11
966 Words
Isabelle’s phone buzzed on the counter, vibrating insistently against the granite surface. She glanced at the screen, her stomach tightening when she saw Sebastian’s name flashing for the third time that day.
Ignoring the call, she pressed her lips into a thin line and focused on stirring the pot of pasta on the stove. The twins were at the dining table, chattering animatedly as they colored pictures of animals from a book she had picked up at the store.
“Mommy, is dinner ready?” Amelia asked, her curls bouncing as she leaned over the table to inspect her brother’s drawing.
“Almost, sweetheart,” Isabelle said, forcing a smile.
Elliott held up his picture proudly. “I made a lion, Mama!”
“It’s amazing,” Isabelle said warmly, brushing a kiss on the top of his head.
The phone vibrated again, this time with a text.
We need to talk, Isabelle. Please.
Her fingers tightened around the spoon. Sebastian had been relentless since their last encounter, bombarding her with calls and messages. But she wasn’t ready to face him—not after everything he had put her through.
And certainly not when he didn’t know the full truth.
“Mama, your phone’s buzzing again,” Elliott pointed out innocently.
“I know, buddy,” Isabelle said, keeping her tone light. “It’s just work stuff.”
She silenced the device and focused on plating the pasta. Her heart raced as guilt and anxiety waged war inside her. Avoiding Sebastian wasn’t a long-term solution, but what choice did she have?
She couldn’t risk him discovering the twins—not until she figured out how to protect them.
The Unexpected Visit
Later that evening, after the twins had gone to bed, Isabelle curled up on the couch with a cup of tea. The apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the city outside lulling her into a rare moment of peace.
She exhaled slowly, trying to push thoughts of Sebastian out of her mind. But just as she began to relax, a firm knock echoed through the apartment.
Her brow furrowed. She wasn’t expecting anyone.
Setting her mug down, she rose cautiously and made her way to the door. Peeking through the peephole, her heart sank.
Sebastian.
How had he found her address?
Another knock, more insistent this time.
“Isabelle, I know you’re in there,” his deep voice called through the door.
Panic gripped her, but she knew there was no avoiding this confrontation. Taking a steadying breath, she unlocked the door and pulled it open just enough to face him.
Sebastian’s eyes were dark with frustration, his jaw clenched. He looked as formidable as ever in a tailored coat, the chill of the evening clinging to him.
“We need to talk,” he said firmly.
“Sebastian, this isn’t a good time—”
“Too bad,” he cut her off, stepping forward. “You’ve been dodging my calls and texts for days. I’m done waiting.”
Isabelle’s pulse quickened. “You can’t just show up here.”
“I didn’t have much choice, did I?” he retorted. “You left me with no other option.”
Before she could respond, a small voice broke through the tension.
“Mama?”
Isabelle’s heart dropped. She turned to see Elliott standing in the hallway, his sleepy eyes widening when he saw Sebastian.
Sebastian’s gaze shifted from Isabelle to the boy, confusion flickering across his face.
“Who’s this?” he asked slowly, his voice taut with disbelief.
Isabelle’s throat went dry. “Elliott, sweetheart, go back to bed.”
But Elliott didn’t move. “Who’s he, Mama?”
Sebastian’s eyes darkened as realization dawned. “Isabelle… is he—?”
Before she could answer, Amelia appeared beside her brother, rubbing her eyes.
“I heard talking,” she mumbled.
Sebastian’s expression turned from confusion to something sharper, more urgent. “Twins?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Isabelle’s heart raced, panic clawing at her chest. This was exactly what she had wanted to avoid.
“Go back to bed, both of you,” she said firmly, her voice trembling.
Reluctantly, the twins obeyed, casting curious glances at Sebastian as they disappeared down the hall.
Sebastian turned back to Isabelle, his eyes blazing. “They’re mine, aren’t they?”
Isabelle’s lips parted, but no words came out.
“Answer me, Isabelle,” he demanded, stepping closer. “Are they my children?”
Her chest heaved as she fought to regain control of her emotions. There was no point in denying it now—not when the truth was staring them both in the face.
“Yes,” she admitted quietly. “They’re yours.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.
Sebastian’s hands clenched at his sides. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think you deserved to know,” she said, her voice steadier now.
His jaw tightened. “You had no right to make that decision.”
“You left me, Sebastian,” she shot back, her eyes flashing. “You made your choice, and I made mine.”
He exhaled sharply, as though trying to rein in his temper. “We’re not done here,” he said grimly. “Not by a long shot.”
Isabelle crossed her arms over her chest. “You can leave now.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said, his tone resolute. “Those kids are mine, and we’re going to figure this out—whether you like it or not.”
Her heart pounded as his words sank in. The battle she had dreaded was just beginning, and she knew one thing for certain: she would fight tooth and nail to protect her children.
- Writer
