(Ruby)The soft hum of the heater was the only sound in my apartment as I sat curled up on the couch, a blanket draped over my shoulders and a mug of lukewarm tea in my hands. The boutique had been unusually busy lately, and I’d barely had time to catch my breath. Today, I had forced myself to step away, to let the world spin without me for a moment.The apartment was quiet, almost too quiet, but I told myself I needed this time. No distractions, no customers, no meddling Margaret. Just me and my thoughts. Yet, my thoughts were the problem.They always circled back to him. Jack.We hadn’t spoken since that awkward morning at his apartment. I hadn’t meant to stay the night, but the events of the evening, patching him up, the raw vulnerability between us, had left me too drained to leave. When I woke up on his couch and saw him sleeping in the chair across the room, I knew I had to go before things got even more complicated. And now, weeks later, the silence between us felt like an uns
(Lydia)The gentle crash of the waves against the shore was the only sound as I sat on the cool sand, watching the moonlight dance on the water. Thomas sat beside me, his arm resting lightly around my shoulders, and I leaned into him, drawing comfort from his warmth. The kids were fast asleep inside, worn out from an evening of excitement and laughter, and the quiet now felt like a rare and precious gift.The ring on my finger sparkled in the moonlight, catching my eye every now and then. I turned it slowly, marveling at its beauty, not just the intricate design but the meaning it held. Thomas’s proposal earlier that evening had been nothing short of magical, and even now, hours later, the memory still felt surreal.I glanced at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. He looked content but thoughtful, his gaze fixed on the horizon. For a moment, I didn’t say anything, letting the stillness settle around us.“Did you plan this moment, too?” I finally asked, teasingly
(Lydia)As the car pulled into the driveway, a wave of familiarity and relief washed over me. The mansion stood before us, unchanged, yet everything felt different. It wasn’t just the house we were returning to, it was the life we’d left behind, with all its complexities and unfinished battles.Mabel squealed as Thomas parked the car. "We’re home! Can I run to the garden, Mommy? Please?""Let us get inside first," I replied, smiling at her eagerness.Miles tugged at his seatbelt, struggling until Thomas helped him. "I missed my toys," he declared matter-of-factly."I missed my bed," I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.Thomas squeezed my hand briefly before stepping out. “Let’s make this return a good one,” he said, his voice steady, brimming with optimism.As soon as we reached the porch, the door swung open. Mama stood there, her arms outstretched, her face lighting up despite the tiredness that lingered in her eyes.“Welcome home,” she said, pulling me into a warm embrac
(Lydia)The house was quiet now. Mabel and Miles had been carried to bed, still murmuring dreamily about cookies and surprises. Mama had retired, and even Margaret had said her goodnights. Ruby and Jack remained downstairs, their soft laughter barely audible as Thomas and I retreated to our room.I closed the door behind us, leaning against it for a moment. The faint aroma of candles lingered on my skin, mingling with the salt of the sea air still clinging to my hair. I glanced at Thomas, who was standing by the window, his profile illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the curtains.“You’ve been quiet tonight,” I said, stepping toward him.He turned, a small smile playing on his lips. “Not quiet. Just... taking it all in.”I smiled back, reaching for his hand. “It’s been a lot, hasn’t it? Coming back, the announcement, everything.”He pulled me gently into his arms, resting his forehead against mine. “It has. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Seeing you this happy, seeing
(Lydia)The house felt strangely quiet after the whirlwind of the morning rush. Mabel and Miles had darted out the door with their backpacks bouncing, Thomas giving each of them a quick kiss on the forehead before he headed off to the office. I waved until they were all out of sight, then lingered by the window for a moment, savoring the stillness.The day stretched ahead of me, unhurried and full of potential. For the first time in weeks, there was no chaos looming on the horizon, at least not yet. It felt almost luxurious to sip my coffee without interruption, to simply be for a moment.But the solitude didn’t last long. Margaret’s unmistakable footsteps approached from the hallway, steady and deliberate. She appeared in the doorway, impeccably dressed as always, her silver hair pinned neatly back.“Good morning, Lydia,” she said, her voice measured but warm.“Good morning, Margaret.” I gestured to the chair across from me. “Join me for some coffee?”Margaret hesitated for a beat, t
(Thomas)Walking through the front door after a long day at the office always brought a sense of relief, but tonight, it came with something more. The moment I stepped inside, the warm glow of home enveloped me. Lydia’s soft laughter floated from the kitchen, mingling with the faint sounds of music playing in the background.I paused for a moment, closing my eyes and letting the weight of the day fall away. This was what I worked for, this life, this family, this haven we’d created.“Thomas?” Lydia’s voice called out, bringing me out of my thoughts.I stepped into the kitchen, greeted by the sight of her leaning against the counter, a glass of wine in hand. She looked radiant, her hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, her smile a beacon of warmth.“Hey,” I said, crossing the room to kiss her cheek. “How was your day?”“Good,” she said, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes, something contemplative. “Busy, but good. How about you?”I shrugged, pulling out a chai
(Lydia)The morning light streamed through the windows of the living room as Ruby and I sat side by side on the sofa, a flurry of wedding magazines, P*******t boards, and notepads spread out before us. Miles and Mabel, still in their pajamas, bounced on the other end of the couch, chattering excitedly about the “big party.”“So, do you want the theme to be classic elegance or more of a whimsical romance vibe?” Ruby asked, scribbling ideas into her notebook.“Honestly, I’m leaning toward something in between,” I replied, flipping through a magazine and pausing on an image of a softly lit garden reception. “Intimate and elegant but not overly formal. I want people to feel relaxed and just…happy.”Ruby smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “That sounds perfect. We could do candles, flowers, and maybe some fairy lights for a bit of magic.”“Fairy lights!” Mabel exclaimed, her face lighting up. “Like twinkling stars! Can I help hang them?”“And I’ll carry the flowers,” Miles ad
(Lydia)The day of the engagement party dawned with a golden hue spilling across the horizon, as if nature itself celebrated with us. I woke up early, filled with nerves and excitement, staring at the dress Ruby had designed for me. It was breathtaking, a floor-length gown in soft champagne silk, adorned with delicate floral embroidery that shimmered faintly in the light. Ruby had poured her heart into every stitch, and as I ran my fingers over the fabric, I felt the weight of her love and care. I couldn’t wait for what she has in mind for the wedding. She has been getting increasingly secretive about it but that is just making my curiousness grow even more.The kids were up early as well, their excitement infectious. Mabel twirled around the living room in her pale pink dress, her curls bouncing with every spin. Miles looked dashing in his tiny suit, though he protested against the bowtie until Thomas stepped in, convincing him it was what “all the cool gentlemen wear.” Watching the
(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.