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 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 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 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
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
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~~~Flashback~~~“Emma, you are the only woman I will ever love and hold till eternity. This may not be a vow at the altar, but it's my vow to you.”Adrian’s words echoed in my mind, wrapping around my heart like a warm embrace. "I love you too Adrian, I promise you my love and devotion. I want to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life" I said back to him as he hugged me tightly, raising my head to meet his, he crashed his lips on mine, kissing me with so much passion and want, my hands flew to his hair as I massaged it! "I love you so damn much Emma" he spoke into my lips as I groaned.. ~~~Flash back ends~~~It had been two days since he made love to me, whispering sweet promises against my skin, as if engraving them into my soul. Sitting before the grand vanity mirror, I gazed at my reflection, feeling a rush of emotions. Six years ago, I would have laughed at the idea of marrying Adrian Steele. He had been nothing more than an infuriating, ar
Emma’s Point of View The first thing I registered was the cold. The kind that seeped into my bones, numbing every inch of my skin. My body ached as I stirred, my head throbbing with the weight of unconsciousness. I blinked, my vision adjusting to the dim light above me. It flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows across the warehouse’s bare concrete walls. My wedding dress, now wrinkled and slightly torn, clung to my body. I was tied to a chair, my wrists burning from the rough ropes biting into my skin.A slow, creeping dread settled in my chest. Where was I?I tried to shift, but the chair screeched against the concrete floor, the sound echoing in the silence. My breath hitched. Someone would hear me. Or maybe… someone already had.A door creaked open."Who’s there?" My voice was hoarse, desperate. "Please, let me go. I beg you! How much do you want? My husband... he’ll pay you anything! Just name your price! Please..."A figure stepped into the light, the glow illuminating their fa
Adrian’s Point Of View“Lily hurry up Sweetheart” I yelled from the sitting room. Checking my wristwatch it was a few minutes past 7am. I needed to drop off Lily at school before 8am, then head to the hospital to see Celia. I couldn't rest easy all night, i’d have gone to the hospital last night but it's too risky to take lily with me last night and she couldn't stay home alone. Then I heard little footsteps dragging my attention back to the stairs as Lily descended. I quickly stood up and walked up to her, picking her off the ground to hasten the walk, I sat her in her car seat and off we sped into the road. It wasn't long until we got to her school, hurriedly I helped her into the gates and rushed back into the car and started the car. At the speed of light I hit the road, only stopping at the hospital entrance. I hurried in and asked the nurse at the station “Excuse me, could I see Celia Guerrero, she was brought in last night” I asked“Hold on please” she scrambled on her keyb
Celia’s Point of View“My plans were finally falling into place” I murmured drumming my fingers rhythmically against the steering wheel as I drive into the busy roads of New York City, a sly smile playing at my lips as I drove through the dimly Lit streets. Despite approaching evening, The city was alive and buzzing with its usual chaosblaring horns, distant sirens, the occasional flicker of neon signs cutting through the darkness. But none of it mattered. Not tonight. Tonight was about control, about setting the pieces in place for the inevitable checkmate. The anticipation bubbling inside me was almost intoxicating.I pulled into the parking lot of a small, nondescript restaurant, a hole-in-the-wall place tucked away in a forgotten part of the city. I exhaled sharply, reaching for the hoodie on the passenger seat. Pulling it over my head, I adjusted the baseball cap snugly before sliding on a pair of oversized dark shades. A quick glance in the rearview mirror confirmed that I looke
Ryan’s Point Of ViewWe have been out here for hours, it took me a whole lot getting Celia’s residential address. For some reason she had this file hidden but I always had my way around it all. The air inside the car was thick with tension, the kind that came from hours of waiting with no payoff. Marian let out a dramatic sigh, stretching her legs as much as the cramped car allowed."Ryan, we’ve been sitting here for hours, ""So?" I muttered, my eyes locked on the house we were watching."So?" she repeated, voice dripping with irritation. "I didn’t think we’d be this useless. I thought we'd have gotten closer to the truth by now so everything will be over and done with."I shot her a glare. "If you are tired, why don’t you just leave? I don't remember asking you to tag along you know.""i tagged along because I want to catch Celia too. To get this damn complication out of our lives," she huffed, arms crossing over her chest. "I just didn’t sign up for a full-day surveillance missio
Celia’s Point Of ViewThe rich aroma of wine filled the air as I swirled the deep red liquid in my glass, my fingers lazily tracing the rim. The soft glow of the chandelier cast golden reflections against the pristine marble floors of my living room. Everything was perfect, just as it should be. My plans were working and it was just a few more cards to play before it all happens.I took a slow sip, savoring the taste of expensive indulgence, relishing the satisfaction of knowing that everything was going according to plan. Adrian was slipping further into my grasp, Emma was as good as forgotten, and soon, my life would be exactly as I had envisioned it.Then my phone rang.I didn’t even have to check the caller ID... I already knew who it was.Adrian. Again. This was the umpteenth time he was calling.I ignored it, continuing to sip my wine. But the ringing didn’t stop. Over and over, it filled the air, each shrill tone like a mosquito buzzing in my ear.Annoyance prickled through me.
Emma’s Point Of ViewI have spent so long in here that I have lost complete track of time. My body was getting weaker as the day goes by, my throat dry, my mind clouded with exhaustion. Time had lost meaning to me in this place. I wasn’t sure how many the outside world looked like now, All that rested in my mind was only that I was starving, they would usually bring food, on some occasions good food and most almost rotten food. When I heard the heavy creak of the door opening, I barely lifted my head because I knew what it was that was coming to me.The guard who always brought the food entered, his footsteps slow and deliberate. He carried a plate of food like always, but something about his presence today made my stomach tighten. His stare as he walked up to me lingered too long, his lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk but held just enough malice to set off every alarm in my head.I forced myself to sit up from my lying position. Ever since I'd been locked up in th
Ryan’s Point of ViewA sharp ringing jolted me awake.For a second, I was disoriented, my mind still trapped in the hazy remnants of sleep. Then I felt it... Marian’s head resting on my chest, her arm draped across my stomach.Memories from last night came rushing back.Her moans.Her nails digging into my back.The way her lips tasted warm, desperate, claiming.My phone rang again, cutting through my morning haunted thoughts.I sighed, carefully adjusting Marian so I wouldn’t wake her. I reached for my phone on the nightstand, my brows furrowing at the unregistered number flashing on the screen.Who the hell was calling me this early?I hesitated before answering. "Ryan speaking."A pause. Then a voice I hadn't expected."I know, Ryan."I froze. My grip on the phone tightened.That voice.. I recognized it instantly, anywhere, any day"Nanny Isidro?" I asked, sitting up straighter.She sighed. "Yes Ryan, it’s me. I had to call you."I swung my legs off the bed, my pulse quickening. "H
Ryan’s Point of View"How dare he.." I slurred to my glass "To think she chose him over me" I raised the glass and made to pour the content into my mouth but unfortunately it had finished I raised a hand at the bartender and he came over and refilled my glass. "He got that suspicious bitch pregnant, I bet my entire life that she us behind Emma's disappearance" I gulped down the drink at a go and it stung my throat"Sir, my shift is over, and you look totally wasted, can I take you home?" the bartender offered. Looking at my glass, I felt it was time to go home, but Marian was there! Waiting for more nagging. But could I leave my home to her? I decided to go home. " It's fine I can still find my way" I dipped my hand in my pocket still staggering and took out my wallet, I gave him my credit card and in minutes I stumbled out of the bar, the night air hitting me like a slap. My head was spinning, but not just from the alcohol. Celia. Pregnant. With Adrian’s child.I gritted my tee
Ryan’s Point Of ViewI watched as Celia’s car took a sharp right, her tires screeching against the pavement. She was trying to shake me off. Good. That meant she had noticed me and she was scared.I slowed down, letting her disappear into the highway as I went straight.I wasn’t here to catch her though. Not yet.No, I wanted her to feel some one lurking, to feel like eyes were always on her, like danger was around every corner. Once paranoia settled in, she would slip up. She’d get reckless while trying to cover her tracks, make mistakes that would give me an upper hand . And when that happened, I’d be there to catch her red handed.But for now, she could keep playing her little hide and seek game. She could keep thinking she was in control.I turned my car around and drove back home.The moment I set foot into my apartment, I knew something was off.I stood by the light switch, scanning the room. My instincts tensed, my fingers hovering near the glass vase by the door side.Then I f
Celia’s Point Of ViewI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the maternity dress that hugged my belly just right. It was subtle.. just enough to make myself look like a responsible soon to be mother but still graceful. If I played my cards right today, everything would fall into place. Adrian had asked to meet after days of absolute silence. Could this mean he had made a decision? Maybe he is finally ready to accept me and our baby into his life.A smile tugged at my lips, but I quickly wiped it off. No, I had to stay in control. I shouldn't be swayed by just a invitation. I had spent too much time, too much energy on this to get excited over an ordinary invitation. Emma was never coming back, and Adrian had to accept that.I grabbed my handbag and stepped out of my room, I had given my men strict instructions before leaving the hide out.. From now on, I didn't want Emma’s door opened for any reason. Not even to let her use the bathroom, if she ever wanted to relieve herself, she