AliceI shook Xavier's shoulders, my voice escalating into a frantic scream. "Xavier, wake up! Xavier, please!"But he lay motionless, his eyes closed, his chest still. I slapped his face, my fingers trembling with desperation. "Xavier, wake up!" Still, there was no response. No flicker of movement. No whisper of breath.Panic set in, my heart racing like a jackhammer. I leapt out of bed, my legs buckling beneath me. I stumbled out of the room, down the hallway, and into the doctor's office, my screams echoing off the walls. "Please help me! My husband isn't waking up! What's happening?"The doctor's face turned ashen, and he sprinted after me, his team of nurses and hospital staff hot on our heels. "We need to move, now!" the doctor yelled, his voice low and urgent.As we burst back into the room, the medical team descended upon Xavier, their faces set with determination. "We have to save him," one of the nurses whispered, her voice laced with desperation. "We can't let him slip away
AliceI lay on the hospital bed, anxiously waiting for the doctor's verdict. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Brown," he said gently. "But you are not pregnant. Those are just symptoms of stress, and I advise you to take a rest from work."I swallowed hard and nodded my head."But... did you find anything wrong with me?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly. "Is there anything wrong with me? Why can't I get pregnant?""You're alright, Mrs. Brown," he said, his tone sympathetic. "We've checked, and your body is quite okay. We don't know the reason why you're unable to get pregnant, but I advise you to bring your husband in for a check-up, just in case."My thoughts swirled as I processed the doctor's words. I wondered what my husband's reaction would be. Would he want to do it? Would he even care?Lately, I'd noticed a change in his behavior, and it filled me with worry. We were three years into our marriage, and this sudden shift was unsettling, leaving me feeling sad and uncertain.I still needed to p
AliceI wiped away tears, trying to calm myself down. "So, what about us?" I asked, my voice shaking. "Do you think I can just...accept some kind of polyandry relationship? Hell no."My husband and step-sister exchanged glances, and then burst into laughter. I frowned, feeling more confused than ever. Why were they laughing? Nothing was funny here.He shook his head, still chuckling. "Wait a minute, did you actually think that I would even want to be with two women at once?"I raised an eyebrow, my heart racing. "What are you even saying? Isn't that what you wanted? Isn't that what you've been doing!"I wish I realized that I was talking nonsense, but I was too troubled to accept reality.He shook his head again, his expression cold. "I'm throwing you away, Alice. Don't you get it? I want your step-sister, not you."I clenched my teeth, wiping away my tears as I struggled to compose myself. "Don't expect me to leave," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not leaving. That husband snatcher is t
AliceI snapped my eyes open, and the morning sunlight danced across my face. As I quickly sat up, my gaze swept around the unfamiliar room. That's when I saw him - the man from the one-night stand, lying beside me."What have I done?" I whispered to myself as I hastily threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, reaching for my clothes. But before I could grab them, the man's hand closed around my wrist.Startled, I gasped and turned to face him. "What...?" I began, but he cut me off."Do you think this is some cliché romance movie where you can just run away?" he asked, raising a brow.I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself despite the embarrassment I was feeling. "I...I'm sorry about last night. I was just out of it. I'm really sorry."Without waiting for his response, I grabbed my clothes and dashed into the bathroom.After getting dressed, I stepped out to face the man standing before me. He wore only his underwear, and I quickly averted my gaze."I'l
AliceI walked to the door, still trying to process the doctor's news. Then, my mind started racing with thoughts of what to do next. I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was going out of control.As I entered the house, I noticed something was off. The door was unlocked, and Naomi was nowhere to be found. I remembered she was supposed to be at home since she had resigned from her job. I also noticed that her bags were missing.At that moment, I felt uneasy. Where was she? And why had she left without saying anything?I called out her name, but there was only silence. Something was definitely wrong.I stood there, wondering if Naomi had traveled. She had gotten her visa last week, and it was possible she had left today. But without saying goodbye? It seemed so sudden, so unfair.I felt a pang of disappointment and hurt. Why hadn't Naomi told me she was leaving?But that was when I remembered I had a baby inside of me. "I'm sorry... I just can't keep you," I said, shaking my head
XavierAs we stepped out of the helicopter, I assisted Alice down, mindful of her delicate condition. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the grandeur of my mansion.And I couldn't help but smile, a gesture I normally reserved for rare moments. Alice's wonder was infectious, but I quickly suppressed my emotions, reverting to my usual stoic demeanor."Wow, it's so beautiful," Alice breathed, her gaze roaming over the mansion's facade.I nodded curtly, gesturing for her to follow me. As we walked toward the entrance, I informed her, "I'll show you to your room."Before we reached the grand staircase, Alice suddenly grasped my hand, halting my stride.I turned to her, my voice detached, "What is it?" My eyebrow rose in question, betraying a hint of curiosity.Alice's eyes locked onto mine, her expression uncertain. I waited for her to speak, my gaze unwavering."What's it, Alice?" I finally asked, breaking the silence that was about to devour us.Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as sh
AliceI sat on the bed, my mind racing with thoughts. Why was Xavier so mad? Did I do something wrong? I kept replaying our conversation in my head. I told those men I was pregnant... Was that wrong? Perhaps Xavier didn't want anyone to know that I was carrying his baby. All men are totally the same, isn't it? I should have really known better, especially since I was a divorcee. Trusting men was supposed to be the last thing I should think of.My thoughts swirled, making me feel restless. I needed to talk to Xavier, to clear the air. I decided to call him, my heart racing with do. I brought out my phone and hesitated for a moment. What if he yelled at me? What if he replied in his typical arrogant and cold manner?I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the worst. I pressed the call button and closed my eyes tightly, waiting for him to answer.Xavier finally answered the call, and after a brief silence, I said, "Hello," my voice gentle and subdued."I can hear you, Alice. Just get st
Xavier Wendy turned to me with a frown on her face, yanking her arm away from mine. "Eww, gross, Xavier! Why can't you quickly deny the statement that I'm your fiancée and tell her that I'm your little sister?" she asked, her voice laced with annoyance. I frowned, taken aback by her outburst. Wasn't she the one who blurted that out senselessly? She should be the one to correct herself. "Can you even speak up for yourself, Xavier?" she asked, clearly exasperated. I finally found my voice, my tone firm but calm. "Can you leave? We'll talk later." Wendy raised an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Alright, bro," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Before I could even react, she smacked me squarely on the ass, laughing as she walked away. I watched her leave, my expression stern, emotions in turmoil. I was embarrassed, completely caught off guard by Wendy's unexpected behavior. She was out of her mind—no question about it. As I turned back to face Alice, I coul
AliceI shook Xavier's shoulders, my voice escalating into a frantic scream. "Xavier, wake up! Xavier, please!"But he lay motionless, his eyes closed, his chest still. I slapped his face, my fingers trembling with desperation. "Xavier, wake up!" Still, there was no response. No flicker of movement. No whisper of breath.Panic set in, my heart racing like a jackhammer. I leapt out of bed, my legs buckling beneath me. I stumbled out of the room, down the hallway, and into the doctor's office, my screams echoing off the walls. "Please help me! My husband isn't waking up! What's happening?"The doctor's face turned ashen, and he sprinted after me, his team of nurses and hospital staff hot on our heels. "We need to move, now!" the doctor yelled, his voice low and urgent.As we burst back into the room, the medical team descended upon Xavier, their faces set with determination. "We have to save him," one of the nurses whispered, her voice laced with desperation. "We can't let him slip away
XavierI took a deep breath before explaining. "I met Phoebe that day because I didn't want to meet her.""And what does that mean?" she asked, her brows furrowing."I was at the bar, minding my own business, when she showed up out of nowhere. I tried to brush her off, told her I didn't want her around, but she was stubborn. She kept making excuses, trying to get my attention."Alice's eyes narrowed, her interest piqued."When I decided to leave, she followed me," I continued. "And then... she almost committed suicide by running into the middle of the road. I had to save her, of course."Alice's eyes widened in shock, and then a radiant smile spread across her face. "I just love this man so much," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "He's such a savior."I couldn't help but smile back at her, my heart skipping a beat. I brushed it off as a side effect of my illness, but deep down, I knew it was something more.As Alice leaned in, her heart pounding in her chest, I felt her w
XavierAs I chewed the food Alice fed me, I felt a surge of gratitude toward her. She was taking care of me, nursing me back to health. I swallowed the bite and smiled weakly. "I think I'm okay now," I said, trying to reassure her.But Alice wouldn't have it. "Eat, please," she coaxed, her eyes pleading with me. I didn't have a choice; I took another bite, the flavors dancing on my tongue.Just as I was savoring the taste, Alice asked, "Are you really going to die?" Her words caught me off guard, and I choked on the food. Coughing, I struggled to catch my breath.She quickly handed me the water bottle, and I drank hurriedly, trying to calm down. When I finally composed myself, Alice apologized, "I'm sorry if that triggered you..." But she didn't back down. "Are you still going to die?"I looked at her, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I forced a laugh, trying to reassure her. "No, I'm not gonna die, okay? I'm fine."Alice's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You're lying to me,"
AliceI sat in the doctor's office, my heart shattering into a million pieces. The words she spoke felt like a dagger to my chest, leaving me breathless and bewildered."What did you say again?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The doctor's sympathetic gaze only made my anxiety spike."Your husband has Pineal Cystoma," she repeated, her tone gentle but firm.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What the hell is that?" I demanded, my eyes welling up with tears. My voice cracked as I spoke, betraying my desperation.The doctor's expression softened further. "It's a rare brain condition, Alice. I'm so sorry."I couldn't process the words. "My husband is fine," I insisted, denial clawing its way up my throat. "What do you mean he has some stupid sickness I've never heard of?"The doctor's eyes filled with compassion. "I'm afraid it's not just a sickness, Alice. Pineal Cystoma is a serious condition...and your husband doesn't have much time left."My mind reeled as she spoke,
Xavier"Will you speak already and stop staring?" I demanded, my patience wearing thin. The doctor's smile faltered, and she cleared her throat."Firstly, I would like to apologize. So, I'm so sorry, Mr. Blackwood," she began, her voice hesitant. "It appears we made a terrible mistake. The test result wasn't actually for your wife, Alice. It belonged to another patient."My mind reeled as the doctor's words hung in the air. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut."I'm deeply sorry for my negligence," the doctor continued, her eyes filled with regret. "As for your real test result..." She opened her drawer and pulled out a file. "We received it this morning, and I was about to contact you, but I forgot. I'm glad you both came in."I snatched the file from her hand, my heart racing. I scanned the pages, my eyes devouring the words. And then I saw it – the test result, confirming that our baby was healthy.A wave of relief washed over me, followed by a rush of joy. I felt like I was wal
AliceXavier's sudden grip on my hand was like a vice, his fingers digging deep into my skin. I winced, trying to wiggle my hand free, but he only tightened his hold. My wrist throbbed in protest, the pain shooting up my arm."Xavier, please," I begged, trying to keep my voice steady. "You're hurting me."But he didn't respond. Instead, he pulled me along, his strides long and purposeful. I stumbled, trying to keep up with him."Where are you taking me?" I asked, my voice rising in alarm.Xavier's face was set in a grim mask, his eyes blazing with anger. He didn't answer, just kept pulling me along."Xavier, please calm down," I tried again, my voice softening. "Just listen to me, okay?"But he wasn't listening. He was beyond reason, his emotions simmering just below the surface. I'd never seen him like this before, his anger and frustration palpable.We reached the car, and Xavier yanked open the door, pushing me inside with a rough gesture. I landed hard on the seat, my wrist throbb
XavierAs I stepped out of the psychiatric rehab facility, the cool evening air enveloped me, a stark contrast to the sterile atmosphere I had just left behind. I slipped my hand into my pocket and retrieved a cigarette, the familiar ritual a comforting escape. I lit the cigarette with a flick of my lighter and took a long drag, feeling the nicotine coursing through my veins.My eyes drifted upward toward the sky as my mind began to wander. I knew I shouldn't be smoking, not with my health condition, but I couldn't bring myself to care. What was the point anyway? I was going to die soon, no matter what.As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. "Sir, please wait!" a voice called out. I turned to see a woman running toward me, her face etched with worry and fear. She was panting heavily, her chest heaving with each breath.I watched her approach, my curiosity piqued. As she drew closer, I asked, "What's the problem?" My voice was calm, but my mind was
AliceI slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The room was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner. I reached for my phone on the bedside table and dialed Wendy's number, but she didn't pick up.I sighed and tried Lexi's number instead. He answered on the first ring."Hey, where are you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.There was a pause on the other end, and then Lexi whispered back, "What's going on? Why are you whispering, sis?""Never mind," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Has Xavier gone to work yet?""Yeah, he left some minutes ago," he replied.I sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "I just woke up."Lexi's tone turned curious. "Why does it seem like you're trying to hide from Xavier?"I sighed, feeling a pang of frustration."I'm not hiding from Xavier, actually. I just wanted to stay off him for some days."Lexi's voice turned skeptical. "Why?"I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I'm mad at him."Lexi's tone turned firm. "I
XavierI took a deep breath, my eyes locked on Lily's. "I want to apologize for treating you poorly back then," I said, my voice laced with remorse. "I gave you a cigarette and then rejected you because of it. I'm truly sorry about that."Lily's face scrunched up, and she shook her head. "No, I think I deserved it," she whispered, her voice cracking.I shook my head firmly. "No, you didn't. If I hadn't done that to you, you wouldn't have been triggered to seek revenge. I'm sorry, once again." My eyes pleaded for forgiveness. "I just came to unburden myself, to pour out my feelings. I acted like shit back then, and I'm deeply sorry."Lily's gaze met mine, her eyes brimming with tears. She searched my face, as if seeking the truth behind my words."Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you reject me when you gave me the cigarette? Why did you do that? It still confuses me to this day." Her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice cracked with emotion.I felt a pang