Vivian swung the door open, and there, right in front of her, stood Ted. It took her by surprise, and for a moment, they both stood there in silence, their eyes locked. Finally finding her voice, Vivian stammered out, "What are you doing here?" Ted took a step forward, causing Vivian to instinctively move aside, allowing him to enter. He closed the door behind him, shutting out the outside world. As he stood in her living room, the space suddenly felt constricted, too small to contain the swirling emotions between them. "I can see you're all dressed up to go somewhere", Ted said recognizing that she was all dressed up. They stood in silence for what felt like an eternity until Vivian mustered the courage to break it. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Yes, I am on my way out. Ted, you can't be here. You have to leave right now." She pleaded with him, hoping he would understand the gravity of the situation.But Ted didn't budge. He looked at her intently, his expression unreadable. Viv
Vivian's eyes widened with shock as she came face to face with her sister Veronica. Her heart skipped a beat, and a wave of panic washed over her. The image of Ted lying on her bed, naked and vulnerable, flashed in her mind, intensifying her distress. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her palms turned clammy as she struggled to regain her composure.Veronica's voice pierced through the heavy silence, breaking the spell of astonishment. "Won't you let me in?" she asked her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. Vivian, taken aback by the question, stepped aside to allow Veronica entry into her home. As Veronica crossed the threshold, the tension in the air seemed to grow, their unspoken truths looming over them. Vivian knew that sooner or later, she would have to face the consequences of her actions and find a way to reveal the truth to her sister.Vivian closed the door behind them, her mind still racing with worry. "Vivian we need to talk, I need you to be completely honest w
Veronica's words hit Vivian like a sudden gust of wind, knocking the breath out of her. She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise and concern. In her shock, Vivian inadvertently swallowed the sip of wine she had just taken, causing it to go down the wrong pipe.Coughing and sputtering, Vivian desperately tried to regain her composure. The wine glass slipped from her hand, the crimson liquid splattering onto her vibrant red robe, staining it like drops of scattered paint. Her hands trembled as she instinctively reached for a nearby tissue, hastily blotting the spilt wine to salvage what she could of her garment.Wide-eyed, Vivian looked at Veronica, her voice strained and filled with worry. "An affair? Are you sure?" she managed to utter, her words punctuated by lingering coughs.Veronica nodded her expression, a mix of sadness and determination. "I suspected something was off for a while now. When we first met, he used to act like he was trying to find someone else in me. When we made
After sending the apologetic text to Leslie, Vivian climbed into bed, her mind plagued with restlessness. She tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position as her thoughts consumed her. Sleep evaded her for what felt like an eternity until exhaustion finally took hold, and she drifted into a dreamless slumber.Sometime during the night, Vivian abruptly awoke, her heart pounding in her chest. A wave of realization washed over her as she remembered a crucial detail—she and Ted hadn't used protection. The weight of her irresponsibility settled heavily upon her conscience, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of remorse and anxiety. It was a situation she had never encountered before since she became independent and took charge of her life.Though her mind dared to wander towards worst-case scenarios, Vivian forced herself to push those thoughts aside. She made a solemn promise to confront the issue in the morning and take the necessary steps to address it responsibly. With a
When he had seen Vivian walk into the office in her trousers suit, Leslie couldn't help but drink in her beauty. The way she carried herself with confidence and grace had captivated him from the moment she entered the room. As the meeting progressed, his mind couldn't help but wander to the email he had been eagerly waiting for from Chloe. Just before Vivian had approached him after the meeting, Leslie's eyes flickered to his phone screen, and there it was—the long-awaited email. He felt a surge of excitement and anticipation course through him. As Leslie dressed for the dinner with Vivian, he opted for a casual yet polished look. He chose a well-fitted black shirt, dark jeans, and dress shoes, complemented by a casual deep blue blazer. He wanted to strike a balance between sophistication and a relaxed vibe, avoiding an overly formal appearance.While getting ready, the email he had received from Chloe, the skilled private investigator he often worked with, kept replaying in his m
Vivian swiftly positioned herself between Leslie and Ted, sensing the brewing tension and the need for immediate intervention. In a hushed tone, she whispered to Leslie, "Please give me a minute." Her voice carried a mixture of urgency and plea, hoping that he would understand the gravity of the situation.Leslie, though visibly hesitant, obliged and took a step back. He cast a lingering glance at Ted before slowly retreating upstairs, leaving Vivian and Ted to confront the unfolding situation.Now face to face, Vivian turned her attention solely to Ted, her eyes searching for answers and her heart racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The air seemed heavy with unspoken words as she silently beckoned Ted to explain his unexpected presence.Ted took a deep breath, his gaze locked with Vivian's, and began, "Vivian, I needed to see you. There are things we need to discuss, unresolved matters that have been haunting me since our last time together." His voice was laced with a mix of urgenc
Immediately Veronica walked into the sitting room, her restless pacing back and forth set off alarm bells in Vivian's mind. It was evident that something was terribly wrong. "I can't believe you couldn't let me have this one thing. This one thing," Veronica exclaimed, raising her index finger accusatorily.As the words spilled from Veronica's lips, Vivian's heart sank, realizing the depth of her sister's anger and disappointment. From her voice, Vivian knew that her sister was frustrated and deeply hurt. Vivian felt a knot tighten in her stomach, realizing the weight of her actions.Veronica continued her tirade, expressing her grievances. "Every time, you have to be a damsel in distress. Everyone has to leave everything and come to your rescue. You shit over everything in your life, now you are shitting over mine. How could you?" Her words were laced with frustration and a sense of betrayal.With a careless thud, Veronica plopped down on the sofa, clearly overwhelmed. Vivian could
Vivian, still clad in her nightwear and hastily thrown-on kimono, swung the door open to find her mother standing before her. Regina, her mother, was impeccably dressed even in her active wear, a testament to her unwavering commitment to maintaining a polished appearance. She wore a sleek black workout top that hugged her figure, paired with matching leggings and pristine white sneakers. Her silver hair was styled flawlessly, and a hint of perspiration on her forehead suggested she had just returned from an intense workout session."Good morning, Mom," Vivian greeted, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and apprehension.Regina acknowledged her daughter with a warm smile and gracefully made her way into the living room, taking a seat on the couch. Vivian followed suit, her mind racing with thoughts of the impending conversation."What is going on between you and your sister?" Regina asked directly, wasting no time in getting to the heart of the matter. Her piercing gaze locked o
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