felt through them, she lost all sense of reasoning.

"Charles..." She was almost begging as he continued stroking her flesh slowly. "Please, take me right now."

And that was all he seemed to want to hear as a hand went to her back and had her chest against his firms ones before he took her pleading lips with a fierce kiss.