(Thomas)The drive home felt longer than usual. My mind was clouded with worry after Lydia’s call. I had spoken to the police on the way and learned the basics: my mother, Margaret Lombardi, had been targeted in a brazen robbery. Stranded, left vulnerable on a remote road, words that felt absurd when associated with her. My mother was many things, proud, composed, indomitable, but vulnerable? That word didn’t fit her. Yet here we were.The mansion’s gates loomed in the distance, and I took a steadying breath as I pulled into the driveway. It was dark now, the lights from the house spilling out onto the path. Parking quickly, I strode into the foyer, brushing off Mrs. Garvey’s greeting.“Where is she?” I asked.“In the drawing room, Mr. Lombardi,” she replied, her voice laced with concern.I found her there, seated in her usual armchair, perfectly poised as if nothing unusual had happened. Her posture was upright, her chin tilted just so, and her expression was one of calm composure. B
(Lydia)I stood just outside the door to the drawing room, my hand resting on the frame as I overheard Thomas’s voice rising in frustration. He was speaking to Margaret, and his tone carried an edge that immediately set my nerves on high alert. My husband rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was always for a reason.“All of us are being targeted,” Thomas was saying, his words clipped, “This isn’t just bad luck, Mother. This is deliberate.”Targeted. The word struck me like a blow to the chest. I stayed frozen where I was, my mind racing. He wasn’t wrong. Jack’s attack, the slashed tires, and now Margaret being robbed in broad daylight, it was too much to be coincidence. And yet, hearing Thomas voice it out loud made the reality of it all the more terrifying.I pressed a hand to my stomach, feeling the tight coil of anxiety twisting within me. The urge to step inside and join the conversation was strong, but something held me back. Maybe it was the look of weariness I’d seen on
(Lydia)I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t just say the words.The weight of secrets pressed on me like a heavy cloak, suffocating in its intensity. For days, I’d tried to convince myself that keeping Thomas in the dark was the right thing to do. Telling him about Clara and Lucien would open a door I wasn’t sure I wanted to walk through. But with every passing moment, the fear of what Lucien might do next clawed at my sanity. This wasn’t just about me anymore. Thomas, Mabel, Miles, Jack, Margaret and even Ruby, could be at risk.It was early morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains of our bedroom. Thomas was already downstairs, sipping his coffee and going over something urgent on his laptop. I could hear the faint hum of his voice on a call. I lingered in bed, trying to summon the strength to face another day of pretending everything was fine.My thoughts wandered back to the last time Clara and I had spoken. Her voice had been calm, too calm, as she told me Lucien w
(Clara)Lucien had been restless all morning, pacing the small, dimly lit room we were using as our hideout. His energy filled the space, crackling like a live wire. I sat on the worn couch, my arms wrapped around myself, trying to make sense of his latest scheme. His presence had a way of drowning out everything else, like a storm you couldn’t escape from.He stopped suddenly, turning to face me. His sharp features were etched with a dangerous determination. “It’s time to take this to the next level,” he said, his voice low but charged, “We’ve let Lydia play house for too long. She needs to realize she can’t outmaneuver me.”My stomach tightened. I had heard this tone before, the one that meant he was gearing up for something big, something dangerous. “What are you planning, Lucien?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.His lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “It’s simple. We apply more pressure. She has resources, wealth, connections, but even she has limits. W
(Lydia)The bell above the door jingled as I pushed into the coffee shop, the warmth of the café rushing to greet me. It had been a long, chilly morning, and I needed a moment of peace with just me, a steaming latte, and a quiet corner to sort through my thoughts. The kids were at preschool, Thomas was buried in work, and for once, I had time to myself.The shop was pleasantly busy, filled with the hum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine. I ordered my usual and scanned the tables, hoping for a quiet spot. That’s when I saw her.Clara.She was sitting by the window, her hands curled around a cup of coffee, staring out at the street. My breath caught, and I instinctively took a step back, the air seeming to thicken around me. What was she doing here? Of all places, why this café?Her gaze flicked toward the door, and our eyes met. For a moment, neither of us moved. Then she stood, smoothing down the front of her coat, her expression carefully neutral as she made her way
(Thomas)The weight of responsibility pressed down on me as I strode through the mansion, my eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. The security team was bustling about, double-checking entry points and testing surveillance equipment. The latest upgrades had cost a small fortune, but no price was too high when it came to my family’s safety.I paused in the foyer, watching as the head of security briefed his team near the main entrance. Despite the measures we’d taken with reinforced gates, motion detectors, and round-the-clock guards, I couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at my gut. It felt like we were bracing for a storm, but I didn’t know where or when it would hit.“Mr. Lombardi,” the head of security approached me, clipboard in hand, “The perimeter sweep is complete. Everything checks out.”I nodded, but it wasn’t enough to ease my mind. “I want double patrols tonight,” I said firmly, “And make sure the night team is on high alert. No blind spots, no assumptions.”“Yes, sir,” he
(Lydia)Dinner at the mansion was usually a chaotic affair. With Mabel and Miles chattering about their day, Margaret giving unsolicited advice, and Mama occasionally offering wry commentary, it was rarely quiet. But tonight, it was just Thomas and me. The kids were asleep after a long day, and Margaret had retreated to her room, likely exhausted from the day’s events.The dining room felt larger than usual, the clink of silverware on porcelain echoing faintly. Thomas sat across from me, his brow furrowed slightly as he focused on his meal. I knew he was preoccupied, his silence wasn’t unusual when his mind was churning through work or family matters. But tonight, it was me who was distant.“Everything alright?” he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was soft but tinged with concern, “You’ve barely touched your food.”I looked up, startled. “Oh, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing a smile, “Just a lot on my mind.”He didn’t push, but his gaze lingered on me for a moment before he no
(Lydia)The moment I decided to tell Thomas, my hands wouldn’t stop trembling. I had tried to rehearse the words, to piece together an explanation that didn’t sound like a betrayal, but nothing felt right. The weight of my secret had grown unbearable, and I knew I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. It wasn’t just about the danger anymore, it was about trust, the foundation of everything Thomas and I had built. And I had been eroding that foundation with every day that passed.Thomas sat at his desk in the study, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up, poring over documents with his usual focus. I hesitated in the doorway, watching him. This was a man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, who would do anything to protect his family. And here I was, about to tell him I’d been keeping something from him, something that could destroy everything.I knocked lightly on the doorframe, and his head lifted. His eyes softened when he saw me, but there was a flicker of concer
(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.