(Jack)Agreeing to help Amanda was not a decision I’d come to lightly. Memories of the past, of how we’d ended things, the betrayal, the fallout, flashed through my mind as I sat across from her in my office. I’d spent days wrestling with this, questioning if I’d be better off walking away from this entire situation. But then again, Amanda wasn’t just anyone. Despite all that had happened, we had history, a friendship that had meant something, and I wasn’t about to let her deal with this on her own.“Amanda,” I began, meeting her gaze, which flickered between hope and something close to relief. “I’ll help you. But we do this on my terms. I’m not going to fake a relationship with you, not even for show. What I am willing to do is spend time together, as friends. If Marco sees that I’m around and that you’re not alone, that should be enough.”She nodded, almost eagerly, “Yes, yes, of course. Friends. That’s…that’s fine, Jack.”I studied her for a moment, wondering if she was truly as c
(Ruby)Opening night of the boutique was finally here, and I could barely believe it. Months of preparation, from handpicking fabrics and designing every detail, had come together in this small yet elegant space I could now call my own. I’d wanted every corner of the boutique to speak of grace and style, from the chandeliers casting a soft glow on carefully arranged displays to the vintage mirrors reflecting the excitement on guests' faces. There were flowers on every table, each bouquet delicate and colorful, just like the clothes I’d created with so much care.People were already flowing in, dressed to the nines. I had invited a lot of people, some potential clients, friends I had made because we shared the same interests, and, of course, my family. Seeing their faces was what I anticipated most, hoping they’d understand the blood, sweat, and heartache that had gone into building this place. I caught my breath when I saw Lydia and Thomas walking in with the kids, Miles and Mabel,
(Lydia)I have no idea why it’s so hard to bring up the proposal with Thomas, or why talking about our living situation feels like trying to tiptoe through a minefield. We’ve been through so much together. We had been married once and now are the parents of two little whirlwinds, and here I was, still getting all nervous over something as simple as talking to him. It’s ridiculous, really. This wasn’t the first time he’d be proposing to me. We were married once, after all, and yet here I am, finding every excuse to avoid the topic. Every time I think I’ve mustered up the courage to bring it up, the words evaporate the moment I see him.Maybe it’s the months filled with unrelenting chaos that we’ve had to go through, or maybe I just don’t want to rock the boat now that things are finally settling down. We’re living at the mansion, which was supposed to be temporary, yet every day, it feels a little less temporary. I know I need to ask him about it, about what we’re doing, whether we’l
(Thomas)The fluorescent lights in my office buzzed quietly, the glow casting shadows across stacks of papers, files, and notes sprawled across my desk. I’ve gone over the same document three times, yet nothing is sticking. My mind is stuck somewhere else entirely, pulled in a direction I’ve been fighting to ignore.Lydia’s voice drifts back to me, gentle but firm, as she suggested therapy a few weeks ago. I remember the conversation well. She brought it up carefully, like she was testing the waters, and I immediately brushed it off. I didn’t need help. I’d managed to survive worse things on my own. Therapy had always sounded to me like something other people needed, a step for those who couldn’t shoulder their burdens alone. But here I am, unable to shake the lingering doubts and shadows that have haunted me since everything happened with Nathan. Since Lydia’s kidnapping. Since those nights when my mind twisted into worst-case scenarios that stole hours of sleep. I can’t keep prete
(Lydia)The moment I read Thomas’s message, my heart jumped into my throat. Something important to talk about, he said. I knew I’d told myself a hundred times not to think that every quiet moment or cryptic text from him was a sign of a proposal, but this one was different, it was vague, yes, but it had an air of finality as well. He wouldn’t phrase it like that unless it was serious, right? I couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, he was finally ready.So, I threw myself into preparations. If tonight was the night, then I wanted everything to be perfect. I gave myself a list to keep my excitement in check: first, get the kids settled. I made up a special story for them, told in soft whispers with Mabel on one side and Miles on the other. They asked questions, stretched it out, and I was happy to oblige. An extra bit of time together before what felt like a big moment for their parents. Afterward, I tucked them in, making sure they had their favorite stuffed animals, and kiss
(Lydia)When I arrived at Ruby’s boutique, I couldn’t help but smile. The place had her stamp all over it: chic, stylish, with just a hint of rebellion in the clothes she’d chosen to display. Ruby’s boutique had become her sanctuary, her new world. I could feel her pride as she gave me a quick wave from behind the counter, signaling for me to meet her in the back.We found our way into her small office tucked behind a thick curtain, far from the bustle of customers and the hum of city sounds. She motioned for me to sit on a cushioned chair in the corner while she took her own seat across from me, her brows already drawn in curiosity.“So,” she said, folding her arms, “What’s going on? You looked a bit preoccupied the moment you walked in here.”I let out a long sigh, leaning back in my chair, “It’s Thomas. I thought he was going to propose last night.”Ruby’s eyebrows shot up, and she leaned in, her interest piqued, “And?”“And…he didn’t,” I felt my cheeks flush with a mix of embarras
(Lydia)I checked my watch, hurrying up the steps to the preschool entrance, where Mabel and Miles would be waiting for me. The chilly November air was biting, and the first wisps of winter fog were settling over the city. But seeing my kids’ bright faces as I picked them up was the best part of my day, especially now, after everything we’d been through. Thomas insisted I take a bodyguard with me even for errands as simple as picking them up, and today, Ben was by my side. Although it did make me feel safe, but I couldn’t help but remember the ones that used to be there before Ben…the ones that lost their lives protecting me.I shook my head, right now was not the time to think about how Nathan had murdered my driver and bodyguard. My heart hurt something fierce at the reminder.As we approached the door, I heard a group of mothers talking in hushed, urgent voices by the side of the building. I couldn’t make out the words, but they turned to look at me as soon as I appeared. I wasn’t
(Thomas)It was nearing the end of the day when my phone buzzed, and I saw a message from Ben, the new bodyguard I hired for Lydia and the kids. I didn’t even have to open it to feel something was wrong. The subject line read, Incident at school pickup. My stomach twisted as I clicked on the message.Miss. Lydia ran into some trouble with a group of mothers. They confronted her about the Nathan situation. The kids heard everything, Ben’s text read. Everyone’s home safe, but it was rough.I shut my laptop, barely holding back my frustration as I tried to focus on getting home instead of spiraling over what must have happened. I should’ve been there. I hated that, after everything we’d already been through, Lydia and the kids were still facing this fallout. The thought of anyone speaking about her, or our family, with such cruelty sent a surge of anger through me. It had to stop.When I finally got home, I could hear Lydia talking quietly in the living room. I paused in the hallway, ga
(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.