Chapter 30

Tears streamed down my face as I looked at Sebastian. "Please..."

His jaw tightened, eyes burning with suppressed rage. "This won't stand."

The officer recited my rights while pulling me toward the exit.

Alexander wore a smug expression, watching with obvious satisfaction.

Sophia had set me up perfectly. Now I was being taken away for a crime I never committed.

"Release me!" I fought against the officers dragging me toward the police vehicle, cold metal cuffs digging into my wrists.

My heart raced, breaths coming in short bursts. This couldn't be real.

One moment I was in the garden, the next drenched in blood with Sophia screaming in agony.

Now I faced arrest for something I didn't do.

"Stop!" Sebastian's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and angry.

He pushed through the officers, his expression thunderous. "You're not taking my wife!"

The restraining officer didn't budge. "Step aside, sir," he ordered firmly.

"She's innocent!" Sebastian's voice remained steady and determined.

"Interfere and we'll arrest you too," another officer warned, his tone leaving no room for debate.

I shook my head at Sebastian, voice trembling. "Let them take me."

His jaw clenched, hands forming fists, but he finally nodded reluctantly.

"I'll be right behind you," he vowed.

As they pushed me into the police car's backseat, our eyes met through the window.

His face showed both fury and deep concern.

The police station felt cold and unwelcoming, harsh fluorescent lights creating a surreal atmosphere.

They took my fingerprints, captured my mugshot, and led me to a small holding cell with iron bars.

Sebastian arrived shortly after, his face tense with worry. He gripped the bars, knuckles turning white. "I'm getting you out of here."

"I know," I whispered, trying to maintain strength.

Hours passed. The station's distant hum filled the silence. Stale coffee and old paper scents hung in the air.

Then familiar voices echoed down the hallway.

My grandparents.

"Rachel!" Grandmother rushed toward the cell, eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright, dear?"

"I'm fine," I assured her, though my voice wavered slightly.

Grandfather's expression was grim. "We tried to post bail, but they won't process it until morning."

I swallowed hard. "It's okay."

"We're so sorry," Grandmother said, reaching through the bars to squeeze my hands.

I forced a small smile. "I'll be fine."

Sebastian crossed his arms, jaw tight. "I'm staying here."

The duty officer frowned. "That's not permitted."

Sebastian shot him a glare. "Watch me."

He sat on the bench outside my cell, refusing to leave. Hours stretched on, but he remained.

Eventually, the officers made him depart.

Before leaving, he leaned close. "I'll be waiting outside in the car," he whispered.

Next morning, approaching footsteps made me sit upright.

Eleanor.

And Sophia.

They stood before my cell, eyes shining with amusement.

"Well, well," Eleanor smirked. "How does it feel?"

Sophia gave a soft chuckle. "You walked right into our trap."

My stomach twisted. "You framed me."

Eleanor tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Did we?"

Sophia folded her arms. "That's what you get for meddling where you don't belong."

My fingers curled into fists. "You're sick."

Eleanor's smirk widened. "Maybe. But you're the one in a cell."

I glared at them, patience thinning. "What do you want?"

Sophia leaned closer, her voice dropping. "You won't be so lucky next time."

Before I could respond, an officer approached.

Sophia sighed dramatically. "I've had a change of heart."

I froze.

"I don't want to press charges," she said sweetly, voice dripping with false kindness. "I'm dropping everything."

The officer gave her a skeptical look but nodded. "You're free to go, Mrs. Crawford."

Eleanor smirked. "Guess today's your lucky day."

I stepped from the cell, head held high despite the storm inside.

I wouldn't let them see me break.

Eleanor and Sophia followed behind, whispering to each other, their giggles chilling my spine.

Sebastian waited outside, posture rigid, eyes scanning the station entrance.

When he saw me, relief flashed across his features.

"Rachel," he exhaled, pulling me into his embrace.

I buried my face in his chest, breathing his familiar scent. "I didn't do it," I whispered, voice cracking.

"I know," he murmured, arms tightening around me.

A mocking voice interrupted us.

Eleanor.

"There won't be a second chance," she said smoothly, stepping forward.

Sophia crossed her arms. "Back off, Rachel. Or next time, you won't walk away."

Sebastian stepped forward, shielding me. His voice turned icy. "Stay away from her."

Eleanor smirked. "Quid pro quo, Sebastian."

I frowned. "Was that a threat?"

Sebastian's expression darkened. "It means they know what happened to my mother."

Heavy silence fell between us.

Eleanor's eyes gleamed with something sinister. "You should've left things alone."

Sophia smirked. "But you didn't. Now you've got a war on your hands."

My pulse accelerated.

Eleanor leaned in, her voice barely audible. "Be careful, Rachel. You might not like how this ends."

Without another word, she and Sophia turned and walked away.

I released a shaky breath, hands trembling. "Sebastian..."

His grip on my waist tightened. "I won't let them hurt you."