~SophiaI stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me, my chest rising and falling rapidly. My fingers trembled as I wiped my lips furiously, as if trying to erase the sensation of Ethan’s kiss. How dare he? How dare he put his lips on mine as if he still had the right? I let out a sharp breath, pacing back and forth, my mind spinning. My heart was hammering so fast I could hear it in my ears. It wasn’t just anger. It was something else—something far more dangerous. The kiss had reminded me of the past. I swallowed hard, my hands clenching at my sides. I closed my eyes, gripping the edge of the dresser for support. The way his lips felt against mine—it wasn’t foreign. It wasn’t something I had forgotten. No. It had felt… familiar. The heat, the roughness, the way he held me for that fleeting moment—it was the same as before. And a part of me—damn it—a part of me had enjoyed it. I let out a choked gasp, my hands flying to my face as my eyes burned. Tears spilled
~NathanielI took a slow sip of my wine, letting the rich, velvety taste coat my tongue as I leaned against the balcony railing, staring at the city lights. The night breeze was cool, but it did little to ease the frustration boiling inside me. Isabella’s voice rang through the house like an unbearable alarm clock, sharp and grating, pulling me from my moment of peace. “I told you, Linda, I’m back in my husband’s house! Can you believe those snakes thought they could get rid of me? Ha! As if! I own this house. This marriage is far from over.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly. Two weeks. It had been two weeks since I returned, expecting my lawyer to have the divorce papers ready. Yet, here I was, still enduring Isabella’s endless rants, her dramatic speeches to her friends, and her shameless declarations of a marriage that was already six feet under. If only I could just kick her out myself. But no—laws, procedures, formalities. Bullshit. I gripped my gl
~NathanielI sighed and ran a hand through my hair before stepping down the stairs. Isabella was still on the floor, one hand on her ankle, the other gripping the railing like she had just survived a near-death experience. "Can you stand?" I asked, my voice neutral. She shook her head dramatically. "No… the pain… it's too much." I clenched my jaw. This woman was unbelievable. Biting back my frustration, I bent down and scooped her up in my arms. She gasped, clutching my shirt. "You could be a little more gentle!" she whined. I ignored her, carrying her to the sitting room and placing her carefully onto the plush chair. She let out a dramatic sigh, as if she had just been through war. I turned to the maids standing nearby. "Get the first-aid kit and some ice." They nodded and rushed off. I was about to step back when Isabella suddenly arched slightly in her seat, pressing a hand against her waist. "Ouch… my back. Nathaniel, help me," she breathed. I froze. Help
~ Sophia I drove like a madwoman, my eyes glued to the road, heart pounding in my chest, and my hands gripping the steering wheel with a death grip. The sound of the engine roaring as I sped down the highway matched the frantic thumping of my pulse. Ethan's birthday gifts were stacked precariously in the back seat, swaying with every sharp turn and swerve I made. The cake, that perfectly frosted masterpiece, wobbled dangerously close to the edge, threatening to plunge onto the floor at any moment.I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the cake tilting, dangerously close to disaster. Without thinking, I reached back with one hand, my fingers barely brushing the edge of the cake box, trying to pull it closer to the seat. My focus wavered, eyes flicking between the road and the back seat, anxiety bubbling in my chest. That was when it happened.I heard the screeching of tires, the high-pitched squeal that sent my stomach plummeting. The jarring impact followed immediately, throwing
~SophiaMy heart was in pieces, shattered beyond repair, as I stumbled out of Ethan's apartment. Every step felt heavier than the last, and my body moved on autopilot, numb and disconnected from my racing mind. I didn't even realize I was trembling until my hands struggled to fit the key into the ignition of my car.With a shaky breath, I turned the key, and the engine roared to life. As I drove through the city, the lights and sounds blurred together, creating a dizzying kaleidoscope of colors that matched the chaos swirling inside me. I didn’t know where I was going, but that didn’t matter. All I knew was that I had to get away.Away from the pain. Away from the betrayal that suffocated me, threatening to pull me under.The streets stretched on endlessly, and somewhere in the distance, a neon sign flashed in the night—a club. Without thinking, I swerved into the parking lot, tires screeching against the pavement. I had no plan, no intention other than to drown myself in noise and fo
~ SophiaI woke up to the familiar sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Stretching lazily, I felt surprisingly well-rested despite the emotional chaos of the previous night. Groggily, I grabbed the phone, not expecting to hear my sister’s voice so early."Hey, Sophia! Guess what?" Martha's excited voice burst through the line, "Alex and I are going to the Maldives tomorrow! We're taking his private jet, and we want you to come with us. It’s going to be amazing—what do you say?"My eyes widened as the words sank in. "The Maldives? Are you serious? I’ve always wanted to go there!" My voice rose in excitement. "Of course I’m in!"The moment I hung up the phone, a rush of excitement flooded my body. The Maldives—the dream destination with its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater villas—was finally within my grasp. I could hardly believe it.I shot out of bed and made a beeline for my closet, grabbing my suitcase in a frenzy. Dresses,
~NathanielThe wine tasting event was in full swing, the room buzzing with laughter and conversation. Glasses clinked as people swirled, sniffed, and savored the various wines on offer. The air was thick with the rich scents of oak, berries, and aged grapes, each sip offering a different layer of complexity. The atmosphere was alive with energy, as guests mingled, comparing notes on the subtle differences between the reds and whites.Among all the excitement, my attention kept drifting to Sophia. She was effortlessly captivating, her movements graceful and poised. Every time she lifted her glass to her lips, there was a delicate elegance in the way she savored the wine, her expression shifting as she contemplated the flavors. I found myself lost, watching her with an intensity I hadn’t felt in a long time.At one point, she caught me staring. A blush crept across her cheeks, a soft shade of pink that only made her more irresistible. She offered a shy smile before quickly diverting her
~ Sophia A few days had passed since our impulsive wedding, and we were both still basking in the glow of our new status as a married couple. As we prepared to leave the Maldives, the resort staff gathered around us, their smiles wide and their eyes twinkling."Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. James ," one of the staff said warmly, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "May your love and happiness shine as bright as the sun and be as clear as the waters of the Maldives."We both responded in unison, "Thank you," our voices mingling in harmony.Martha and Alex approached us, their arms full of luggage and their faces beaming with joy."Well, look at you two lovebirds," Martha said, her eyes dancing with mischief. "A spontaneous Maldives wedding, who would've thought?"She pulled me aside, lowering her voice to a whisper. "So, what’s next for you two crazy kids? What's the big plan now?"I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a blush rise in my cheeks. "Who knows?" I replied, my voice li
~NathanielI sighed and ran a hand through my hair before stepping down the stairs. Isabella was still on the floor, one hand on her ankle, the other gripping the railing like she had just survived a near-death experience. "Can you stand?" I asked, my voice neutral. She shook her head dramatically. "No… the pain… it's too much." I clenched my jaw. This woman was unbelievable. Biting back my frustration, I bent down and scooped her up in my arms. She gasped, clutching my shirt. "You could be a little more gentle!" she whined. I ignored her, carrying her to the sitting room and placing her carefully onto the plush chair. She let out a dramatic sigh, as if she had just been through war. I turned to the maids standing nearby. "Get the first-aid kit and some ice." They nodded and rushed off. I was about to step back when Isabella suddenly arched slightly in her seat, pressing a hand against her waist. "Ouch… my back. Nathaniel, help me," she breathed. I froze. Help
~NathanielI took a slow sip of my wine, letting the rich, velvety taste coat my tongue as I leaned against the balcony railing, staring at the city lights. The night breeze was cool, but it did little to ease the frustration boiling inside me. Isabella’s voice rang through the house like an unbearable alarm clock, sharp and grating, pulling me from my moment of peace. “I told you, Linda, I’m back in my husband’s house! Can you believe those snakes thought they could get rid of me? Ha! As if! I own this house. This marriage is far from over.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly. Two weeks. It had been two weeks since I returned, expecting my lawyer to have the divorce papers ready. Yet, here I was, still enduring Isabella’s endless rants, her dramatic speeches to her friends, and her shameless declarations of a marriage that was already six feet under. If only I could just kick her out myself. But no—laws, procedures, formalities. Bullshit. I gripped my gl
~SophiaI stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me, my chest rising and falling rapidly. My fingers trembled as I wiped my lips furiously, as if trying to erase the sensation of Ethan’s kiss. How dare he? How dare he put his lips on mine as if he still had the right? I let out a sharp breath, pacing back and forth, my mind spinning. My heart was hammering so fast I could hear it in my ears. It wasn’t just anger. It was something else—something far more dangerous. The kiss had reminded me of the past. I swallowed hard, my hands clenching at my sides. I closed my eyes, gripping the edge of the dresser for support. The way his lips felt against mine—it wasn’t foreign. It wasn’t something I had forgotten. No. It had felt… familiar. The heat, the roughness, the way he held me for that fleeting moment—it was the same as before. And a part of me—damn it—a part of me had enjoyed it. I let out a choked gasp, my hands flying to my face as my eyes burned. Tears spilled
~EthanThe whiskey burned my throat as I took another swig, my fingers tightening around the glass. The garden was quiet except for the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves in the night breeze. The same garden where, years ago, I used to sit with Sophia, laughing, planning a future together—one I’d thrown away for Sarah. I scoffed bitterly at the memory, shaking my head. I deserved this. I deserved every ounce of pain Sarah had put me through. I had left Sophia, shattered her heart, and for what? A woman who was now carrying another man’s child. My best friend’s child. I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the memories, but they came rushing back, stronger than ever. Sophia. I had loved her—deeply, foolishly. She had been my safe place, the one person who truly saw me. And I had betrayed her. Sarah had been nothing more than a temptation, a sin I had indulged in. She had known exactly how to lure me in—her touches, her whispers, her games. At first, it
~EthanThe car was quiet as we drove back from the church, the weight of the upcoming wedding pressing on me. A week. Just one week, and I'd be married to Sarah. It wasn't a decision born out of love. Hell, if anything, it was born out of obligation, something to fix the mess we’d gotten ourselves into. She was pregnant. And marriage was supposed to be about love, not just some fix for a problem. Was I doing the right thing? Was I really going to marry her?I glanced at Sarah as she sat next to me, her hand resting on her stomach. The same stomach that carried a child—our child, at least, that’s what I had thought. But now, with my mother’s words ringing in my ears, I wasn’t so sure.She caught my eye and smiled, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. "The priest said everything is set for next week. We'll sign the documents, and it’s official. You’ll be my husband, and I’ll be your wife."I smiled weakly back at her, but the words didn’t hold the warmth I’d hoped they'd have. "Yea
~Sophia The moment I stepped out of the car, I could feel the shift in the air. The towering glass building stood tall and imposing, gleaming under the morning sun. Nathaniel’s empire. And for now, I was the one running it. The security at the entrance straightened the moment they saw me, greeting me politely. “Good morning, Mrs. James.” I gave them a nod and walked in, my heels clicking against the marble floor. Employees moved swiftly around the spacious lobby, some engaged in quiet conversations, others hurrying to their destinations. As I made my way to the elevators, heads turned, whispers followed, but I ignored them. My personal assistant, Laura, was already waiting for me by the elevators, holding my briefcase. “Good morning, Mrs. James,” she said with a bright smile. I nodded. “Morning, Laura. Let’s go.” She followed me into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. “Everything is set for you,” Laura informed me as the elevator doors closed. “Your o
~Sophia“Hey, baby.”“Hey,” Nathaniel replied, his voice warm. “How’s everything? Is everything okay?”I smiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a few little things to deal with. Nothing you need to worry about.”“Alright,” he said, and there was a slight pause. “I can’t wait to come home. I miss you.”“I miss you too,” I said, a genuine smile on my face. “How’s everything on your end?” I asked, my fingers absentmindedly tapping against the kitchen counter as I waited for his to reply. “Everything’s good,” he replied, his voice smooth. “The issue is getting sorted, the team is handling it. We should have everything under control by next week. What about you? How’s Lilly? And the house? Everything alright?”I couldn’t help but smile at his concern. It was one of the things I loved most about him. Despite everything, despite all the days of distance, he still cared. “Lilly’s good. We’re both good, just... trying to keep everything running smoothly here.
~EthanI sat next to Sarah on the bed in my mother’s room, her small, warm hand in mine. The tension in the room was thick enough to slice with a knife. For the past two hours since we returned home, my mother hadn’t said a word. She had been pacing back and forth, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose, deep in thought, completely ignoring us.Sarah, her patience running thin, turned to me with a worried frown. “Is everything alright, Ethan? What’s going on? Why’s she acting like this?” I squeezed her hand, trying to comfort her. “Shh, it’s just... it’s how she is when she’s thinking. You know how she can be. Don’t disturb her. Just let her do her thing.”But even as I said it, I wasn’t sure if I was comforting her or myself. My mind was all over the place. My mother had been acting strange lately, and I couldn’t figure out why she was so insistent on getting me back home tonight.Suddenly, my mother stopped pacing, turned around sharply, and fixed her gaze on Sarah. Her sharp
~EthanI lay there in the dark, staring at the glow of my phone screen. It was late, but I couldn’t sleep. The light from my phone cast strange shadows on the walls of the room. My mind kept racing, replaying everything that had happened over the past few weeks.The phone buzzed in my hand, an incoming message from one of my buddies at the gym. I barely noticed it. My eyes kept flicking back to Sarah, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding her phone up to her ear, arranging something. She’d been acting distant lately, and I hated that feeling of not knowing what was going on with her. Her voice, soft but sharp, broke my thoughts. “Yes, the makeup artist is confirmed. Just make sure she’s there at least two hours before the ceremony. The last thing I need is someone messing up my makeup on my wedding day.” I clenched my jaw, my gaze narrowing as I studied her from across the room. I didn’t know what was bothering me more—the fact that she was so busy with wedding preparati