(Lydia)“I asked – the chauffeur … to take me to Sarah’s house last night,” he garbled, “I -- there was so much water – I woke up – she had been silent … I didn’t … I don’t know – I didn’t see -- SHE TOOK SLEEPING PILLS WHILE I WAS PASSED OUT!”I looked back at the stretcher that had already been wheeled inside. Sarah was in good hands now. She would be taken care of.But Thomas was clearly very shaken. I put a hand on his arm and looked comfortingly at him. Mama looked very concerned.“Why don’t we sit down by that bench?” I suggested. I led Thomas to the bench and Mama and I sat down on either side of him. It was late in the afternoon and a few birds were chirping in the trees.“Now, could you slowly tell me what happened?” I said. I kept my voice as gentle as I could. Thomas looked very white and his eyes were frantic and deranged.Thomas drew in a deep breath, exhaled, and then began to speak. “I went to Sarah’s house last night. I wanted to end things with her. Of course, I would
(Lydia)Adam had brought the kids over when we arrived home. His car was parked outside. When Mama and I walked in, the twins were chasing Adam in the lobby. “Tag, you’re it!” said Mabel as she caught up to Adam and touched his hand.They all looked at us as we walked in. “Mabel, Miles,” I said, smiling broadly, “This is your grandmamma.”Both of the twins looked at me wide-eyed. “We have another gramma?” Mabel asked in awe.“Yes,” I replied, “This is Mommy’s Mommy.”The twins jumped and screamed in delight. They instantly ran up to Mama and hugged her legs.Mama laughed and picked them up – one in each arm. I was worried about her feeble frame carrying so much weight and mouthed “Bring a sofa” to Adam.He nodded, immediately understanding, and dashed off into the living room. A few seconds later, he was dragging the large sofa out. I helped him put it in the center of the lobby and Mama sat down with the twins on either side of her. Mabel and Miles were chattering incessantly.“We go
(Lydia)Miles and Mabel were very happy to see their father. They ran up to him. He laughed and picked them both up.“So what’s up?” he asked and the twins began chattering with him.My heart warmed up at the way that being close to his children instantly brightened Thomas up. The tiredness that had been there before seemed to vanish as he listened to his daughter prattle on about her new interests and projects. His deep smile reached the creases of his eyes as his son hopped down from his arms and went to fetch his new toys to show to him.I felt myself smiling and checked myself.I could understand Thomas’s need for comfort right now. He had witnessed one of his oldest friends almost kill herself. But I shouldn’t let his vulnerability bring down my armor. After all, I reminded myself again, he and I could never end up together.He could only be here for the children.“How’s Margaret coping with the news?” I asked him when Mabel trotted off to find her brother. Apparently he was tak
(Lydia)I was up long after Mama had gone to sleep. I was still thinking about the conversation that we had had. The house was empty and quiet. I loved the silence of my home. It felt peaceful. And my home had started to cozier after I had hung up and laid out decorations everywhere. I was wandering in the lobby with a sheet of dialogues that I had meant to go through. But, for some reason, I couldn’t concentrate.I looked outside the window. A slight fog was settling in the atmosphere which cast a golden hue from the glare of the street lights.I turned around when I heard a door creak open. Thomas was standing in the doorframe.His clothes were wrinkled and his hair was a mess, as though he had been tossing and turning in bed.His eyes were doleful and intent.“Lydia,” the quiet carried his voice to me at the other end of the hallway.He began walking towards me. I could not say a single word. This was the man who I had loved, the father of my children, and the one who had divorced
(Lydia)Mama was trying hard to shake her habit of smoking. I think that being around Mabel and Miles at home and then with more children at school was helping. But I would still occasionally catch her in the backyard of the townhouse, puffing smoke out of her lips. She only ever did it when she was alone.She had thought that no one was watching, but I had decided to become much more attentive towards her now. I was only glad that the smoking had reduced dramatically because evidently this would have made her cancer worse. Mama looked stressed today. She was up at dawn and pacing the backyard with her cigarettes. I caught sight of her from the upstairs window but did not bring it up. I knew the reason why.So I cooked up her favorite cheese omelet with spring onions and toast, squeezed a glass of fresh orange juice, and set the table for her breakfast. When she came in, I gave her a big hug and smacked my lips against her cheek. “I love you, Mama,” I told her. She put her arms aroun
(Lydia)Thomas returned with an entire tray of food. He handed Sarah the new cup of coffee and then extended an assortment of snacks towards me. I managed a weak smile but I knew that I had grown pale. Thomas looked at me closely.“Are you okay, Lydia?” he asked. I simply nodded.He thought that it was about my mother. “Your mother’s going to be fine, Lydia,” he said softly, “Please don’t worry about her.”“I want a chocolate croissant!” Sarah pouted. She put her arm around Thomas’s.“Why didn’t you bring me a chocolate croissant, Tee?”Tee? Was that the nickname that she had conjured up for him?“We’ll get one on the way back,” Thomas replied. Sarah put a hand on her belly. “Your baby needs to be fed,” she said in a sing-song voice.I cringed. This whole act was wet behind the ears.I stood up and excused myself. I could feel Thomas’s lingering gaze on me as I tossed my now empty paper cup into the trashcan and disappeared inside the doorframe.My head was spinning. But I breathed. I
(Lydia)But Margaret was surprisingly calm around the kids. “Oh, my munchkins!” she exclaimed in a honey-sweet voice as they both trotted up to her. She ladled them both up into her arms. The joy in her eyes was contagious.“Grandma!” Mabel said happily, “Look at my pink rose!”. She extended her arm to show Margaret the glittering origami.“Ah,” Margaret gasped in indulgent delight, “This is a very pretty rose.” She nuzzled her nose against Mabel’s, “Just like my very pretty grand-daughter.”“Grandma Margaret?” Miles put an arm on her shoulder, “Have you met Grandma Adeline?” He pointed his other arm at my mother, who was sitting on the sofa, holding the paper tiger up to her eye level and painting delicate black stripes on it.Margaret smiled at Mama. “How do you do, Grandma Adeline?” she chuckled.Mama smiled back. “I’m well, Grandma Margaret. How do you do?”Mabel and Miles roared with laughter. They had caught up on this whole joke.“My tiger’s ready!” Miles exclaimed, “Come, Gran
(Lydia)Margaret took in my shocked expression. “Oh,” she said, “You didn’t know.”“How could I have known?” I responded.“I mean you’re mother’s here,” Margaret said, “She ought to have known.”“Don’t drag Mama into this!” I snarled.I didn’t even know why I got angry. Perhaps, it was because I had been on edge all day since my meeting with Sarah.Margaret’s voice was calm and collected. But her eyes were a set of stones. “Thomas doesn’t know anything about this either,” she said, “And I have no intention of letting him find out. Lydia, I’ve let your father know that he will have to reach out to you for money. He can squeeze the last drop out of you for all I care.”She straightened her back and looked condescendingly at me, “But I will not respond to threats made against my family. Get a grip on your father, is that clear?”“First of all, Margaret,” my nostrils flared, “I don’t need to tell your son about any of this. Second of all, I think you should know that I have already paid o
(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.