(Lydia)The doorbell rang. Ruby got up to get the door. Upstairs, Mama was tucking Mabel and Miles into bed. Tomorrow was a Saturday, but we had strict bedtime rules for the children.“I’ll get it,” I said to Ruby, wiping off my face and heading for the door. I had been crying constantly for the past two days.It was so difficult to find strength right now. It felt as though the whole world was a strange illusion and I was walking around in it, unable to make any real sense of anything.Thomas was getting married tomorrow. I did not want to face it.But when I opened the door, I found that I was facing him instead.I was startled and stared in shock.And maybe just a hint of delight?Thomas was swaying on my curb. He reeked of alcohol.What was he doing here now?I did not know whether to let him inside or not.“Lydia,” he said, “I can’t …”He looked as though he was going to faint. In all honesty, I felt that way too.“Come in,” I said, making way for him.He clambered inside and gri
(Sarah)I had been ringing Thomas all night. At one point, he had switched off his phone. The audacity!Well, I said to myself as I rubbed in my hydrating lotion, it’s only going to be for one more night.After today, he will be mine forever. It was the happiest day of my life! I leapt out of bed. The sun had only just begun to climb and it cast a gentle golden hue over my beautiful white wedding dress.I gazed at it adoringly. I would wear this dress and then Thomas would take me home. I did not think that he was in the mood for a honeymoon right this very minute but I intended to take good care of that! I would make him fulfill his promise of taking me to Europe and then to Thailand.After all, I had waited three years for this day. I expected to be recompensed!His home, I thought to myself. It would have none of those hospital-like white and crystal décor anymore. Away with them! I would color it light green and silver. I could not wait.I pulled out my phone, meaning to check the
(Adam)I picked up two vanilla cream lattes, Lydia’s favorite, and a box of donuts. I was going to her house. I wanted to spend today with Lydia because I knew how devastated she would be. It was the day of Thomas’s wedding. I had planned to take her and the kids to National Park and in the evening we could all watch a movie. The theaters were playing a new animated children’s film that I thought Mabel and Miles would love.Honestly, I didn’t even care much about the plan. What mattered was that I kept Lydia distracted today. I would not let her whine and whimper alone at home while her ex-husband married that charlatan of a woman.But when I arrived at Lydia’s house, I was surprised to find a third car parked outside. Who was here so early in the morning?I frowned, shut the car door behind me, and walked up to the main door.I rang the doorbell and Ruby opened it. I immediately heard the sounds of a woman wailing from somewhere on the right of the house.“Lydia?” I gasped, baffled.
(Thomas)A podium stood at the front of the room with a microphone stationed ready on top. It bore the emblem of Lombardi Construction Co., a long L, a rectangular O with a similar, fading B, A, R, D, and I next to it. Behind it, the M stretched out, demonstrating the mountainous terrain of Colorado.Row of chairs stood before it. On them sat media personnel, journalists, and reporters – all with their set of notepads and recording devices. A few cameras stood on tripod stands in the back.The room was abuzz with anticipation.As I entered, the cameras began to click shut, signaling that the press conference had begun.I leaned into the microphone and grinned.“Good morning, everyone,” I said.The room murmured a dim reply.“You all might be wondering,” I said, “Why did I called you all here in this room rather than outside the church or at my wedding venue?“Well, I’m here to announce to you all today that due to some unfortunate incidents, Miss Winchester and I have decided to call
(Lydia)I looked coldly at him. “What is it, Lydia?” he desperately asked.“What did you think you were doing,” I asked, “bringing my children up in front of the media?”Thomas looked at me, baffled, for a second.“Our children,” he insisted, “And what did I say that was wrong?!”I stepped up closer. “Do you realize, Mr. Lombardi,” I seethed, “How hard I have worked to ensure that they are brought up in a peaceful and drama-free environment?! I have wanted to shield them from this awful vortex of gossip and drama that is a definite part of your world!”“Lydia, they are my heir and heiress,” he said softly, “I want the whole world to know that. And I don’t think that there is anything wrong with clarifying this to the public.”“It is wrong!” I shrieked, “Do you not understand how they would feel if the paparazzi followed them around everywhere? For them to grow up being featured in gossip columns?! I may have borne all of that as your wife but I will never – NEVER – allow my children
(Sarah)Adam, that vicious viper of a man! And who did that Vanessa woman think she was, leaking out my secrets after I had paid her a million dollars for it?! Argh!I picked up a bottle of perfume from my dresser and hurled it at the wall, panting in rage. The glass shattered into a hundred pieces and the liquid splashed against the wall, leaving an ugly mark in its wake. The smell permeated the room.I screeched loudly, not knowing what to do. My phone began to ring. I let it. One by one, I picked up everything that was on my dresser – ointments, lotions, perfumes, and make up and threw them into every corner of the room. One of the bottles hit my ceramic bedside lamp and it fell down on the floor with a crash.My phone was still ringing and chiming.I walked up to my wedding dress, which was wrapped around a tall wooden frame and swung it down on the floor.Ding. Ding. Ding.My phone rang and vibrated. I stopped for a second. Was Thomas reaching out to me?I ran across the bedroom
(Lydia)“Well, how does it look?” I asked, walking into the living room. My cat heels clicked the marble floor. I twirled around in my dress. From the sofa at the center of the living room, Ruby’s jaw dropped.“Lyddie, you look so beautiful!” she exclaimed with a clap.“Thank you,” I said, blushing.I had selected an off-shoulder silver evening dress with an asymmetrical floral running down from one shoulder to under my other arm. I had tied my hair into a loose bun and picked some glittering hair clips.My hands and feet were manicured and nails painted over. Earlier this afternoon, Ruby had insisted that I go to the salon. I had left reluctantly and complained but when I had returned, I had laughed.Ruby had replaced wedding cans with glittering canvas flowers on pieces of strings to the back of my car. She had completed the décor with a sign.“What do you think?” she had asked me.“It’s too cheesy!” I had exclaimed, an ear to ear smile spread across my face.“Good!” Ruby had replie
(Thomas)As I swiveled the steering wheel to one side and braced Lydia with one hand, It all came flooding back to me.The crash.It had been louder than this one, but it still bore a stark similarity.And as I passed out, I began to remember.***The first time I caught sight of her was in a marketing class. She was an exceptionally bright student and her face radiated her intellect and playful joy. She was the curious type, always eager to learn – and gregarious. The professors loved that she debated with them. I did, too. I had always admired opinionated women.And then, she had rescued Jack and I while we were cheating on a test.“Those were my flashcards,” she had told the instructor.And, since then, I had been on her tail.“Go out with me!” I had exclaimed. She had jumped and then clutched her chest. “Sheesh, Thomas, you scared me!”I had showed up outside her dormitory, clutching flowers. “Please, give me a chance!” I had said. She had chuckled and hurried off to a class.“Go
(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.