I woke up the next morning with a clearer head than I had gone to sleep with. Talking with the kids always made me feel happier and that was exactly what I had done after talking to Ruby the night before.Thinking of Ruby made me sad about the state of her love life. I don’t think Jack and Ruby have ever fought like this before so this was definitely a first for both of them. When I first found out about their dating, I knew Margaret would have some thoughts about their relationship but I never imagined her to do something like this.She had been opposing Thomas and me as well and what happened to our marriage and relationship must have given her some kind of vindication.Not to mention, not too long ago, she was partial to Sarah as well and only backed away when she found out that her family had been behind her almost losing her son.I went through my morning routine and focused on my schedule ahead for the time being. There was a photoshoot at noon which was expected to go on until
(Ruby)I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. My ears were ringing, a telltale sign that I was panicking from the inside no matter how hard I tried not to show it outwardly.I can’t believe that I was doing this.Jack didn’t know. Hell, I didn’t even tell Lydia that I had decided to do this.I thought about it and I kept thinking about it until nothing made sense except for the feeling that this was something that I should be doing.Standing in front of the mansion though, I felt like chickening out and leaving but I knew that I shouldn’t.I wanted to fight for Jack the way he was fighting for me in his own way. I knew being mad at him over something that wasn’t his idea was exactly what Margaret was trying to do.She was thinking and probably hoping that her demands drive a wedge between us naturally. Instead of that happening, I should be sticking by Jack’s side because I loved him more than any words could tell you.After visiting Margaret, I would go to Jack and make him underst
(Lydia)I got ready for the photoshoot with a heavy heart. I knew Nathan would be there. I wasn't too keen about spending time with him after what I had just learned.Still, it was my job to be at the venue in time so I got myself ready and met with Josh at the front of the hotel where a car was waiting for us.“So, you’ll be in the makeup chair for almost an hour before the photoshoot begins and we’ll go through four outfits. The base looks will be the same but in between the fit change we’ll need to do some makeup touches, just the eyeshades and lips I think,” Josh prattled on as he scrolled through his phone, then he let out a little scoff, “It’s already started.”He showed me the screen of his phone where a gossip page was open and a celebrity blind was shared. It said that an actor and his model ex-girlfriend got back together, making the actor's co-star jealous. Josh scrolled through the comments and I could see many people sharing Nathan’s and Clara’s names, however, in some of
(Jack)I was sitting in the spot mother had vacated, head in my hands as I tried to come to terms with what had just happened.I was coming back home to talk to mother.After spending last night getting drunk and then puking my guts out in the morning, I decided to take a day off to get over the hangover. However, with nothing else to do, I kept thinking about what Ruby said.If I go to mother and talk to her about how all of this was affecting me, would she give up all of this and let me be with Ruby?I thought about it so much that I made myself believe that this was the only option. Yet, when I reached the mansion, Ruby was already there.“I’m sorry you had to see that,” mother said as she sat beside me.I really didn’t know what to say to her. Yes, Ruby shouldn’t have come here to talk to her alone and by herself, but what choice did mother even give her?I hated having to tell her to leave, but I knew that wasn’t the right moment to talk about all the things that had become messe
(Lydia)“Goodbye, Mommy!!!” Mabel said, rubbing her eyes sleepily.“Mommy, bubye!” Miles mumbled, eyes already half-closed.There were sounds of murmuring coming from the other end and then a door shut close before Thomas’ tired but happy face entered the screen.“Now that the call with the kids is done, will you tell me about what’s bothering you?” Thomas asked, looking at me meaningfully through the screen.The fact that he could still read me so easily through the screen was proof that he was still the same guy I had once been married to.“How can you tell?’ I asked him, just to stall the conversation.“There’s a tightness around your mouth even as you’re smiling at the kids, which must mean something is on your mind otherwise they have your full attention and affection,” he said without any hesitation.I sighed, “There has been something bothering me lately, but I’m not so sure about it,” I bit on my lower lip as I thought about what to say. “If I have something concrete, then I’l
(Jack)After talking with mother, I spent some more time at the mansion. Actually, it was because mother wanted me to stay since I had been living at the apartment for more than a week now.According to her, I had lost a substantial amount of weight and had dark circles under my eyes. I had hoped that she would realize that it was because I worried too much and she was the cause of my worries.I had texted Ruby that I would come to visit the house and to wait for me there, but when I went there, Ruby’s Mama opened the door, a weak smile on her features.“She’s not home is she?” I had asked her with a pained smile on my face.She had shaken her head, looking like she wanted to say more but had likely held herself back because Ruby probably told her to do so.Now, sitting in the living room of my empty apartment once again, I tried calling Ruby but there was no reply. All my texts were going unread as well. I had apologized to her for sending her away so harshly, but there was still no
(Ruby)I looked at Adam sitting in front of me as he clicked the call off. I was chewing my nails out at what had just happened.Would Jack be angry at that?Well, he had no right to be.Instead of defending me in front of his mother and being on my side, he childishly sent me away.“I don’t know anymore,” I said shakily, “It feels like I’m losing my mind.”“You’re not,” Adam replied shortly, “You have the right to stand up for yourself and your relationship. If Jack doesn’t accept that and believe that, then I don’t think you guys were a good match at all.”Hearing the words felt like piercing myself with a sharp object. The thing was, I had asked Adam out as a way to escape my own thoughts and to also be realistic after I had told him about every detail.Lydia had been busy today and Mama’s fatigue made her sleep more often than not. I didn’t know who to go to so that I could rant about Jack all I wanted.Adam popped into my mind like a great option. He had been there for us during
(Lydia)It had been another testing morning and afternoon. I had given my first sets of interviews and most of them went smoothly. I got asked to talk about movies and my inspirations in acting and I was to follow through with well thought out answers.I did my homework on the interviewers as well and realized they asked a familiar set of questions with most actors they interviewed. I’m not going to lie, doing so helped me a lot even though I had to lose a few hours of sleep at night.The busy schedule had kept me thinking about anything or thinking much at all. I preferred it that way because sooner rather than later, my thoughts would make me spiral.I was noticing every single person and how they acted around me then comparing it to Nathan. There wasn’t much of a difference though, but what bugged me was that everyone else treated me uniformly, while with Nathan it felt like we were buddies one moment and then almost strangers the next.This up and down was making me feel confused
(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.