Ch. 91..95: My Husband Wants An Open Marriage Chapter 91-95
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
~~Luke~~
It's the eve of Christmas. After much pleading and convincing, Julie has agreed to come to Colombia with me.
I'm excited for her to meet my parents. I wish we could visit hers as well, but Julie threatened to hang me the day I suggested it. Being from Colombia, I never understood the idea of estranged families. Your sister could literally be on TV as a wanted serial killer, and you'd let her hide in your basement from the police.
So the entire 'Julie and her family' fallout affair seemed strange to me at first.
But I understand now.
And if we're being fair, Julie's mother tried to kill her. Then there's that trial thing that ended recently. Elaine Jenkins got five years of probation, mandatory mental health treatment, 100 hours of community service, and anger management classes. Of course, there's the most important one: no contact with the victim without court approval.
I know every
detail about that trial because Julie followed the entire case. She seemed disappointed with the results.
And now, she has a new interest. Ryan, Emily, and Paragon Jewels.
"That girl is so shameless," Julie says as we drive to the airport.
"What girl?" I ask, though I already know where this is going.
"Emily." She's staring at her phone. "Her lawyer's asking for 10 million."
"Seems greedy. Didn't she lie about Ryan being the father of her unborn child?"
"Yeah. Which is why I said she's shameless. On one hand, I want her to lose. On the other hand, I want Ryan to lose. Does that make me a bad person?"
"Nah, it just means you're human. Or maybe you need a new hobby. Ever thought about watching soap operas?"
She snorts. "Why would I watch those when this is way more dramatic?""
Fair point. This whole Ryan O'Brien and Emily Cohen mess has turned into a real-life soap opera, and Julie is hooked. Emily sued Ryan and Paragon Jewels for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, assault and battery, emotional distress, and a host of other things. I'm not exaggerating when I say their faces are everywhere. You can't open a news app or scroll through social media without seeing Emily's teary-eyed press conference or Ryan looking like he's been run over by a truck.
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
A video surfaced of Ryan pinning Emily against a wall and then flinging her aside. Since then, the internet has been dragging Paragon Jewels through the mud. Several movements are involved. #MeToo; Survivors of Domestic Abuse Groups; Workplace Rights and Labor Groups; Feminist Movement.
And the entire affair would be interesting if it didn't involve me and Julie. Stories have been dug up. So many media groups have contacted us for interviews. And I just wish for it to be over.
Julie's making the most of it, reading every article and watching every conspiracy video. She's having the time of her life. On the other hand, I've had to hire security because of all the media attention, and Julie thinks it's overkill. Maybe she's right, but I'm not taking chances. Not with her.
"Look at this," Julie says, holding her phone up to me. "Ryan's been fired as CEO, Adeline really did it. She axed her own son."
I glance at the headline. "Damn. That's cold."
"Cold? It's nuclear. She's ruthless."
I keep my eyes on the road, though I'm not the one driving. Since we got bodyguards, I've been feeling useless.
"Maybe this trip to Colombia will be good for you," I say. "You'll have too much on your plate to keep up with this madness."
"You really think I'm going to ignore this just because we're in a different country?"
I chuckle. "A man can dream."
She leans back in her seat, crossing her arms. "It's not just about the drama. It's about justice. Emily's out here playing the victim, Ryan's an idiot, and Adeline's power-hungry. Someone needs to call them out.
"And you think you're that someone?"
"Me? Hell no. But I'll be watching."
Haugh, the sound filling the car. "I almost forgot. How's your Spanish?"
She tilts her head, eyes dancing with mischief. Oui?"
"That's French."
"Oh."
We both burst out laughing.
CHAPTER 091 Christmas
"Maybe let me do most of the talking," I say.
"Gladly," she says, holding up her phone. "I've got the internet to keep me busy."
I roll my eyes just as the airport comes into view.
By evening, we're stepping out of José María Cordova International Airport into the warm, humid air of Medellín. The scent of rain mingles with roasted coffee and fried street food, filling my lungs with memories of home. Julie clutches my arm, wide-eyed, soaking in every detail. "Our car's here," I say, guiding her toward the black SUV waiting at the curb.
The driver opens the door, and we climb in. Another security detail rides shotgun, scanning the crowd like we're celebrities. Julie leans into my side as the car pulls away, her head resting on my shoulder. The hum of the city surrounds us, vibrant and alive. My phone buzzes.
"Your sister again?" Julie asks.
"My mom's losing her mind over Christmas Eve dinner. Carolina is her mouthpiece."
Julie sighs, shifting closer. "I'm starving, though."
"You're always starving."
"Touché. The streets are beautiful. I didn't think I liked Christmas until now."
"Yeah, it's a big thing here."
The city rushes past us, a kaleidoscope of lights and color. Medellín during Christmas is pure magic. Every street is draped in twinkling lights-arches of gold and red overhead, glowing stars hanging from lampposts, entire buildings outlined in shimmering color. Families crowd the plazas, music and laughter blending into the festive hum. Vendors line the sidewalks, their voices rising over the crowd as they sell buñuelos and natilla.
We finally get to my parents house.
The car rolls up the long, winding driveway, and I can already see the welcoming committee gathered at the front door. The entire extended family is crammed into one frame, jostling for a better view. My mother is, of course, front and center. She's waving, her wide grin visible even through the tinted windows. I glance at Julie, who's sitting up straighter, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her scarf.
"You ready for this?" I ask.
She shoots me a look that's half excitement, half terror. "I think so?"
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
"Too late to back out now."
The car comes to a stop, and before I can open my door, my mom has yanked it open herself. She practically drags me out of the car, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug that smells like cinnamon, perfume, and nostalgia. Her hands are everywhere-patting my back, cupping my face, smoothing my hair. "Mi hijo! Look at you! So handsome, but too thin. Are you eating enough? No, of course not, you work too hard. Let me look at you!"
"Mami," I choke out, laughing as she finally releases me. "I'm fine."
She swats my shoulder. "Fine? You're skin and bones!"
Before I can protest, she's turned her attention to Julie. "¡Y tú debes ser Julie!"
Without waiting for a response, my mother pulls her into a hug that's just as overwhelming, speaking rapid-fire Spanish into her ear. Julie stands frozen for a second then pats my mom's back, eyes wide.
"English, Mami," I say, prying my mother off Julie. "Let her breathe."
"Of course, of course!" My mother switches to English with a beaming smile. "Welcome, Julie! Come inside! Dinner is ready, and we have so much to talk about. You must be starving!"
Julie smiles. "I am, actually."
My mother claps her hands, leading us into the house. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and something sweet hits us immediately. The house is warm, loud, and alive. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors mill around, and the chatter is deafening. Julie's eyes dart from one face to another, trying to keep up.
"Luke's finally here!" Carolina shouts, bounding down the hallway. She gives me a quick hug before turning to Julie. "Julie, welcome to our home.
"
Julie smiles. "Thank you, Carolina."
Isabel and Sofia, the twins, appear next, both grinning from ear to ear. "We saved you a seat next to Luke," Isabel says, grabbing Julie's hand. "You'll need it. "Why?" Julie asks, glancing at me.
"Because dinner is an event here," Sofia explains with a dramatic eye roll. "You'll need moral support."
"Don't listen to them," I say, guiding Julie toward the dining room. "They're just trying to
scare you.
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
Elysian Sparrow Author
Hi, lovely readers.
Julie and Luke's story will be coming to an end soon. Thank you so much for your support and comments. Let me know your though
16
CHAPTER 092: You're Stuck With Us Now
The dining room is chaotic. Plates clatter, wine glasses clink, and everyone is shouting over each other. My dad is seated at the head of the table. He's holding court as usual, recounting some wild story that I'm sure gets more exaggerated with every telling. At a point between stories, he leans over, his eyes twinkling. "So, Julie, tell me how does my son behave in the big city? Still the same little troublemaker?"
Julie smirks. "Oh, he's very well-behaved. When he's asleep."
The entire table erupts in laughter, and I shake my head. "Traitor."
"Back in the day," my dad says. "Lucas was a terror. Always climbing trees, sneaking out- one time, he got stuck on the roof, and we had to call the fire department to get him down!"
Julie turns to me. "Really?"
"I was eight."
"You were twelve," my dad corrects.
Julie's laughter is infectious, and I find myself relaxing, letting the warmth of the room and the chatter wash over me. She's handling my family better than I expected, even if she's still trying to remember everyone's names. I notice she's sticking to Carolina, Isabel, Sofia, and Javier. Grandpa is having the time of his life, I can see, ever since he left for Colombia two weeks ago.
Surprisingly, Grandpa's sitting quietly today at the far end of the table, watching everything with a knowing smile.
Halfway through dinner, after my dad has launched into another embarrassing story, Grandpa clears his throat. "Julie," he
says,
"when are you going to tell them about the baby?"
The fork in Julie's hand clatters to her plate. The room freezes. I feel like the air's been sucked out of my lungs. Everyone's staring at us-waiting.
Julie blinks. "What...?"
"The baby," Grandpa repeats, leaning back in his chair. "Or were you waiting for a more special occasion?"
My mother's hand flies to her mouth, eyes wide with shock. "You're pregnant?"
My sisters exchange glances. My father leans forward, eyebrows raised.
Honestly, I'm more surprised they didn't know. Grandpa has been home for two weeks. How did he keep it in without exploding?
175
CHAPTER 092: You're Stuck With Us Now
Julie shifts in her seat, her breathing shallow. She looks at me. Her lips part as if she's about to deny it. But then she stops. Something changes in her expression. Slowly, she turns back to the table. "Yes," she says. "I'm pregnant."
The room erupts.
My mother springs out of her seat, clapping her hands like a child on Christmas morning We're having a baby!" she shrieks, rushing over to Julie and pulling her into another suffocating hug.
My father stands. "Well, I'll be damned! A new member of the family! Congratulations, Lucas!" He slaps me on the back hard.
Everyone's talking all at once. Screams, jumping, excitement.
I sit there, smiling. You'd think Julie just announced she's giving birth to Jesus. The sheer absurdity of it makes me want to laugh, but I can't quite find the air.
Julie glances at me through the crowd of hugging relatives, her eyes wide. "Is this normal?" she mouths, clearly overwhelmed.
I shrug, trying to hide my smile. "Welcome to the family."
My mother is already firing off questions. "How far along are you? When's the due date? Have you thought of names? Is it a boy or a girl?"
Julie stammers, "The due date is 27 weeks from now. For sex, it's still early."
"Doesn't matter!" my mother declares. "We'll celebrate tonight! This is a blessing!"
I manage to stand, pulling Julie out of the whirlwind of relatives. "Okay, okay, give her some space! She needs to breathe, por favor!"
They relent, but only slightly. My mother wipes away happy tears, still grinning from ear to ear. "You have made this Christmas unforgettable,"
Julie smiles awkwardly, her hand tightening around mine. "I'm glad we could, uh, contribute."
Hean down, whispering in her ear. "I bet you're finding this overwhelming."
"No shit."
The celebration continues throughout dinner. My family takes turns offering toasts and sharing stories. Julie listens, smiling and nodding, but I can tell she's tired. Later, we retreat to our hotel room, the energy of the evening still buzzing in the air. Julie
CHAPTER 092: You're Stuck With Us Now
kicks off her heels with a groan, collapsing face-first onto the bed. The room is quiet except for the distant hum of traffic outside and our steady breathing.
I shut the door behind us, leaning against it for a moment, watching her. She looks exhausted but radiant, her hair tousled from the endless hugs. She turns her head to the side, catching me staring. "What?" she says.
I push off the door, walking toward her. "Nothing. Just wondering how you survived the night without bolting."
She flips onto her back, her arm draped over her eyes. "Barely. I was two speeches away from sneaking out the back.'
I chuckle, lying beside her. She rests her head on my chest, and I feel the tension drain from her.
"So," I say, "how'd you find my family?"
"Really nice. Chaotic, loud. Too much sometimes. But also... kind of perfect?"
I grin. "Well, welcome to the family."
She tilts her head up, meeting my gaze. Her eyes are soft, but there's a hint of mischief in them. "Please don't tell me you're pulling a crowd to our wedding."
"You think I'd risk my mom's wrath by not inviting the entire extended family? She'll have a list longer than a CVS receipt.'
Her eyes widen in horror. "I swear to God, Luke, if I walk down the aisle and see your third cousin, I'm running."
I laugh, brushing a kiss across her forehead. "Whatever you want, princess. We'll elope to Vegas and tie the knot. But you better be ready. My mom's never going to forgive me. Or you."
Julie bites her lip, considering. "Fair enough."
We fall into a comfortable silence, the weight of the day finally settling over us. I feel her breathing slow, her body relaxing against mine.
"I mean it," she says, half-asleep now. "Your family... they're everything I never had. Loud, crazy, but real."
I kiss the top of her head again. "And they already love you. You're stuck with us now." Her response is a soft hum, and within moments, she's asleep, her hand still curled over my heart. I stay awake a little longer, listening to the world outside and feeling something I haven't felt in a while: peace.
CHAPTER 092: You're Stuck With Us Now
The next morning, I return from my jog, sweat clinging to my skin, and find the bed empty.
At first, I think Julie's in the bathroom. I walk over, knocking lightly. No response. I push the door open. Empty.
A little unease coils in my stomach. She never mentioned going anywhere.
I grab my phone and call her. It rings. And rings. No answer.
Frowning, I swipe to another number, calling the head of our security detail.
His voice crackles to life on the other end. "Mr. Martinez."
"Where's Julie?"
"She left with your sister, Carolina."
Relief washes over me, but it's short-lived. "Where did they go?"
"They said they were going shopping."
"And you let her
go
alone?" My voice is sharper than I intended.
"The missus insisted. We can't follow her against her will."
I clench my jaw, ending the call. Carolina? Seriously? She didn't think to mention this?
I call her next. No answer. Of course.
I dial Sofia, who picks up on the second ring, her tone too bright. "Morning, Lukey! What's up?"
"Where's Carolina?"
"She left for the mall earlier."
"With Julie?"
"Maybe. Why do
do you
care?"
"Because she took Julie with her."
Sofia sighs. "And you want to crash their fun? Luke, let Julie breathe for once."
"Relax. She's fine." And just like that, she hangs up.
That little shit.
I throw my phone onto the bed, pacing. A thousand things could go wrong. Julie's in a new
CHAPTER 092: You're Stuck With Us Now
city. She's pregnant. Anything could happen.
But I force myself to breathe. She's an adult. She can take care of herself. I keep repeating it
like a mantra. But it doesn't help. The nagging feeling won't leave.
My phone buzzes, and I snatch it up, expecting Julie. But it's Carolina.
Her voice is shaky. "Lucas, I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened."
The blood drains from my face. "What happened where?"
"I can't find Julie."
CHAPTER 093: Nice To Meet You ~~Julie~~
Whenever I picture someone getting kidnapped, it's always in a tinted van, at night, with mean-looking men at every corner.
But it seems Colombians have it different.
Because there's a young boy of not more than twenty at the wheel of what appears to be a Corolla. And the other kidnapper, the one holding the gun, is a lady in her sixties. She's smiling at me, gun steadily aimed. And somehow, her smile scares me more than a frown would.
"Could you at least tell me where we're going?" I ask.
The lady doesn't reply.
"Does someone in this car speak English? Why am I being held at gunpoint?"
The lady brings the gun closer and presses her index finger to her lips. Right. Message understood.
The teenager behind the wheel keeps his eyes fixed on the road ahead, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. He looks anxious and calm at the same time. It's hard to explain. Like he's pretending this is just another day when he knows, deep down, that it's not. I shift in my seat. My legs are cramping from being in the same position too long. "How much longer?"
The woman says nothing, as usual, while the boy glances at me through the rearview mirror, his jaw tight. No answer from him either.
Fine. Play it that way.
I stare out the window, watching unfamiliar streets blur past. My mind races back to this morning-the warmth of Luke's chest beneath my cheek, his hand lazily trailing up and down my back as the sun peeked through the curtains. It was supposed to be a lazy day. A day to unwind.
Then Luke went out for a run, because God forbid he's unfit on Christmas Day. And Carolina knocked on our hotel room door minutes later.
"Come on, Julie! You can't spend all morning cooped up. I want to show you Medellín. It's beautiful!"
At first, I hesitated. The WiFi was garbage this morning, leaving me frustrated and bored. Also, the fact Luke left me alone wasn't exactly encouraging. So I decided, why not? A little adventure couldn't hurt. And Carolina's infectious energy made it hard to say no. 1/5
CHAPTER 093: Nice To Meet You
"Okay," I said, slipping into jeans and a light sweater. "But only because I need a break from bad N*****x buffering."
Carolina laughed, pulling me out of the hotel with a promise that I'd love the city,
She wasn't wrong. Medellín was alive. We strolled through bustling markets where vendors shouted over each other, offering everything from vibrant textiles to freshly squeezed juice. Carolina showed me the art scene, murals bursting with color. We laughed at street performers, bought too many snacks, and took a million photos.
By the time we reached the mall, my feet were screaming. I waved Carolina off, deciding to wait in the car while she finished her errands.
"Take your time, I told her, settling into the passenger seat. "I need a breather."
I hadn't expected a gun-wielding grandma to appear out of nowhere, shoving me into the back seat of a different car.
And now, here I am.
"I'm sure you both have the wrong person," I say. "I haven't been here for a complete day."
The old lady leans forward, her gun still aimed, giving me a look that feels like a warning. Then, she smiles wider, as if she finds me amusing. She doesn't say a word.
The teenager shifts uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at the woman. I see something flash in his eyes-hesitation? Regret? I can't be sure. But whatever it is, it gives me hope. Maybe he isn't as committed to this as she is,
The car slows as we pull into a driveway. My heart pounds harder. I crane my neck to look out the window. The house is unassuming, tucked behind a row of towering trees. It has a rustic charm-red brick, ivy climbing the walls, wooden shutters-but something about it makes my skin crawl.
This isn't just a random hideout. This is someone's house.
The garage door opens,
and the car creeps inside. My mind races. If they're real kidnappers, they're doing a terrible job. I've seen their faces. I'm not bound, bagged, or unconscious. None of this makes sense.
The teenager kills the engine. The hum of the garage door closing is deafening in the silence that follows.
The woman mutters something in Spanish, gesturing with the gun for me to get out. I don't understand her words, but the meaning is clear enough.
I hesitate. She cocks her head, the smile never wavering. The boy shifts in his seat, looking anywhere but at me.
CHAPTER 093. Nice To Meet 760
$
Slowly, I open the door and step out, my legs shaky. The concrete floor is cold beneath my sneakers. The woman motions toward a wooden chair near the center of the garage,
I sit, heart pounding in my chest, eyes darting around for anything I could use as a weapon. A wrench. A screwdriver. Hell, even a loose brick. But the garage is meticulously clean.
The teenager gets out of the car, avoiding eye contact, while another man-older, maybe mid-twenties-steps out from the shadows. He's tall, broad-shouldered, with dark eyes that flick between me and the old woman. His expression is unreadable, but there's something cold in his gaze that makes my stomach turn.
"You know," I say, "if you're trying to kidnap someone, you might want to invest in a van and some duct tape. Just a tip."
The man laughs-a light, airy sound that doesn't belong in a situation like this. He says something in Spanish to the woman, and they exchange glances.
The teenager finally speaks, his English halting. "No... hurt you. Just... wait."
Wait for what?
"If this is about money, I can-
The man begins to walk forward.
When he stops in front of me, he extends a hand like we're at a damn business meeting.
"Hi. I'm Rafael. Nice to meet you."
I stare at his outstretched hand. "Rafael," I reply. "I can't say it's nice to meet you."
His hand lingers in the air before he withdraws it. "Fair enough. I understand how this looks, but I promise you, it's just a little misunderstanding. My mother..." He gestures toward the gun-wielding granny. "...thought it was appropriate to ask you a few questions -with a gun. I'm really sorry about that."
"What is going on?" I ask.
"I'm here as the translator."
""Translator?"
Rafael smiles. "She'll speak, and I'll translate.
I glare at him, the disbelief bubbling into anger. "You know, the socially responsible thing
to do when you want to talk to someone is to approach them and converse. She pulled out a gun."
"Once again, I apologize."
"Well, can you get her to start talking before I lose my shit?"
CHAPTER 093: Nice To Meet You
Rafael sighs, turning to the old woman. They exchange words in rapid Spanish. Her response is calm, yet firm. Rafael turns back to me, his eyes carrying a weight they didn't have before.
"She says your fiancé is a piece of shit."
My head jerks back in surprise. "Excuse me?"
Rafael shrugs, fighting a grin. "Mothers never get straight to the point. But the summary is -she wants her daughter back."
"Daughter?"
"Sara González."
The name comes as a surprise. Of course it has to be Sara. Who else would it be? "Why do you think I have her?"
Rafael relays my words in Spanish. His mother responds.
"She says Sara is in prison."
I glare at both of them. "Where she should be." I pause for a while, staring at them. But they must be expecting more from me, because nobody replies. So I say, "Look, as much as I'd like to take credit for putting that bitch in prison, I wasn't aware of it. Even if I was, how is it any of my business?"
"Because Lucas filed for a restraining order," Rafael says. "That ruined her parole, and now she's serving the rest of her sentence. After everything we did to get her out.
My laugh is bitter. "I'm really sorry for your loss. But if your daughter wanted to stay out of prison, she should have followed the rules. You don't stalk people while you're on parole."
Without warning, the old woman pulls out her phone and begins to dial a number. She's muttering something under her breath.
""What now?" I say.
Rafael watches her with a weary expression. "She says she's calling Lucas's mother. They'll deal with this mother-to-mother as children are disobedient and passionate about the wrong things. That if Sara isn't let out, you're not going anywhere."
For the first time since this nightmare began, my fear evaporates. I lean back in the chair, arms crossed. "Go ahead," I say. "This will be over quickly."
Rafael's brow furrows. "You don't seem scared"
"Oh, I was. Terrified, actually. But now? This is laughable."
""She's serious," he warns.
475
CHAPTER 093: Nice To Meet You
"So am I," I shoot back. "This-"I gesture to the garage, the gun, the whole absurd situation-"is the worst kidnapping I've ever seen. If you don't want to join your daughter in prison, let me go now."
CHAPTER 094: An Early Grave ~~Luke~~
Carolina had refused to say anything over the phone, so I'd had to drive fifteen minutes to Mall del Río, only to hear her say, "I don't know what happened. I came out, and she wasn't there. The car door was open,"
The parking lot feels suffocating. Each breath burns like shards of glass in my lungs. My mother stands rigidly next to me, her face pale beneath her perfectly applied makeup, hands clasped in front of her. Carolina leans against a nearby car, her shoulders hunched, tears streaking her cheeks.
My heart isn't just pounding-it's thrashing, threatening to break free from splatter all over the asphalt. Why didn't Julie use the damn security we hired?
"That woman will be the death of me," I mutter under my breath.
my
chest and
I pull out my phone, fingers trembling as I dial the emergency number. Carolina's sobs echo in the open space, her voice breaking. "I shouldn't have gone inside... I shouldn't have left her."
My mother's voice cuts in. "Lucas, what are you doing?"
"Calling the police," I say. The phone feels heavier than it should, like the weight of the entire situation is balancing on this small device.
"Medellín emergency services," the operator answers.
"I need to report a missing person. My fiancée, Julie Jenkins-she's gone. Taken from the mall."
The operator's tone sharpens. "Sir, please provide your location and any details about the incident."
"Mall del Río. She was in a black SUV. The driver-Carolina-came back, and julie was gone. The car door was left open. No sign of struggle, no note, nothing."
Carolina collapses to the ground, hugging her knees, rocking back and forth. Her muffled sobs pierce through the night air.
The operator's voice remains calm. "When was she last seen?"
"About thirty minutes ago," I say.
Thirty minutes. Anything could happen in thirty minutes.
"Is there any reason to believe she was taken intentionally? Have you received threats?"
I glance at my mother. Her face remains impassive, but her eyes dart nervously. "She has a
CHAPTER 094: An Early Grave
... complicated history with certain people. Yes, it's possible this was deliberate."
The operator's tone grows clinical. "We'll dispatch officers immediately. Please stay where you are and provide a full description of the missing person and vehicle."
I rattle off Julie's height, weight, and what she was wearing according to Carolina-a white sweater, dark jeans, and the engagement ring. My voice is steady, but inside, I'm unraveling. My pulse pounds in my ears, drowning out everything else. "Thank you, sir. Officers will contact you shortly." The line goes dead.
I lower the phone, feeling helpless. Turning to Carolina, I see her swollen, red eyes staring up at me, her lips trembling.
"I shouldn't have left her," she whispers. "I didn't think-"
"You didn't think." My voice is ice-cold. "You wanted to take her around the entire town? She's pregnant."
Carolina flinches as if I've struck her. She opens her mouth to respond, but steps in.
my
mother
"Lucas, enough." Her tone is sharp, commanding. "Blaming her won't bring Julie back."
I clench my teeth, frustration burning in my chest. I rake my hands through my hair, trying to push down the flood of worst-case scenarios: kidnappers, ransom, violence. My mind spins uncontrollably.
My mother places a firm hand on my shoulder. "We need to stay calm. This isn't the first crisis we've faced, and panicking won't help."
She's trying to sound confident, but I hear the fear beneath her steady words. Even fortresses have cracks.
Carolina's whimpering voice breaks through. "I told her I'd only be a minute. I didn't think
"Could you please stop talking?" I say.
"I'm sorry," she sobs. "I'm so sorry."
My voice softens, though the anger remains. "Carolina, sorry isn't going to fix this. We need to remember everything. Every detail."
She wipes her tears, trying to compose herself. "I parked in the lower lot. Julie didn't want to go in, so she stayed behind. When I came back, the door was open. She was gone. Just... gone." "Was there anyone around? Any suspicious vehicles?" I press, desperate for any lead.
Carolina shakes her head. "I didn't see anyone. It happened so fast."
CHAPTER 094: An Early Grave
I clench my jaw, my mind racing through every possibility. Every second wasted here feels like a death sentence.
"We'll find her," my mother says, her eyes steady on mine. "It's just a matter of time."
But this isn't business. This isn't something we can negotiate or fix with money. Julie is gone. And I have no idea where she is.
I step toward the edge of the lot, staring into the distance, my reflection in a nearby car window hollow-eyed and desperate. I whisper, more to myself than anyone else, "Julie, where are you?"
Right then, I hear an obnoxiously loud ringtone. Someone's phone is ringing. It's the kind of tune only my mother would choose.
I whip around. "Mamá, could you turn that off, please?"
She doesn't move. She's standing rigid next to Carolina, her eyes narrowing as she pulls out her phone.
"It better not be what I think it is," she mutters.
I step closer. "What?"
"It's Sara's mother. Gloria," she says.
"What does she want?"
Without a word, my mother accepts the call and puts it on speaker. A cold, venomous voice comes out, speaking in rapid Spanish: "I see you and your family are enjoying your Christmas while you've made ours sour." I blink, trying to process what I'm hearing. "What the hell is this? Is this some kind of sick joke?"
My mother's voice is sharp, commanding. "Gloria, did you take my son's fiancée?".
"Yes. And she's going to stay with me until your son releases my daughter."
My blood boils instantly. "The fuck?!"
"Language, Lucas," my mother says. She turns to me. "What does she mean? Do you have Sara?"
"What would I be doing with Sara?"
"She seems to think you-"
I don't let her finish. I stride forward and snatch the phone from her hand. "Listen, Gloria,
I don't care if you're twice my age. If you lay a single finger on Julie, I swear I'll take down your entire family."
CHAPTER 094: An Early Grave
"Get my daughter out of prison," Gloria snarls. "She didn't do anything to you."
"I didn't put your daughter in prison. Hell, I didn't even know she was in prison!" My voice is hoarse from yelling, my hands trembling with rage. "Even if she is, what does that have to do with me? Do I look like a judge? A cop? The president of the United fucking States? Send me your location. I'm coming to pick up Julie. You can either do this the easy way or the hard way."
"I'm not doing anything, Lucas. I'll send you the location when you have Sara."
She hangs up. Just like that.
I stare at the phone, dumbfounded. "Did she just hang up on me?"
I turn to my mother, expecting some reaction, but she's already moving-fast. She strides to her car, opening the door with a fierce determination.
"Mamá! Where are you going?"
"This is Gloria," she says over her shoulder. "She's not a kidnapper. She was dumb enough to call with her personal line. Julie's probably at her house. I'll handle it."
"Like hell you will," I say, rushing after her. "You're not going there alone."
She slides into the driver's seat, her fingers gripping the steering wheel. "Lucas, just trust me for once."
"No way. It took me years to find someone who makes me happy." My voice is firm, unwavering. "I'm not putting Julie's life in your hands. That woman is probably as psychopathic as her daughter."
She gives me a long, hard look. "Stay out of my way."
Before I can argue, she slams the door shut and starts the engine. The roar of the car fills the parking lot as she peels out, tires screeching against the asphalt. I stand there for a second, stunned, before snapping out of it and sprinting to my car. "You've got to be kidding me," I mutter, yanking open my door. "The women in my life are going to send me to an early grave."
CHAPTER 095: Best Christmas Ever
I'm about to slam my foot on the gas when I hear Carolina shout behind me.
"Lucas!"
I groan, gripping the steering wheel tighter. She reaches my window, pounding on it with
urgency.
"Lucas, are you leaving too? What about me?"
I roll the window down halfway. "Stay here and wait for the police."
Her eyes widen. "What if something happens to you?"
"Nothing will happen. Just do as I say."
She hesitates. "Okay... be careful."
I nod.
Without another word, I roll the window back up and press down on the gas. The tires squeal as I peel out of the parking lot, leaving Carolina standing in the glow of the mall lights.
The road stretches out before me, bright and endless, but I only have one focus-my mother's car. The car comes in and out of view as she weaves through traffic with reckless determination. "Jesus," I say. "Where the hell did she learn to drive like that?"
I push the gas pedal harder, the engine roaring in protest. Within seconds, I'm right behind her-thanks to the twin-turbo V8 engine. I'm close enough to see her in the driver's seat, her hands gripping the wheel with deadly precision. Every turn she takes is sharper, every maneuver more daring. I'm left scrambling to keep up. I barely miss slamming into a delivery truck as I swerve to follow her down a narrow
side street.
"This is insane," I say. "She's going to get herself killed."
I flash my headlights, tapping on the horn as well. She doesn't slow down. If anything, she speeds up.
The chase becomes a blur of speed and danger. She takes a hard right, nearly skidding out of control, but she recovers quickly. I follow her into a residential neighborhood, the houses looming like silent spectators.
I don't remember Sara's parent's house being in this neighborhood. It's been years since I last visited. They must have moved.
CHAPTER 095: Best Christmas tver
My mother's car swerves into a driveway, the tires kicking up gravel. I slam on the brakes, skidding to a stop behind her. She's out of the car in an instant, striding toward the front door like a woman possessed. "Mamá, stop!" I yell, throwing my door open and jumping out.
She ignores me, her fist pounding on the front door with a force I didn't know she had.
"Open this damn door, Gloria!" she shouts in Spanish.
I reach her in a few strides. "Are you sure she's here?"
"She's here."
My eyes lock onto the garage door. It's slightly open-a sliver of space just wide enough to see darkness beyond.
I step closer, adrenaline flooding my veins. Then I grip the bottom of the door. With a deep breath, I heave it upward. The door creaks, reluctant at first, then rolls, the sound echoing in the stillness. The space is dimly lit. My eyes adjust, scanning the room. That's when I see her.
Julie.
She's sitting on a chair in the middle of the room, legs crossed, calm as if she's waiting for a manicure. Behind her stands Sara's mother, older than I remember. And she's holding a gun.
"Luke," Julie says, as soon as she sees me.
I take a step forward, but before I can reach her my mother strides past me, heading straight for Gloria.
"Stay back," Gloria says, her voice trembling as she raises the gun.
unless you
have my daughter."
"Don't come any closer
Every muscle in my body coils tight. But my mother doesn't slow down. She doesn't even flinch.
She's right there, inches from the gun, face to face with Gloria. They start arguing in Spanish, words flying fast.
"Have you lost your mind?"
lost your mind?" my mother
says.
"Get me my daughter!"
"Your daughter's in prison."
Julie stands. She starts to walk toward me, but Gloria swings the gun in her direction. Stop!" she shouts.
((
CHAPTER 095: Best Christmas Ever
Julie freezes mid-step.
"Look at me, Gloria," my mother says. "Put the gun down."
"I can't. Not until I get my daughter back."
"And then what? You'll spend the rest of your life in prison? You think this is going to solve anything?"
Gloria lets out a broken sob, her grip on the gun faltering.
"I know you're scared," my mother continues, her voice calm, soothing. "But this isn't the way. Let's talk about this. No one needs to get hurt."
There's a long, agonizing pause. Everyone in the room is holding their breath, waiting. Finally, Gloria breaks. The gun drops from her hand, clattering to the floor. She collapses against my mother, sobbing into her shoulder. I step forward and pick up the gun, checking the safety. It's off. Of course, it's off. I fling it
aside.
Julie rushes to me, throwing her arms around my neck.
"Oh, my god," she whispers.
"I know, princess. We're leaving now." I hold her tighter, watching as my mother cradles Gloria like a wounded child.
The room is silent except for the sound of Gloria's sobs. Then I hear the sharp wail of
sirens.
"No," my mother says. She glances up at me, her face streaked with tears. "Lucas, send them away.'
"What?"
"Please," she sobs, still cradling Gloria. "She didn't mean to do this. She's just grieving. She's not a criminal."
"She kidnapped my fiancée at gunpoint," I say. "You want me to send the police away after that?"
"She's a mother who lost her child. You don't understand. She's in pain. Please, Lucas, do this for me. Send them away."
I take a step back, shaking my head. "I can't. They're already here."
A booming voice echoes through the air: "This is the police! Everyone in the house, come out with your hands raised!"