(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)“Thomas,” I started, “Please don’t get me wrong when I say this but I feel like we were far too hasty in getting together. We spent almost four years of our lives away from each other and the moment you gained your memories back, it felt like a switch had been turned on.”Thomas opened his mouth to say something but I stopped him by placing my hand upon his.“Hear me out first, please,” I gently said. He nodded in reply before I continued, “What I mean to say is that we should have taken our time in getting to know each other properly. I know we went to dinner, but is that really enough? I spent four years of my life with the fact that the man I knew had simply vanished from the face of the Earth.”“It must have been so cruel, knowing that I was alive somewhere yet I wasn’t the person you knew,” Thomas whispered, a pained smile on his face.I nodded, swallowing roughly before continuing, “When we reconciled, the four years that we spent apart had changed you, and even with you
(Thomas)I cannot believe that Lydia was sitting beside me as we both traveled to the mansion where the kids were waiting for us.The entire morning felt like a fever dream.Waking up beside Lydia felt like a privilege I shouldn’t be allowed to have.And then preparing and eating breakfast with her felt like something out of my wildest dreams.An image flashed through my mind. It was of Lydia, standing in the kitchen with a SpongeBob apron on. I don’t know exactly when it had taken place, but I remembered picking her up and twirling her around the kitchen. The surroundings were a bit blurry, what stood out though was that Lydia had the brightest smile on her face that I had ever seen.I vowed to myself that I would see that smile on her face again.My hand on the steering wheel clenched as they wanted to make that happen right at the moment coursed through me. I held myself back because we had decided to keep things cordial for now. However, once she would be back from her tour, I wou
(Lydia)The familiar weight of Thomas’ hand on my thigh felt like it was healing something inside of me.I didn’t speak much after that because it felt like the lump in my throat would burst and I would start sobbing.The years of our separation were some of the hardest years for me. I had lost my partner cruelly. Someone who had told me that they would be there for me in sickness and health suddenly shunning me felt like I had been pierced with a stake directly at the heart.I had missed him dearly in those days.However, what I had missed the most was this. The familiarity that comes between two married people who know each other very well.Like me drowning in guilt and confusion and him placing his hand on my thigh in support and giving me reassuring words with a reassuring smile, knowing that it would make me feel better.It was these little things that I had missed the most during those years.I tried to forget about them. I tried to replace the feeling of emptiness inside of me,
(Ruby)No matter how hard I tried, I just could not focus on work.I had a deadline in my mind, there was a list of locations that I had selected after careful consideration. There was another list of potential names for the boutique.But I just could not work.I don’t think I had ever been this distracted from work even during my most emotionally taxing days.I knew the reason for me feeling like this.Jack.His sudden presence at the house yesterday had not surprised me that much. He did that sometimes, asking me to sneak out because he wanted to see me before going back home.Hence, this time I hadn’t thought much about it either. Until Lydia had seen us. The way she had thundered towards Jack and looked at him with accusatory eyes told me that something was not okay.I knew my sister very well and I also knew that she could not fake an expression for the life of her. Our whole lives, everything she was thinking and feeling was always written all over her face – which meant it wasn
(Jack)I was at lunch with some investors that Thomas was supposed to meet but I could not focus on one word that was coming out of their mouths.I was so utterly distracted by the storm that was my life that work felt like something that I could not prioritize.I had only come to the office today just so I could escape my mother because I knew that if I showed her my face at home, I would be whisked away on another date before I could even think to refuse.The satisfaction of telling mother that her first choice had been thwarted was so amazing that it almost rid me of the headache that I had since my argument with Lydia, however, my heart still felt as heavy as a stone and this feeling won’t go away until I am done with this entire ordeal.I only had about a week to figure out what I wanted to say to Ruby before Lydia told her everything on her own.I wouldn’t let it happen though.I love Ruby, I truly do, and wanting her hurt would be the last thing I would want.I know that just t
(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