(Ruby)The lights of my boutique cast a warm, golden glow across the racks and displays, bathing everything in a calm, almost ethereal light. Outside, the evening buzzed with people heading off to dinners or cocktails or whatever glamorous plans awaited them. It was one of those quiet nights where most of my customers had come in early, making their selections for whatever events they had lined up, and now, the streets were mostly empty except for the occasional passerby. I leaned against the counter, watching the flickering street lights outside and mentally going over the shop’s stock. There was something soothing about the quiet at the end of a long day, a kind of stillness that allowed me to unwind. But then, in the middle of my thoughts, a shadow darted past the front of the boutique. My breath caught. My heart skipped and then began to pound.For a second, I tried to convince myself that I’d imagined it. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, someone walking past on the way
(Jack)The club, with its dim lights and pulsing bass, was alive, full of people who were dressed to impress and eager to lose themselves in the music and cocktails, leaving behind whatever lives they led outside. My jaw tensed as I took it all in, the familiar faces, the laughter, it was a world I used to find exhilarating, but tonight it felt foreign, like I was walking through someone else’s life.Across the room, Amanda was perched on a high-top table, surrounded by her friends. I recognized a few of them, people I’d partied with once upon a time. They hadn’t exactly been the kind I’d call true friends. Most of them were trust-fund kids, people who only called when they wanted something. And by the looks on their faces, I knew that the story of how Amanda and Mother interfered with my relationship with Ruby had spread like wildfire. No doubt they’d heard everything, no doubt some of them had been in on it. I had one purpose here, and I was eager to get it over with.But it felt
(Thomas)I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling of my office. Today was one of those days that stretched on and on, each hour feeling longer than the last. I rubbed my temples, feeling the tension settle into my bones. The team was stuck on an issue with one of our latest projects, a problem that had surfaced last minute and now needed my attention. I should have felt some satisfaction diving into work; I usually did. But right now, this office felt like a pressure chamber, and all I wanted was to be anywhere else.Lately, being here didn’t feel like the victory it once had. I’d spent years building this company, giving it my blood, sweat, and every waking thought, and now, instead of pride, I felt like I was tiptoeing around my own space, walking on eggshells in a company I’d created. The board was breathing down my neck because of the fiasco with Nathan, and Jack was doing his best to keep things steady, but the whole thing left a sour taste. It was one thing to face ch
(Lydia)When Thomas told me about the lawyer’s call, my mind froze, trapped in a storm of memories and fears I’d tried to put behind me. The words “victim impact statement” hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. I nodded as Thomas spoke, but his words barely registered. It wasn’t until he gently placed his hand on my shoulder, eyes full of concern, that I snapped back to the present.“They want it in two days, Lydia,” he said softly, “You don’t have to go into detail. Just…whatever you feel comfortable with.”Two days. I managed to nod again, pushing down the urge to tell him that I didn’t feel comfortable with any of it at the moment. How could I? When we had talked about it, I had felt confident because it was better than facing Nathan ever again. But now that it was upon me, I felt myself waver.Writing the words down would entail reopening wounds, some of which hadn’t even started to heal. I didn’t want to relive any of it. And yet, I knew it had to be done.“I’ll… I’ll figure
(Lydia)Sunday morning arrived, bathed in soft, golden light that filtered through the curtains. It was the kind of serene morning that usually made me feel at peace, but today I couldn’t shake the tension twisting in my chest. Today was the day Mama would be admitted to the hospital, and tomorrow, she would face surgery. After weeks of waiting and hoping the chemotherapy would work, this was our last resort.With a deep breath, I walked down the hallway to Mabel and Miles’s room, bracing myself. They would have questions, and I’d have to answer them with all the calm I could muster. Their innocence was both a comfort and a reminder of how strong I needed to be, for them, for Mama, and for myself.I had put the thoughts of writing my statement to the back of my mind, wanting to focus on Mama instead of worrying over it. I still have time and I was sure I would figure something out.“Good morning, loves,” I whispered as I nudged open their door. The kids were already stirring, Mabel s
(Lydia)I told myself to be as calm as possible, but my heart wasn’t as quiet. I had a steady resolve to stay strong for Mama, yet as I looked at her frail hands, trembling slightly as she buttoned up her blouse, my throat tightened. She was trying her best to keep herself together, and I knew this quiet strength, this relentless determination, was what had gotten her this far. But today, even as she kept her gaze steady, there was a hint of fear in her eyes. It was a look I hadn’t seen in Mama very often, and it nearly broke me.“Here, let me help,” I murmured, moving to her side and gently buttoning the last of her blouse. Her fingers dropped to her lap, where they twisted and turned the edge of her sleeve, a nervous habit she’d had since I was little. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and felt her lean into me. Her body felt smaller, almost delicate, as though years of strength had whittled down into this frail shell. But she was still my Mama, still the woman who had taught
(Thomas)I watched Lydia as she finished getting ready, the quiet strength in her movements masking the turmoil I knew was swirling inside her. She was putting on a brave face, but I could see the worry and the exhaustion written in every line of her expression. I hated seeing her like this, and I knew there was nothing I could do to take away her fears. She was about to take her mother to the hospital for surgery, a major surgery that would determine how much time they had left. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, and it made my chest tighten. I hated seeing her carry this burden alone, but I also knew she was determined to face it head-on.As I approached her, I could see how much this was affecting her. She was trying to focus on getting everything organized, the kids, the house, everything. But there was a storm behind her eyes, a storm she wasn’t letting me into, and that made me ache for her. I stepped forward, my hand gently touching her shoulder. “Lyd
(Lydia)The car hummed steadily as it moved along the road, the city outside the window passing by in a blur. The morning sun was bright, too bright, almost too cheerful for the heavy atmosphere in the backseat. My Mama sat beside me, her frail frame leaning against the door, her hands folded in her lap. Her breathing was a little heavier than usual, though she was trying to hide it. I could see the way she was staring out the window, her gaze distant, as if she were trying to separate herself from the reality of what was coming. I glanced at her, wondering what she was thinking. I knew how much the surgery weighed on her, how she feared the unknown, how much she was bracing herself for the worst. She’d been fighting this battle with stomach cancer for so long now, but after the chemotherapy failed, this surgery had become her last hope. The thought of her undergoing a procedure so invasive, so risky, made my chest tighten. I tried to hold it together for her, tried not to let her
(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.