Chapter 88

The police station was a hive of activity when we arrived, and officers were moving around in a hurry. Crimson and I were directed to the office by a stern-looking officer, who instructed us to wait for Chief Dallas.

I sat with my hands clenched in my lap. I was scared, but I was trying my best to maintain a calm demeanor.

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened, and Chief Dallas finally came in. He offered us a smile, but upon noticing the look on our faces, he occupied his seat and said, "Elizabeth… Crimson. I'm surprised to find you both here. What can I do for you?”

“Celestine took Cleo without permission. She kidnapped my daughter,” Crimson explained.

Chief Dallas nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. “We will do everything we can to locate Cleo and ensure her safety. Do you have any idea where Celestine might have taken her?”

“No,” replied Crimson. "We've checked her condominium and called her number, but she's not answering.”

“Tell me what she's wearing, and we'll put out an alert,” Chief Dallas said, leaning forward in his chair, his expression turning serious. “Every detail could help us track her down.”

“Cleo was wearing a pink dress with a white cardigan. She had her favorite pink backpack with her. That’s all I know.”

Chief Dallas nodded, quickly jotting down notes. “We’ll use that information to inform all units. In the meantime, I need you both to stay close to your phones. If we get any leads, we’ll reach out immediately.”

—

Crimson and I left the police station and decided to temporarily stay at his mansion while waiting for an update. We both sat in silence in the living room, the TV playing in the background, but neither of us was paying any attention to it.

Suddenly, his phone rang, causing both of us to jump in surprise.

Crimson hurried to the phone and picked it up, answering it on loudspeaker. It was an officer.

“Celestine and Cleo are headed to the airport right now. We are waiting for the perfect opportunity to arrest her.”

After the call ended, Crimson immediately grabbed his car keys, and we both dashed to the door.

Within minutes, we arrived at the airport, where a commotion was happening in the lobby.

I saw police officers handcuffing Celestine, who couldn't stop cursing at them. She even tried to run away but was tackled to the ground. Cameras flashed in her direction, pushing her into a screaming fit.

Suddenly, Cleo appeared with Chief Dallas.

“Daddy…” Cleo ran into Crimson's arms, sobbing. Tears streamed down her face.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, wishing I could be the one holding her, but she needed her daddy.

Celestine's screaming caught my attention again; this time, she was hurling grave threats as the police officer pretended not to hear her words and dragged her out to be taken into custody. Chief Dallas left with the officers in a hurry.

“Celestine will never lay a hand on you again, Cleo… You won't be able to see her again,” Crimson said once the woman was out of sight.

“You promised, Daddy?” the child mumbled tearfully.

“Daddy promised,” Crimson responded, linking his pinky finger with hers.

“Thank you, Daddy…”

Cleo fluttered her eyes sleepily.

—

Crimson filed serious charges against Celestine: child abduction, child abuse, bribery, felony, and many more charges, most of which were non-bailable. She wouldn't be able to walk freely for now.

That brought me a semblance of peace. But the fight was far from over. The real battle was just getting started.

After tucking Cleo into bed and ensuring she was sound asleep, Crimson and I made our way back downstairs to the living room.

I was still not sleepy—neither was he—so we settled onto the couch to help ourselves to a glass of vintage wine from the wine cellar.

The room was silent. None of us dared to break it.

Halfway through our second glass, soft footsteps echoed from the stairs. Crimson and I both followed the sound and found his parents walking hand in hand.

"Could we speak for a moment?" Alexander inquired, his gaze darting between his son, me, and then back to his son.

Crimson looked at me meaningfully. Even without saying a word, I understood what he meant. He was asking for my permission if it was alright.

I gave him a nod, signaling my approval.

He looked relieved. He turned to his parents. "Of course," he replied, gesturing to the plush couch opposite us.

While Alicia settled into her seat, Alexander fetched two wine glasses before sitting beside his wife.

Alexander took a sip from his glass. “What happened today was a shock to us. We're just grateful that Cleo is safe and back home.” He took a deep breath and continued, "But we have some questions…. We want to know how Elizabeth became Cleo's mother.”

I forced down the lump in my throat. “Cleo was stolen from me after I gave birth.”

“Does it mean Cleo is Blaze’ twin?” Alicia asked.

“Yes, I just discovered recently that I actually gave birth to twins,” I murmured under my breath, feeling a surge of pain as I remembered the son I lost. “They wiped out my medical records to hide the existence of a second child.”

“I hate that cunning bitch!” Alicia spat, her fists clenched. “If she had done something similar to me, I would have killed her with my own hands! I don't know how she managed to keep it a secret for so long! Thank the Lord for not sleeping or else we'd never have found out the truth.”

"We should make sure that Celestine never walks in the sunlight again.” It was Alicia's husband.

Crimson cleared his throat. “That’s what I want. We have more than enough evidence to put her in jail for life.”

“From now on, our family will cut all connections with the Fords! I'll make sure they lose their prestige in society.” Alexander added.

“Setting the situation with Celestine aside, I'm glad that you're the mother of my granddaughter, Elizabeth,” Alicia murmured sincerely, making emotions swirl in my chest. “It's selfish of me to ask, but I really want you to end up with my son. However, you're already happily married, and I can't force the two of you to continue a relationship that ended years ago.”

“Alicia, you're a wonderful person, and any woman would be lucky to be your daughter-in-law. However, I have come to terms with the fact that Crimson and I are not meant to be together. If we were truly destined for each other, we would not have parted ways back then.”

“I understand, dear… You'll always be welcome in our home as Cleo's mother. You're like a daughter to me.”

We finished savoring our wines in silence.

After Alicia and Alexander left the room, I followed suit and retired for the evening. Crimson, however, chose to stay and finish the remaining wine.

"Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

“Goodnight.” I returned the polite gesture before heading off to my bedroom.

—

Throughout the night, I tossed and turned. My mind raced with thoughts and worries. I couldn't shake the image of what would have become of Cleo if Crimson and I had not found her.

I was so scared… I thought I would never see her again.

It was almost 1:00 am when I finally fell asleep.

I woke up late the next morning. I stumbled out of bed, my limbs heavy and my eyes burning from lack of rest.

“Mommy! Mommy! Daddy told me everything this morning….”

The door opened, and Cleo ran into the room. “You're my real mommy!”

“Yes Cleo, I'm your mother.” I replied, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Cleo jumped into my arms. “My prayers have been granted because I've been a good girl. You really are my mommy!”