As the words escaped Leslie's lips, time seemed to come to a standstill. The air around them felt heavy with anticipation, and the atmosphere in the restaurant grew charged with a mix of surprise, disbelief, and an undercurrent of raw emotion.Vivian's eyes widened, her delicate features frozen in a moment of astonishment. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a fleeting moment, she struggled to find the right words to respond to Leslie's unexpected revelation.Leslie's heart pounded in his chest as he realized the weight of what he had just confessed. His mind raced, trying to catch up with his impulsive declaration. He looked at Vivian, searching her face for any sign of her reaction, hoping for a glimmer of understanding or acceptance.The room seemed to fade away as the gravity of the situation settled upon them. Their connection, once so full of lightness and joy, now bore the weight of an unforeseen turn in their journey. Uncertainty and vulnerability danced in the air betwee
"Can I call to reschedule, please ?", Leslie had asked, "Yes", she answered, "Please excuse me".Leslie sat there and couldn't stand up, yet again, Emma had left him waiting for her. Leslie finally got up walked to his car and drove away. On. the ride to his office, Leslie's mind was buzzing with a lot of thoughts. Was Emma even pregnant? Why was she avoiding a paternity test? Between yesterday and this morning could she have lost the baby? Leslie was drowning in a sea of questions. Anytime Emma came into his life he always lost something, he had lost his heart to her, and he had almost lost his mind after she had left him waiting for him at the altar, this time Emma had just made him lose his relationship with Vivian. 'No, not again', Leslie said to himself as he swung the car around and found his way to Emma's Airbnb. Leslie's determination to find answers surged within him as he parked his car outside Emma's Airbnb. He stepped out, his heart pounding in his chest, and approach
Vivian paced back and forth in her bedroom after Natalia's call. She had so many questions swirling around in her head. Was Ted the father? How far along was Veronica's pregnancy? How was her sister's mental health and well-being? Vivian missed having her sister always there for her at any minute of the day she needed her. Her mind drifted to Ted, Vivian knew he would soon arrive for the evening stroll she insisted Vivian take for the baby. The discussion on the status of there had been put on hold since she found out she was expecting. She picked up her cellphone and for a minute she toiled with the idea of calling Leslie. She had missed being close to him, seeing him at the office always felt like torture.Vivian's heart wavered as she contemplated reaching out to Leslie. The thought of his warm presence, the familiarity they once shared, tugged at her emotions. She longed for the comfort and connection they had, but the fear of complicating things further held her back. Her mind re
Emma's expression at the hospital had shifted from surprise to a mix of frustration and confusion. She couldn't understand why Leslie had brought her here without prior discussion or consent. Her mind was racing with thoughts, her emotions tangled and turbulent.As they pulled into her Airbnb after the test, the atmosphere in the car was heavy with tension. Leslie turned off the engine and turned towards Emma, his voice filled with genuine concern."How are you feeling?" he asked, his eyes searching for any sign of her emotional state.Emma remained silent, her gaze fixed on a point in the distance. "I am sorry, Emma. I know I kind of scheduled the test without discussing it with you, and... what the hell, I am sorry I tricked you into taking the test," Leslie admitted. "I was worried you wouldn't show up again, and I needed to get this whole test thing behind us."Emma remained silent, her expression unreadable. Leslie's heart sank as he pleaded for her to break the silence."Please
The door swings open, revealing Leslie standing there with a bouquet of yellow roses. Vivian's heart skips a beat as a mix of emotions washes over her. She feels a surge of happiness at the sight of him, yet there's a tinge of sadness and apprehension in the depths of her eyes."Come in," Vivian says softly, stepping aside to allow Leslie to enter. Her voice quivers slightly, betraying her inner turmoil. Leslie steps inside, his presence filling the room. Leslie. could feel the tension in the room it was so thick, it could be cut with a knife. "Mom, meet my boss, Leslie", Vivian gestured to Leslie, "Leslie, my mom, Regina". "Nice to meet you", Regina said sizing Leslie up with her eyes, "Same here", Leslie responds suddenly self-conscious. "I'm sorry for bursting in like this," Leslie said to Vivian as he handed her the bouquet, his voice tinged with regret. "I needed to talk to you."As Vivian's mother realizes the tension in the room, she gracefully excuses herself. "I'll be up
The room was so quiet, if a pin dropped at that moment the sound would be deafening. "Vivian can you calm down and let me explain", Leslie said in a low voice. "investigating you or talking to Susan about you was not meant to offend you, that was never my intention. I was just trying to protect my heart", Leslie said the frustration he was feeling was evident in his voice. The room was engulfed in a heavy tension Leslie's words hung in the air, his voice filled with both frustration and desperation as he tried to explain himself.Vivian's gaze remained fixed outside, her expression unreadable. Leslie couldn't bear the silence any longer and slowly got up from his seat, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. He approached Vivian, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and sincerity."Vivian," he said softly, reaching out a hand to gently touch her arm. "I care for you deeply, more than I could ever put into words. Truth is, I am in love with you. These past few months wit
Vivian and Regia both relieved the past at that moment. Their minds drifted back to a heart-wrenching memory from the month before Vivian and Veronica's eighteenth birthday. Her parents had been invited to a gala, leaving Vivian and Veronica unsupervised for the evening. Despite Veronica's warnings and disapproval, Vivian had snuck off to attend a party organized by some rich college boys. "Vivian, please don't go. I have a bad feeling about this," Veronica pleaded. "Nothing will happen, Ronnie. It's just a party," Vivian had dismissed her sister's concerns with a careless wave of her hand. After about a month had passed, Vivian started feeling unwell, and she quickly attributed it to the stress of planning their extravagant eighteenth birthday bash.One thing Vivian hated was visiting the hospital. She hated needles, taking pills, and generally, the way hospitals smell. The symptoms persisted but it didn't stop her from going about her day. "You need to visit the clinic or let Mo
"She ... she wants to see me?", Vivian stammered, she sat up and looked at her mother. Regina sighed and looked at her daughter, shaking her head she responded, "Not she doesn't. I just lied to you but I need both of you to settle your differences. Tell me, Vivian what happened between you. She has told me her version, I would like to hear yours". Vivian inhaled and looked away as she recounted her experiences since the first day she laid her eyes on Ted. Regina listened silently as Vivian described everything that went down, "I know I should have told Ronnie immediately I recognised Ted, I just didn't know how to go about it", Vivian explained. Regina still didn't say a word and that gave Vivian the courage to continue, "I was planning on telling her but then Ted came here and one thing led to another and I slept with him again. Everything became even messier, it metamorphosed from a case of we had history, to something else". "I just can't face her now ", Vivian stated, "I am u
Hazel EyesAnastasia Perry, an elegant figure at 5'10" with striking blue eyes and flowing blonde hair, stood amidst the bustling city sidewalk. Her cobalt blue pantsuit radiated confidence, while her honey blonde hair was impeccably gathered into a sleek ponytail. The world outside was a whirlwind of activity, but Anastasia's focus was on one thing – her wristwatch. Time was slipping away, and she knew she had to hurry. Her job interview at the prestigious Pinnacle investment banking organization was scheduled for this morning at eight, and the stakes had never been higher.Pinnacle Investment Bank was a financial institution of immense prestige and global recognition, making it the epitome of success in the world of finance. Anastasia's excitement was well-founded, as Pinnacle represented the pinnacle of achievement in the world of investment banking, and she was on the cusp of becoming a part of its illustrious legacy.The day began with an unexpected and unwelcome obstacle. Anastas
Prologue Anastasia lay on her luxurious bed in the Queen's suite of a five-star hotel. Laughter and music echoed from the sitting room where her bridal party reveled in pre-wedding festivities. However, she was alone, engulfed in a sea of emotions, her tears staining her meticulously applied bridal makeup.Moments ago, she had been the picture of excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment when she would become Mrs. Anastasia Matthew Smith. Matthew had always been the love of her life, he had loved her completely and deeply just the way she had always wanted to be loved. But now, the once joyous bride-to-be was grappling with a torrent of doubts and despair.As she gazed at her reflection in the vanity mirror, her beautiful lace wedding gown, hand-beaded to perfection, felt like an unbearable weight. Anastasia couldn't fathom how everything had unraveled so swiftly. "How could it have all been a lie?" she whispered to her reflection.Her heart heavy with sorrow, she rose from the bed,
EpilogueRegina and Victor had been through a tumultuous journey, filled with pain, secrets, and betrayals. However, after the dramatic confrontation at Vivian's wedding, something began to change. The shock of seeing Mona Lisa and witnessing the chaos she had caused acted as a catalyst for a long-overdue conversation between Regina and Victor. The events of that day had forced them to confront their issues, and it had become evident that they couldn't keep living separate lives.In the days following the wedding, Regina and Victor spent hours talking and sharing their feelings. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was also incredibly cathartic. Regina expressed her hurt, anger, and disappointment while Victor admitted to his mistakes and the pain he had caused her. It wasn't an easy process, and at times, it seemed as though they might not make it through. But what they discovered was that, beneath the hurt, there was still love, a deep and enduring love that had been overshadowe
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue across the expansive garden. It was Vivian's special day, a day she had dreamt about since she was a little girl. The garden had been transformed into a breathtaking paradise, adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, and an elegant white archway stood at the end of a long, flower-strewn aisle. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses, lilies, and gardenias. There was a palpable sense of excitement, anticipation, and joy in the atmosphere as the guests gathered, taking their seats on either side of the aisle.Vivian, radiant in her flowing white gown, stood at the garden's entrance, flanked by her bridesmaids. Her dress was a masterpiece, adorned with delicate lace and shimmering with intricate beading. Her long veil cascaded down her back like a waterfall, creating a vision of pure elegance and beauty.As the soft strains of a violin filled the air, the guests turned their attention toward the aisle. The bridesmaids, dressed i
"Sit down," Regina said firmly as she took a seat on the bed bench, and Victor followed suit, sitting beside her. Regina gazed into his eyes, her emotions palpable."Victor," she began, her voice laced with a blend of disappointment and hurt, "we've been married for nearly forty years. Why didn't you just ask me for a divorce instead? Instead, you put me through years of torment. I can't even begin to explain the psychological torture of sleeping alone most nights while you were with your mistress. Was I that terrible of a wife? And the audacity she has to come here, astonishes me."A heavy silence hung in the room, punctuated only by the tension in the air. Regina, unable to bear the silence any longer, grew frustrated."I need answers, Victor," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. "Talk to me."Victor sat in stony silence, his gaze averted, as Regina's words pierced the air like a knife. She continued, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness."Vi
The atmosphere by the poolside was heavy with tension. Regina, wearing a worried expression, walked up to Victor, positioning herself between him and Mona Lisa. She spoke firmly, her voice laced with concern, "Victor, can you please tell me what is going on here? What is she talking about?"A hushed silence enveloped the area as everyone held their breath, anxiously awaiting Victor's response. Even the babies, cradled by their nannies, were now asleep.Regina, her eyes locked on Victor's, repeated her question with a tinge of urgency, "Victor, answer me."Mona Lisa, who had remained relatively quiet, suddenly chimed in, her voice full of intrigue, "I will tell you."All eyes turned to her, waiting for her to reveal the mysterious truth that had brought her here, casting a shadow over the joyous occasion.Regina fixed her gaze on Mona Lisa and pressed further, her tone resolute, "Mona Lisa, what do you have to tell me?"The question lingered in the air, and although it weighed heavily o
On the morning of Vivian's wedding, the atmosphere was alive with energy and excitement. The gates were wide open, allowing easy access for the wedding planner and various vendors to enter the garden where the ceremony would be held. The wedding decorators were a flurry of activity, tirelessly working to transform the garden into a dreamlike wedding venue. It was a bustling scene as the team prepared to create a beautiful backdrop for Vivian's special day.Sebastian was summoned to check the door because someone was inquiring about Victor Moore, his boss. In his role as Victor's assistant, Sebastian managed appointments and was well aware that Victor had a free schedule for the day. Victor had explicitly instructed Sebastian to clear his agenda in light of his daughter's wedding. When Sebastian opened the door and laid eyes on Mona Lisa, his expression shifted from professional calm to surprise and uncertainty. Sebastian had been in Victor Moore's employ for nearly five years, startin
At sixty-three years old, Victor Moore was a remarkable and illustrious man. At six feet and three inches tall, he was a sight to behold anywhere he went. His well-built, slender figure radiated strength and energy. His well-manicured salt-and-pepper hair gave him an impression of seniority and experience.His well-defined facial features showed signs of a guy who had matured with dignity. His well-groomed beard and powerful jawline gave him an air of rugged handsomeness. His deep-set, piercing blue eyes sparkled with charisma and intelligence, frequently creating a lasting impact on anyone he encountered.Victor was renowned for having a flawless sense of fashion. He always had a polished appearance, regardless of whether he was wearing a well-tailored suit or more casual wear. His age didn't affect his impeccable posture, which was a reflection of his assured and self-assured personality.Victor Moore was unique in many ways than just his appearance. He drew people to him with his ch
That morning, Vivian had told her that Ted might come over to the house because of the DNA test result. She had decided to go for her post natal appointment with her baby Alexander and subsequently stop over to see her father, Victor Moore. She just wasn't ready for any awkward meeting with Ted. As she finished up at the hospital it was about twelve noon, Veronica drove off to her father's office to see him and kill time as well. when she got to his office she needed to use the convenience urgently. Victor Moore had always been an absentee father, always travelling and barely at home. He had recently come into town to see Vivian's babies, Veronica couldn't count the number of times her father had attended her and Vivian's birthdays for the entirety of their childhood. Their mother never complained and Veronica always thought her mother deserved better. After speaking with her father'ssecretary, the pleasant lady insisted Veronica sit and wait because her father was already in a meetin