(Ruby)I wasn’t able to breathe easier.Not until I knew how Mama was.We had just gotten back from the hospital and I had settled her down and handed her a cup of tea to drink.I had only left her for a couple of minutes and the next thing I knew, Lydia was screaming for me to come for help.It was good that Thomas had been present. He had stayed behind with the kids and Lydia and I had accompanied Mama to the hospital. The entire way, I could not stop the tears from my eyes.It was all my fault. I should have been there with her. She had probably gotten up to get something instead of calling out to me and now we were at the Emergency waiting room of the hospital, waiting for anyone to come and tell us what was going on.“She’ll be okay,” Lydia whispered beside me but it felt like she was trying to convince herself more than me.We waited for another five minutes before the door to the emergency room snapped open. The doctor on rounds walked towards us and informed us, “There is noth
(Jack)I didn’t feel like going home again.I had taken to staying over at the apartment for the past couple of days, wanting to avoid everyone else.I didn’t care about that part much because the only person I didn’t want to ignore was Ruby, but for the past week, I have ignored her calls and only replied to her through messages, citing a heavy workload and whatnot.I know she could tell it was probably an excuse.I jogged around the park right opposite my apartment complex. It was a weekend and I had already been to the gym but I still felt anxious for some reason.As I rounded another corner, I saw someone crouching down in the middle of the walking track with a leash in their hands.I narrowed my eyes at the blonde hair and narrow shoulders that somehow felt familiar.“Amanda?” I asked hesitatingly.The woman whipped her head towards me and her green eyes widened.“It is you!” I said in surprise.“Jack?” she said my name, a wide smile on her face, although there was still some ten
(Lydia)The doctors discharged Mama the next morning.We were careful in transferring her into the house even though she was pretty adamant about not receiving any help.I told her the most important thing in the world now is for her to rest, and after that, she could moan all about how she still wanted to do things on her own.“You fret too much,” she told me when I came to sit beside her. The kids had just met their grandma and were now downstairs, making breakfast in the kitchen with Thomas while Ruby was resting.It had taken a lot of pleading on my part to make Ruby leave Mama’s side and take care of her own health for a while. There were dark circles around her eyes and a general expression of fatigue.I knew it was more than just Mama’s health but in the crucial time, I was having trouble focusing on most things.My phone rang once again, a source of annoyance in a tough time.“It’s been doing that since yesterday,” Mama pointed out, “Is it a work call? If so, you need to pick
(Adeline)I woke up to realize that I had been sleeping for the better part of the morning and even the afternoon.The exhaustion and fatigue that I had been feeling ever since I started the new chemotherapy felt like it had vanished, but I knew it was only a matter of time before it returned.Still, I would enjoy this time because it has been hard to do most things these days. I was not able to keep everything in because of nausea and I didn’t want anyone to worry which was why I kept it all to myself.I sat up in bed to realize there was someone already lying beside me.“Ruby?” I croaked out before clearing my throat, “What are you doing?”Ruby looked up from the piece of cloth she had been holding like she was pulled out of a very deep thought. “Hm?” she said, still looking like she was somewhere else entirely.I give her shoulder a comforting squeeze, “You’ve been much too distracted these days.” I had been noticing how quieter she had gotten.I wanted to ask her about it, but dea
(Ruby)I cannot believe I was about to do this.In all my life, I had never gone behind a guy. I didn’t care how much of a crush I had on someone, you would never see me pursuing them.However, now it was imperative that I do a bit of chasing.I don’t know what happened with Jack that he pulled away from me so suddenly, but I will get to the end of it by today.I guess I needed Mama to get some sense into me. Only when she mentioned Thomas did I realize how stupid I was.Of course, he would know Jack’s whereabouts. Thomas had given me a smirk and made me note down the name of an apartment complex.It was far from our home but not too far away from the mansion, although the area was completely different.During the drive, I realized that I have seen many times how life is unpredictable, hence, wasting time by ignoring each other and not sharing things with each other did nothing but waste the time we did have with each other.No one can say for certain what the future holds for them so
(Lydia)I cannot believe I was actually going.Fortunately, all the demands I made to the marketing team were taken in stride.I cannot believe they thought they would force me to do something I didn’t want to do just because I was not at the same level as their star Nathan Andrews.This was no hate to Nathan of course, because I knew he must be in a tough spot as well. The more you climb up the fame ladder, the harder it is to do the things that you want to do.I’m sure Nathan had been roped to do something like this previously as well, which was why he became receptive to the idea. Otherwise, it is all stupidity of course.Yes, some people might be swayed by dating rumors, but most fans these days could tell a marketing strategy from a mile away and if I was setting foot into Hollywood, I didn’t want to do it in this way.If I am talented enough, then I will be getting more roles. The directors and the producers won’t care about my rumors with the sweetheart of Hollywood, what they
(Thomas)Somehow, the way to the airport did not feel very long. Before I knew it, I was already putting the car into park and turning to look at Lydia.“All set?” I asked with a slight smile.Lydia chuckled, “Don’t look so pained.”“Or what? You’re going to stay behind?” I asked, raising a brow.I was jesting because I knew how important this was for her but Lydia looked at me thoughtfully, “Do you really want that?”I blinked at her in surprise, “Of course not. I know how much this means to you. I would never want you to not pursue whatever your heart desires.”Lydia looked down with a smile and nodded, “That’s good. You always encouraged me to follow my passions and I didn’t get to do that for the longest time. Now, it feels like I’m finally where I want to be and I really don’t want to miss it.”“I know and I understand you wholly. You know, I’ve been thinking recently that the work that I do, continuing my father’s legacy, is mainly just work for me. There is no passion for it. I
(Lydia)Leaving Thomas behind felt bittersweet. It felt like there were tendrils of hope blooming between us and now there will be distance.I’m scared of that distance bringing something between us again, whether it be my feelings or something outward. When he hugged me, it felt like I could breathe again and I melted in his hold. Alas, I had to leave.Some of the team members and makeup artists were also traveling with us. The director would follow suit the next day while we settled. There were interviews to be done with the entire cast as well including directors and producers. Other than that, I had a lot with Nathan and a few of them with just me as well.They were hoping for a big movie role and I hope I don’t disappoint them because I know I would feel like it was because of me. I didn’t want to ruin their marketing plans but I had some of my own principals as well. They couldn’t expect me to just leave all my morals behind and do a stunt just for the sake of it.A crew member
(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.