(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
(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.