(Ruby)I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was lurking in the corners, something left over from the house. Even now, at Adam’s apartment, I felt unsettled, like the shadows were hiding things I couldn’t face. I had told myself it would pass, that the panic and the unease would fade sooner or later. But it hadn’t. It clung to me, wrapping itself around my mind in the quiet hours, especially when I was alone. I had no place to live after moving out of Jack’s apartment. I had thought that once Nathan was behind bars, I would be able to go back to our house, but that was not possible anymore.I couldn’t go back to the house, not after everything that had happened there. And as for the mansion, well, that was out of the question. Margaret was there, and even thinking about being under the same roof as her again made me feel suffocated and also angry, though that anger subsided within me with every passing day.I had to move on. That much was clear.Adam had been kind enough
(Jack)I felt a knot in my stomach as Thomas and I walked down the hallway toward the boardroom. The echo of our footsteps bounced off the polished floors, and I could feel the weight of what was about to happen pressing down on my shoulders. I had told Thomas that I’d handle it, that I was ready to step up and take control, but there was still that gnawing fear in the back of my mind. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I couldn’t pull us out of this?I glanced over at Thomas, his face calm but tight with worry. We hadn’t said much to each other since this morning. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust each other, we did. But the stakes were high, and both of us knew it.“Jack, are you sure about this?” Thomas asked, his voice low as we neared the door. I nodded and said, “Yeah, I’ve got this. Just trust me.”He looked at me for a moment, and I could tell he wanted to say more, but instead, he nodded back and let it drop. I knew he was counting on me, and that was all the motivation I ne
(Lydia)As I stood in the middle of the living room with my packed suitcase by my side, my departure loomed heavily in my mind. My heart felt heavy with a mix of fear and uncertainty, emotions I couldn’t shake no matter how much I tried to focus on the task ahead. The flight was in a few hours, and I wasn’t ready. Not emotionally, at least. Physically, I had packed everything I needed, but mentally, I felt like I was spiraling.The sound of Mabel and Miles playing in the next room reminded me of what I was leaving behind. I didn’t want to go, and a part of me resented having to make this trip without Thomas. I had hoped he would come with me, that his presence would make me feel stronger, more in control. But his responsibilities to the company were too important, and I knew it. It wasn’t his fault. Still, knowing that didn’t make it easier.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to push away the memories of that night at the house. The footsteps on the stairs, the panic that
(Lydia)The car ride to the airport was quieter than usual, the kind of silence that felt thick with unsaid words and unresolved emotions. Thomas sat beside me, his hands gripping the steering wheel just a little too tightly, and I could feel his tension, mirroring my own. I glanced out the window, watching the familiar scenery rush by, knowing that soon I’d be leaving it all behind, if only for a little while.I turned to look at Thomas, taking in the familiar lines of his face, the way his brow furrowed slightly in concentration as he drove. He caught me looking and gave me a small, tired smile.“I hate this,” he admitted softly, “Dropping you off like this. Not being able to go with you.”I reached over, resting my hand on his arm, “I know. I hate it too.”We pulled into the airport parking lot, and the tension between us seemed to grow even heavier. As we parked, Thomas turned to me fully, his eyes locking onto mine. There was a seriousness in them that made my chest tighten.“Lyd
(Lydia)As I sat in the waiting area with the sounds of the airport buzzing around me, I realized I hadn’t even checked my phone since I’d passed through security. I hadn’t wanted to be distracted, hadn’t wanted to deal with anything outside of my own thoughts and the wrenching feeling in my chest from leaving Thomas and the kids behind. But now, with some time before the flight and nothing else to do but wait, I figured it was a good time to catch up on whatever had piled up in my notifications.I unlocked my phone, quickly scrolling past the usual emails, missed calls, and a few texts from people I didn’t have the energy to respond to yet. But then I saw it. A message from Jenna Clairefield. I blinked, surprised, and immediately clicked it open.Jenna Clairefield: “Lydia, I’m so sorry it’s taken me this long to get back to you. Things have been…complicated. But I’d really like to meet. Let me know when and where.”I stared at the screen, processing the fact that she’d finally repli
(Thomas)I leaned back in my office chair, staring at the ceiling, trying to suppress the frustration that had been gnawing at me. Lydia was on a flight to D.C. and I would have been much more calmer if we hadn’t let Nathan slip right through our fingers. Again. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. We had him right where we wanted, the perfect setup. The plan was airtight, George had assured me of that. But Nathan had vanished like a ghost, leaving us with nothing but dead ends.I picked up the phone and dialed George. I didn’t even wait for him to say hello before I started in, my voice tight with irritation, “We had him, George. We had him right there.” It was something that I had repeated to him continuously.I didn’t talk to Lydia about how that night bothered me because I knew she was already shaken by the experience.There was a long pause on the other end, then George exhaling deeply and said, “I know, Thomas. Believe me, I’m as frustrated as you are. He must’ve caught on to
(Adeline)The hospital smelled the same as always, sterile and cold, with that faint, unpleasant antiseptic scent that seemed to cling to the air. I sat in the waiting room, staring at the bland, pale walls, trying to settle my nerves. I’d been here more times than I cared to count, but today felt different. Today, Dr. Roberts would look at my scans and tell me if the chemotherapy had done its job, if there was any improvement. I’d been through months of treatment, some of the hardest months of my life, but nothing had felt harder than waiting for these results after they had changed my chemo dosage to see whether there was any effect or none at all.I adjusted my scarf, the one Ruby had given me the last time she visited. She had picked out the softest fabric, something to “wrap myself in comfort,” she’d said. I smiled faintly, thinking of her thoughtfulness, her quiet concern that mirrored Lydia’s. But I knew they worried about me more than they let on. They had enough on their pla
(Margaret)I stood outside Charlotte’s mansion, the late autumn air biting through my coat. I don’t know why I was hesitating going in, but I also knew exactly why. The last time, Jack had called me here to confront me. That confrontation had ended badly if I do say so myself. This was supposed to be an easy visit, a simple catch-up with my oldest and dearest friend. We shared so much history, so many plans for our children, so much ambition. Yet, today felt different. After what I had done and the subsequent news, the media storm…it seemed like things had changed after that.I took a breath and knocked on the heavy wooden door, half-expecting Charlotte’s usual warm greeting. Instead, there was a long pause, followed by the door creaking open. Charlotte stood there, her face unreadable, her expression a bit cold."Margaret," she said, her voice clipped. She stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter, but it was clear that this wasn't the warm welcome I was used to.I forced a smile and
(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.