(Lydia)“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Mabel’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.Thomas had dropped us off at the mansion a couple of hours ago. I hadn’t wanted him to leave but I knew that he was taking care of a lot of matters.I looked down at Mabel with a bright smile, “My baby’s hungry, huh? Come on, let’s make something to eat,” I took her hands in mine and turned to Miles who was playing with some building blocks, “You coming, bud?”With both of my kids holding my hands, we went down the stairs and into the kitchen.Through the kitchen window, I could see that it was already dark outside. I shuddered at the unwanted thoughts of an unknown burglar and turned to my children, “What would my babies like for dinner?” I asked them, sitting on my knees to come at their level, “Mac and cheese?” I listed, “Chicken wings?” I hummed thoughtfully, “Or…pizza?!”They both jumped at the mention of pizza. I wasn’t in the mood to order and I know there must be a ready-made pizza dough in the house to
(Lydia)The storybook I was reading wasn’t even halfway finished when the children were both fast asleep. I spent some time with them, watching over their sleep, cherishing the few quiet moments I had with them before I had to go again.In the back of my mind, I was aware of the fact that I had to leave and talk to Margaret like she had asked.As the clock struck 10 o'clock, I got up from the bed with a sigh.Quietly closing the door behind me, I made my way through the hallways until I reached Margaret’s room. I hesitated only a moment before knocking on the door, wanting this conversation to get done and over with already.“Come in,” Margaret’s voice filtered through the door.I did as she asked and the door opened up to a spacious room. On one side there was the bed and on the other side, there was a glass wall with curtains covering them and an L-shaped couch.One corner was already taken by Margaret so I took the other end and faced her head-on.“What did you want to talk about?”
(Thomas)I was at Jack’s apartment, sitting inside his home office, looking over at the arrangements he had made for the company’s golden jubilee.I had been so distracted the last few weeks that I didn’t even know so much had already been planned. Well, there was only a week left.“Masquerade, huh?” I chuckled lightly, “Only you could come up with something like this for a golden jubilee.”“People are bored, Thomas. Can you believe that board of ancient people actually did not mind it?” Jack replied, surprise apparent on his face.“Their grandkids are getting older now and a company’s golden jubilee is the best place for connections. Gotta have something to make them interested in a work event,” I mused, my eyes flying over the pages of the expense sheet.After a moment of silence, Jack spoke, “Thomas?”“Hm?” I called back distractedly.“Why are you not going home?” he asked, looking at me curiously.I placed the file back on the table between us and leaned back in the chair, my hand
(Lydia)I didn’t know when I fell asleep, but when I finally stirred awake, it felt like I was moving.Now, I’ve never been a sleepwalker so this new development came as quite a shock for me. When the feeling in my entire body returned, I realized that I was being carried by someone.My eyes flew open and I let out a sharp gasp, about to scream bloody murder that someone was about to kidnap me.“It’s me,” a warm and slightly raspy voice whispered to me.Only then did I realize that I was being carried by Thomas in my sleep.I blinked a couple of times until my eyes focused on my surroundings.We entered the room I had placed my clothes in and Thomas gently laid me down on the bed.“When did you get home?” I asked, trying to hold back a yawn but being unsuccessful at it.I looked up to see Thomas staring down at me with a look in his eyes that was so familiar, yet it felt like he had never looked at me like that before.His expression was tender as one of his hands came up to tuck a st
(Thomas)After Lydia accidentally slept in the bathtub, I carefully picked her up, placed a bath robe around her shoulders, and took her to bed once again.I opened the wardrobe to take out one of her night gown and after drying her with a towel, I helped her in wearing the gown. She woke up in the middle, mumbling something about the kids but did not fully wake up.I wanted her to have a great night’s sleep because the last time she had taken a nap, she woke up disturbed because of the nightmare.I hope the walls of my mansion were enough to make her feel safe. I truly hoped to take all of her worries away, though sometimes it felt like they kept on piling up.As Lydia lay there sound asleep, I envisioned a future where this would be the norm. I would happily help her shower after she had a long day and cuddle up next to her by the end of the night.Right now, I wanted to do just that but I don’t know if Lydia would appreciate that. If she were awake and asked me to join, I would do
(Ruby)Living in an apartment with Jack was something I didn’t think I would have to do any time soon.But here I was, living in his apartment while he was off to work. I had brought my current works with me to finish them off while we were living in this limbo of not knowing where to go from here.Lydia was truly freaked out by what had happened. I mean what had happened was weird for sure, but I have a feeling that it had also triggered Lydia and her fears.It was sad to see my sister so down and hopeless. I wish I could have done more to support her.I had thought about going to look for places for the boutique but this sudden blip in our lives had made me postpone it even further. Not to mention Jack was busy with the company event that is being held at the end of this week.One thing that bothered me was that Jack had not asked for me to accompany him at this event. But when Amanda was here while they prepared for a party, she knew everything about the event and how Jack had been
(Ruby)As evening approached, I started to get ready for the date Jack had set for us. But before changing into any clothes, I texted him asking what I should wear since I didn’t bring all of my clothes from the house.After a few minutes, I got a reply from Jack.Jack: Wear something nice, we’re going to a club.We’re going to a club? I thought Jack had asked me out on a date at a restaurant. Well, it could still be a date. I don’t think I’ve ever gone on a date at a club before but there was a first time for everything.To make sure I didn’t stand out too much in the club, I wore a v-neck maroon dress that came just to my knees. I paired it up with black sandals and decided to put my red hair down. I was fortunate not to have as curly hair as Lydia, but they were still high maintenance. I parted them midway and let them fall on my shoulders.By the time I was done with my makeup, Jack was waiting for me downstairs. I locked up the apartment and went down through the elevator.Jack w
(Lydia)I’m not going to lie, I really did not want to leave for L.A.I wanted to remain at home, spend time with the kids, and forget about everything that was waiting for me here.But I knew I had work. I knew this was something I was passionate about and I also knew that there was someone who needed my help even when they were not ready to admit it.Throughout the flight, the only thing that had been going through my mind was how to go about helping Clara.I had distracted myself from everything that happened back home that I had completely forgotten about the image of bruises down her arms. Now, they came back to me very vividly and I wanted to get my hands on the person who did that.All fingers led to Nathan and no one else. Only if I was able to make Clara say it, just once would also be enough for me to confirm.When I landed at L.A.X., Thomas had told me that there was a bodyguard waiting for me with my name on a board.Sure enough, at the front of the waiting line, there was
(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.