Begged All You Want, But You Will Never Have Me Back - Chapter 12

The police were everywhere. Sirens blared in the distance, officers swarming the city in search of Amelia. News reports speculated about her escape–who had helped her, where she could be hiding.

But no one had answers. And that terrified me. Xavier tightened security around me immediately. More guards, more precautions. The estate was now a fortress.

I knew why. Revenge was coming.

Amelia wouldn’t disappear quietly. She had lost everything–her career, her freedom, her reputation. She had nothing left except rage.

And I was her target. But I refused to let fear control me. I had spent too many years living in someone else’s shadow, letting people manipulate me, betray me. I wouldn’t let Amelia win.

Xavier saw the worry in my eyes one night as we sat in the study, reviewing the final wedding details.

“She won’t touch you,” he said, voice firm. “I promise that I’m going to protect you, so you won’t have to worry about her, okay?“

I looked up at him and slowly nodded. I didn’t know what to say.

He smiled and hugged me. “I’m here, Entice.” He kissed my forehead.”

For the first time, I realized–I believed him, and I could rely on him more than anyone. I just hope that he wouldn’t betray me because I won’t be able to take another betrayal again.

Despite everything, the wedding would go on. If we postponed it, Amelia would think she had won. That she had power over me.

And I refused to give her that satisfaction. I wasn’t sure what she actually wanted. If she was out there for revenge or she just wanted to escape and hide for the rest of her life.

It would be great if it was the latter, so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. I wouldn’t even care as long as she wouldn’t come back.

But what if that wasn’t what she wanted, rather to kill me? I won’t let that happen! I need to find her first.”

Our engagement had already been announced to the world. Everyone was waiting for the event of the century. Backing out wasn’t an option.

So we decided to continue but with tighter security, more guards, more precautions. I won’t let her ruin an important day in my life.

I tried my best not to think about it however it had been bugging me since, knowing they hadn’t found her yet.”

Xavier noticed it. Of course, he would, because unlike Nathan–he paid attention to me.”

“You’re at it again, Entice,” he sighed white I was flipping through the guest list, making sure I know all of them because I couldn’t afford someone who had ties with Amelia.

He stood up. “Come with me.”

I frowned. “Where?“

He smirked. “You’ll see.“”

I hadn’t expected him to cook dinner because we have maids to do that.

Yet there he was, in the massive estate kitchen, sleeves rolled up, slicing steak with the precision of a man used to handling knives.

I crossed my arms, watching him. “Since when do you cook?“

Xavier smirked. “I know how to do a lot of things.“

I shook my head, amused. “So you fly helicopters and cook gourmet meals?“

He plated the food and handed me a glass of wine. “I also keep my fiancée from worrying too much.“>

I paused, my fingers curling around the stem of the glass. Xavier leaned in, his voice softer. “She won’t hurt you. I’ll make sure of it, so please, smile. I don’t want to see my fiancée sad.”

I looked at him then, really looked at him–then smiled. For some reasons, I truly felt safe with him.

Days after, the wedding of the century had arrived. Well, it was what people had been calling our wedding. The media swarmed the streets.

Fans, journalists, business tycoons–everyone wanted to witness the moment the Johansen heiress and Xavier Esralde sealed their powerful union.

The venue was breathtaking. A grand cathedral, surrounded by a sea of white roses. Everything was perfect. Xavier and I arrived together, surrounded by security.

My mother, along with other high–profile guests, followed behind us.

I should have been excited. But something felt… off.”

I glanced around, my heart tightening. Where was my mother?”

She had been right behind us.

One of the staff rushed forward, panic on her face. “Ma’am, we can’t start yet.“

I frowned. “Why?”

The staff hesitated. “Your mother hasn’t arrived.”

My blood ran cold. I pulled out my phone, dialing her number. No answer. I tried again. And again.

Nothing.

“She was just following us,” I whispered, my fingers trembling.

Xavier’s hand rested on my shoulder. “Calm down. Maybe she-“

Then my phone rang. An unknown number.

Then my phone rang. An unknown number.

I answered immediately. “Hello?”

A heavy voice came through the line.

“There’s been an accident.”

The world blurred.

“What?”

“Your mother–she was in a vehicular crash. She’s being rushed to the hospital.“

The phone slipped from my hands.

I didn’t think. I ran past the stunned guests, past the flashing cameras, past the security trying to stop me.”

Tears blurred my vision as I raced toward the car. Xavier caught up, grabbing my arm before I could collapse.”

“Entice-”

I looked at him, chest heaving.”

“She–she can’t-” My voice broke. She’s my only family. I had just known her for a while. She can’t die on me–not now!

Xavier’s jaw clenched. Without hesitation, he pulled me into the car. “Drive. Now.” He ordered to the driver.

The car sped off toward the hospital, sirens wailing in the distance.

And in that moment, one thought screamed in my mind.”

This wasn’t an accident.

This was Amelia.