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... I took out my phone and was about to walk towards the door when I heard steps coming down the stairs, I looked up thinking it was Autumn coming back but to my surprise it was Alex. She disappeared earlier and was now changed into a tight black dress that came just above her knees, thin shoulder straps, her hair tossed over one shoulder, jacket in hand, but what caught my eye more than anything was the red lipstick on her lush lips. "Alex, are you going somewhere?" My God what a stupid question. "Yes, Enzo should come and pick me up any moment now." Enzo again. "I thought you canceled your planes." "Only rescheduled," Alex says as she takes a look at her phone. This is not how she usually acts, she isn't one of those people glued to her phone. She is all about capturing the moment yet ever since I came back things have been somehow different. "Can I ask you something?" She asks. "Of course, anything," I say. "The woman you like... is it Autumn?" At first, I wondered
Alex's POV I knew it even before he said it, just the way he was looking at her was enough for me to know she was the one. It almost feels like a bad joke. Out of all the women there were, he picked the one who would share the roof with me. "Alex, are you alright?" Enzo asks me and I turn from the window to look at him. "Yes, why do you ask?" "Probably because you haven't heard a word I said for the last twenty minutes of our drive. Not to mention the hurry in which you left your house." I left because if I stayed in front of Adam for a minute longer I would have actually cried. When everything is lost, pride is one thing I would like to keep. "Sorry, I've spaced out for a moment. What were you saying?" "I was telling you that I finally found a perfect location for the exhibition, and I have a date. But it seems like you have other worries on your mind right now." What I have is an arriving existential crisis on my hands. "How about we talk about it over some hard liquor,
... "What can I get for you guys?" A bartender at the bar asked us as the floor was vibrating from the loud music coming from the nightclub underneath us. It was an entire building dedicated to the fine entertainment of Hampton's most distinctive youth and this rooftop area had the extreme VIP list, it was definitely not a place where you would get an entry with money, no no. Last names were the only thing that could get you over the threshold and my name was amongst the first on the list. "One old fashioned, and for the lady..." Enzo said as he waited for me to finish the order. "Same." I wasn't much of a drinker but God knows I could use one. "Coming right up." The bartender said as he moved back and started preparing the drinks while Enzo looked around the place. "Do you like it? It was the first place that came to mind." Only because since a lot of my friends got married for some reason, as if life ended there, they stopped going out to places like this and I already had a
... "Enzo, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you to talk." I apologize after Enzo finished his fourth glass. "It's fine." Yet the pain on his face was not. "Did you ever try to find her?" I dont know how smart that question is but it already left my mouth. "What do you think I'm doing in the Hamptons... I'm pretty old to go on a vacation with my mother." He says as he opens up a picture on his phone. "She is getting married here, in a month." As I take a look I notice is a screenshot of what looks like an engagement photo. A pretty woman holding champagne glasses with a man, the caption said "Wedding bells". "So you came here to do what? Stop the wedding." Like in the movies, romantic is it not? "I have no idea. I guess I just wanted to see her happy. But so far I haven't been able to go near her. Would you do it?" He asks. "Would I go see your ex?" I ask back confused and Enzo laughs. "No, if Adam were to get married, would you then tell him how you feel?" I'm not a
Adam's POV I woke up and went for a run by the beach. I missed the salty breeze that has for weeks been replaced by the stuffy New York air. I completed my task and kept my word, all that was left now was to find a way into Autumn's heart. She still needs to be protected, from the pain coming from her heart. But now is still not the time for that, far too many things are happening to her, and she needs time so that is what I'll give her. When I walked through my front door the smell of coffee hit my nose and I saw my cup on the countertop waiting for me. "Good morning, Adam." The Cromwell's have their Mrs.Hendrics, and I had Rosie. "Morning, Rosie," I say as I wipe off the sweat from my forehead. "Your mother called, and the mail is set on your desk as usual." "Thank you, Rosie. I'll take care of it after I take a shower. No need for breakfast, I'll eat at.." "The Cromwell's," We say at the same time. "Exactly." But I do pick up the coffee she left out for me. "You do kn
As I drive to Richards's house I ask myself one question. What gives me the right to question Alex's decisions? Whether she is with that man or not is totally up to her, what matters the most is her happiness. And why should I be upset she didn't share that news with me, I haven't exactly been around lately. Maybe I could take her riding, that was always our favorite way to spend time together. I miss talking to her and since I came back we barely had any time together. Sasha has always been the best of friends, but after his father died a part of him got lost and the topics of heart weren't something that interested him. Alex was the best person to have a good heart-to-heart conversation. Alex listens, she understands and right now that is something I need. I need advice, on how to approach Autumn with care. Heartbreak leaves scars that prevent a person from moving on, it makes tall walls that are too hard to jump over. And now there is a baby. An innocent little life that will be i
"I'm sorry?" Alex asks confused. Hell, even I was confused by the question that left my lips, that wasn't the way I wanted things to go. "Umm, that man... Enzo. Are the two of you together?" I ask now in a much more soothing tone. "You saw the news article, didn't you?" She says, but the way she says it is in the way I dont truly understand if that was an affirmation or a question. "I've learned a long time ago not to trust the yellow print, besides if it were true you would be the first one to tell me. Like always, wouldn't you?" I ask and she hesitates. Why does she hesitate? "I would. When I got the chance." Alex says as she adjusts the bag on her shoulder. "Are you going somewhere?" "Yes, Enzo is taking me to look at the gallery he chose for the exhibition." Why does this feel like awkward small talk when talking to Alex has always been the easiest thing in the world? "Is there something you need, Adam?" She asks as she takes a look at her watch. I can't get over this
Alex's POV "I'm just saying if looks could kill, I would be a dead man," Enzo says while we walk inside the hallways of the gallery. "And I'm saying you are wrong, there is no reason why Adam would behave that way towards you." Enzo insisted that when he was holding my door to get inside of his car he got a glimpse of Adam staring at him through the window with an angry glare. "Well, there could be one reasonable reason." "Oh yeah, and what would that be?" I ask as I twirl around the empty space. "He could care about you more than you think." If only that were the case. But no, to Adam I have never been anything more than just a friend. "Adam made it pretty clear that who he cares about in that way is Autumn, not me." And how could he not, you could take one look at her and see that she was a strong woman of substance while I was a woman filled with fears. "You said he came to talk to you to see if you were dating me. If he didn't care why would he bother to ask?" Enzo trie
Sasha lets him fall into one of our Victorian chairs while Adam and I stand in front of him like parents who are about to scoll their child. But this talk was very necessary, for the sake of our sibling bond and their friendship.I glance at Adam, silently asking him if he’s ready for this. His calm smile reassures me. He’s been patient, waiting for this moment to happen, but I know it’s not easy for him either."Sasha," I start, my voice steady but firm, "we need to have a real talk about all this because Adam isn’t some phase or fling. He’s serious, and I am too. And I need you to accept that. Not just for me, but for us...all of us.""So, let me get this straight," he says, finally breaking the silence, his voice low. "You two have been sneaking around behind my back, hiding this whole thing, and now suddenly I’m supposed to just accept it? What was all that about, huh?"Adam shifts next to me, his hand resting lightly on my back, but I can feel the muscles in his shoulders tense up
...That night... "...so now we are not only friends and brothers-in-law but I had the privilege of being his best man. What he and Autumn have is special, anyone can see that, and all I can say is that I wish them both happiness. Also Autumn I'd like to ask your permission to take him out this Friday to play ball." Anthony jokes as he finishes his best man speech. I once heard of a so-called bromance Domenic and Anthony had pretty much ever since they met each other. Summer said she found it endearing. "As long as Summer gave you permission to go." Autumn hits Anthony with a comeback. "But Friday is a no-go, we have a Lamaze class," Autumn says as she touches Domenic's shoulder. "But you are free to join us," She added to which I started connecting the dots. Why Summer looked somewhat green on her face, why she didn't eat and why would she go to a Lamaze class... "That's a great idea." Summer says and Anthony looks at her strangely. "Why would we go to a Lamaze class?" He asks an
Alex's POV I woke up with a smile on my face as the light of the day shined over my face. Despite the cold, I wrapped myself into a blanket and sat in the corner of my balcony, breathing in the familiar salty ocean air. I used to sit here and watch over the driveway, waiting for Adam's car to drive in, and while everything seemed the same, everything had changed. Now, we were together, dreaming about a future and enjoying the present. A day I once dreaded would never come was now here and the happines set in my chest could be painted in a million colours. I smiled to myself, thinking about how far I’d come. How we had come. With Adam, I had learned to be whole. I closed my eyes, letting the wind brush across my face, and took a deep breath. The salty air mixed with the faint scent of coffee surrounded me too and I suddenly opened my eyes to meet Mrs.Henrdics standing at the balcony door with coffee in hand. "Good morning." She says as she walks over to me and hands me to warm cup.
"How is Autumn?" Eloise asks us as soon as we walk in leaving her cup of tea on the living room table."She is alright, as is the baby. They are gonna keep her overnight. Domenic stayed behind but I think Richard and Sasha will go home soon." I say as her eyes travel to the spot where Alex and I are holding hands when my mother comes to stand by Eloise. The smile on her face told me everything I needed to know."So... the two of you..." Eloise gestures between Alex and me. "How long has this been going on?" She asks."A while now," Alex says. "And before you start, it was my idea to keep it a secret. I didn't want our families involved before we were sure of where this was going." "I think that was very sensible of you." My mother says as she joins the conversation. "So now that you are sharing the news does it mean it's official?" "But they didn't share the news, they were discovered in a secret. There is a clear distinction." Eloise says.Alex laughs softly at Eloise’s comment, squ
"How is she? Can I see her?" Domenic asks as he jumps to get to him before everyone else. "Miss Cromwell is fine, she and the baby girl are stable. Her blood pressure went up which caused her to faint. I'm going to recommend bed rest until the baby gets here to avoid any possible complications." The doctor says and one could see and feel the worry melt off of our backs. "Did you talk to her? Did she remember anything? Is that why she had the crisis?" Richard asked as I stepped back and took Alex to my side wrapping my hand around her, keeping her close. Perhaps it wasn't the right moment but being able to hold her in public gave me a sense of power I never had before. "We talked for a brief moment and she described to me what happened, all the excitement of the wedding and the events that happened after took a toll on her, but she remains not remembering the past." We listen as the doctor talks and Alex smiles. We didn't care about the memories so much anymore. Autumn was alright
"What happened?" Richard yells as he runs to Autumn's side, almost crushing down at the site of her unconscious body in Domenic's hands. "I'm so sorry... I didn't think..." Rachel said as she watched what her words caused. "What did you do?" Richard asks her with fury in his eyes but Rachel only stares at Autumn in shock while Leo does the best he can to hold on to her. "Help is on its way!" Alex yells as she comes back and sticks to my side. Her hands are cold as they slip into mine. I wasn't sure if it was from the cold or from the situation that was in front of us with both Autumn and Sasha. "Dont wait. Get her in the car and drive to the hospital. I'll go with you and make sure they take good care of her." My dad says as he helps Richard stand up and move away from Autumn. Domenic lifts her in the air, and her veil falls down onto the floor. The sight was heartbreaking, this day turned out to be everything but perfect. First Alice, now this. I just hope it doesn't get any wo
Miguel jumps at Alice, grabbing her hand while the other guy manages to take the gun from her, ultimately pinning her to the ground when Alex pulls me back as the rest of the family gets up and gathers up at the front. “Let go of me, I'm not done yet!” Alice yells as she struggles to free herself but to no use as Miguel ties her hand to her back. “It's over Alice, it's finally over. You won't be able to hurt us ever again.” Domenic says as he presses Autumn to his side while Miguel lifts Alice, her hands pinned at her back. “Take her to the security room and call the police. She won't escape this time, not on my watch.” Richard says while rubbing Autumn's shoulder, trying to make sure she is ok. She look pale, shook but somewhat alright. She held onto Domenic the same way Alex didn't let go of my hand all this time. “He is lying to you, everyone is…” Alice says but Miguel drags her away. She was trying to do damage to the last second she could use. So much haterade in such a s
I always found weddings to be beautiful, yet this one was special. This was about my friend, someone who I knew would always be in my life, but I somehow knew that from the day I met her. Now sitting here, watching the smile on her face as she stared at the face of her loved one, the man she chose yet again despite every odd, despite not knowing the past. A path she chose solely based on what she felt within herself, and that was love. I had my doubts about it, I had my doubts about Domenic... the things I knew about their past, the things I didn't share with anyone else, not Alex, not Richard... I saw the regret in his eyes, I saw the pain but I also saw the love... and I wish them happiness. The same one I wished for myself and the woman who was sitting next to me right now. My love. My Alex. Today wasn't just the start of a new life for Autumn, this was also the day that meant something big for Alex and me. This was the day we would finally stop hiding. The day everyone would final
"Adam, where the hell were you? We are going to be late and you still haven't changed." Mom yells at me as soon as I step through the door. "I had some business to take care of. Dont worry I'll be ready in time." "Business, on a day like this one." Mom asks, her nad on her hip and eyebrow raised scepticly. "You look great by the way, where is Dad? You should go check he doesn't get something on his suit before we have to leave... I'll go shower now, bye." I manage to ramble up and run upstairs to get ready. Luck had it that Rosie had already got my clothes ready and waiting for me on the bed so I showered, got my hair ready, and got dressed just as a text came for me letting me know Derek was booked and taken care of. One more reason to party. ... "See, there was no reason for all that rushing. I had plenty of time to finish my meal." Dad said as we got out of the car at the Cromwell mention. It’s the perfect place for a wedding...grand, romantic, and more than enough to make an