(Lydia)“Oh, no, no,” I said, clasping my hands over my mouth.What have I done? I thought to myself.“Thomas!” I yelled, running towards the door. I hurled it open again. He was nowhere to be seen.I ran out into the street and glanced left and right. He was nowhere.I heard a rustle in the bushes but ignored it. I could deal with whatever pest problem that this was later.I darted back towards the house and picked up my bag from the floor. I pulled out my phone and dialed Thomas.“Come on, come on,” I said, “Pick up!”It went unanswered.“Why aren’t you answering the phone, Thomas?!” I exclaimed, agitated.Just then, I heard a car pull up outside.As I dialed a second time and held the phone up to my ear again, Ruby and Jack walked in through the door. They were both chuckling about something. The twins bounced in behind them.“Mommy!” Miles exclaimed, “We went to an adventure park!”“And I sat in a spinning teacup, Mommy!” Mabel said.Ruby turned to look at me and her face fell.“L
(Thomas)“What happened?” I exclaimed, darting into the hospital. Sarah was sitting there with Dr. Esther, her face pale and dark circles around her sockets.“Please drink some water, miss,” the assistant said to Sarah. With shaky hands, she picked up the glass and chugged the water down.“It’s okay, Sarah,” Dr. Esther said softly, “Please have a seat, Mr. Lombardi.”I slowly sat down in a chair beside Sarah.She began to cry as she stared at me. “You had me locked up here?” she sobbed, “How could you do that to me, Thomas?”“He didn’t do this to you, Sarah,” Dr. Esther said softly. Her voice was low and comforting.I stared at Sarah, aghast.I did not know what to say.“I’ll die without you, Thomas,” she said.“Don’t say that,” I said to her, “You’ve always been my friend.”Memories of the two of us from childhood began flooding through my mind: Sarah in her little pink skirt and white T shirt stepping shyly into my house, Sarah jumping and cheering while I played football with Jack
(Lydia)“The camera’s rolling,” the director said, “And … go.”I picked at a lock of my hair and twirled it as I batted my lashes. “I didn’t really want to talk about this, you know,” I said, looking away from Nathan. He took a step closer to me and placed a hand on my elbow.“If you don’t want to talk about it, Mary,” he said, “Then there is absolutely nobody stopping you. But one needs to be brave to love. One needs to lay themselves bare and run the risk of getting hurt in order to experience the full joy of love.”I turned around and looked Nathan in the eyes.***One needs to lay themselves bare and run the risk of getting hurt in order to experience the full joy of love. The dialogue had struck me when I had read the screenplay. And, now that we had recorded this scene, I could not help but think more about it.I poked at my steamed rice and peas, not feeling hungry at all.“Hey!” said Jane, dragging a chair up next to me.I looked up and smiled at her, grateful for her presence
(Jack)I put my hand on Ruby’s and squeezed it. She looked at me morosely. “How could this have happened?” she murmured.I grimaced. I did not know what to say.“Sarah has been struggling all these years,” said Ruby, “And she’s never let anyone know.”I rolled my eyes. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly put it that way,” I said, “She has tried to cause serious harm to everyone around her and close to her simply because of her obsession with Thomas.”“Stop it, Jack, Don’t be so cruel!” exclaimed Ruby. She slapped me lightly on the back.“The girl’s been going through Heaven knows what for so long,” she said, “She used to be in my dorm building, you know. Her room was across the corridor from mine. I sometimes caught sounds of her crying to herself. And I did once knock …“Sarah had opened the door, her eyes red and brimming with tears.“‘Oh, honey,’ I had said, ‘What is it?’“‘It’s nothing,’ she had replied, shaking her head.“I had walked into the room.“‘What happened exactly?’ I had asked he
(Lydia)“Know what?” I exclaimed, my eyes wide. Jack shook his head and took a step closer.“Let’s go sit down somewhere,” he said, “This is going to take some time.”***My head was spinning when he finished recounting the whole story to me. “Is this true?” I said softly to him. I could not look directly at him.“Yes, it is,” Jack replied softly back.I could remember things that put Sarah’s truth into perspective.***“You make such wonderful hairstyles,” she had said, while I combed the ends of her locks.“Mhm,” I had smiled back, staring into the mirror where she sat beaming up at me.“Where did you learn how to make them?”“Oh,” I had shrugged,” My mother always had an artistic streak. So, I mainly learned it from her.”Sarah had fallen silent. She had licked her lips.“You’re lucky to have such a good Mama,” she had said quietly.I had laughed, bracing myself against the pain of resentment that I had still held back then.***“I’m not close to my father either,” she had once dru
(Lydia)“Are you okay?” Ruby asked as soon as I got home. She ran towards me and put her hands over my arms. “I’m fine!” I huffed, slamming my bag down.“What happened?” she asked. Her expressions clearly betrayed her worry.“I pushed Clara Olsson,” I muttered, “She fell down on the ground.”Ruby’s jaw dropped. “You did what?” she gasped, staring at me wide-eyed.I looked at her and simply nodded.“Clara Olssen?” Mama asked, walking up to us, “You mean that blonde model from Europe or some place?”We could hear the television set blaring behind her as she stood there in the doorway of the living room.I pursed my lips and nodded again.“She’s on TV,” Mama said, gesturing for the two of us to come inside.“I’m sure she deserved it,” Ruby said as we strode up to the living room.“And where were you when this happened?” a reporter asked Clara.Her eyes were bloodshot and a few strands of her hair dangled loosely out of her perfect golden bun.“Outside the studio where Nathan’s recording,
(Lydia)Thomas jumped when he walked into the drawing room and saw me. “Lydia!” he exclaimed. His eyes widened. He pursed his lips. “Is it really you?” he said.I stood up and nodded.“Oh, baby,” he said, walking up to me. He threw his arms around me.“I’m so glad you came back to me, darling,” he said, “I thought you would never return.”I wrapped my arms tightly around Thomas, breathing in the comfort of his chest against my cheek. I closed my eyes and let myself stay in the moment.A tear slipped out of my eye.“Hey, honey,” said Thomas, “What’s wrong?”“I threw it all away, Thomas,” I said quietly.“Huh?” he said, “Threw what away? You’re right here with me.”I drew in a deep, shaky breath.“I messed up the movie, Thomas,” I said.He pulled back. He gazed into my eyes and cupped my face in his palms.“Who cares about a silly movie, Lydia?” he said.“It was the stepping stone of my career,” I mumbled, wrapping my arms around him again.“It doesn’t matter, baby,” Thomas breathed int
(Lydia)I giggled and sat up, I wrapped myself around him. Thomas smiled and kissed me. I did not want to ever let go again. I ran my hands down his smooth, muscular back.He removed my panties and pulled me closer into him. Thomas nibbled into my ear. He planted sweet kisses down the length of my neck. I pushed him down on the bed and climbed up on top of him. He smiled. I smiled back. Slowly, I lowered myself onto him. Thomas swooped me down and got on top of me.It was a feeling of complete submission on both ends: Thomas’s scorching eyes full of passion as they stared at me and my eyes full of love and delight as I looked up at him.I closed my eyes as I came and when I opened them, a smile had broken out on Thomas’s face.He hugged me. We lay there for a very long time.***I stepped out of the shower in Thomas’s clothes. “Hey, babe,” I said to him.“Hey,” he smiled at me. Thomas pulled me into his arms again. I leaned in, my hair still wet from the shower.“So tell me,” I said,
(Lydia)The reception was everything I had dreamed of and more. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The venue, bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights, felt magical, as though we were all living in a dream. Thomas and I had just shared our vows, but now the celebration was in full swing, and the joy in the air was palpable.Mabel and Miles were the stars of the evening, as expected. They had barely left the dance floor since the music started, their little feet moving in uncoordinated yet adorable ways. Miles was trying to spin in circles, his arms flailing around as Mabel, ever the perfectionist, tried to keep him in check. They were a sight to behold, so carefree and full of life. Their giggles and shouts of “Look at me!” filled the room, and I couldn’t help but laugh along with them.Thomas was by my side, his hand gently resting on my back as we watched our children steal the show. The evening felt like it was slipping by in the most
(Thomas)The day had finally arrived. Our wedding day.I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie for the fifth time, trying to focus on the simple task instead of the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I couldn’t stop the memories from creeping in, images of Lydia in a wedding dress years ago, her radiant smile lighting up the room, and the way my heart had soared knowing she was about to become my wife.And then, the accident. The chaos, the pain, the years we spent finding our way back to each other.Today wasn’t just about vows or rings. It was about us. About the journey we had taken, the battles we had fought, and the love that had carried us through it all.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Jack stepped in, looking sharp in his suit, his usual easygoing expression replaced by something softer.“You doing okay?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.I nodded, though my reflection betrayed me. “Just...a lot to process.”Jack walked over, clapping
(Lydia)With only a week left until the wedding, the house felt like a beehive, everyone buzzing with purpose, energy, and, occasionally, a touch of chaos. I stood in the middle of it all, both exhilarated and slightly overwhelmed.Ruby was in the corner of Mama’s room, hunched over her sewing machine, her brow furrowed in concentration. My wedding dress hung on a nearby mannequin, almost complete but still needing those final, intricate touches that only Ruby could master. She was doing this here because if she needed to know any adjustments, I would just be a few rooms away.She was holed up in Mama’s room because she didn’t want Thomas to get a glimpse of the wedding dress, not until the day of the wedding as I walked down the aisle.“Are you sure you don’t need a break?” I asked, holding out a cup of tea for her.Ruby looked up, her eyes tired but determined. “Not until this hem is perfect. You’re going to look stunning, Lydia. Just trust me.”“I do,” I said softly, setting the te
(Thomas)The moment we pulled up to the venue, I felt a mix of anticipation and pride. The sprawling garden, framed by blooming flowers and soft sunlight, looked like something out of a dream. This was it, the place where Lydia and I would officially start the next chapter of our lives.Mabel and Miles were already buzzing with excitement, craning their necks to get a better look as the car slowed to a stop.“Is that where we’re going to walk with the flowers?” Mabel asked, pointing to the long stone pathway that led to the main garden.“It is,” I said, glancing at Lydia, who was smiling softly.“It’s so pretty!” Miles added, practically bouncing in his seat.Once we were out of the car, the kids ran ahead, their laughter echoing in the crisp air. Lydia and I followed at a slower pace, her hand tucked into mine.“Can you believe it’s almost here?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.I shook my head. “It feels surreal. But seeing this place again...it makes it all feel real.”T
(Lydia)Sitting at the dining table with Thomas, a notebook in front of me and a pen in hand, I felt an odd mix of excitement and dread. Finalizing the guest list for our wedding should have been a straightforward task, but when Margaret got involved, nothing ever stayed simple for long.I glanced at Thomas, who was scrolling through his phone, cross-checking names. He looked calm, but I knew better. We were both bracing ourselves for the inevitable drama.“Are we really going to put up with Margaret’s list of distant cousins and relatives we’ve never met?” I asked, my voice low but pointed.Thomas sighed and set his phone down. “You know how mother is. She thinks a wedding is a chance to show off family connections.”“Well, it’s not her wedding,” I said firmly. “It’s ours, and I want it to feel personal, not like some society gala.”Thomas reached over and squeezed my hand. “I agree with you. But let’s try to handle this delicately. You know how she can get.”Before I could respond,
(Thomas)The house was alive with energy, and it all revolved around two very determined little people: Mabel and Miles. Ever since we’d told them they were going to be the flower girl and flower boy at the wedding, their excitement had reached a whole new level. They were taking their roles very seriously, perhaps even more seriously than Lydia and I were taking the rest of the wedding planning.This morning, the focus was on their outfits. Lydia and I had arranged for a tailor to come to the house to ensure everything fit perfectly. Mabel was already dressed in a soft pink dress with layers of tulle that made her look like a little princess. She twirled in front of the mirror, her curls bouncing with every spin.“Do you think I need a tiara, Daddy?” she asked, her big brown eyes wide with sincerity.I crouched down to her level, brushing a stray curl from her face. “I think you’re perfect just the way you are, sweetheart. But if you really want a tiara, we can look for one.”Mabel c
(Lydia)The morning sun streamed through the windows as I parked outside Ruby’s boutique. My heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement. In just two weeks, I would be walking down the aisle to marry Thomas, the man who had stood by me through everything. But today, all I could think about was my first fitting for the wedding dress Ruby had been tirelessly designing.As I stepped into the boutique, the soft chime of the bell announced my arrival. Ruby appeared from the back room, her face lighting up with a smile that instantly put me at ease.“You’re here!” she said, walking over to hug me. “I’ve been waiting for this all week.”“I’ve been counting down the days,” I admitted, hugging her back. “I’m nervous, though. What if the dress doesn’t feel right? What if-”Ruby placed her hands on my shoulders, her expression firm but kind. “Stop right there. This dress is going to be perfect because it’s made for you, by me. Trust me, Lydia.”I took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. I t
(Lydia)The sunlight poured down as I stepped out of the car, grocery list in hand. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t looking over my shoulder or scanning the parking lot for anything suspicious. Ben, my personal bodyguard, walked a few paces behind me, his presence a quiet reassurance. But today, I didn’t feel like I needed him as much as I had in the past.The air felt lighter, and so did I. It was as if the dark cloud that had loomed over my life for so long had finally dissipated. Nathan was gone, Lucien was behind bars, and the world was moving on. So was I.Inside the grocery store, I grabbed a cart and started down the aisles. It felt good to do something as ordinary as picking out apples and comparing cereal brands. For so long, I’d avoided public places, afraid of the whispers and stares. But today, there were none. People walked past me, absorbed in their own lives, and it was blissfully normal.I paused by the bakery section, tempted by the scent of fre
(Lydia)The sleek glass doors of the event management company slid open, and Thomas and I stepped inside. The lobby was stunning, a perfect balance of elegance and modernity. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of chandelier lights, and a gentle floral scent wafted through the air. A cheerful receptionist greeted us, offering sparkling water while we waited for our meeting.Thomas leaned toward me, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. “This place screams ‘perfect wedding,’ doesn’t it?”I smiled, squeezing his arm. “Let’s see if they can live up to the hype.”It was Margaret who had given us the name of this event management company after making her calls and asking around for suggestions. And as far as I could tell, the place looked like the sort of company I would have chosen for myself.Moments later, a tall, impeccably dressed man approached us with a wide smile. His tailored navy suit and silk pocket square spoke volumes about his attention to detail.