THIS CHAPTER WAS HARD TO WRITE FOR ME BECAUSE I KNOW A LOT OF WOMEN FACE REAL TIME DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. And the fact Chloe taking advantage of it to lie, was sad to write. but she is not a good person, a sick twisted being.
ALANNAThe room felt too small, the walls pressing in with a suffocating weight. My hospital bed seemed to shrink as if it were trying to contain the storm raging inside me. I stared at the white ceiling, my thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and frustration. My mind kept circling back to Nolan. Why hadn’t he come to see me? What was happening to him?Has he really given up on me? Is he back with Chloe, piecing things together like some soap opera rerun? My mind churned with a mix of anger and confusion. I couldn’t believe Nolan hadn’t come to see me. Not even a text, not a single call. “I don’t understand,” I said, my voice trembling as I spoke. “Nolan hasn’t been here since I asked him to leave. But I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t ask him never to come back.”Angela, sitting beside me, had her eyebrows knitted together in concern. “Wait a second. Didn’t you tell him to go away for a while?”“Yes, but that’s different,” I said, throwing my hands up in frustration. “I just nee
NOLANI hate it here.It smells like piss and rotten pizza in here. I sat in the cell, the cold metal bench beneath me doing nothing to ease the chill that had settled deep in my bones. The low hum of the fluorescent lights buzzed in the background, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. My mind raced, replaying the events that had led me here, each scene flashing like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.How did I end up like this? The world outside these bars was already judging me, painting me as a violent husband who turned abusive after catching his wife cheating. The media would have a field day with this—headlines screaming about the angry Westbrook who couldn’t handle his wife’s betrayal. I could already see the stories plastered on every screen, the smug faces of commentators discussing my supposed fall from grace.But through all of it, there was one thought that gnawed at me more than anything else: What does Alanna think of me? Did she believe the lies? Did she think I was
NOLANHow far is one willing to go for the one they love?Stepping into the house felt like stepping into a nightmare I’d thought I’d escaped from. Everything about this place was tainted—every wall, every piece of furniture. It was all stained with memories I wished I could erase. This house had never felt like a home. It was more of a museum filled with exhibits of my past—dark, twisted exhibits that I couldn’t ignore even if I tried. I could still hear the echoes of my father’s anger in these walls, the sharpness of his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Every corner reminded me of something I wanted to forget—the constant pressure to be something, to live up to expectations that were impossible to meet. And then there was Alanna. The woman I should have loved, the woman I pushed away, and the woman I lost. Our marriage was a disaster from the start, a cold arrangement that neither of us wanted, but it wasn’t until I lost her that I realized how much I cared. That loss s
NolanI drove back home, my mind a storm of anger and betrayal. The roads blurred in front of me as I tried to make sense of everything that had happened. Brad’s smug face, his words, the years of lies—it all echoed in my head like a twisted symphony. By the time I pulled up to the house, my knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel too tight. The house loomed in front of me, a symbol of everything that had gone wrong in my life. Every corner of it held a memory—memories of my father’s abuse, the disastrous marriage to Alanna, the cold, loveless relationship with Chloe. This place had seen the worst of me, and I couldn’t stand it anymore.As I got out of the car, I saw Chloe standing in the driveway, looking as though she had been waiting for me. Her arms were crossed, her face a mix of defiance and something I couldn’t quite place. “Where the hell have you been?” she demanded, as if she had any right to ask. Ignoring her, I walked past her toward the house. I wasn’t in
ALANNAThere's something special about being back home. The familiar creak of the floorboards, the scent of lavender from the garden, and the quiet that fills the space—it all feels like a warm embrace after the chaos of the past few days. It’s a relief to be here, to find some sense of normalcy. But as I step through the door, a rush of memories flood my mind—memories of everything that has happened, everything that has changed. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so when I opened the door and saw Nolan standing there, I was completely thrown. My heart skipped a beat. He looked tired, worn out, like the weight of the world was pressing down on him. Before I could say anything, he pulled me into a hug. It was sudden, and at first, I froze. But then, something in me softened. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him until that moment. I wrapped my arms around him, and for a few seconds, everything else disappeared.“I missed you,” he whispered into my hair, his voice heavy with emotion.“I mis
NOLANThe courtroom felt strange. I glanced around, taking in the sea of faces—some familiar, some not. The tension was palpable, an almost physical presence in the air. This was it, the moment where everything would be laid bare. I steeled myself, knowing that no matter how this turned out, the truth needed to be revealed.Mr. Collins, my lawyer, stood beside me, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. His eyes scanned the room, calculating, strategizing. Across the aisle, Chloe sat with Mr. Brooks, her lawyer. She looked composed, almost serene, but I knew better. She was a master of masks, and today, she wore the one of the wronged woman perfectly.The judge, an older man with a stern expression, called the court to order. The first witness was my mother, Mrs. Westbrook. She walked to the stand, her steps slow but deliberate. This wasn’t easy for her, I knew that. But she was here because she believed in me, believed in the truth.Mr. Brooks was the first
ALANNAI woke up to the familiar ping of my phone, signaling the arrival of another email. Groggy, I reached over and unlocked the screen, expecting to see something mundane—maybe a work update or a message from a friend. But as soon as I read the subject line, my heart sank.**"You Won't See It Coming."**My hands trembled as I opened the email.*"You think you're safe, but you're not. I'm watching you, Alanna. Every move, every breath. It's only a matter of time before I make you pay."*I quickly scrolled down to the bottom of the message, searching for any clue about the sender. Nothing. It was sent from an anonymous address, with no way to trace it back to whoever was behind this. I sat up in bed, trying to steady my breathing. It had to be a prank, right? But something about the tone—the sheer malice in the words—made it feel real.I decided not to let it get to me. I closed the email and got out of bed, convincing myself that it was just someone messing with me. I had enough on
CHLOEWHEN IT COMES TO THE GAME OF PRETEND, I AM THE QUEEN.I sat in front of the vanity, smoothing a final coat of gloss onto my lips. My reflection stared back at me, flawless, but my mind was far from calm. Today was crucial. The interview was my chance to turn the tide, to make sure I came out of this mess on top. The court case with Nolan was looming, and I needed the public on my side. If I could convince them that I was the victim, the wronged wife who had only ever loved too deeply, it would be so much easier to sway the judge, the jury—everyone. I wasn’t just fighting Nolan in court; I was fighting him in the court of public opinion, too. And I had to win.The reporter was waiting in the next room. I knew how to play this. I’d done it before, countless times. Turn on the tears, soften my voice, and tell them exactly what they wanted to hear. Today was about making Nolan look like the villain, and I was ready.When I walked into the room, the reporter smiled warmly at me, but I
ALANNAStanding at the back of the church, the soft melody of the wedding march echoing through the air. Who would have thought that after everything—after all the pain, the heartbreak, and the betrayal—I would find myself here, about to marry Nolan Westbrook, the man I once believed was the source of all my suffering? Life has a strange way of leading you exactly where you need to be, even when you fight it every step of the way.Pedro, my rock, my father in every way that mattered, stood beside me. He looked at me with pride, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "You ready, Dear?" His voice was steady, but I could hear the emotion behind it.I nodded, feeling my heart swell with gratitude. This was the man who had taken me in, loved me unconditionally, and gave me the family I had always longed for. And now, he was about to walk me down the aisle to start a new chapter of my life.As we began to move forward, the sight before me took my breath away. The church was filled with the peop
NOLAN"Closure doesn't come from forgetting the past but from facing it head-on."The wind blew softly as we stood at Chloe's grave, the air filled with the scent of freshly turned earth and the distant hum of the city. It had taken us a long time to get here, to stand at this place with a sense of peace instead of anger or regret. I looked down at the headstone, its cold surface a stark reminder of all that had happened, all that we had lost and gained.In my arms, little Chloe stirred, her tiny hands grasping at the air. She was so innocent, unaware of the twisted history that brought her into this world. But that was how it would stay. Alanna and I had promised each other that this child, this beautiful little girl, would never know the darkness that shadowed her birth. She would be loved, cherished, and protected from the truth that could shatter her world.Alanna knelt beside the grave, placing a single white rose on the headstone. Her voice was soft, but there was strength in it
ALANNAWhen Lucas stepped out of the shadows, gun in hand, my heart clenched with a fear I hadn’t felt in years. The happiness of moments before—Nolan’s proposal, the promises of a future together—seemed to shatter like glass around us. All I could see was Lucas, his face twisted with rage and pain, his eyes filled with a darkness that sent chills down my spine.It was as if everything we’d gone through, every battle we’d fought, was leading up to this moment. But instead of feeling strong, I felt vulnerable, exposed. Lucas was no longer the boy I once knew. He was a man consumed by hatred, and that hatred was directed at me.“You came into my life and took everything,” Lucas snarled, his voice trembling with barely suppressed anger. “You took my family, you took the only love I had ever known, and now you’ve ruined everything!”I tried to find the right words, something that could reach him, something that could make him see reason. But nothing came. All I could do was stand there, f
ALANNA"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."Shopping with Angela was just the distraction I needed. The weight of everything—Nolan’s court case, the uncertainty of our future—had been pressing down on me like a storm cloud. But here, in the brightly lit aisles, surrounded by the scent of fresh clothes and the chatter of happy customers, I felt lighter. Angela had a way of making even the most mundane tasks feel like an adventure.We wandered through racks of dresses, holding up options and debating the merits of each one. Angela was in the middle of showing me a deep red dress when she suddenly paused, a small smile playing on her lips.“Jake asked me to move in with him.”The words hung in the air between us, and I felt a surge of happiness for her. “He did? That’s amazing, Angela! How do you feel about it?”Angela looked thoughtful, her fingers brushing the fabric of the dress she was holding. “I don’t know. I mean, I love him, and I can see a future with him.
Nolan"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."The courthouse loomed before me, a symbol of the justice I’d been seeking ever since that fateful day. The memories of what Brad had done—of what he’d put my family through—played on a loop in my mind. There was no forgetting the fear in Alanna’s eyes, the sound of the gunshot, the moment when everything nearly ended for us. Today was about more than just a verdict; it was about setting things right, about reclaiming the peace that Brad had stolen from us.As I sat in the courtroom, the weight of the moment settled heavily on my shoulders. This wasn’t just about me. It was about Alanna, about our children, about the future we’d almost lost. I glanced over at Alanna, who was seated beside me. Her hand rested in mine, her grip tight and unyielding. We had come this far together, and we were going to see it through to the end.Mr. Collins, my lawyer, stood and approached the stand where I was seated. He was calm, composed, the
ALANNA“Family isn't just about blood; it's about who stands by you when the world falls apart."As we walked into the restaurant, the warm glow of the lights and the soft hum of conversation made me feel at ease. This place, with its cozy ambiance and inviting atmosphere, was perfect for the first dinner we’d have together as a family—one that finally felt whole. I glanced around at everyone, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It had been a whirlwind of emotions since discovering the truth about my past, and now, here we were, trying to create something new from the ashes of what once was.Nolan squeezed my hand gently as we approached our table. He could sense my nerves and, as always, knew exactly what I needed—a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this. The kids ran ahead, excited to see the menu and all the possibilities it promised. Mrs. Westbrook, who had become such a steady presence in our lives, followed behind them, her eyes twinkling with affection as she watched
ALANNAALANNA*"The truth is like a slow-burning fuse—inevitable and explosive, lighting up the darkest corners of our past."*The air in the room felt heavy, laden with the weight of all the secrets that had been suffocating us for years. Chloe's father sat across from me, his eyes tired and red, as if he had been wrestling with his conscience for a long time. I knew this conversation would change everything, yet I wasn’t prepared for what was coming.For so long, I had lived under the shadow of a truth I didn’t fully understand. I knew that the people I had called my parents weren’t truly mine, but beyond that, there was only darkness—a void that left me feeling lost and incomplete. Today, it seemed, that void was about to be filled.He took a deep breath, as if trying to steady himself for what he was about to reveal. "Alanna, I owe you the truth, even though it's a truth I've buried for far too long. You see, your real parents—they weren’t who you thought they were."I nodded, my
ALANNA“Some truths are too heavy to bear, but they must be carried nonetheless.”The phone rang late in the evening. Nolan and I were curled up on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of peace. When he saw Chloe’s name flash across the screen, he hesitated, the tension immediately creeping back into his shoulders. He glanced at me, his brows furrowed in concern.“I’ll answer,” I offered, knowing that whatever she had to say would weigh on him. He handed me the phone, relief mingled with worry in his eyes.“Hello?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but my mind raced with possibilities. Why was she calling now?“Alanna,” Chloe’s voice was weak, almost unrecognizable. There was an urgency in her tone that sent a chill down my spine. “I’m at the hospital. I need you and Nolan to come… please, it’s important.”Before I could respond, she hung up. I stared at the phone, my mind reeling.“What did she say?” Nolan’s voice broke through my thoughts.“She’s at the hospital. She wants us to come… N
NOLANI don't want this night to end," I murmured, my lips brushing against her ear. The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning and longing. I looked into Alanna's deep blue eyes, and I knew she felt the same way."Then let's not let it end," Alanna whispered back, her fingers trailing down my chest, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The touch of her hands on my skin sent a shiver of anticipation running through me. I couldn't resist her any longer. I swept her off her feet, carrying her up the stairs to our bedroom, where we could forget about the rest of the world and just be with each other.I couldn't help but think about how far we had come. It wasn't just about the physical connection, though that was incredible. It was about the way she looked at me, the way she touched me, the way she made me feel. I knew that I had found something special with Alanna, something that I never wanted to let go of.I kissed her deeply, my tongue exploring her mouth as our bodies pressed t