(Thomas)The sound of Charlotte’s brisk knock on my office door pulled me out of the mountain of reports I’d been buried in. “Come in,” I called, leaning back in my chair and stretching my neck to ease the tension building there.Charlotte stepped in, her clipboard in hand and her expression calm but purposeful. “Mr. Lombardi, the head of Vanguard Security Solutions is here to see you.”That got my attention. Vanguard Security Solutions was the firm we’d hired to manage the building’s security, including the parking lot where my car’s tires had been slashed. Jack had already stirred things up with them by demanding a list of employees, something they clearly weren’t thrilled about. I had assumed their visit would be to deliver what we needed.“Send him in,” I said, motioning toward the chair opposite my desk.Moments later, a tall man in a sharp suit entered the room. He introduced himself as Richard Hayes, the CEO of Vanguard Security Solutions. His firm handshake and carefully neutr
(Lydia)I stared at my phone for what felt like hours, Clara’s last message glowing back at me like a silent dare. We need to talk. Meet me tonight at the usual place. She was pulling me back into her orbit, a place I swore I’d avoid. But waiting for George to dig up answers about Lucien and Clara felt like trying to catch smoke with bare hands. Nothing was happening, and my patience was wearing thin.If Clara wanted to talk, then fine, I’d listen. But this time, I wasn’t walking into the unknown unarmed.“Ben, I need a favor,” I said, stepping outside of the mansion where he was stationed. His sharp eyes met mine, a brow arching in question.“I’m guessing this isn’t a casual request,” he replied, leaning back in his chair.“No, it’s not,” I said before hesitating, but I knew he’d keep pressing until I told him, “I need you to come with me tonight. I’m meeting someone...someone who might be dangerous.”His expression shifted, tension creeping into his jaw, “Dangerous how?”“I can’t ex
(Thomas)The sound of Charlotte’s brisk knock on my office door pulled me out of the mountain of reports I’d been buried in. “Come in,” I called, leaning back in my chair and stretching my neck to ease the tension building there.Charlotte stepped in, her clipboard in hand and her expression calm but purposeful. “Mr. Lombardi, the head of Vanguard Security Solutions is here to see you.”That got my attention. Vanguard Security Solutions was the firm we’d hired to manage the building’s security, including the parking lot where my car’s tires had been slashed. Jack had already stirred things up with them by demanding a list of employees, something they clearly weren’t thrilled about. I had assumed their visit would be to deliver what we needed.“Send him in,” I said, motioning toward the chair opposite my desk.Moments later, a tall man in a sharp suit entered the room. He introduced himself as Richard Hayes, the CEO of Vanguard Security Solutions. His firm handshake and carefully neutr
(Thomas)The house was quiet when I got home, the kind of stillness that signaled the end of a long day. I closed the door behind me softly, trying not to disturb anyone. The glow of a single lamp illuminated the living room, and I saw Lydia curled up on the couch, a book open in her lap. She looked up as I walked in, a tired but warm smile spreading across her face.“You’re late,” she said, setting the book down. Her voice was soft, but there was something distant in her tone that I couldn’t quite place.“Long day,” I replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Her hair smelled faintly of lavender, a comforting scent that always made me feel grounded, “How were the kids?”“They’re good,” she said, her smile widening just a fraction, “Mabel spent the evening practicing magic tricks. Miles was her assistant, but I think he’s over it already.”I chuckled, picturing our daughter commanding the living room like a magician on stage, “Sounds like her. She’ll probably have another career pla
(Lydia)I sat at the kitchen table, staring at my phone, the screen glowing like an accusation in the quiet of the night. The kids were asleep upstairs, and Thomas was still at the office, working late, as usual. The silence in the house was heavy, almost suffocating, broken only by the soft hum of the refrigerator. My fingers hovered over the screen, wavering between guilt and resolve.Clara’s last message lingered in my mind, its words etched there as if in stone. “You’re making a mistake, Lydia. You don’t know the whole story.” The irony was almost laughable. I didn’t know the whole story? She was the one who had started this nightmare, the one who had dragged me into her twisted world with that encounter at the bar. I’d thought I was just helping an old friend, but the weight of her secrets and the chaos they threatened to unleash had been more than I could bear. And now, I was hiding all of it from Thomas.The guilt gnawed at me like a persistent ache. Thomas and I had promised
(Thomas)The tension in the office was palpable, and I could feel it ripple through every interaction. Since the incident with the slashed tires, I hadn’t been able to shake the unease in my gut. It wasn’t just about my car, it was the blatant breach of security. If someone could slip into the underground parking lot dressed as a guard, what else could they do? I didn’t want to wait around to find out.I sat at my desk, staring at the pile of documents in front of me, unable to focus. My new assistant, Charlotte Ellis, had just stepped in with her usual punctuality, holding her tablet and a notepad in one hand and balancing a coffee cup in the other.“Morning, Mr. Lombardi,” she said, setting the coffee down in front of me, “Double shot, no sugar. Figured you might need it today.”“Thanks, Charlotte,” I said, taking the cup gratefully, “You’re a lifesaver.”She smiled briefly but didn’t linger. Charlotte had a way of knowing exactly when to speak and when to stay quiet, a quality I’d
(Ruby)The decision to go on this date felt both impulsive and monumental. Lydia's words replayed in my mind like a mantra: If you don’t take chances, how will you ever move on? It wasn’t just about moving on from Jack, though. It was about reclaiming my confidence and allowing myself to live, to feel like a woman again, not just someone hiding behind her boutique and family dramas.So here I was, Thursday evening, standing in front of my mirror in a soft crimson wrap dress that hugged my figure without being overbearing. My makeup was subtle, my hair swept into loose waves that framed my face. It had been ages since I put this much effort into a date. Jean Dupont, if that was his real name, intrigued me in ways I couldn’t quite articulate. He was bold, confident, and disarmingly charming. Yet, there was an edge to him, something that made my pulse quicken in both excitement and apprehension.By the time I arrived at Balthazar’s, I was a bundle of nerves, my clutch nearly slipping fr
(Jack)The sound of my boots against the polished marble echoed faintly as I made my way through the office building. Thomas and I had spent the better part of the day ensuring that the new security team, provided by Sentinel Global Security, was thoroughly briefed. Their resumes looked solid but I wasn’t about to let my guard down. Not after the incident with the slashed tires and the glaring security lapse at the old company."Understood, Mr. Hall?" I asked the team leader, a gruff man in his late forties whose sharp gaze didn’t miss a thing.“Yes, sir,” he said crisply, “We’ve implemented keycard access to restricted areas, and the surveillance systems are monitored around the clock. My team will rotate shifts to ensure there's no gap.”Thomas stood next to me, nodding as I outlined additional protocols. Though he didn’t say much, I could feel his presence, steady and commanding. After wrapping up with the security team, we debriefed quickly in his office.“Thanks for your help tod
(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.