(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)When we entered the venue, the auditorium was alive with energy. It was the kind that buzzed through every person in the room, vibrating with excitement and anticipation.The dimmed lights cast a warm, almost intimate glow across the sea of people, actors, models, and musicians alike, sitting in their designated seats all turned toward the stage waiting for the night to begin.I shared an excited look with Thomas as we found our own reserved seats and took our places. I was so glad that he was here with me, otherwise I would have floundered in front of that interviewer, unable to reply to her question.The both of us sat closely, the award ceremony started as the presenters came on stage to do their bit before announcing the awards.There were performances that I enjoyed wholeheartedly and jokes shared that hit just as well.I clapped politely as another nomination was announced, though I wasn’t really paying attention to the winner anymore because my thoughts had shifted else
(Lydia)As the award ceremony drew to a close, the energy in the room shifted from anticipation to relief. People were standing, gathering their belongings, and sharing brief conversations as they began to make their way toward the exits.However, I suddenly felt the need to use the restroom for a moment. I knew that the line of cars would be long outside and it would take at least an hour to get away from all the traffic so I wanted to save myself the trouble and use the restroom beforehand.I leaned over to Thomas, squeezed his hand, and said, "I need to use the restroom before we head out. Will you wait for me?"He nodded, his expression warm and understanding, "Of course. I’ll be right here."I gave him a quick smile and made my way toward the back of the venue, slipping past clusters of people still lingering around the seats. I asked a security guard about the restrooms and he pointed me toward a hallway that led to backstage, where I assumed there would be a less crowded washro
(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