The Love that Never Really Dies

“Mr. Leonard, let go of my mother! Do you want to further infuriate my daddy? It won’t go well for you!” Matteo warned, in the nick of time. Raymond released his grasp as though he was electrocuted. “I’m… I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I thought…” Raymond stammered. “Mr. Leonard, even if my father isn’t the president of Hayes Corporation, this is still no way to treat a lady, you got that? You went too far,” Matteo continued, determined to give Raymond a piece of his mind. After saying that, he stretched out an arm to pull his unsteady mother to her feet. “Mommy, are you all right?”

Matteo asked concernedly. Sasha was distressed. It was unbelievable that with all the effort she’d made to leave Avenport behind, this man still managed to track her down. It was a frustrating and embarrassing experience to be cornered by her past which she sought so desperately to escape. “I’m fine, Matteo. Mr. Leonard had too much to drink today. Why don’t you bring your sister and we’ll get out of here,” Sasha smoothed the front of her skirt and tried to appear calm and dignified. The boys were speechless, as was Sebastian who had just rescued her. He gritted his teeth in irritation at her obstinance. Why couldn’t he keep his hands to himself? Why does he have to trouble himself to be kind to her?

guard snapped to attention and marched smartly into the room. “Mr. Hayes,” said the guard. “Take the children.” Sebastian ordered. “Yes, Mr. Hayes,” he complied. “What are you doing, Sebastian? What right do you have to take them away from me?” Sasha cried in fear and held them close to her bosom. “Me? Wasn’t that what you were doing?” Sebastian laughed coldly. “You

car. Luke, who was at the driver’s seat, glanced uneasily at the rearview mirror. He could see the stumbling and deranged figure of Sasha in pursuit. “Mr. Hayes, perhaps there is a better way to handle this. Like it or not, Ms. Wand is still their mother.” He meant to say “This is no way

limping snail, but just barely. But, as soon as he did as instructed, he understood Sebastian’s intention. The figure behind them stopped when she realized that she would not be able to catch up. But the sight of the vehicle slowing down seemed to give her hope, and she started giving chase again with renewed vigor. Luke wasn’t