Adrian's Point Of View Waking up felt like climbing out of a foggy abyss. My head pounded like a drum, the aftermath of too much whiskey and too many regrets. The morning light was merciless, seeping through the heavy curtains and stabbing at my eyes. But none of that mattered. As soon as my mind stirred awake, her words slammed into me like a freight train."Adrian, I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning."The memory hit me so hard, I bolted upright. Panic clawed at my chest. She couldn’t leave. Not after everything. Not after she promised me forever. I swung my legs off the bed, ready to race to her room and beg her to stay if I had to, again.But then, I froze.There, curled up on the other side of the bed, was Emma.My breath hitched, and my heart thudded in my chest as relief coursed through me. She was still here. Her dark hair spilled over the pillow in soft waves, her lashes fluttering lightly against her cheeks. My chest tightened at the sight of her, peaceful and warm, li
Adrian’s Point Of ViewThe hum of my office was familiar, a dull background noise to the weight of my thoughts. I was staring at the polished surface of my desk, trying to focus on the spreadsheets in front of me, but Emma’s laugh kept replaying in my mind. It was both a comfort and a distraction, a reminder of the good things in my life that I couldn’t afford to lose.“Sir?”Gabrielle’s voice pulled me from my reverie. My assistant stood in the doorway, holding her ever-present notepad. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for acknowledgment.“Come in,” I said, sitting up straighter and attempting to shove my wandering thoughts aside.She approached with her usual efficiency, placing the notepad in front of me. “Here’s your schedule for today,” she said, rattling off meetings, calls, and presentations. I nodded along, though half my mind was still elsewhere.When she finished, I leaned back in my chair. “How’s your son, Gabrielle?”Her face softened at the mention of him indicating
Emma’s Point of ViewThe laughter bubbled up from deep within me, light and carefree as I watched the protagonist on-screen tumble into another hilarious predicament. Curled up on the couch, popcorn in hand, I savored this rare day off. The house was silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves outside, and I relished the peace. Sara, our cook, had her day off too, leaving me alone to unwind.But peace, as I should’ve expected, was fleeting.The doorbell rang.I frowned, glancing at the clock. Adrian wouldn’t be back until the next two hours, and I wasn’t expecting anyone. The bell chimed again, this time more impatiently. Annoyed, I paused the movie and stood up, muttering under my breath."Hold your horses, I’m coming!" I called, making my way to the door.I opened it to a smiling face I never wanted to see again... Celia.Her smile widened, her eyes alight with mischief, and in that moment, I knew this wasn’t a casual visit. My own smile vanished.“What are you doing here?” I
Emma’s Point of ViewThe taste of tequila still clung bitterly to my lips as I swirled the last remnants of my drink in the glass. The dim bar lights flickered, casting shadows over the room that matched the darkness in my chest. I didn’t belong here, my elegant blouse now wrinkled and stained, my makeup smudged from crying. But I didn’t care.“Another,” I slurred, sliding my empty glass toward the bartender.“Lady, you’ve had enough,” he replied, crossing his arms.My laugh was humorless. “Enough? Oh, sweetheart, I’ve never had enough.” I slammed my hand on the counter. “Pour the damn drink.”He sighed but complied, and as I took another gulp, the memories I’d tried to drown surfaced once more. Adrian. Celia. That smug smile on her face when she announced she was pregnant with his child. My throat burned, and it wasn’t just from the alcohol.“You’re such an idiot,” I muttered to myself, tears slipping down my cheeks. “How could you trust him? How could you think you mattered?”I tipp
Adrian's Point Of ViewThe tension in the air was thick enough to choke on as I stormed down the hall, my footsteps reverberating like thunder against the wooden floors. I shoved the door to Emma's new room open with enough force to rattle the hinges. There she was, sitting on the edge of the tiny bed like she was the queen of the damned world. The sight of her, defiant and unbothered, ignited something primal in me.She jumped, startled by my entrance, but her expression quickly hardened into that maddening mask of defiance. “Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be in the damn kitchen making me breakfast?” I spat, my tone dripping with venom.“If you want breakfast, ask your dear lovely Celia to make it. I’m not your maid,” she snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. My jaw clenched.I felt my temper snap. “Yes, you are my maid, Emma. My slave, remember? You owe me five hundred thousand dollars for your damn brothers medical bill, and you will work off every damn ce
Emma’s Point of ViewThe air in the room was suffocating, heavy with the weight of days spent drowning in humiliation and pain. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how I had become a prisoner in the life I thought I’d build with Adrian. The door creaked open, again. I didn’t flinch this time. I was used to their invasions.Adrian’s tall, brooding figure stepped in, his face cold and unreadable. Behind him trailed his mother Evelyn, her disdain practically oozing off her in waves, and Celia, wearing her usual smirk, triumphant and vile. It was like clockwork, another day, another attempt to break me. I sat up, ready to face whatever venom they had prepared. If they thought I was going to cower, they were in for a surprise.Without a word, Adrian tossed a thick envelope onto the bed, its weight echoing with finality.I glanced at it before meeting his icy gaze. “What’s this?” My voice was steady, but my chest burned with a thousand unanswered questions.Evelyn huffed dra
Emma’s Point Of ViewThe café was alive with its usual hum of chatter and clinking coffee cups. The smell of freshly brewed coffee swirled in the air, blending with the sweetness of pastries fresh out of the oven. It was the kind of setting I once found comforting, but now, it was merely a distraction from the chaos in my mind. I have been working here for almost a month now, I was carrying a tray to a customer when Sarah, one of my colleagues, rushed toward me, untying her apron."Emma, could you fill in for me? I have an emergency," she said hurriedly.“Of course,” I replied, giving her a tight smile. It wasn’t like I had anything better to do.Sliding into her role, I carried out a plate of pastries and a steaming cup of coffee, placing it in front of one of our regulars. He gave me a smile and said, “The usual, huh?”I nodded politely “Enjoy, sir,” I responded with another tight smile before retreating behind the counter.As I set up the next order, I suddenly felt the world aroun
Emma's Point of ViewI sat in the backseat of the cab, my heart thudding loudly against my chest as the city blurred past the window. Every turn the car took seemed to bring me closer to the moment that could change my life forever. Adrian. My lips curled into a soft smile as I pictured his reaction when I told him the news.“You’re… pregnant?” I imagined him saying, his voice full of surprise and wonder. In my mind, his shock would quickly give way to joy. He would lift me off my feet, spinning me around in celebration, his laughter filling the space between us. For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to hope... really hope, that maybe this baby would bring us back together, that the love we once had could be rekindled.I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when the cab came to a stop.“We’re here,” the driver said, pulling me out of my daydream.I handed him a few bills, murmured a quick thanks, and stepped out of the car. Adrian’s house loomed ahead of me, its ta
Adrian’s Point Of View~~ Flashback ~~The soft hum of chatter filled the cozy café, blending with the clink of cups and the hiss of the espresso machine. I pushed the door open, the bell above jingling as I walked inside. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on herCelia had tucked herself away in a quiet corner, her fingers nervously playing with the handle of her cup.She looked up the moment she noticed me and offered a faint smile. “You came.”I pulled the chair out and sat across from her, my expression guarded. “What do you want, Celia?”Her smile faltered, her hands tightening around the coffee cup. “Adrian… can we not do this any longer?” She reached across the table, trying to touch my hand, but I pulled back instinctively.Her shoulders sagged, but she pressed on, her voice cracking slightly. “Why do you hate me so much? We used to be close. We dated, remember? Why is it so hard for you to forgive me for that night?”I inhaled deeply, weighing my words before I spoke.
Emma's Point Of View The scent of sautéed vegetables filled the kitchen as I stirred the pan, lost in the rhythm of preparing lunch. It was oddly therapeutic, chopping, stirring, seasoning each action giving me a moment of calm in the whirlwind my life had been lately.A pair of familiar arms snaked around my waist, pulling me back against a firm chest. Adrian’s breath brushed my neck before his lips followed, planting slow, deliberate kisses along my skin.I couldn’t help but chuckle. “When did you wake up, silly?”“A few minutes ago,” he murmured between kisses, his voice low and teasing, “and turns out, this beautiful lady of mine wasn’t in bed with me.”I smiled, leaning back into him. “Lily woke up early and wanted food. So, here I am, making her a healthy meal.”He nuzzled into my neck, pressing one more kiss there. “That’s a thoughtful mother right there.”He finally let me go, but not before sneaking a berry from the plate on the counter.“Adrian!” I scolded, giving him a pla
Emma’s Point of ViewThe soft morning light filtered through the hospital blinds, painting pale stripes across the room. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor had become strangely comforting over the past few days. Sitting between Adrian and Lily felt like breathing for the first time in weeks. The worst was finally behind us.Its been a week and Lily still lay on her hospital bed, her tiny hands gripping a plush bunny, but her color was beginning to return, cheeks flushed with life again. Adrian, on the bed next to hers, looked healthier too.. though the IV on his arm and the sore back he has reminded me of what he gave up for our daughter.“Good morning, Mr. Steele,” Dr. Frederick’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as he stepped in, clipboard in hand.Adrian sat up straighter, despite the stiffness in his movements. “Doc,” he greeted with a half-smile.The doctor made his rounds quickly, checking Lily’s vitals first. “She’s responding remarkably well. The traces of leukemia are
Adrian's Point Of ViewOutside Lily's room I couldn't help but let my tears run freely, I was holding back for the sake of Emma, she was already a mess, how do I let her see this mess of a man.I spent 5 years without my child and now that I'm finally getting back with my daughter, this happens. It feels like the universe doesn't want me anywhere close to being a father. "We are all done Sir" I had sat through pierces of syringes with out an iota of pain as my mind was pain stricken enough to register such minor pain. Looking at the tiny plaster placed on the pierced area, I knew it was worth it. "This was for Lily, anything for my little girl." I assured myself, turning to the nurse and asked "When should I expect the results?""Blood match should be out within 24 hours" she said, I nodded before getting back to the room.Emma had slept off while crying, she had her head on the bed while holding Lily's tiny hands. My heart ached at the sight before me, Emma had been through a lot
Emma's Point Of View "So Princess, who told you that babies are bought?" I asked as we drove. I briefly glanced at her through the rear mirror, to see her playing with her stuffed rabbit which was always in my car. "In a book mummy, we read it that beanies are bought in a baby store" she says innocently not taking her eyes off the teddy for a secondI chuckled and continued driving, Adrian’s return into our lives may have been an unexpected event but it sure made me see life in a new phase. "Who knows how his mother is faring?" I thought quietly as my mind reeled into the events of these last few months. She may have acted like a self-centered witch but she is still Adrian's mother, I know what it means to lose a family member, she may not be dead but her absence would definitely take a toll on AdrianThe rest of the drive was familiar blur if thoughts, when we finally arrived at the school gate, I got out and helped Lily out of the back seat“Hey baby, be good at school okay?” I
Adrian’s Point of ViewWaking up to a cold, empty bed wasn’t something I was used to these past few days. The absence of Emma's warmth beside me felt strange... Off, even. I stretched my hand over to her side, but all I felt was the chilled sheets. Frowning, I sat up, ruffling my messy hair, my bare feet brushing against the cold wooden floor as I slid into my slippers.“Emma? Love?” I called out softly, though I already knew she might not be in the room.The bathroom light was off. Empty.I sighed, pushing my groggy body out of bed. The house was oddly quiet, too quiet for a place that usually buzzed with Emma’s soft humming or Lily’s endless chatter. As I padded down the stairs, the faint melody of a nursery rhyme echoed from the kitchen. A soft smile crept onto my face."Twinkle, twinkle, little star..." I stopped by the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, leaning against the frame. There they were.. Emma, with her messy bun falling out of place, flipping pancakes with that peaceful lo
Emma's Point of ViewThe Prison lights buzzed faintly above me, a dull hum that had become all too familiar in the past weeks. I sat on the edge of the cold, metal cot, twisting my fingers together, my heart racing with an unsettling mix of hope and dread. Today was my hearing, the day that would determine whether my life spiraled deeper into chaos or finally clawed its way back to normal.I glanced at the rusted clock on the wall in the hallway. Its slow, dragging ticks only heightened my anxiety. Every second felt like it was mocking me.The sharp jingle of keys snapped me out of my thoughts. A guard appeared at the cell gate, his eyes scanning the clipboard in his hands before calling out, "Emma Carter, you have a visitor."I blinked, surprised. "A visitor?" I echoed under my breath. My heart thumped painfully hard against my ribs as I stood, wiping my clammy palms against my jeans.“Let’s go,” the guard said gruffly.I followed him through the echoing corridors until we reached th
Adrian’s Point of ViewOne week in and I feel like I'm losing it, the weight of the world seemed to be crashing down on me, my fingers drumming impatiently on the glossy surface. Tomorrow was the damn court hearing, and I hadn’t heard a single word from Pedro since he walked out of the cell with Emma’s staff records. Days of silence... nothing.The tension was driving me insane.Papers were scattered all over my desk from financial reports to legal documents, you name it. But my mind wasn’t on any of them. Instead, it was stuck on the thought of Emma sitting behind those cold bars, waiting for me to pull off a miracle. And Lily... God, Lily. She kept asking when her mom would be home, and each time, it felt like a knife to the chest.My phone vibrated sharply against the wood. I snatched it up without even looking, but when I did, I frozePedro.“Finally,” I muttered before answering, “Pedro. Please tell me you’ve got something.”“Turns out,” Pedro’s gravelly voice echoed through the
Adrian’s Point of ViewMy mind ran wild as I drove out of the house, the only sound interfering with my thoughts were just the sound of the car engine. My hands gripped the steering wheels tightly as my knuckles turned as white as sheet. Lily sat in the backseat, her tiny hands clutching her backpack, while Paul, Naomi’s Son, gazed out the window, unaware of the storm that was brewing in my mind.“Daddy,” Lily’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.I glanced into the rearview mirror, locking eyes with her big, innocent ones. “Yes, princess?”She hesitated, her fingers playing with the strap of her bag. “When’s Mommy and Aunty Naomi coming home?”My chest tightened. God, how was I supposed to answer that? I forced a smile, even though my heart was heavy. “Very soon, baby. Mommy’s just… handling a little business. She and Aunty Naomi will be back before you know it.”Lily’s small head nodded, but her eyes told me she didn’t buy it. Kids... they always seem to know when you’re lying. I