Contract And Marriage

Maximus

“I’m sorry if I made you worry,” Sarina said. It had been two days since she had a hysterical episode, and only now was she beginning to recover from the fear she felt when that demon Ralph called her.

“You have nothing to be sorry about because you did nothing wrong. That animal is the one who should apologize, not you.”

“I want him caught so I can finally have peace. I’m scared for our child, and you might get dragged into this too.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you or Chase. I won’t let you be taken away from me again because I don’t want to experience life without you.” I embraced her after that, and I felt her hug me tightly in return before letting out a sigh.

I will do anything for my family-whatever it takes-just to ensure their safety. With everything that’s happened in our lives, we’ve agreed that she won’t go anywhere without me, including our child. If that evil Ralph succeeded in taking her before, I won’t let it happen again.

“I will be strong from now on; I won’t have another breakdown like I did the other day. I promise I am going to be strong.” I smiled at her and nodded, feeling a sense of relief. I thought it would take longer for her to recover from her fear.

“And I’m here to support you.”

Three more days passed, and Mariano received a call from his detective, who had been coordinating with the police for us. “It’s confirmed, Ralph is in that house.”

We were at home, and he had been staying with us. At first, he was hesitant because he felt embarrassed and didn’t want my grandmother to say anything. But I managed to convince him of Sarina and Chase’s safety.

“So what’s the plan?” I asked. Thank God, it seemed like the fear haunting my family would finally end.

“You don’t need to do anything. They’re going to raid the house this afternoon.”

“What?”

“For your and your family’s safety, the police don’t want you involved. And I think that’s a good idea. Just stay here and wait for the news.”

“How about you?” I asked again. I knew he was worried about us, but I wanted to see Ralph get caught with my own eyes.

“Of course, I have to be there. Don’t worry; I’ll update you every now and then. So please, stay with your family.” I took a deep breath because he made a valid point. But if I didn’t go with him, it would feel like I was becoming too reliant on my brother. “Don’t overthink it, Maximus. I promise you that I’m going to help you, alright?” I nodded before he continued. “And I want to see this through to the end. That’s the only way I’ll feel at ease when I return to Las Vegas.”

I remember him telling me he promised our mom he wouldn’t abandon me and would always support me. He’s doing his job as an older brother, and I’m proud that we share our mother’s blood. When Chase grows up and has the many siblings I want, I’ll teach them to love and support each other, especially when Sarina and I are no longer with them.

“Thank you, Mariano. And I hope this ends now.”

“I hope so, too. And you’re my little brother, so I have to be by your side no matter what. If I were in your situation, you’d do the same,” he replied. After our conversation, he started preparing to leave. The detective awaited him at the police station before heading together to BreenRich Exclusive Village in Pasig.

My family and I stayed at home as Mariano wanted. He thought Ralph might try to slip into the mansion if the house they visited was just a decoy or diversion. My brother also left a few policemen to keep an eye on us.

“My love, I hope they catch him,” Sarina said. We were in the living room, watching the two children play. We decided to wait together for Mariano’s call, no matter what happened.

“I hope so too, my love. I want you to be able to breathe easily and no longer worry, especially about Chase’s safety.”

Before dinner, my phone suddenly rang. Sarina looked at me, hopeful that it was Mariano with good news. But when I checked, it was an unregistered number. I suddenly felt nervous but still smiled at my wife, who clearly felt anxious.

“Hello,” I said.

“Do you honestly think you can take my family just like that?” My jaw clenched because I knew who it was, but I tried not to let my wife notice. The fact that he could call me meant that Mariano’s team hadn’t succeeded in capturing him.

I hugged Sarina and kissed her on the head before smiling at her. Then, I pointed to the phone, indicating I needed to take the call. She smiled back at me, and I breathed a sigh of relief because it seemed she hadn’t noticed anything. So, I stood up and moved a bit farther away. I didn’t want her to hear anything I had to say to that beast Ralph.

“You don’t have a family, bastard!” I snarled at him, but he just laughed. He must be insane because of everything that’s happened in his life. “Sarina and Chase are mine. You don’t have a family!” I added angrily, which seemed to infuriate him.

“I am going to take my family back, asshole!”

“Yeah, if you can. I am going to do everything to protect my family. Nothing and no one can harm them while I’m around. You will never lay a finger on them, and you will rot in hell once I catch you.”

“Hahaha!!!! You can never tell. You don’t know how much she moaned when we made love.”

“She never made love with you. She had no idea who you were, so she had no memory of you. Don’t fool yourself,” I replied calmly. I had to be rational. Mariano’s team hadn’t captured him, allowing him to call me. But something was bothering me. How did he get this number when it’s only for those close to me?

“Bella is always mine, and I will take her back, along with our son. I can’t live without her, and she’s my wife, not yours.” His voice sounded pitiful, and I almost felt sorry for him if he hadn’t started laughing, sending chills down my spine. “Once I get her back, I am going to make her feel like she’s in hell for leaving me and coming to another man. Her bastard will suffer even more while that bitch watches me grill him alive.”

“You are not to touch my family. Over my dead body! I will find you, and when I do, I will do to you everything you said to me, you bastard!”

I can’t take it anymore. I need to find him, or my family will never be safe.