(Ruby)I kept hyping myself up the entire way to the apartment so that I wouldn’t chicken out when it came time to talk to Jack.I didn’t want to cower away from any kind of conversation because this was Jack, the one whom I shared everything with.These doubts had been swimming in my head for more than a week now and my inability to share them was causing the distance between us to grow even more.I wanted to hold onto him tighter but if we keep ignoring the elephant in the room, how would I be able to do that?When I finally reached the apartment, it was quiet though I knew he must be home because he had canceled the plan to hang out.When I entered the living room and rounded the couch, I saw Jack’s prone body on the sofa. It looked like he slept right after he came back from the office. He was still wearing the clothes he had left the house in even though the first thing he did after coming back from the office was to change his clothes.I smiled slightly and walked over to him. J
(Thomas)I was practically vibrating with excitement when I finally reached home. The mansion didn’t look as barren as it used to be when I lived here without my kids or Lydia in my life.Now, every time I looked at it, there was a homey feeling inside my chest. It was proof that a house only became a home when there were people inside it, creating it a home through their presence.I cannot imagine how lucky I have gotten in my life. Even though I almost lost everything, I was slowly gaining everyone I had lost back and I couldn’t be anymore happier about it.I got out of the car and in the next couple of seconds, I was entering through the front door, about to call out to Lydia or the kids. However, I spied a foray of voices coming from the kitchen and I immediately quieted myself.With slow and quiet steps, I walked over to the kitchen and saw Mabel, Miles, and Lydia’s head looking down into a bowl filled with a dough of some kind. By the looks of it, they were making cookies, just
(Lydia)I felt cared for like I had never before.It was not just Thomas feeling distraught at the idea of me being in Nathan’s presence, I was feeling that way too.Even though I had bodyguards with me, I still didn’t feel secure enough. Even though I knew I would be surrounded by a lot of people, I still did not feel secure enough.I was taken aback when Thomas suggested that he had decided to come with me. I had not imagined him to say that in my wildest dreams. For a moment, I had no idea what to do and I could only pull him into a hug.Thomas truly cared for me. He was not only with me due to the past memories of us. He thought about me like we were one family and that was all I really wanted from him.I wanted this all along. Ever since he came back into my life, this was what I had been waiting for. Just this mindful gesture was enough to make me melt in his hold.I felt butterflies in my belly at the thought of him thinking about me, worrying for me through the entire day to c
(Thomas)I went to the office in the morning earlier than usual because I knew that I would have to leave before lunch to pick Lydia up from home.We had to go to the school meeting and Lydia was feeling very nervous about all of it. If she was nervous, then I had taken more of a chill role where I told her to relax and that everything would be alright.She didn’t believe me but that was all I could do to get her to calm down. Deep down, I was anxious as well but I was pretty good at hiding it from her, or perhaps everyone.There was last minute business that I had to attend to at the office which was the only reason why I even came in here. Otherwise, I knew everything would be handled by Jack. I was leaving not only the company in his hands but also my kids.And I knew he would never disappoint me.When I come back, maybe I can try to persuade mother of the relationship between him and Ruby. It would take a lot of time and effort but I know she would come around just like she did fo
(Ruby)When I woke up the next morning, I was at peace for the first time in weeks.Jack and I had cleared everything up and now it felt like we were slowly going back to the way we were before everything went down.We had gone to sleep together and kissed and cuddled for hours until we actually went to sleep. I can’t even begin to describe the relief that has washed over me after his development. After all that tension and lack of communication with Jack, we were finally going back to the way we were.I didn’t realize how much this was weighing on me until I finally talked to him and we figured things out together. It felt like a huge knot in my chest finally untied and I could breathe easier again.As we lay upon the bed together, I felt nervous about it being awkward again because truth be told, I had been avoiding going to bed at the same time as he was going. I don’t know the thought process behind all of this, but something in me did not want to lay in bed together while we were
(Lydia)Both of us woke up very early in the morning.When the kids found out that we were leaving, they were both moping because at first, it was only Mommy who was leaving, now Daddy was going to leave with her as well. But then I told them that their Uncle Jack and Aunt Ruby would be coming in to take care of them and they both cheered up.The flight was just after noon, so we woke up early to have breakfast with Mabel and Miles.Since Thomas and I were leaving, the breakfast was supposed to be extra special. I made blueberry pancakes with syrup and Thomas helped me make some hash browns.We moved into the kitchen space like we had been doing all our lives and I realized that we had. Before everything was ruined, Thomas used to help me in making food all the time unless it was already done by the time he was home.During that time, I was still trying very hard to be recognized for my talents. I used to spend hours upon hours practicing for the auditions and then spent more hours du
(Thomas)Lydia stirred me awake from the light sleep I had gotten immersed in. I jerked awake and looked around. “Are we there yet?” I asked in a voice that was thick with sleep.Lydia giggled from beside me and said, “We’re about to land. Wear your seatbelt. Hurry up.”I did just that. I was glad to see Lydia speaking up and laughing again. I know she was very worried about a lot of stuff. She was worried about getting to L.A., she was worried about leaving the children behind and she was worried about attending the red carpet event.She thought that if she would hide it all from me I wouldn’t be able to tell how she was feeling. It was foolish of her to think that she could ever hide anything away from me. I could read Lydia like an open book and it hurt my heart to see her so torn over something that was meant to be enjoyed.I wish I could take all of her pain and problems away but the world didn’t work that way.It took us another half an hour for the plane to land and for us to g
(Lydia)Josh had put me in a gorgeous periwinkle gown by Elie Saab. I twirled around in front of the mirror and couldn’t help but feel good about myself.There were teardrop earrings dangling from my ears and my hair was put up in a chignon that looked a good push away from toppling over but when I touched my hair, everything was firmly in its place.When Thomas finally changed into his clothes, the breath was knocked out of my lungs. He looked breathtaking if I were to say so. There was a strand of hair falling into his eyes and he was wearing a perfectly fitted navy blue suit that complimented my periwinkle dress.“It looks like we’re matching,” I told him.He winked at me and cheekily said, “That’s because we are.”I looked at Josh who was busy deciding if I should wear anything on my wrists or not. He shrugged and said, “Your boyfriend hunted down my number and asked for the suit.”Warmth filled my chest until all other negative energy was gone. I would be on the red carpet with T
(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.