Sarah’s Point of view:I met Grandpa Henry's gaze, his eyes piercing. "Your eyes, Sarah... they remind me of an old friend. Very green, just like his."I offered a polite smile. "Must be a coincidence, sir."Henry hummed, his expression thoughtful, before turning away.Ethan stood up, his movements fluid and silent. He raised his wine glass and knife, capturing everyone's attention."Can I have your attention, everyone?"The room fell silent, both our table and the guest table quieting to listen."Happy birthday to my grandfather," Ethan began, his voice filled with warmth. "Cheers to you, sir, for reaching this milestone age and for not leaving us. May you live longer."He smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude. "And thank you to everyone for coming to celebrate with us."Then, his gaze locked onto mine, and my heart skipped a beat."Thank you to my beautiful girlfriend, Sarah, for putting up with me and for coming to visit my family."Ethan's eyes burned with intensity, his voice
Ethan’s Point of view:As we stepped into the crisp night air, the stars twinkling above, I wrapped my arm around her, holding her close."Tired?" I asked, glancing down at her soft face.She nodded, and I could sense the evening's weight bearing down on her.The drive home passed in comfortable silence, our hands intertwined.The diamond on her finger sparkled in the night light, and she turned to me with shining eyes."I love the ring, Ethan. It's beautiful," she whispered.My heart swelled with emotion as I gazed at her. "I'm glad you like it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.I tightened my fingers around hers, the diamond shining brightly on her hand. "You look stunning with it on."Her chest fluttered, and her voice was barely audible. "Thank you, Ethan."I smiled, filled with admiration. "You were the real star of tonight. You got everyone to like you, even Grandpa was impressed."Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled up at me. "Thanks to you," she replied. "You prepar
Sarah’s Point of view:It's a gloomy day and I woke up to the sound of raindrops hitting my window. The stormy skies outside perfectly mirrored my somber mood. I didn't feel like getting out of bed, and the thought of facing the day ahead felt overwhelming.As I lay there, tears began to well up in my eyes. Today was my parents' death anniversary, a painful reminder of the loved ones I've lost. It's been three long years since I last heard their laughter, since I last played chess with my dad. The memories still feel like a fresh wound.Titan, my loyal companion, sensed my distress and jumped onto my bed, trying to get me to play with him. But I wasn't in the mood. His playful energy was a stark contrast to my sorrow, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not being able to shake off my grief.As I gazed out the window, the rain seemed to intensify, echoing the turmoil within me. I felt lost and alone, missing the warmth and love of my parents. The pain of their absence stil
Sarah’s Point of view:Wednesday afternoon, and I floated through the door, feeling euphoric. The divorce hearing had been a nerve-wracking experience, but the outcome exceeded my hopes.Ethan's concerned eyes met mine in the living room. I rushed into his arms, embracing him tightly."Hey, how did it go?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.I pulled back, beaming. "It's over," I said, barely containing my grin.Ethan's expression transformed into a warm smile. "It went well?" he asked, his eyes crinkling.I nodded enthusiastically. He patted the couch for me to sit."Tell me," he said.I took a deep breath, reliving the day's events."This morning, I met Rachel at her office to go over last-minute details. She reassured me to stay calm and not worry, hinting she had a plan."We drove to the courthouse, where Rachel's confidence steadied my nerves.As we registered our names and waited, Alex and his lawyer arrived. Seeing Alex was a shock; his swagger and smug expression brought bac
Sarah’s Point of view: A phone ringing woke me from my deep slumber. I groaned, rubbing my eyes. Who was it? It’s too early. I checked the bedside clock. It was 12 pm. I had slept the whole morning away. Last night’s celebration with Ethan had ended late, with me stumbling into bed. The phone kept ringing. I picked it up. "Hey, girl!" Emberly's cheerful voice greeted me. "Hey, Ember," I replied, still shaking off sleep. "Where are you?" she asked. "I’m at home," I replied. "Get this, mum, grandma, Emerald, and I are going on a girls’ trip, and they want you to come!" Ember exclaimed. "Let’s make it a Grey girls’ trip by adding the soon-to-be Mrs. Grey! Isn’t that exciting?" I sat up straight in bed, surprised. "You guys want me to come along?" "Yes, it’ll be fun! You can get to know the family better." I hesitated for a moment, thinking of what to say. I couldn’t say no to Ethan’s mum and grandma, could I? "Sarah, are you still there? What do you say?" Ember as
I dialed Emily's number, my hands shaking with fear, my heart racing with anxiety. "Emily, he's going to kill me," I whispered, trying to hold back tears that streamed down my face like rain.I was hiding in the basement, the only place I felt safe, surrounded by the musty smell of old boxes and the faint scent of mold. Alex had been raging upstairs, his anger and frustration boiling over like a pot left unattended on the stove. I knew I had to get out, but I was trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage with no key."Sarah, what's happening?" Emily's voice was calm, but I could hear the concern beneath."He's going to kill me," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper, my throat constricted with fear. "He's been getting worse and worse. I don't know what to do."I heard Emily's sigh, her gentle words of comfort, but they felt like a distant echo, a reminder of a life I once knew, a life I could never go back to.I thought back to the day I met Alex, the charming smile, the piercing ey
I lay there, broken and battered, as Alex held me close. His tears fell on my face, mixing with my own.The pain radiated all over my body. I could feel the bruises forming."I'm so sorry, Sarah," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I don't know what comes over me. I love you so much."I wanted to believe him. I wanted to think that this time would be different. But deep down, I knew it was all a lie."You provoke me," he said, his voice laced with blame. "You pushed me to this. If you just listened to me, if you just did what I said, this wouldn't have happened."I felt a surge of anger, but I knew better than to express it. I knew that would only make things worse."I'm sorry," I lied, trying to placate him. "I'll try to do better, I'll be a better wife."He stroked my hair, his touch gentle now. "I love you, Sarah. I don't want to hurt you. But you need to understand me. I have a temper. I can't help it, you make me mad"I nodded, feeling trapped. I knew I had to escape, but I didn't
I woke up to the sound of Alex's voice, his words dripping with insincerity. "Hey, beautiful, I'm so sorry about last night. Can you ever forgive me?"I turned away, my eyes still swollen from crying. The memories of his fists, his anger, and his cruel words still lingered. I couldn't bear to look at him. "Forgive you?" I spat. "You've been saying that for months, Alex. But nothing changes. You just keep hurting me.""Come on, Sarah, don't be like that," he said, his voice laced with condescension. "I love you. I would never intentionally hurt you."I laughed, a bitter sound. "You love me? You don't even know what love is. You only love control, power, and manipulation."Alex's face darkened, and for a moment, I saw the real him. The one who hated opposition, who hated being challenged."I'm late for work," he said, his voice cold. "We'll talk about this later." But he persisted, placing a tray with breakfast on my lap. The smell of eggs and bacon made my stomach churn. I pushed the
Sarah’s Point of view: A phone ringing woke me from my deep slumber. I groaned, rubbing my eyes. Who was it? It’s too early. I checked the bedside clock. It was 12 pm. I had slept the whole morning away. Last night’s celebration with Ethan had ended late, with me stumbling into bed. The phone kept ringing. I picked it up. "Hey, girl!" Emberly's cheerful voice greeted me. "Hey, Ember," I replied, still shaking off sleep. "Where are you?" she asked. "I’m at home," I replied. "Get this, mum, grandma, Emerald, and I are going on a girls’ trip, and they want you to come!" Ember exclaimed. "Let’s make it a Grey girls’ trip by adding the soon-to-be Mrs. Grey! Isn’t that exciting?" I sat up straight in bed, surprised. "You guys want me to come along?" "Yes, it’ll be fun! You can get to know the family better." I hesitated for a moment, thinking of what to say. I couldn’t say no to Ethan’s mum and grandma, could I? "Sarah, are you still there? What do you say?" Ember as
Sarah’s Point of view:Wednesday afternoon, and I floated through the door, feeling euphoric. The divorce hearing had been a nerve-wracking experience, but the outcome exceeded my hopes.Ethan's concerned eyes met mine in the living room. I rushed into his arms, embracing him tightly."Hey, how did it go?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.I pulled back, beaming. "It's over," I said, barely containing my grin.Ethan's expression transformed into a warm smile. "It went well?" he asked, his eyes crinkling.I nodded enthusiastically. He patted the couch for me to sit."Tell me," he said.I took a deep breath, reliving the day's events."This morning, I met Rachel at her office to go over last-minute details. She reassured me to stay calm and not worry, hinting she had a plan."We drove to the courthouse, where Rachel's confidence steadied my nerves.As we registered our names and waited, Alex and his lawyer arrived. Seeing Alex was a shock; his swagger and smug expression brought bac
Sarah’s Point of view:It's a gloomy day and I woke up to the sound of raindrops hitting my window. The stormy skies outside perfectly mirrored my somber mood. I didn't feel like getting out of bed, and the thought of facing the day ahead felt overwhelming.As I lay there, tears began to well up in my eyes. Today was my parents' death anniversary, a painful reminder of the loved ones I've lost. It's been three long years since I last heard their laughter, since I last played chess with my dad. The memories still feel like a fresh wound.Titan, my loyal companion, sensed my distress and jumped onto my bed, trying to get me to play with him. But I wasn't in the mood. His playful energy was a stark contrast to my sorrow, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not being able to shake off my grief.As I gazed out the window, the rain seemed to intensify, echoing the turmoil within me. I felt lost and alone, missing the warmth and love of my parents. The pain of their absence stil
Ethan’s Point of view:As we stepped into the crisp night air, the stars twinkling above, I wrapped my arm around her, holding her close."Tired?" I asked, glancing down at her soft face.She nodded, and I could sense the evening's weight bearing down on her.The drive home passed in comfortable silence, our hands intertwined.The diamond on her finger sparkled in the night light, and she turned to me with shining eyes."I love the ring, Ethan. It's beautiful," she whispered.My heart swelled with emotion as I gazed at her. "I'm glad you like it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.I tightened my fingers around hers, the diamond shining brightly on her hand. "You look stunning with it on."Her chest fluttered, and her voice was barely audible. "Thank you, Ethan."I smiled, filled with admiration. "You were the real star of tonight. You got everyone to like you, even Grandpa was impressed."Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled up at me. "Thanks to you," she replied. "You prepar
Sarah’s Point of view:I met Grandpa Henry's gaze, his eyes piercing. "Your eyes, Sarah... they remind me of an old friend. Very green, just like his."I offered a polite smile. "Must be a coincidence, sir."Henry hummed, his expression thoughtful, before turning away.Ethan stood up, his movements fluid and silent. He raised his wine glass and knife, capturing everyone's attention."Can I have your attention, everyone?"The room fell silent, both our table and the guest table quieting to listen."Happy birthday to my grandfather," Ethan began, his voice filled with warmth. "Cheers to you, sir, for reaching this milestone age and for not leaving us. May you live longer."He smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude. "And thank you to everyone for coming to celebrate with us."Then, his gaze locked onto mine, and my heart skipped a beat."Thank you to my beautiful girlfriend, Sarah, for putting up with me and for coming to visit my family."Ethan's eyes burned with intensity, his voice
Sarah’s Point of view: Ethan guided me to the table, where two empty chairs awaited us, side by side. With gentlemanly charm, he pulled out a chair for me. "Thank you," I said, smiling. Ethan took his seat beside me, his hand brushing against mine. To my left sat Cameron, who flashed a warm smile. As soon as we settled, Albert rang a discreet bell, and the staff entered in unison, bearing the first course. "Dinner is served," Albert announced. The aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses. Henry Grey, seated at the head of the table, smiled warmly. "Let's enjoy our meal together," he said, his voice welcoming. The room filled with the soft clinking of silverware and polite conversation. I glanced at Ethan, who gave my hand a reassuring squeeze under the table. I spied an old woman with gray hair in a tight bun seated at Henry’s right smiling at me. I smiled back politely and whispered at Ethan,”Who is she?
Sarah’s Point of view: I stood transfixed before the mirror, mesmerized by the reflection staring back at me. The stranger's fiery red hair and captivating features were unmistakably mine, yet utterly transformed. The navy blue gown hugged my curves in all the right places, its sculpted square neckline framing my face. The twisted waist detail accentuated my slender figure, while the dramatic long cape sleeves and subtle shoulder padding added an air of sophistication. A daring thigh slit added a touch of sass, balanced by the elegant maxi length. The invisible zip closure ensured a seamless silhouette. I paired it off with black strappy heeled sandals with diamanté chains. I looked like a goddess, radiating confidence and poise. "Stunning," Treyvon breathed, stepping back to admire his handiwork. Cianna nodded in agreement. "The dress was made for you." Brittany and Robin exchanged impressed glances, while Dylan smiled, satisfied with the wardrobe choice. "You guys t
Sarah’s Point of view:Today was Ethan’s grandpa's birthday, and I woke up with a splitting headache, courtesy of yesterday's wine tasting extravaganza. I groaned, feeling the familiar pangs of a hangover.As I sat up, flashes of yesterday flooded my mind – the wine, the laughter, and the kiss. My face heated up, and I couldn't deny the thrill that ran through me. Ethan's gentle touch, his soft lips... I had enjoyed it, no matter how much I wanted to pretend otherwise.But now, I needed to avoid him. Or at least, try to. Today was crucial for the contract, and we had to put on a united front. I flopped back onto the bed, dreading the thought of spending time with Ethan while his kiss still lingered on my mind.Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence."Hey Sarah, are you awake?" Ethan's voice called out.I hesitated before responding, "Yes, Ethan, come in."He walked in, and my heart skipped a beat. The memories came flooding back – his muscled arms, his gentle touch... I long
Ethan’s Point of view:"Hey Cam, I'm going ring shopping today. Need your help," I said, calling Cameron."Ring shopping, huh? For the 'special' occasion?" Cameron asked, his tone laced with amusement."Yeah, that one," I replied. "Meet me at Cartier's Fifth Avenue mansion in 45 minutes?""On my way," Cameron said. "Let's find something jaw-dropping. Grandpa's got to buy this fake engagement."I had booked the appointment previously, knowing their expertise would guide me in finding the perfect ring.Now, with Cameron's input, I was confident we'd find something breathtaking.I arrived at Cartier, Cameron already there, sipping champagne."I need your insight," I explained. "You're the ladies' man. What do women love?"Cameron laughed. "Well, aside from me, of course... You want something timeless, elegant, and unique. Something that speaks to Sarah's style.""Ready to find the perfect fake rock?" he asked with a grin.The sales associate approached, eager to assist. "Welcome, gen