Davina The dim glow of the bar lights flickered over the polished counter, reflecting off half-empty glasses and the swirling haze of cigarette smoke. A low hum of music vibrated through the walls, blending with the murmur of conversation and occasional bursts of laughter. I traced the rim of my glass with my finger, watching the amber liquid slosh against the ice. It had been nearly two weeks since the divorce, and I had successfully severed all ties with Sebastian. No more biting remarks from my mother-in-law, no more suffocating expectations, no more pretending. I should have felt liberated, but the weight in my chest told me otherwise. The memories still clung to me, stubborn shadows that refused to fade. It'd take a while, Jane told me. She had practically shoved me out of her apartment tonight, insisting I needed a distraction. And so, here I was, sitting in a bar I hadn't stepped foot in since before my marriage. The atmosphere was strangely famili
Sebastian stood at the head of the grand conference hall as the room buzzed with hushed murmurs, employees exchanging glances, speculation thick in the air. Not that they didn't know what was happening, but did not expect it to be happening so fast. It had been just over two weeks since Davina was no longer a part of Campbell Enterprises—both as a wife and as the Managing Director. The void she left behind was undeniable, but now, a new chapter was unfolding. Courtney stood beside Sebastian, her posture poised, an air of silent confidence wrapped around her like an elegant shawl. She was striking—a deep emerald dress tailored to perfection, accentuating her slender frame. Sebastian lifted a hand, and the murmurs ceased instantly. "I want to thank you all for gathering here on such short notice," he began, his deep voice reverberating off the walls, filling every crevice of the vast room. "Change is never easy, but it is often necessary. As you all know,
Davina Going back to Campbell Enterprises after vowing to never step foot there again felt like stepping into a past I had tried to bury. I had told myself over and over that I was done, that I had no reason to care anymore. The company was no longer my responsibility. But knowing the business I had once poured my heart into was in danger made it impossible to walk away. That was my biggest achievement and watching it crumble just like? I inhaled deeply, steadying my nerves before pushing through the doors. I walked past the revolving doors, my heels clicking against the floor, and made my way toward the elevators but just as I reached the reception desk, a voice called out sharply. “Excuse me, miss!” I halted mid-step and turned. A woman I didn’t recognize stood behind the reception desk, her brows furrowed in disapproval. She was young, perhaps in her mid-twenties, with perfectly styled blonde hair and an air of self-importance. The nameplate on the desk read A
Davina News of Jane’s dismissal hit me like a blow to the chest. I had always known Courtney to be cold and calculating, but firing Jane? That was a new low. What business did she have interfering? She even believed that I planted her there as a spy, how could someone be so off the rails? Courtney thrived on authority, wielding it like a weapon, and throwing Jane out of Campbell Enterprises was just another way to flex her control. But I knew where the real blame lay—Sebastian. Making Courtney the Managing Director of the enterprises just weeks after my dismissal? Courtney could have graduated with first class degree, but she had no experience whatsoever to run a company. He only wanted to spite me, and damn it, he had succeeded. I still remembered the sharp sting when Courtney had revealed her new title with that smug glint in her eyes. As if that wasn’t enough, the image of Sebastian pressing his lips against hers, their bodies tangled together in his office, b
Davina. If I were asked whether I would stay in the same room as a stranger no matter the situation, I would have blatantly given a negative response a few hours ago. But alas, see me here in a room with a stranger. “Um… you should make yourself comfortable,” Alexander, or whatever he said his name is, said to me and walked from behind me after shutting the door. “Do you think that would be easy to do, now that I am staying in here with someone I had never met in my entire life?” I questioned with an arch of my right brow. “It all depends on you, miss…” he said with a small smile, one that seems gentle and… annoyingly sweet. Before I could even give a reply, he said something else.“I seem to have forgotten your name, it's Davina, right?” He reached down for the suitcase I had dropped close to my feet.“Yes, it is” I replied with a grumpy tone and reached down for the suitcase, placing my hand on it to stop him from lifting it. “And I can take care of my suitcase myself; I will
DavinaOn second thought, since Alexander said he ordered slightly more than he can finish, maybe I should just eat with him this night; he doesn’t look like one who would mean any hurt. I hadn’t taken many steps away from the suite door, so it only took me a couple of seconds to get back, but I chose to stay in front of the door for a couple more seconds. Is there any reason why I did so? I do not have any idea about that. I pushed the door open; Alexander raised his gaze from the food he was eating to stare at me with a mouth stuffed with food. He tried to talk with the food in his mouth, but instead he choked on it and reached for a glass of water. The expression he had on his face when he choked was quite funny that I was pushed to laugh; I tried to press my lips into a tight line to suppress the laughter about to burst forward. “Weren’t you taught table manners when you were younger?” I questioned, walking closer to him. He exhaled loudly, “I won’t lie to you, I had forgo
After Davina stood up and left for the bedroom, Alexander was left all alone in the mini dining area. He ate in silence; after he was done, he stood up and made his way to the sofa after calling room service to clear the plates used.It didn't take long for them to arrive and take care of the plates. Alexander let out a sigh as he watched the door close gently with a blank expression on his face. He couldn't help but wonder why the strange lady he met a few hours ago felt familiar, like she was someone he was supposed to know, even though this is literally their first time ever meeting. It was like there was a connection between both of them. One of the reasons that prompted him to indulge Davina in a conversation was the vibe she was emanating. Even though she tried to hide it so much, he could still tell.It wasn't that she did a bad job at hiding it; it was just that he was pretty good at reading people; it was something he really needed in his line of business. Alex reached
DavinaOh lord, how many did I have to drink last night? The throbbing headache that forced me to hold my head immediately when I woke up was an obvious sign that I took more than I was supposed to, or maybe the glasses of whiskey I took were stronger than the one I was accustomed to.I had vague memories of how last night had gone; I don't even know how I fell asleep and how I ended up in the bedroom.The only thing I could remember clearly was that I went out to the living room just because I couldn't sleep, and luckily for me, Alexander was awake. The expression on his face seemed like he had something troubling his mind also, things he didn't want to let out or felt too reluctant to let out.Why does it feel like I understand him perfectly? I have no idea. It is just a feeling I can't explain; maybe it's because I was feeling that way, but even though I felt reluctant about sharing the chain of events that shattered my heart, a couple of glasses was all it took for me to pour
DavinaDaniel soon fell asleep with his head on my chest. I laid him down slowly and tiptoe quietly out of the room. I gently closed the door and headed back to the backyard. The maids were now around and they were packing up slowly. Mother, Father, and Aunt Ce were sitting in one corner, sipping wine while laughing over something I am sure was an old recollected memory. Mom's eyes met mine and I gave her a smile. I looked around for Elijah and Alexander and I didn't have to for long as I saw them standing over the grill, turning meat over with one hand and a wine glass in the other.I was shocked by what I saw as they've always had a silent disagreement all this while. I don't know what beef they have, and they have refused to share, but I am sure they have some underlying misunderstanding they both kept aside to be with me at the same time.“Hey boy,” I greeted cheerfully, and I walked towards him. A maid passed me a glass before going about her packing. “Thanks,” I said to her w
DavinaThe car slowly drove into the Charez Estate, a place that has now properly become my home. I got out of the car when it parked.With Tim behind me with the cake in hand, I made my way into the living area of the house.“Mommy.”A cute little child embraced my legs the moment I stepped in.Danielle.“Elle. Happy birthday, my baby,” I greeted, picking her up with a smile.“Thank you, Mommy.”Daniel peeked at me from behind the couch, his usual quiet curiosity in his eyes. I crouched to his level and kissed his forehead. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”He gave me a tiny smile and nodded, his fingers still clutching his bunny.The living room smelled like grilled chicken and vanilla. Light laughter floated in from the back of the house.“They’ve been asking for you since morning,” my mom said, walking in with a tray of drinks. She looked relaxed today, dressed in a simple pastel dress with her hair tied back.“Did I keep them waiting too long?” I asked, brushing Elle’s curls from her
DavinaI stared out the window of my office, the bustling city was full of activities below. It felt like yesterday when I awkwardly called out for my mom that my water broke. The intercom rang at my desk. I turned around and picked it up.”Hello” “Reminder ma'am.” Tim's voice rang out. “You're picking up the cake for the twins’ birthday.”“Yeah right. I almost forgot. Thank you, Tim” I replied back before hanging up. Daniel and Danielle will be three today. It still felt difficult to believe three years had passed. Three years since I have been divorced, three years since I found my family, and three years since I had my children, that had now become my everything.I glanced at the wall clock above and picked up my bag. It was time for my meeting. I walked out of the office in short, measured strides to maintain gracefulness. Tim joined me and trailed behind as I walked out of the office. The team stood up to greet me, and I have been able to build a good rapport with them over t
DavinaThe discharge papers came faster than I expected. One minute, the nurse was saying, “Maybe tomorrow,” and the next, she was handing me a file with my name on it and a list of instructions I’d already forgotten.I nodded through all of it, even though I felt like I hadn’t learned anything. Formula guidelines. Bath temperature. How to tell if something’s wrong. It was all a blur.The only thing I really heard was, “You’re cleared to go home.”Home.With Daniel and Danielle.A nurse helped me dress them. I’d packed their clothes but forgot which was for who. She figured it out and just did it for me, then helped me buckle them into the car seats. I checked each strap twice. Then a third time.Mom and Dad were already waiting outside. Dad had installed the car seats that morning—thank God—because I couldn’t have done it.“You okay?” Mom asked as I stepped out.I didn’t answer right away. I was standing there with two babies and a hospital bag and had no real idea what came next.“I
DavinaI didn’t really sleep. I might’ve closed my eyes a few times, maybe drifted off for a few minutes here and there, but nothing stuck. Every sound made me jolt upright. Every grunt, hiccup, whimper. I kept checking to make sure they were still breathing, still warm, still real.They were right there beside me. Two bassinets. Two tiny humans wrapped like miniature burritos. Mine.It still didn’t make sense in my head.A soft knock came. A nurse walked in, clipboard in hand, giving me a practiced, polite smile.“Good morning, Davina. Just doing rounds.”I nodded. “Morning.”She moved over to the twins. Quiet, efficient. She said something under her breath while reading their tags—“Baby A” and “Baby B.” I hated that. They weren’t just letters.She looked at me as she checked their vitals. “Have you decided on names yet?”I hesitated, even though I already had. I just hadn’t said it out loud to anyone but my parents.“Yeah. Daniel and Danielle.”Her smile softened. “Sweet. Matching n
DavinaThey didn’t come in right away. My parents waited until the nurses finished their checks and left the room. Aunt Ce had stepped out too. Probably to give us space. Or maybe she just needed a break. Honestly, she deserved one more than I did.The door opened again a few minutes later. My mom came in first, then my dad. They didn’t rush to speak. Just stood near the door, taking it all in. Like they didn’t know where to start or if they were even allowed to.I didn’t say anything either. I was holding both babies—one on each side—and I still hadn’t fully wrapped my head around the fact that they were mine. That they were real. That they were here.“You okay?” Dad asked quietly.“Yeah,” I said, then added, “Tired.”“You did good,” he said. “Really good.”My mom stepped closer. She looked down at the twins like she couldn’t believe they existed. I wasn’t sure I believed it either.“They look like you,” she said.I didn’t see it. Maybe the nose. Or the mouth. But I didn’t argue.She
DavinaNo one tells you what “time to push” really means. They say it like it's a line in a play. But there’s no script for this.I looked at Aunt Ce, and she gave a small nod. “It’s going time.”I nodded too, because what else do you do? But I didn’t feel brave. I felt like I was about to do something I couldn’t undo, and everyone was just... letting me.The nurses adjusted things around me, speaking in soft, practiced voices. They told me how to position my legs, how to breathe, and what to expect.One of them said, “We’ll guide you. You won’t be alone.”I didn’t even know her name. But I believed her.“Take a deep breath,” Aunt Ce said from the side. “When the next contraction hits, we’re going to start.”I nodded again, even though the air felt thin. I didn’t say anything. Just waited.When the pressure built again, they told me to bear down. I did. I followed instructions like a student trying to pass a test. I counted in my head the way they said. Three pushes per contraction. T
DavinaI felt it before I saw it.A slow, warm gush down my legs. At first, I thought I’d just peed myself. Embarrassing, but not the end of the world. Then it hit me.I stood there, frozen. “Mom?”My voice cracked a little.She walked in, glanced down, and didn’t even blink. “Your water broke?”“I think so.”“Okay,” she said calmly, already moving toward the closet. “Let’s get changed. You’ll be more comfortable for the ride.”“I thought I still had time,” I muttered, heart pounding.“We’ve had thirty-eight weeks. This is time,” she said, pulling out clothes like this was any other morning.I was still standing in place. “Should I be freaking out?”Mom gave me a look. “Are you?”“Yeah. Quietly.”She smiled a little. “Then you’re doing it right.”I changed into the clothes she gave me. Comfortable stuff—loose shirt, soft pants. Nothing hospital-chic, but better than a soaked nightgown. I grabbed my phone out of habit, not even sure why.“You call the hospital?” I asked.“Driver’s on t
DavinaI had no idea what day it was. I didn’t care either. Days had blurred together a long time ago. Bed rest would do that to anyone. For the last three months, I’d lived on the same rotation of sleeping, shifting around, trying not to lose my mind, and politely refusing help I didn’t ask for.The maids still hovered. Always nearby, like they were waiting for me to faint or call out. I appreciated it, in a way, but it also made me feel like a museum exhibit. Sometimes one would peek in with a glass of water I didn’t need or ask if I wanted my pillows fluffed.“I’m okay,” I told them, every time.They didn’t believe me. They still brought snacks and folded things I hadn’t touched.Earlier this morning, one of them had tried to help me get up like just standing was a project. I gave her a smile and waved her off. “You really don’t have to. I’ve got it.”She hesitated, then stepped back. But I knew she told another one. And they watched from the hallway, still unsure if I’d collapse h