(Lydia)I found myself pacing back and forth in the hallway outside Mama’s room, my thoughts a tangled mess. The texts from Clara were still fresh on my mind, her words clawing at my sense of calm. I couldn’t shake the image of her desperate tone, begging me to meet again, insisting that she had more to say.I was trying to ignore her, trying not to spiral, but the weight of it all was getting to me. The lies, the secrecy, the uncertainty of who Clara really was and what she wanted, it felt like too much. I couldn’t tell Thomas. I couldn’t tell anyone.I needed a distraction, a place to vent without revealing everything. Mama’s room was the closest thing I had to a safe space.Taking a deep breath, I knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside.Mama was sitting in her favorite armchair by the window, wrapped in a shawl despite the midday warmth. Her pale face lit up when she saw me.“Lydia, darling,” she said, her voice warm but weary. Dr. Roberts had started with her radiother
(Lydia)When I heard the front door open, I hurried downstairs, my nerves taut with excitement. Thomas had just returned from the office, his tie loosened and his jacket draped over one arm. He looked tired, as he often did these days, but I couldn’t wait to share my news.“Hey,” I greeted him with a bright smile, “You’re home.”“Finally,” he said, running a hand through his hair, “It’s been one of those days. What about you? How’s your day been?”I hesitated, suddenly feeling a bit shy about what I was about to say, “Actually, something exciting happened today.”He raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in his tired eyes, “Oh? What is it?”I took a deep breath, trying to contain my bubbling enthusiasm, “I got an email from Matthew Langford. The director.”Thomas paused, his brow furrowing, “Matthew Langford? As in the Matthew Langford?”“Yes!” I said, unable to keep the grin off my face, “He wants me to audition for a role in his next project. He even mentioned how much he liked my pe
(Thomas)The steady hum of the city outside my office window was a constant backdrop to my thoughts as I reviewed yet another report. The weight of running the company pressed on me as usual, but I had developed a rhythm for managing it. Still, my mind wandered briefly to Lydia. Her determination to re-enter the acting world was both admirable and concerning. I was wrestling with my own fears about her choice, even as I tried to respect her decision.Just as I reached for my coffee, the phone on my desk buzzed. “Mr. Lombardi,” came the voice of one of the building’s security guards, tense and urgent.“What is it?” I asked, already dreading the answer.“There’s been an incident in the underground parking lot, sir. Your car…someone slashed the tires.”I froze, my grip tightening on the phone, “Slashed the tires? How did someone get into the parking lot in the first place? Isn’t it supposed to be secure?”“We’re still reviewing the footage,” he said quickly, “But whoever did it was quic
(Lydia)I was sitting in the living room when Thomas walked in, his face clouded with a mix of irritation and concern. I could tell immediately that something was wrong. He loosened his tie as he sat down across from me, sighing heavily.“What happened?” I asked, setting aside the book I wasn’t really reading.Thomas hesitated, his jaw tightening, “Someone slashed the tires of my car.”My heart skipped a beat, “What? When? Where?”“Today. In the underground parking lot at the office,” he said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, “They got in by dressing up as one of the security guards. They even managed to bypass several checkpoints before they disappeared into thin air.”I blinked, trying to process what he was saying, “Did anyone see them?”“Not clearly. The cameras caught them on the way in, but they kept their face hidden, and the outfit covered everything else. They knew what they were doing.”A shiver ran through me. I clasped my hands tightly to keep them from trembling, “Th
(Ruby)The dress was finally finished.I stood back and admired it, the soft blue silk fabric flowing like water, with delicate lace patterns running down the bodice and cascading into the skirt. It was everything Jean Dupont had asked for, even more so. The dress was bold yet elegant, just as he’d described it to me. A deep V neckline, an open back, and a slit up the side that was more daring than I was used to making. But the challenge had been refreshing, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud of what I had created.I wasn’t sure what kind of woman Jean was envisioning when he asked for this dress, but I had made it as beautiful as I could. The soft sheen of the fabric caught the light perfectly, and the lace, oh, the lace, was hand-stitched in such a way that it seemed to dance with the movement of the dress. It was feminine, sensual, but with an edge. And I had to admit, part of me was curious to know who this special woman was.The boutique was quiet as I placed the dress
(Ruby)I sat in the driver’s seat of the car, parked just outside the gates of the mansion, staring blankly at the steering wheel. My mind was racing, tangled up in thoughts about Jean Dupont. Or whoever he really was.Why did he commission the dress for me? Why did he want to take me on a date? And why, for the life of me, couldn’t I stop thinking about it?I let out a frustrated sigh and rested my forehead against the wheel. Part of me felt like I was being swept up in some bizarre whirlwind, while another part wanted to slam the brakes and demand answers. I didn’t even know his real name, and here I was, contemplating going on a date with him.When I finally worked up the nerve to get out of the car, I headed toward the mansion’s grand doors. It felt strange coming back here, like visiting a place that I did not belong in, not anymore anyway. But there were people here whom I cared about and who cared about me.Mama and Lydia.At the moment, it was Lydia I wanted to talk to. She wa
(Jack)The office was quiet, save for the faint hum of the AC. I sat at my desk, staring at the footage from the security cameras again, frustration building with each replay. The figure dressed as a security guard moved with precision, calm and deliberate, slashing the tires of Thomas's car like it was just another task on their to-do list.I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. This wasn’t some petty vandalism. This was calculated, personal. And the fact that they’d gotten into the underground parking lot so easily was infuriating. Security had been lax, ridiculously so, and it had allowed someone to waltz in and do this.Thomas had already taken steps to tighten security, hiring an external team to review protocols and bolster defenses. But I couldn’t just let it go. Whoever this was, they’d breached a line, and it was my job to make sure they didn’t get the chance to do it again.I pulled out my phone and scrolled to the number of the security company that supplied guards
(Lydia)The hum of the day’s normalcy enveloped me as I sat at the kitchen table, watching Miles and Mabel dive into their lunch with the gusto only four-year-olds could muster. Their laughter filled the room, their little hands darting between plates of cut-up sandwiches and colorful veggies. But while the scene before me was as serene as ever, my mind was anything but calm.“Mommy, guess what!” Miles said, his face lit up like he had the world’s greatest secret to share.“Hm?” I blinked, realizing I had no idea what we were talking about, “What, sweetheart?”Miles puffed up his cheeks, ready to deliver the punchline, “I painted a dinosaur at school today, and it’s blue because it’s a happy dinosaur!”Mabel giggled, “Dinosaurs aren’t happy, Miles. They’re scary.”“Not mine!” he retorted with a defiant little pout.“That sounds amazing,” I said, forcing a smile as I stroked Miles’ hair, “Maybe you can show me your painting later?”“Okay!” he said, grinning as he stuffed another carrot
(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.