Beyond Boundaries

CHAPTER 12:

After that freezing moment, Nolan gently lifted Estelle back onto her feet, his eyes never leaving hers. The world around them seemed to blur as the music continued to play, but all they could focus on was each other.

Nolan, with a soft smile: Are you okay?

Estelle, her voice barely above a whisper: Yes, I’m fine.

Estelle awkwardly: It's better to sit down I guess!

Nolan smiled uneasily: Of course, we should sit

Estelle kept her eyes away, looking at her father and Layla dancing. Nolan did the same, both of them pretending to be careless.

The dance of the bride and groom ended, and everyone started applauding. Nolan walked toward Michael.

Nolan, smiling proudly: Congratulations. I'm warning you, don't even try to upset my mother!

Estelle joined him and said sarcastically: Yes, Dad, because I won't be easy on you either.

Layla, smiling happily: Have you seen this, Michael? I have two guardians beside me.

Estelle, excited: It's time for the podium speeches. Let's start with you, Nol!

Nolan looked deeply into Layla's eyes: Mom, I am glad and proud that I am your son. Thank you for raising such a problematic boy like me. I wish you all the happiness you deserve, so just take care of yourself because I am willing to be your guardian angel after you've been mine all these years.

With this emotional speech, Layla hugged her son, crying.

Layla, in a deep tone: I can't be more grateful than having a son like you, Nolan.

Estelle headed to the podium, feeling anxious but smiling happily: Well, it's a bit hard for me to call you Dad so easily. After all we've been through, I have never been so thrilled before. I am grateful to have such a wonderful family, and I am so happy being your daughter, Michael Jefferson. So don't ever make your bride sad, because thanks to her, our lives have become better.

Estelle's eyes were filled with tears as she was hugged by her father and Layla. Even Lisa teared up, putting her head on Simon's shoulder, and they applauded Estelle's speech.

Layla, excited: Now that we've been crying, let's get some happiness. Let's see who will be the next bride by throwing the bouquet.

Lisa noticed Estelle was indifferent, staying in the corner. She headed to her.

Lisa, annoyed, hit her on her arm: It's an important moment for single girls.

Estelle, whispering: You already gave me yours willingly yesterday!

Lisa, angry: Go right now and get that bouquet, stupid girl. This is a party; the tradition follows this.

Estelle, carelessly: Why don't you get it yourself? You didn't have a party yet!

Lisa shoved Estelle into the crowd, angrily: You will catch it, or I will catch it for you. I don't mind marrying Simon again!

Estelle, looking bored, got closer. Kevin started getting closer, too. Lisa stopped him angrily: This is for girls.

Kevin, smiling sarcastically: I thought I found my future bride!

Lisa, annoyed: What do you mean? Speaking to a married woman like this!

Kevin: I came to find my future bride here. Can't I?

Lisa rolled her eyes: I am sure you will find her soon. However, right now, don't interfere with these girls' shared moment!

Kevin, annoyed: As you wish. I should chase after Nolan; at least he promised to find me one.

Kevin went toward Nolan, who was watching from afar, and he asked seriously: Will you be the one who marries her if she catches the flowers?

Nolan, in shock: Kevin, what's wrong with you? I should say that is the reason you don't have a girlfriend until now!

Kevin, annoyingly: Don't forget yourself. I warned you many times about her, but you didn't listen to me. You were also stuck with a crazy one who almost killed you!

Kevin smiled mischievously: But I realize you are lost now. I can give you advice.

Nolan, furiously: Get lost!

Layla started counting down, holding the bouquet: Three! Two! One!

The bouquet flew in the air, holding the hopes of many girls. Estelle lowered her head, opening her hand to avoid Lisa's scolding. The bouquet suddenly fell between her hands. Estelle was closing her eyes as she heard Lisa's applauding hands. When she opened her eyes, she found the bouquet in her hands. She was surprised, and Lisa took her hands holding the bouquet and raised it high, making people applaud too.

Estelle, embarrassed: You don't have to do much. It's just a bouquet.

Lisa whispered to Estelle, jumping: You are our next bride!

Estelle, annoyed: Why are you more excited than me?

Steven walked toward Estelle in front of everyone. He got closer to her and kissed her hand with a charming smile.

Steven, in a deep tone: I think this means a new start. Why don't you try?

Estelle, feeling ashamed in front of everyone: Can you give me some time?

Steven smiled gently: I won't force you. You know if you need time, you have it all.

Nolan, looking in rage, kept himself away, knowing that it was for the better.

Estelle turned her eyes away and noticed someone specifically looking at her. She rushed toward that person who seemed to disappear. She searched everywhere and found the figure she was looking for hiding behind a tree.

Estelle, in mixed-up feelings: A tree won't be able to hide you from me, Lucas.

Lucas appeared, lowering his head in a sad tone: I didn't want to ruin the party for you. I'm sorry. I was passing by, so when I heard, I wanted to check on you.

Lucas straightened himself, looking into her eyes: How have you been?

Estelle took a deep breath and then smiled: I am fine.

Lucas, in a tender tone: Glad to hear that. I think I should go.

Estelle, with confused sad eyes: That's it?

Lucas showed a sad look: Don't make me break your beautiful life. Please, don't make me want to be in your life again. I've already given up on you. I am such a loser.

Estelle kept her painful look: How about you? How have you been?

Lucas, with a regretful smile: Good, I have been good.

Estelle: If you are good, then I am too.

Lucas kept his regretful smile: Then I should say goodbye.

Lucas held his fists tight and then said: I am sorry, but could you provide me with one last thing?

Estelle, confused: What is it?

Lucas got closer to Estelle and embraced her with all his force. Estelle froze and couldn't move. Nolan was looking for Estelle and saw them from afar and left.

Lucas, feeling guilty: I am sorry. I couldn't hold myself.

Estelle, showing a broken look: Please leave.

Lucas left.

Steven also saw them: How can I lose against this guy? I feel useless.

Lisa, thinking, appeared beside him: I saw honesty in your eyes. I might help you with her.

Steven, shocked: You scared me!

Steven, confidently: Even if I won't give up, I feel like I am already at loss!

Lisa, confused: I am not sure about that.

Steven walked toward Zack while Estelle was heading toward Lisa in a rush.

Estelle, worried: Haven't you seen Nolan?

Lisa, confused: Well, he left with his car just a few moments ago.

Estelle, stressed: How could he leave? Dad and Layla are leaving, and he's not here? I thought we would come back home together!

Lisa, confused: I think he was angry, so he left. But why do you have to come back home with him?

Estelle sighed: We used the same car when we came here, and I left my car at home. I'm wearing such a precious dress; I can't ruin it!

Lisa, concerned: You should call him, or I will take you home! It's not a bother for me.

Estelle, worried: I don't even have the car key or the key to the entrance. I left my bag in his car. I just have my phone.

Lisa, shrugging: If that's the problem, call him.

Estelle, worried: He's not responding to me!

Lisa, reassuring: I will call him for you.

Lisa turned to her phone and called Nolan, but it kept ringing without a response.

Lisa reassured: Come with me to my house. He will pick you up later if he wants, or I will wait with you!

Estelle, concerned: That's nice of you, but shouldn't you be with your husband? He will leave in two days.

Lisa shushed Estelle: It's still a secret!

Estelle, confused: I don't know why he disappeared all of a sudden.

Lisa, shrugging: Maybe he's escaping his emotions.

Estelle, still confused: What do you mean?

Lisa's phone rang; it was Nolan.

Lisa, angry: You stupid i***t! Where have you disappeared to? You took Estelle's bag with you, and your mom is leaving.

Nolan, careless: I'm coming, I'm just nearby. I wanted some fresh air.

Lisa scolded: Well, you have to come back now! Because if you don't—

Steven took Lisa's phone all of a sudden and showed a devilish smile.

Steven: I'm surprised you abandoned your sweet sister. I'll take her home with me.

Nolan burst into fury: I'm coming right away! If you do anything, I'll destroy your project data.

Steven, sarcastically: You'd better hurry!

Nolan hung up the phone, leaving Lisa stunned.

Lisa: Wow, you managed to convince him easily.

Nolan was by the sea until he got the call. He rushed but received another message at the same time from an unknown number: "You seem to enjoy your mother's wedding while ignoring my messages." He dashed out of worry at high speed. He started calling Zack, but his phone was on silent mode, as were all of his friends' phones. He started calling Lisa.

At the same time, Estelle wanted to go to the ladies' room. Lisa offered to accompany her, but she refused, saying she just wanted to wash her face and would come back. Lisa noticed Nolan's calls.

Lisa, to Steven, mocking: You should prepare yourself; he is in a rage. Look at him, calling like crazy.

While Estelle was in the restroom, looking at the mirror trying to gather herself together, she wetted her face to wake up. When she finished and was returning, she felt someone watching her. She started accelerating, but unfortunately, someone jumped at her, made her lose consciousness, and kidn*pped her. Nolan arrived out of breath, looking for Estelle.

Nolan, raising his voice at Lisa: Where is Estelle?

Lisa, in shock: What's wrong? She went to the bathroom.

Nolan hurried to the bathroom, but he didn't find her. He started panicking as they realized his state.

Lisa, worried: What's wrong, Nolan? Where is Estelle?

Nolan started hitting a tree, his hand full of blood.

Nolan shouted at Lisa: Why didn't you pick up the phone?

Simon intervened, putting Lisa behind him with a calm demeanor.

Simon, with a furious look: Control yourself. You should explain what happened.

Lisa calmed Simon by petting his shoulder, worried.

Zack, Kevin, and Steven came in a hurry.

Nolan, in a rage, grabbed Zack by the collar: Didn't you tell me to ignore it? I'll fix this. Look at what happened now!

Zack noticed Nolan's reaction: You should calm down! I never expected this much. It was their intention from the beginning.

Steven found something on the floor; it was Estelle's phone, half broken.

Steven, in a cold, strict demeanor: I understand she was kidn*pped, but I guess it's related to you, Nolan.

Lisa, panicked with worry: What do you mean? She got kidn*pped by who and why?

Nolan burst into guilt: Because they are after me.

Lisa, annoyed: Excuse me, who's after you? Why did they take Estelle?

Zack, deep in thought, confused, then speaks: Well, it was their intention, Nolan. I tried to search for them but I couldn't find a clue about the identity because it's someone who changes his identity every time.

Lisa yelled in fear, her eyes filled with tears: What do you mean? Explain to me! What will happen to Estelle? If it's related to you, Nolan, solve it now! Why does she have to endure this again?

Lisa, in anger: All of you, find Estelle right now! Aren't you geniuses? Find a way!

Kevin calmly speaks: Before all of that, we should calm down.

Lisa answered him in disgust: I CAN'T! The thought that someone like that Jeremiah is close to her makes me full of rage. So, Nolan, what is your problem with those people?

Nolan, holding his fists tightly: They are related to my father's past.

Lisa felt dizzy all of a sudden; Simon held her.

Lisa, unbelievably: Don't tell me, his jail partners?

Kevin, seriously: They want to take revenge on Nolan. But they won't harm her just like that. I will try to check news of Nolan's father's related partners, so don't bother yourselves with that.

Steven showed an upset look and then became serious: I am going to check the security cameras and the footprints analyzer.

Zack took a deep breath: Yes, I trust you guys, but as I searched, they are aware of our hacking capacities. They have one more talented with them, and they are even able to change footprints.

Steven, annoyed: Are you underestimating us?

Zack, tired: Also, I'll send my men everywhere and in every suspicious corner. You should work from the police station because it's illegal.

THAT'S WHY YOU SHOULD JUST HEAD WITH ME!

Lisa, in anger, showed a serious look: Find her. Also, Layla and Michael already left. We shouldn't tell them right now!

Lisa, realizing: Yes, her grandpa. But I don't have his number! He is fearful; we should tell him.

Nolan, in a deep sad tone: I WILL INFORM HIM, BUT BEFORE THAT, THEY DIDN'T SEND ME ANYTHING.

Zack, suspicious: Yes, it's strange. What are they planning?

Nolan suddenly got a message written: "Have you enjoyed the show? Well, you have to meet us right now for your sister's sake. We are kind of crazy and whatever you do, you won't find her until you meet us. Good luck with your friends. However, don't forget you are losing time. And we have such a sleeping beauty here."

Nolan kept holding his fists tighter, his eyes darkened and full of rage. He kept punching the tree beside him and shouting in rage.

Lisa, held by Simon in worry: Someone stop him, please!

Kevin moved him away and slapped him in a cold voice: You should search for her, not harm yourself by hitting the tree. Are you aware of the situation? We are here to help!

Nolan showed the message to Zack, Kevin, and Steven.

Steven, in a high voice: Filthy bastards, they should be tortured!

Lisa, in fear: What did they say?

Kevin kept Lisa away and asked Simon to take her away. Simon got the message and asked Lisa to leave.

Lisa, trying to release herself from Simon, worried: What's wrong, Simon? Is everything okay?

Simon, comforting her: Let's go. They will inform us as soon as possible. They are doing their job! I am sure everything will be okay!

Lisa sobbed in panic: But I want to help. My poor friend is on her own in fear!

Simon, reassuring her and hugging her: We will just get in their way. She will be okay. She is very strong; you know that.

Simon managed to take her away.

Kevin, annoyed: They are playing dirty. I think they are aware of our jobs!

Zack, in anger: But I wonder why they are after you, Nolan. If they wanted to harm her, they would kill her immediately.

Nolan, with his eyes darkened and his uncontrollable anger: I will just kill them.

Steven, annoyed: They deserve it. I can create even war tools to bomb them.

Zack, in shock: Have you lost your minds? Committing a murder won't solve the problem.

Nolan was still devastated: Who knows? If they want my life, I'll let them take it.

Steven, in a sad tone: You should cherish your life if you want to have a happy ending!

Kevin, tired: We will find them and teach them a lesson for underestimating us.

Zack, in a serious tone: I think it's related to your family.

Nolan devastated: But Mom cut ties with them. I have no idea about them.

Zack, with a serious tone: We should find some information that would be beneficial.

Nolan looked at his phone, deeply sad: I will do whatever it takes to save you, Estelle.

He then made a call to Estelle's grandfather. Kevin, Zack, and Steven exchanged glances.

Suddenly, Zack spoke in a low voice to them: Don't make it obvious. They're already observing us, either with a person or a device.

Steven nodded: I noticed too. Nolan is too worried to guess, but we shouldn't inform him. He'll lose control.

Kevin, confused: If that's true, we must keep him away or capture him on his own. I'm sure they're after Nolan.

Zack, realizing: How dumb of me. Who is the person his father murdered?

Kevin, serious: You're right! Shouldn't you have checked this before? Are you really in the police force?

Steven, annoyed: What's wrong with you? I thought you were talented. It turns out Kevin is better than you.

It should have been the first thing you searched for. You've put a poor girl's life in danger.

Zack, confused: That's it. There was no information when I searched. I thought it was some top-secret data. I couldn't find any information.

Steven, in anger: I can't wait around like this, just guessing. You should keep that crazy man company. I'll try to unlock everything, but I need time and concentration.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit empty room, the sound of water drops makes the heart clench in a freezing breeze, and an image of a woman suffocating with anger played in someone's mind makes this person slowly regain consciousness bursting with sweat. Her head throbbed, and she struggled to make sense of her surroundings, tied to a chair, The faint sound of footsteps echoed through the space, sending a chill down her spine. She tried to remember how she got there but everything was a blur, Her heart pounded with fear, but she forced herself to stay calm, The door creaked open, and a shadowy figure entered the room.

An unknown man smiling in the corner says: Well it's not a waste looking at such a beautiful face

The shadowy figure: You are right about that, He took a chair and sit down right in front of Estelle

Estelle, with a sharp look in a calm tone: Who are you? And what do you want from me?

The shadowy-figured man was impressed: So impressive. Aren't you afraid?

Estelle kept glaring at him with piercing eyes.

The shadowy-figured man smiled mischievously: You are here because of a certain person called Nolan Smith. Do you know him?

Estelle glared with disgust in a cold tone: Why? What is your relationship with Nolan?

Estelle, keeping her cold, calm demeanor: Although, I don't think I can help you. He is just my stepbrother.

The shadowy-figured man: I feel sorry for him going crazy over your k********g, and you don't even care about this!

Estelle forced a sharp look, feeling uncomfortable: So, you can release me. There is no use in keeping me here.

The shadowy-figured man, smiling sarcastically: Are you stupid? That's what I need. I want him to lose himself and go crazy for you!

Estelle, looking in disgust: Why? What will you gain from this?

The shadowy-figured man with furious eyes: Because of a story I will tell you right now.

After the shadowy-figured man told Estelle the story, she was left in shock, at a loss for words.

Estelle came back to her senses with her sharp demeanor: It can't be possible. You are lying.

The shadowy-figured man, showing a psychopathic look: Calling an honest person a liar is rude. Everyone has a dark side.

The shadowy-figured man stood up and got closer to Estelle. She tried to stay away, putting her body back, keeping her piercing look, but she was scared of him. He pulled her by the hair and started strangling her forcefully. Estelle couldn't breathe, looking at him with disgusted eyes.

The shadowy-figured man, in rage, kept suffocating her: How could Nolan have such a lady like you by his side? How can he get a jewel? How can he be this lucky?

The shadowy-figured man left Estelle's grip. She started coughing like crazy, her eyes filled with tears, looking with a sharp, disgusted look.

The shadowy-figured man sarcastically: Look at you, showing a desperate look right now! You know he is my cousin. I am also a genius.

The cousin tried to reach her face, but she pulled herself back. She was reminded of Jeremiah. Suddenly, the cousin said mockingly:

The cousin: I managed to know Jeremiah. He wasn't a bad person, but he got his hand broken by Nolan, and now he can't move both hands. It seems that your grandpa interfered to make him suffer.

Estelle couldn't hold back her tears but kept forcing herself to stay calm. She was mortified by this cousin.

The cousin, looking worried all of a sudden: Don't cry.

The cousin started hugging Estelle, whose hands and legs were attached to a chair. Her body was trembling in fear, feeling disgusted.

When he tried to get closer to her, she couldn't stand his approach. She bit him hard on the shoulder and hit her head against his fiercely, harming herself. The cousin, with a shadowed figure, stepped back, palming his head and then showing rage in his eyes. He raised his hand and slapped her with all his force, making the chair fall. Estelle's face was bloody, and he brought a cider and started causing scratches on her hands, one after another, as if he were ruining her dress. Then he stopped. Estelle was in deep pain.

Then he took a picture of her and sent it to Nolan.

On the other side, the tension and worry everyone felt weren't low. Speaking of Lisa, her eyes looked out the window full of worry, thinking about her friend out in the cold. Simon was beside her, petting her shoulder, then she started crying over her friend. She went to Kevin, who was drowning desperately in papers, searching for the usual information, focusing on helping them. Steven was opening many computers with Nolan's help, trying to unlock some passwords, but their thoughts were more on Estelle's safety. Zack and his team searched everywhere for suspected places and visited the last houses of Nolan's dad's family. Bob Jefferson was sending his men everywhere, close to finding Estelle's location when Nolan's phone rang.

Nolan turned his eyes from screen to screen, standing up in a rush, furiously running outside! Steven finished his job but couldn't hold Nolan. He made a group call to Zack and Kevin.

Steven, in a hurry: Guys, I managed to find all the dates and unlock them. I have to follow Nolan. I managed to see what they sent him. I can't keep this going. Follow me!

Kevin was exhausted and shocked: It turned out Nolan's dad killed his uncle, and that uncle had a cousin.

Zack on the phone: I found the same information, and worse. We should follow him directly.

Steven already entered his car during the call but couldn't follow Nolan, so he managed to block his data. Steven suspected one place, so he moved toward it by chance since he got the information before and saw the picture! Bob Jefferson and his men were far, but they managed to discover everything and were also heading there by helicopter. They told Lisa, and she wanted to go, but Simon told her it would be perilous.

Nolan arrived, flaring up, running like an enraged monster, shouting for Estelle.

Nolan, out of breath: Estelle! Estelle! Answer me! Estelle!

The cousin was standing, holding Estelle next to him in a devastated state. Her hands were attached, and he was pointing a gun at her chest, holding another facing Nolan.

Cousin: Hello, cousin! How are you?

Nolan saw Estelle full of scars and her eyes swollen from tears: You filthy bastard! I will kill you!

Nolan, out of breath, calling Estelle softly: Estelle? Are you alright?

Estelle opened her swollen, tired eyes and in a cracked, trembling voice said: Nolan? Why did you come? Why?

When she tried to move, he pressed the gun into her chest. She couldn't move, and even Nolan couldn't get closer. He was overwhelmed with anger.

Cousin, seriously angry: Won't you answer me, or should I shoot her?

Nolan, trying to keep calm: Okay, how come you are my cousin? I have never heard of you.

Cousin, smiling sarcastically: Now you have a point! I am your uncle Ostrid's son, your father's brother.

Nolan, furiously: Why would you do that?

Estelle, tearing up in an unstable voice: Don't listen to him! Don't! Leave, please leave!

The cousin put the gun on her neck, feeling the cold metal. Estelle couldn't add a word, out of breath and in panic.

Nolan stepped forward, irritated: Stay away from her! I will hear you! I am all ears.

Cousin, confused: How come she's your stepsister? In your eyes, I see something else. Anyway, that will be good. Let me inform you about the story of your father. First, the one he murdered is my father, Ostrid.

Nolan, in shock: Is that true?

Estelle kept shaking her head, indicating it was not true.

Cousin, in a cold voice: Yes, I have many clues about this. My name is Quintin, by the way, and my poor mother named me after she gave up on me!

The cousin kept his demeanour and then got enraged: The true story is the exciting part. Well, he killed my father because he was abusing your mother. But he knew that your sweet mother, Layla, was in a relationship with his brother before him. So your mother played between two brothers. Let me be clear: your mother was dating my father, but he refused to marry her, and she was pregnant and lost her baby. She married your father, so my father, to avenge himself, was harming her. When your father defended his wife, he killed his brother. After that, they blamed all the things my father did on your father, so he suffered in jail on his own, living in injustice, abandoned by his family, his wife, and his ex's son. The end.

Cousin, smiling sarcastically: What do you think? A sad ending for both. The problem is your mother, who looks angelic!

Estelle kept crying, while Nolan was filled with emotions, in shock, and despair, frozen in his place.

Nolan denied, his eyes wet but no tears dropping: You are lying! How dare you create a story about my family! This is not true! It can't be! Nolan started pressing on his head and slapping it with both hands, He fell to his feet, overwhelmed by despair, denying the horrific truths in front of him

Estelle concerned about him in a low voice: Nolan

Quintin, smiling with joy: Well, I never expected you to act like that. How weak. I guess it's true that you can't accept the fact. I told you to meet me before and you refused, so I found you a suitable ending! You should kill me as your father did mine.

Estelle raised her voice: Don't listen to him, Nolan. You are not like him. Don't listen!

Quintin threw a gun at Nolan, showing a callous face: Right now, you should do the same to me. Look at this poor girl's state. Isn't it sad for her?

Quintin, showing a devilish smile: Don't you want to save her, or should I shoot her or do something else? She is very pretty. How can you give up on this jewel?

Nolan took the gun, stood up, and faced Quintin with a horrific look: Just try! And I will crush you with my own hands.

Estelle in fear: Nolan, don't! Don't do this, please. Nolan, you are not like him. You are doing what he wants! Please stop!

Nolan kept looking, holding the gun, hesitating: Leave her alone.

Quintin smiled: I can't. I seem to be related to her. Even if you shoot me everywhere, I won't leave her until you kill me or I kill her.

Estelle, looking at Nolan scared: Nolan, look at me! Don't do it. He won't dare. He just wants you to be like he imagined.

All of a sudden, a man holding a shooter got closer step by step!

Quintin moved his gun away: Who's coming?

Steven, in a sarcastic tone: Well, luckily I kept my shooter with me because I need to hunt some beasts today. I have a license!

Estelle, unable to move, called out the name: Steven, it's dangerous for you too, Steven.

Quintin, showing a devilish cruel smile: If you are unable to shoot me, I will.

Estelle out of breath: NO!

Quintin aimed the gun toward Nolan and pressed it. Estelle pushed herself back, throwing her body weight on Quintin, which made him fall, and a shot hit the ceiling. While Steven was about to shoot Quintin in his arms, Quintin fired another shot toward Nolan. Estelle, mortified for Nolan, threw herself at him.

Nolan in fear: Estelle!

Steven in fear: Estelle!

The shot hit Estelle, and she fell into Nolan's arms.

Estelle looked at him tenderly: I am glad you didn't follow your father's path.

Estelle in pain: Because you are my NOL

Then she lost consciousness.

Nolan held her close, tears finally streaming down his face, as he whispered desperately, "Stay with me, Estelle, please." and Sirens blared in the distance, signalling that help was on the way,