~ ANNIKA ~"Yeah, that's what Uncle J said," Powell chimed in, backing up his twin. He had the same blonde hair as Pippa, but it always looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, slightly tousled and tangled, no matter how much he brushed it. His grey eyes seemed to hold a depth that belied his years, giving him a wise and knowing look. There was something about him that reminded me of Angelo, despite his eyes being a mirror image of mine. He was a miniature version of his father, a man I'd rather not think about. The resemblance was uncanny, and it was hard to ignore the family traits that seemed to shine through in Powell's features.I let out a sigh and squatted down in front of them, forcing a grin onto my face. I reached out to pat their hair, trying to make light of the situation. "Mum apologizes for not taking you with her. Don't worry, I'll let you both tag along next time, okay?" I promised, despite knowing that might not be possible. The thought of taking them
~ ÃNGELO ~A mysterious restlessness stirred within me, an emotion I couldn't quite grasp. Normally, spending time with Lissa would soothe my soul, but lately, it hadn't been enough. A void seemed to have opened up, leaving me with a nagging sense of longing for something unknown, something just out of reach. This unfamiliar feeling unsettled me, like a whisper in the dark that I couldn't quite decipher.I stepped out for a walk, hoping to clear my head and escape the chaos of my thoughts. Being around Lissa right now felt overwhelming, and I craved some solitude to untangle my emotions. As I wandered through the streets, my mind drifted back to Annika and the unresolved tension between us. The anger and frustration from yesterday's events still lingered, refusing to dissipate.But there was still this sad feeling I had each time I remember how she was holding Jonathan's hand.The sad feeling was also accompanied by anger that was so fierce it startled me each time.I had
~ ANNIKA ~As I drove out of the school car park, I put my phone on speaker and waited for Jonathan to answer. When he picked up, his cheerful voice filled the car, a welcome respite from the tension I'd just experienced with Angelo. "Hello, darling. Did you miss me?" Jonathan's warm tone was a reminder that not all men were like Angelo, some were genuinely kind and caring. Every interaction with Angelo left me wondering how I could have been so blind to his true nature when we were together, pouring my heart out to him. Jonathan's voice was a soothing balm, reassuring me that there were still good guys out there, ones who treated me with love and respect.I must have been oblivious to Angelo's true nature while we were together. The thought still stung. Lost in my reverie, I was snapped back to reality when Jonathan said my name. "Annika, are you okay? Why aren't you saying anything?" I focused on the road ahead, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I want to leave," I said,
~ANNIKA~I stood in the hallway of the hospital, my heart filled with joy as I clutched the pregnancy test results in my trembling hands, a surge of excitement and anticipation ran through my veins.With newfound purpose I walked briskly towards the exit, each step filled with renewed energy and hope, a radiant smile gracing my lips, growing wider as each moment passed.As I carry this precious secret as though I am floating with the joy In my heart propelling me forward. Today marked a special milestone in our 4 year anniversary. I couldn't wait to see the look on Angelo's face when I shared the exciting news.I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed his number, barely containing my enthusiasm. Every ring felt like an eternity. When the call went unanswered, I felt a fleeting moment of disappointment.However, my joy was soon restored as I remembered Angelo mentioning he'd be coming home early from work today. This news only added to my anticipation.I longed for the m
~ANNIKA~I felt like I'd been punched in the gut as Angelo's words hung in the air. My mind reeled in shock, and my heart raced with disbelief."End the marriage?" I whispered, my voice trembling. I thought I must have misheard him, that this was some cruel joke.But Angelo's expression was unyielding, his eyes cold and detached. I felt like I was staring into the eyes of a stranger."I've made up my mind to end this marriage," Angelo said, his voice dripping with malice.My eyes blazed with anger as I sat up straight, shocked. "You're willing to discard our four-year marriage like it means nothing?”"It means nothing to me," Angelo said, his eyes filled with hate. "I'm done with you, Annika." I felt a wave of sickness rush over me as I tried to understand what he was saying. Our marriage, our lives together, and our love were all ripped away in an instant. The marks he left on me during sex remained fresh. I could still feel the heat from the intercourse in my p
~ANNIKA~ Last night, I waited anxiously for Angelo's return, but he never showed up. As the hours ticked by, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep.However, I woke up feeling refreshed and determined, with a clear plan of action. I was resolute in confronting Angelo about his sudden decision to end our marriage.The thought of divorce was unbearable, and I demanded answers. Why had he made this drastic choice without any warning signs or hints?I also grappled with the dilemma of whether to reveal my pregnancy, wondering if it might change his mind and save our relationship.With newfound determination and self-respect, I prepared myself for the challenge ahead. I chose a long black gown with a bold slit at the back, paired with the red heels my father gifted me on my 26th birthday.I felt empowered, confident, and ready to face whatever lay ahead. With my head held high, I left for Angelo's office, determined to fight for our marriage.As I walked past Angelo's rec
~ANNIKA~I tried to return my dad's call, but it went straight to voicemail. I listened to the message, and my heart skipped a beat at his urgent tone."Annika, where are you? Come home, it's urgent!" he said.I quickly got dressed and prepared to leave. Pa James was nowhere to be found, but Jessica handed me a credit card."Use this as needed," she instructed.Without leaving a note or message, I asked the driver to get ready, and we sped away from the mansion. The driver sensed my haste and didn't ask questions.We soon arrived at dads house, as I stepped out of the car, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The small playground on the corner reminded me of my childhood days.I remembered my brother Jesse and I playing together, with our mother's loving presence. But the present reality hit me hard, my mother's absence and my brother's distance.I hadn't visited home in a while, but the memory of my dad and I arguing about my marriage to Angelo still lingered. He ha
~ANNIKA~My mind was racing with questions and worries. Why did Angelo suddenly want a DNA test? I felt anxious, wondering why he didn't reach out to me directly instead of through his lover.I didn't want to go at first, but I was desperate to convince Angelo that I was carrying his child. Maybe, just maybe, I could win him back.I got dressed in a simple outfit and prepared to leave. It was just past 4, and I was feeling tense. I left my dad resting in his room, not wanting to answer his questions right now.I took a cab and gave the driver the address. As we approached the destination, I asked the driver to pull over farther away so I could walk and clear my head.As the taxi drove away, a white Chevrolet SS pulled up in front of me. I was hesitant to look, but then I heard my name.I peeked through the windshield and saw Melissa, her expression mocking. She was chewing gum carelessly, sizing me up."Don't tell me you walked all the way here?" she asked, her tone drip
~ ANNIKA ~As I drove out of the school car park, I put my phone on speaker and waited for Jonathan to answer. When he picked up, his cheerful voice filled the car, a welcome respite from the tension I'd just experienced with Angelo. "Hello, darling. Did you miss me?" Jonathan's warm tone was a reminder that not all men were like Angelo, some were genuinely kind and caring. Every interaction with Angelo left me wondering how I could have been so blind to his true nature when we were together, pouring my heart out to him. Jonathan's voice was a soothing balm, reassuring me that there were still good guys out there, ones who treated me with love and respect.I must have been oblivious to Angelo's true nature while we were together. The thought still stung. Lost in my reverie, I was snapped back to reality when Jonathan said my name. "Annika, are you okay? Why aren't you saying anything?" I focused on the road ahead, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I want to leave," I said,
~ ÃNGELO ~A mysterious restlessness stirred within me, an emotion I couldn't quite grasp. Normally, spending time with Lissa would soothe my soul, but lately, it hadn't been enough. A void seemed to have opened up, leaving me with a nagging sense of longing for something unknown, something just out of reach. This unfamiliar feeling unsettled me, like a whisper in the dark that I couldn't quite decipher.I stepped out for a walk, hoping to clear my head and escape the chaos of my thoughts. Being around Lissa right now felt overwhelming, and I craved some solitude to untangle my emotions. As I wandered through the streets, my mind drifted back to Annika and the unresolved tension between us. The anger and frustration from yesterday's events still lingered, refusing to dissipate.But there was still this sad feeling I had each time I remember how she was holding Jonathan's hand.The sad feeling was also accompanied by anger that was so fierce it startled me each time.I had
~ ANNIKA ~"Yeah, that's what Uncle J said," Powell chimed in, backing up his twin. He had the same blonde hair as Pippa, but it always looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, slightly tousled and tangled, no matter how much he brushed it. His grey eyes seemed to hold a depth that belied his years, giving him a wise and knowing look. There was something about him that reminded me of Angelo, despite his eyes being a mirror image of mine. He was a miniature version of his father, a man I'd rather not think about. The resemblance was uncanny, and it was hard to ignore the family traits that seemed to shine through in Powell's features.I let out a sigh and squatted down in front of them, forcing a grin onto my face. I reached out to pat their hair, trying to make light of the situation. "Mum apologizes for not taking you with her. Don't worry, I'll let you both tag along next time, okay?" I promised, despite knowing that might not be possible. The thought of taking them
~ ANNIKA ~I seethe with rage, muttering curses under my breath as I stomped over to my car. I kicked the tire repeatedly, letting out all my pent-up anger. But before I could hurt myself, Jonathan rushed over, his face etched with concern. He gently grasped my shoulders, his voice a soothing whisper in my ear. "You need to calm down, Annika. Don't hurt yourself." He smoothed back my hair, his touch calming."Come on, he's not worth it," he repeated, his words slowly sinking in, helping to diffuse my anger.“I know he is not worth it, I just wish to strangle him alive,” I growled, imagining how pleasing I would feel, the thrill that would envelop me as I watched him struggle for breath under me.I might not kill him easily, that would be merciful for him, letting him feel the pain I went through six years ago was my plan for him.“Don't worry you will have enough time to do that,” Jonathan said, coaxingly.He had been like this constantly, having my back through every
~ ANGELO ~My face darkened with anger as I took a step closer to him, my eyes blazing with indignation. "Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?" I growled, my voice low and menacing. He replied flatly, "Jonathan Blackwood Jr.," his expression unyielding as he waited for a flicker of recognition on my face. And then, it happened, my expression shifted, revealing a spark of awareness as the name registered.I knew Jonathan Blackwood Jr. all too well, the renowned director and owner of Blackwood Couture, a global fashion powerhouse. He was also the man I was set to partner with on a high-profile project. As he took another step closer, his eyes locked on mine with an air of challenge. "Ring a bell?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. But before I could respond, his gaze turned icy, and his voice dropped to a menacing growl. "I don't care who you are or who you think you are, Mr. Angelo, just get away from my girlfriend.”"Your girlfriend?" I sneered, recoveri
~ ANNIKA ~I wasn't thinking I would meet him this fast, I was expecting the meeting to happen a week or even a month after I returned.But it happened this fast, It hadn't even been up to 48 hours since I arrived, and I had seen him.His presence in the audience stirred a mix of emotions within me, catching me off guard. I was so taken aback that I nearly stumbled over my words during the speech.However, my time abroad has taught me the art of composure, allowing me to maintain a neutral expression and hide my true feelings from the audience.This newfound self-control helped me power through the speech, but my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of him and the unexpected encounter.I stepped into the dressing room, still reeling from the adrenaline rush of finishing my speech. But my relief was short-lived, as I was met with an unwelcome surprise. Standing before me was the last person I wanted to see, Angelo Blackwood I couldn't fathom how he'd managed to gain access t
~ ANGELO ~"Angelo! Angelo!" she said, her tone insistent. I emerged from my reverie, my gaze drifting down to her as I struggled to conceal my irritation at the interruption."What's it?" I asked, my voice neutral, though my eyes might have betrayed a flicker of annoyance. Lissa seemed oblivious to my mood, her expression soft and contemplative as she trailed her manicured fingers across my chest."It's been six years since she left, you know," she stated, her words a gentle reminder of the past. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for something, though I couldn't quite decipher what."And?" I prompted my tone a little sharper, inviting her to continue. “Didn't you promise to get married to me?” She asked, looking with a frown.“I waited patiently all these years for you to come to terms with her disappearance, but I have gotten tired.” She bites her lower lips as she whispers, “when are we getting joined?” I seemed to be stunned by her question, even though this was not the f
~ ANGELO ~I leaned forward, stretching to reach the drawer on the left side of my office desk. My fingers rummaged through the contents, searching for a specific file that I had hidden away.As I dug deeper, my hands unexpectedly brushed against a small, framed photograph. I pulled it out, and my gaze was instantly drawn to the radiant smile of Annika's face.The frame held a cherished memory, one that I had previously kept on my desk as a constant reminder.However, due to Lisa's persistent complaints, I had reluctantly removed it from its prominent spot. She had never been fond of the picture, and her nagging had finally worn me down.As I held the frame, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It had been six long, arduous years since the disappearance of Annika. The passage of time seemed to stand still as I gazed at Annika's smiling face, memories flooding back like a tidal wave. It's been six years since she left me. Disappearing from the country with no trace, at first
~ ANNIKA ~Six Years Later,Los Angeles, United States."Ma'am, here is the list of new products," Grace, my secretary, said, handing me her iPad. "Please review them and let me know if there's anything you'd like us to change or implement."As I scrolled through the designs, a smile spread across my face. It was surreal to see my design in front of me, knowing that I had the power to shape them into reality. Who would have thought that I'd be sitting in my own office, surrounded by a team of dedicated employees eager to bring my vision to life? It was a dream come true, and I was finally doing what I loved most, turning my passion into a reality.The sense of accomplishment and pride was overwhelming."What do you think of this one?" Grace pointed to the latest design I had modified before sending it to the team."Does the finished product match your expectations?" I leaned in to take a closer look at the jewelry piece that had been brought to life from my