(Thomas)Mabel and Miles were eating their mac and cheese happily.The meal was their favorite but what made it even more special was that I had cooked it with them. Making mac and cheese wasn’t a hard task but I hardly cooked for myself.Although cooking with my kids evoked a very different kind of joy within me; I felt warm from the inside, which I rarely felt until recently, after my kids and the love of my life came back into my life again.“Uncle Thomas!” Mabel called out to me, breaking me out of my daydreaming, “Can we make cookies next time?”Miles nodded vehemently in agreement. I grinned at them and acted like I was thinking hard about it. I had an index finger on my chin with my mouth pursed. “Let me see, what would we need for cookies?”“Oh, I know, I know,” Miles jumped up, raising his arms as he left the table to get something.“No running, Miles! And you don’t leave the dinner table without finishing your food!” I called out to him.He slowed down to climb up the stairs
(Jack)I honestly could not tell you why I had agreed to do this.Mother's tears had worked on me like magic. I felt guilty because I felt like there was some truth to her words. However, I wouldn’t have let it get to this if she had not seen those pictures of me getting out of the jewelry store.I should have been more inconspicuous when I went out to shop. So many things had happened in our family in this past year that the media’s eyes were always on us.I thought Thomas had taken care of them but it seemed like they were still on our tail. I might have to take matters into my own hands.The way to the steakhouse was spent agonizing over what I should tell Ruby. Should I be honest with her and let her know that I would be going on dates for at least another month or should I let this month pass, find very good reasons to reject every girl mother shows me, and then take Ruby away on the holiday I had planned.Nothing in my life has ever been smooth so I know it would not be the case
(Lydia)The moment my eyes landed on Jack, it felt like the world was falling apart. My mouth fell open as I stared at him in shock.He took a seat right in front of a blonde girl and passed her a smile.What was happening?They were conversing together after ordering. Well, the girl was talking but Jack was nodding along, listening to her words.Was this a business meeting?But then again, the way she was batting her eyes at Jack, it did not feel like a dinner to discuss business at all.“Do you know them?” Nathan’s voice cut my attention from Jack and his company.I whirled around to face him, “Yes? Did you say anything?”“I asked you if you know them,” Nathan repeated his words, albeit a bit slower this time.An embarrassed smile crossed my face as I shook my head. “No, sorry. I was just looking 'cause the girl’s dress is just beautiful, don’t you agree?” I lied straight through my teeth. If I were to be honest, I would have to take another peek to notice what color the girl’s dres
(Thomas)I had worried myself sick the entire way to the restaurant that when I actually got there, I did not even have any idea what to do.I sat and blinked in my car before realizing that I had come here in search of Jack.I got out of the car and marched towards the entrance foyer. “Was there a reservation for a Mr. Lombardi?” I asked the person working at the front.The poor guy immediately started to nervously rifle through the lists of names in front of him.“Yes, sir. But here it says-”I didn’t bother listening to him. Someone will tell him who I was sooner or later.I walked into the main area of the steakhouse and started walking between the tables to find Jack. Although if he was here then there would be more than usual staff hovering over his table.Had I missed him?I walked ahead and was almost giving up the search when my eyes landed on a set of familiar red curls.The feeling of joyful surprise washed over me.But then my eyes moved to her company.It felt like my hea
(Lydia)For a moment, Thomas stood there frozen, as did I.The next moment I blinked and he was gone.“Excuse me,” I told Nathan and immediately got out of my seat. I couldn’t let him get away without letting him know that this was just a friendly hangout.I don’t know why it was so important for me to know that he had not misunderstood anything.Heart in my throat, I left the steakhouse without caring for any decorum but the moment my feet landed on the curb, Thomas’ car sped out of the parking spot.I watched it leave with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I went to look for my phone but realized it was in the clutch I had left back at the table.I felt like I had all eyes on me when I walked back into the steakhouse. I awkwardly smiled at the staff at the front who had probably seen me running out like a maniac.I didn’t regret it though, what I regret was that I had been too late.Thomas had left already.Just as I went to step into the main area of the steakhouse, I was stopped by
(Lydia)I had told myself not to get as much recently because anger never resolved anything, but as I watched my little sister stand on her tip-toes to kiss Jack, I lost my head a little bit.I quickly got out of my car and marched up to them before pulling Ruby away from him.“Jack,” I said, my voice like steel as I stared him down.Jack was surprised to see me, but a big smile crossed his features, “Lydia! How are you? I heard about your tour and wanted to say congrats in person!”I raised both of my brows at him and crossed my arms together. The expression on my face must be one that he had never seen before because his eyes narrowed. “What is it?” he asked, looking at Ruby before turning back to me again.“Lydia, did something happen at your dinner?” Ruby asked, looking utterly confused.I contemplated on what to do before I looked towards Ruby and said, “Can you give us two a minute?”She looked between the two of us as Jack’s expression filled with worry.Ruby looked unsure but
(Lydia)I was in my room washing my makeup off when there was a quiet knock on my door.“Come in,” I said, knowing it was Ruby on the other end.Sure enough, she poked her head in first before entering the room entirely.Ruby leaned against the wall beside the door and stared at me. I couldn’t see her but I could feel her eyes on me. I knew what she wanted to ask and it hurt my heart that I had to lie to her, but I gave Jack my word and until then I would hold off all information from her.“What did you and Jack talk about?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant but I knew her better. “You guys looked like you were arguing about something.”I bit my lips and then faced her with a neutral expression on my face. “I was just talking to him about Thomas. I got some texts from him and he seemed to have been drinking,” I shrugged lightly before continuing on, “You know how I get. I was just ripping one into Jack, telling him that he should watch over Thomas more.”“That’s all?” Ruby asked a
(Thomas)There was a funny taste in my mouth when I woke up, making me realize that I had gone to bed without brushing my teeth which was odd because I never skipped on brushing.However, even more odd was the fact that I had someone in my arms.I blinked open my eyes against the harsh rays of the sun and the first thing I noticed was red curls which I love more than anything in the world but in the moment, they were kind of all over my face. And it itches.I wanted to remove some of the hair and scratch a few places, but both of my hands were around Lydia’s waist and were held in her hands which were tightly locking them together.We were pretty much entangled with each other. I couldn’t have woken up to a better sight.Lydia’s flushed face was squashed by the pillow beneath her, making one of her cheeks appear chubbier. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Her little nose wriggled in sleep, just like it had all those years ago. Her plush lips trembled like she was talking to som
(Ruby)I stood outside Jack’s apartment door, my hand hesitating over the knocker. I shouldn’t be here. I’d already done more than enough, stitched him up, watching him avoid my questions like he always did. But despite every logical reason to stay away, I was here. Because this wasn’t just anyone, it was Jack. The Jack who had once made me laugh so hard I cried, who had shared countless quiet evenings with me in this very apartment. The Jack who, despite all the hurt and chaos, still managed to make my heart skip a beat when I thought of him. I pressed my lips together, pushing the memories aside. This wasn’t about rekindling anything; it was about making sure he was okay. He had shown up at my door injured and vulnerable, and no matter how much time had passed or how complicated things had gotten, I couldn’t ignore that. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. When Jack opened the door, his surprise was clear, though he quickly masked it with that practiced cool demeanor of his.
(Jack)I sat on the edge of my couch, staring at the bandage on my side, frustration boiling just beneath the surface. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. The family doctor had left about an hour ago after re-dressing my wound. He was efficient and professional, as always, and I appreciated the care. But damn it, why hadn’t I thought to call him in the first place? The moment I got injured, my instincts hadn’t pointed me toward practicality or logic. No, instead, I’d ended up at Ruby’s apartment, bloodied and in desperate need of stitches. I didn’t even remember the exact route I’d taken to get there, just that I had. Like my brain had been hardwired to seek her out, even when it made no sense. It embarrassed me now. Ruby had been nothing but calm and steady as she stitched me up, but I could tell how unsettled she was underneath that brave exterior. And I’d put her in that position, dragged her into something she had no business being
(Lydia)The drive back to the mansion felt electric, charged with an energy I couldn’t quite put into words. Thomas’s hand rested on my thigh as he navigated the quiet streets, his fingers brushing gently against my skin. Neither of us said much; the connection between us was palpable without needing words. By the time we reached the house and stepped through the door, it was as if the air around us crackled with anticipation. Ruby had left a note on the counter saying the kids were asleep and she’d see us tomorrow. I smiled, grateful for her support, but my focus was entirely on Thomas. As soon as the door to our bedroom clicked shut behind us, it was like a dam broke. His lips were on mine in an instant, hot and urgent, pulling me into him as if the space between us was unbearable. My hands found their way to his shoulders, then his hair, as I pressed closer, feeling the hard lines of his body against mine. “Lydia,” he murmured, his voice low and thick with desire. I didn’t
(Lydia)When I woke up in the morning, I felt completely refreshed. Today was special. Thomas and I had a date planned, just the two of us. It had been far too long since we’d had an evening to ourselves, and the thought of spending uninterrupted time with him filled me with excitement. Thomas was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed as he adjusted his tie. His usual morning routine was precise, and I admired how calm and collected he looked, even when I knew his day would be busy. “Good morning,” I murmured, leaning up on my elbows. He turned, smiling warmly, “Good morning, love. Sleep well?” I nodded, sliding closer to him, “You’re leaving early today.” “Lots to do before tonight,” he said with a wink. I couldn’t help but smile at the playful glint in his eyes. Recently, he had been waking up looking like he didn’t get much sleep the night before. But today, he looked like he rested well. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him passionately, savoring the
(Thomas)The drive back to the mansion was quiet, the city lights a blur as they passed by the windows. My mind replayed the events of the day, the chaos with that one candidate, the interviews that went nowhere, and then Jack. That wound, the tension in his voice, the possibility of Marco being involved, it all left a sour taste in my mouth. But I pushed it aside for now. I didn’t want to bring that storm home with me.By the time I pulled into the driveway, the mansion was bathed in soft light, welcoming and warm. I exhaled deeply, the weight of the day slowly lifting as I reminded myself of what mattered most, my family.Inside, the familiar sounds of home greeted me. Miles and Mabel’s laughter echoed from the living room, where they were playing with a set of blocks. Lydia sat nearby, her eyes flicking between them and her phone. When she looked up and saw me, her face brightened in a way that made the tension in my chest ease instantly.“Daddy!” Miles and Mabel shouted in unison
(Thomas)The hallways of the office were unusually quiet as I left the disaster of the last interview behind me. My steps echoed faintly as I made my way toward Jack’s office, needing a moment to vent about the absurdity of the day. Jack always had a way of grounding me, even when the world felt like it was spiraling out of control.But when I arrived at his office, it was empty. The blinds were drawn, the desk cleared except for a mug of cold coffee. I frowned, pulling out my phone to call him.He picked up after a few rings. His voice was low and somewhat strained when he spoke, “Thomas?”“Jack,” I said, glancing at my watch, “Where are you? I just came by your office.”“I’m at my apartment,” he replied, his tone clipped. “At your apartment?” I repeated, my frown deepening, “It’s the middle of the day, Jack. What’s going on?”There was a pause, long enough to make me suspicious. “I had to step out for a bit,” he finally said, “I’ll be back soon.”“Jack-”“Thomas, I’m fine,” he int
(Lydia)As we pulled into the driveway of the mansion, I couldn’t help but glance at Ruby in the passenger seat. Her face was calm, her usual cool composure firmly in place, but I could tell she was exhausted. Whatever had happened earlier was still playing in the back of my mind, but I didn’t press her further. Ruby had always been good at deflecting, and I knew better than to push when she wasn’t ready to share. The front door opened before we even reached it, and there stood Mama, smiling weakly but genuinely. She leaned on her cane, her movements slower since the surgery, but her spirit was intact. Ruby was by her side in a flash, steadying her and guiding her gently back into the living room. “Ruby, you didn’t have to come all the way here if the boutique was busy,” Mama said softly, though her eyes betrayed how much she appreciated the gesture. “I wanted to,” Ruby replied simply, her voice steady, “And you know me, I don’t trust anyone else to make sure you’re properly ta
(Thomas)The office felt unusually stifling today, as if the walls were closing in on me. My desk was piled with documents, but my attention was split. Half of my mind churned through what would happen when I met Nathan again.I had not seen him face to face since the last time, the night I found Lydia after he had kidnapped her. My blood boiled just thinking about that moment. I would have made a rash decision if it wasn’t for Lydia’s hand in mind and the thought of our kids, their smiling faces flashing through my mind.They had already spent so much time without me, their dad, I wasn’t going to make a horrible decision by harming Nathan and landing myself behind bars.I was glad that I hadn’t acted out of emotion, but that was also due to the fact that Lydia was right in front of me, looking relatively unharmed. If he had done something to her…then I would have taken it into my hands.Apart from this, there was also the added stress of finding another personal assistant for myself.
(Lydia)By the time I reached Ruby’s apartment, I could hardly breathe. My legs burned from climbing the stairs two at a time, but I didn’t care. My mind was racing, filled with every worst-case scenario I could imagine. Ruby’s phone going unanswered and her not showing up at the mansion had sent my thoughts spiraling into dark territory.I pounded on her door, my fist landing hard against the wood.“Ruby? Open up! It’s me!”The hallway was eerily silent, my frantic knocks echoing off the walls. I pressed my ear to the door, hoping to catch even the faintest sound of movement inside.“Ruby, please! Are you okay?”The seconds stretched unbearably. Then, finally, I heard the muffled shuffle of footsteps. Relief surged through me, but it was fleeting.The door opened just a crack, and Ruby appeared, peeking through the gap. Her face was calm, but her eyes held a flicker of something…annoyance? Discomfort?“Lydia,” she said, her voice carefully even, “What are you doing here?”I pushed th