~CharlotteI stepped out of the bathroom, a cloud of steam trailing behind me. The soft, plush carpet of the master bedroom felt heavenly beneath my bare feet as I made my way towards the bed, ready to slip into a silken nightgown and finally allow myself to drift off into sleep.But before I could reach the bed, I noticed a shadowy figure on the mattress. My heart skipped a beat as I squinted through the dimly-lit room, trying to make out who it was.Adam.My jaw clenched.I stalked across the room, my bare feet making no sound on the plush carpet. "What are you doing in my room?" I hissed, my voice sharp with anger.Adam turned, his face softening at the sight of me. "Charlotte," he murmured, reaching out to touch my hand.I jerked my hand away, my eyes flashing with rage. "Don't touch me," I spat. "Not after everything you've done."Adam recoiled, his expression falling. "I'm sorry, Charlotte," he said, his voice a ragged whisper.Adam took a step back, his hands held up in a gestu
~DylanThe scene at the birthday celebration was a bustle of activity, the sounds of laughter and conversation filling the air. Everyone was dressed in their finest attire, eager to celebrate Albert's big day.Charlotte and Adam stood arm-in-arm, their smiles radiant, I couldn't help myself getting jealous .And then, just as I was about to make my way across the room, I saw her. Eleanor, her pregnancy belly swollen and round, walked towards me with a tentative smile."Dylan," she said, her voice gentle and sweet.Eleanor's expression crumpled, her lower lip quivering as she struggled to hold back tears. "Dylan, Adam has refused to accept me and the baby into his life," she whispered, her voice quavering with emotion. "I was so wrong to deceive you, to make you think the baby was yours. I'm so sorry, Dylan, please forgive me."I shook my head, my expression hardening into a sneer. "Sorry, Eleanor," I said, my voice dripping with contempt. "You reap what you sow, and you deserve every
~CharlotteSeeing the commotion, Adam and Albert rushed to Eleanor's side, concern etched on their faces."Eleanor, are you okay?" Adam asked, his voice tinged with worry."She needs to be taken to the hospital," Albert interjected, his brow furrowed with concern. "We need to make sure the baby is okay."The servants nodded in agreement, gently helping Eleanor to her feet and guiding her towards the exit."Don't worry, Eleanor," Adam called after her, his expression softening with concern.As I watched Adam sweep Eleanor into his arms, a wave of jealousy washed over me. I knew that he was only doing what was right, but seeing him hold her so gently, so protectively, made my heart twist with pain."We'll be at the hospital," Adam called over his shoulder as he carried Eleanor towards the door. "Call me if there are any updates."I nodded numbly, my mind a haze of conflicting emotions. I was relieved that Adam was taking care of Eleanor, but I couldn't help but feel like I was being lef
~CharlotteI quickly pulled my dress back on, my hands shaking as I buttoned it up. Dylan was dressing just as quickly, his hands fumbling with his belt as he tugged his pants up."We have to find out who that was," he said, his voice low and urgent.I nodded, pulling my hair back into a loose ponytail as I rushed towards the edge of the gazebo. But when I peered out, there was no one there."They're gone," I whispered, turning back to Dylan. "What do we do?"I collapsed onto the floor, my knees giving out as I buried my face in my hands. Tears streamed down my cheeks, my heart pounding in my chest as I realized the enormity of what had just happened."What if it was the press?" I sobbed, my voice trembling with fear. "They'll expose us, they'll ruin us. Oh, God, what have I done?"Dylan knelt down beside me, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. "It'll be okay, Charlotte," he whispered, his voice soft and reassuring. "We'll figure this out.I turned on Dylan, my face contorted with
~Charlotte"Noah," I said, my voice tight with urgency. "I'm in a hurry, I need to go."Noah didn't budge, his expression serious. "I understand, Charlotte, but please, just give me a minute. I need to talk to you."I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Fine, but make it quick."I got out of the car, Noah stepping forward to stand in front of me, his eyes searching mine.Noah reached for my hands, but I flinched away, my nerves on edge. "Hurry up and say what you need to say," I snapped, glancing at my watch. "I have to go."He paused, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Charlotte, "Ever since our night together," Noah began, his voice low and earnest, "I haven't been able to get you off my mind."I scoffed, my hands tightening into fists. "You're kidding, right?" I snapped, my words bitter and sharp. "You think I'm going to believe that after you left that note for me? After you made it clear that I was nothing more than a one night stand?"He flinched, his face falling. "Charlotte
~AdamI ended the call with Charlotte, my mind a jumble of confusion and worry. What could be wrong? Why couldn't she talk to me?I sank down into the chair next to Eleanor's bed, my head in my hands as I tried to make sense of it all."Adam," Eleanor's voice cut through the fog of my thoughts, her voice weak and tired. "Adam, are you okay?"I looked up, forcing a smile as I reached for her hand. "I'm fine, Elle," I said, my voice strained. "How are you feeling?""Where is my baby?", Eleanor asked worriedly."Calm down, Elle," I said, my voice gentle and soothing. "The baby is still with the nurses, but they'll bring him in to see you as soon as possible. Just relax and take a deep breath."Eleanor nodded, but I could see the worry still etched on her face. "I want to see him," she repeated, her voice shaking with emotion. "I want to hold him, Adam.""You will," I reassured her, squeezing her hand and smiling. "I promise, you'll get to hold your little bundle of joy soon enough.Elean
~Adam"It's nothing," Noah said, his voice smooth and calm. "Forget I said anything. Welcome home, Adam."He extended a hand, his smile warm and disarming. "We should talk tomorrow about the app I'm designing for the company.I nodded, shaking his hand with a forced smile. "Yeah," I said, my voice tired and flat. "We'll talk tomorrow.Noah nodded, his smile still fixed on his face as he walked away, disappearing into the darkness.I entered the house, my footsteps heavy on the hardwood floor as I made my way to the living room.And there, sitting on the couch, was Dylan, a smirk on his face as he saw me."Well, well, if it isn't the man of the hour," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How's Eleanor doing? And congratulations on becoming a father."My jaw tightened, my anger rising as I glared at him. "The baby isn't mine," I snapped, my voice seething with rage."Hey, I just helped Eleanor for old time's sake," I said, my voice light and joking. "The baby isn't mine.Dylan lau
~CharlotteI woke up from Ephraim's room, my heart heavy with guilt and shame."Mummy, why are you angry?" Ephraim's sweet voice asked. "Is my daddy stressing you?"I smiled at him, trying to hide my pain. "No, sweetheart," I said, ruffling his hair. "I'm just tired, that's all."But Ephraim knew me too well, just a few months of playing mother to him was enough for him to have learnt more about me. "Are you sure, mummy?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.I closed my eyes, tears threatening to fall."I'm sure, sweetheart," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm just...I'm just struggling with something."Ephraim wrapped his arms around me, his small body warm against mine. "I'm sorry, mummy," he said, his voice full of concern. "Can I help you?"I smiled, my heart breaking as I held him close. "No, baby," I said, my voice thick with tears. "You just keep being your beautiful, perfect self."My heart was full of love for Ephraim, but it was also filled with guilt and shame. I knew
~CharlotteThe sunlight filtered weakly through the heavy drapes in the living room, but its warmth was no comfort to me. I sat on the couch, surrounded by tissues and with my phone clutched tightly in my hand. My eyes burned from crying, and my body ached from sitting in the same spot all night. I hadn’t slept; I hadn’t eaten. All I had done was dial Adam’s number over and over, praying for him to pick up. Each time it rang, my heart leaped, only for it to sink again when it went to voicemail. I had even called Jacques, his assistant, hoping he might have heard from Adam. But Jacques had said he was in a meeting and couldn’t step out. His voice had been calm, almost indifferent, but I could hear the slight edge of concern in his tone when I told him what had happened. “He hasn’t called you?” I had asked, my voice breaking. “No, ma’am,” Jacques had replied. “I’m sure everything is fine. Mr. Adam knows how to handle himself.” But what if this time he hadn’t? My sobs echoed th
~CharlotteIt had been six months since Adam and I got married, and every day felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from. Today was no different. We had just finished our antenatal appointment, and everything was perfect. The doctor said the baby was growing beautifully. Adam was practically glowing with pride as he helped me out of the hospital. As soon as we got into the car, I leaned back with a smile, resting my hand on my belly. “The baby’s kicking,” I whispered, my voice full of awe. Adam's head whipped around, his eyes lighting up. “Really? Let me feel!” I placed his hand on my stomach, and his face broke into the most beautiful smile. “Hey, little one,” he said, leaning down and pressing his ear to my belly. I laughed. “What are you doing, Adam?” “I’m talking to my child,” he said, completely serious, then added in a playful tone, “Hey, baby, it’s me, your daddy. I just want you to know I’m already your favorite parent. Right?” I burst out laughing, unable to
~CharlotteThe bathroom was quiet except for the sound of water dripping from the showerhead. I sat on the cold tiled floor, knees drawn to my chest, my damp hair sticking to my skin as tears streamed down my face. A week had passed since the wedding—a wedding I had dreamed about for so long. Marrying Adam for real was everything I had ever wanted. But now, I couldn’t find the happiness I had imagined. The silence between us was suffocating.I wiped my face, but the tears kept coming. Adam hadn’t spoken to me beyond basic pleasantries since we exchanged vows. And worst of all, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to explain everything to him, to ask for his forgiveness. The words seemed to get caught in my throat every time I tried. I cursed Dylan and Eleanor under my breath, the two people who had managed to turn my life into a living nightmare. Dylan had promised peace, but he turned out to be the same fool he’d always been, dragging me down with his selfishness and lies.The water ha
~AdamThe murmurs filled the reception hall like an annoying buzz in my ears. Everywhere I looked, guests whispered behind their hands, their eyes darting between me and the altar. I clenched my fists, trying to rein in the rage still simmering inside me. My mouth stung, and I could taste blood from where Dylan’s fist had connected earlier. But he’d gotten the worse end of the deal—no question about that. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Charlotte walking toward me, her hands wringing nervously. Her face was pale, her makeup smudged from tears. I knew she wanted to explain. Hell, I wanted answers too, but I wasn’t ready to hear her excuses. “Adam…” Her voice was soft, hesitant, and it grated on my already frayed nerves. I didn’t look at her. I pulled out my phone instead, dialing the head of my security team. “Get this chaos under control,” I barked into the phone, my tone leaving no room for argument. “Have Dylan and Eleanor removed immediately. Take them to the warehou
~CharlotteThe silence in the room was deafening as the words “I object” hung in the air. My heart pounded, the rhythm erratic and loud enough to drown out the collective gasps of the guests. Slowly, all eyes turned towards the man walking up the aisle. My breath hitched when I saw who it was.Dylan.I gasped audibly, my hand flying to my mouth. Adam’s eyes widened in shock as he turned to face the unwelcome interruption. The tension in the air was so thick, it felt like a physical weight pressing down on my chest.What was Dylan doing here? My mind raced as I tried to make sense of it. He was supposed to be on a flight to Spain for his business meeting. I had been so sure he was out of our lives for good, that we had found peace. But now, seeing him stride towards us with that smug smirk plastered on his face, I felt an icy dread seep into my veins.Adam and I exchanged a glance, his confusion mirroring my own. His jaw tightened as his grip on my hand faltered. The guests murmured am
~CharlotteThe golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, bathing everything in a soft, warm glow. Today was the day—the day I would walk down the aisle and become Mrs. Adam Morgan. I stood in front of the mirror, gazing at my reflection with a mix of anticipation and nerves. My heart thudded in my chest, the enormity of the day washing over me. Jasmine stood beside me, her nimble fingers adjusting the intricate lace of my veil. “Charlotte,” she said softly, her voice full of emotion. “You’re a vision. I’ve never seen you look so beautiful.” I smiled at her through the mirror, my eyes glistening. “Thank you, Jasmine. It feels... surreal.” She chuckled. “It’s real, all right. In just a few hours, you’ll be married to the love of your life.” Her words sent a rush of warmth through me. “I just hope everything goes as planned.” Jasmine waved a dismissive hand. “Relax, everything is perfect. And Adam... well, let’s just say you’ve got a ma
~CharlotteThe evening before the wedding was bathed in golden light, the soft glow of fairy lights strung across the sprawling garden. The scent of freshly cut roses and lavender drifted on the warm summer breeze, blending with the quiet hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The rehearsal dinner party was in full swing, a gathering of family and friends united to celebrate Adam and me. I stood near the edge of the dance floor, champagne flute in hand, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. My pale blue dress clung to my figure in all the right places, the fabric shimmering faintly under the soft lights. My hair was swept into an elegant updo, with a few loose curls framing my face. Jasmine, my best friend, had convinced me to go for a bold red lipstick, and though I’d been hesitant, I had to admit it made me feel… powerful. Adam was across the room, deep in conversation with his father, Albert. He looked as dashing as ever in his tailored navy suit, his tie sl
~CharlotteEverything felt like it was finally falling into place. For weeks, I’d been plagued by doubts, fears, and the gnawing anxiety that the secrets of my past would come crashing down around me. But now, as I stood in the warm kitchen, the soft light of the chandelier casting a golden glow across the counters, I allowed myself a rare moment of peace. Noah was gone. Dylan had made peace with me, and to my relief, he hadn’t brought up the night we spent together. That night was buried deep in the recesses of my mind, locked away with all the other mistakes I prayed Adam would never uncover. I leaned against the counter, stirring a pot of soup while the chef plated some appetizers nearby. The aroma of fresh herbs and roasted vegetables filled the air, soothing me further. Adam and I were set to marry in two days, and for the first time, I believed there was a real chance for happiness in our future. My lips curved into a small smile as I imagined walking down the aisle, Adam’
~DylanThe drive home was uneventful, but my thoughts were anything but calm. The night had gone surprisingly well until Noah showed up like a bad rash. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, the weight of the evening pressing down on me. The headlights of the car illuminated the long driveway as I pulled up to the mansion. The place was quiet, the kind of silence that came with late hours and everyone being asleep—or so I thought. As I stepped out of the car, stretching to shake off the stiffness of sitting too long, my eyes caught a faint glow in the distance. The guest house. I frowned. The light was still on. That bastard. I exhaled sharply through my nose, my anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Did he think I was joking when I told him to leave? I squared my shoulders and headed toward the guest house, the cool night air doing little to soothe my irritation. “Noah,” I muttered under my breath, my strides long and purposeful. “Of all the people Adam keeps around, it